#and i might edit the blurb a little bit to make it hook people | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

inked-iwtfw · 6 years ago

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January - 2019 - hsmuffintop

We all know how hard it is to find new writers on tumblr (let’s face it, it’s hard to do anything on tumblr these days), and that sometimes means talent gets buried. So, as two writers, we wanted to do something to highlight the wonderful talent the Harry Styles fandom has.

If you’d like to take part, or you have a writer you’d like to see get some recognition, fill out this handy form HERE! Please don’t be shy about putting yourself forward, this isn’t a popularity contest, this is about you and your writing being found.

Here’s a shameless plug for our work!

@harrystylesgotmefuckedup : Masterlist

@imnottherealharrystyles : Masterlist

Love, Mo and Van x

January’s brilliant author is @hsmuffintop

Find her writing HERE

When did you start writing? Who inspired you to give writing a go?

I started writing in 2010, but didn’t post anything anywhere until 2011. I don’t remember anyone really inspiring me to write. It was more of a way to get everything inside my head out, a way to deal with my life and terribly complicated 17-year-old feelings.

Tell us your 1D/Harry origin story.

I knew about One Direction around 2011/2012, who didn’t? I will admit I was one of those people who “hated” them because they were popular, not really ever giving them a chance. But then, one fateful day in 2013, I watched the Best Song Ever video and with the thought of “oh, they’re all really pretty,” my whole life changed. I dove in headfirst and never looked back. Harry has always been my favorite, at first because I thought he was the hottest member of the band, but then I started learning more about him as a person and that solidified my love for him.

Tell us why Harry is your muse.

He’s just...the best. He’s so kind and genuine; I’ve never heard anyone who’s met him say anything negative about him as a person. He makes me feel better about myself, which is hard to explain, but I’ll give it a shot. It’s mostly because he’s so confident in himself, especially with his fashion choices, and he doesn’t care what other people think, which is a huge change from when 1D first started out. He’s grown to love himself over time and that’s really inspiring to me. He’s also got an amazing muscular body with some soft spots here and there, and that makes me feel better about my soft spots. If Harry has them and can be seen as so perfect by so many people, maybe mine aren’t so bad.

Do you tell people you write fanfic? Do you tell people you write at all?

I don’t usually tell people in regular conversation, but if the subject of writing comes up, and I feel comfortable enough with the person to share that it’s fic that I write, then I’ll tell them. Most of the time, it’s something I keep to myself.

Do you have a writing playlist, or do you need complete silence to write?

Definitely complete silence. It’s hard for me to listen to something and try to string words together at the same time, especially when I’m making up dialogue or trying to describe something.

What’s your favourite thing you've ever written.

I have a couple WIPs that I’m really proud of, but my favorite fic that’s been posted is We Gamble With Desire, my Zirry fic. I love writing those characters so much, and I’ve got so many timestamps and continuations planned for that verse. I could write in it forever, honestly.

What's your favourite thing you've ever read? Fanfic and non-fanfic?

Favorite book has to be either The Outsiders or The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. It’s a children’s novel kind of like The Chronicles of Narnia in that it’s about three kids who go on adventures in a fantasy world, but this world is created by the kids in their own imaginations. I’ve read it about ten times over the years and it never fails to make me happy.

Favorite fic, that’s a little more difficult. I’ve read so many! The first one to pop in my head is Landslide, one that I’ve only read once but has really stuck with me ever since. I think it sticks out because it’s the first actual AU that I read, one that takes place in 1976 with Harry as an undercover FBI agent and Louis as a suspected cult leader. It’s long, about 140K if I remember correctly, but it really gets you hooked fast. There’s also Big White Lie, an OT5 A/B/O fic (which I know some people aren’t into), and the Working For The Skin Trade series, in which girl!Niall is rich and hires male escorts to keep her company.

Do you tend to stick to one genre, or do you like to change things up a little?

I think all of my writing ends up being kind of the same. Mostly smut, some angst here and there, maybe some feelings sprinkled in. I’m trying to branch out a bit with some of my WIPs, so we’ll see what happens with those.

Do you have a fixed plan of what you're going to write, or do you just see where the story takes you?

A little bit of both? Sometimes I start with a fixed plan, then get to the end of that plan and go where the story takes me. Other times I start with a plan but it all goes right out the window once I start writing. It really depends on what it is I’m writing and what kind of mood I’m in while I’m working on it.

Is there a schedule you follow in terms of when you write? Or are you more impulsive and just write where and when you can?

Where and when I can, definitely. I can make plans to write on certain days, usually whatever weekday I have off from work, but sometimes motivation doesn’t line up with that. An idea will occasionally strike me when I’m at work or busy doing something else, so I’ll jot it down in my phone real quick so I don’t forget it. Maybe I should try and make a schedule for writing. It might work better than my current process.

Are your stories driven by plot or character?

Plot, I think. The ideas I have are usually more about the plot and less about the characters. If I feel like it’s going to be a long fic, I try and plan out the plot first and then figure out who I want my characters to be after. The main pairing probably changes two or three times before I find a couple that sticks and fits with the plot best.

Some readers are wary of leaving feedback because they're unsure how the writer will take it, how do you personally like to receive feedback? Do you want to be critiqued, or would you like to just know if they did or didn't enjoy what they've read?

I like people to let me know what they liked and didn’t like, and also suggestions of what they want to see next or what they think could have made the story better. It helps to know what people want to read so I can post things they’ll like.

Do you use a beta? If so, feel free to give them a shout out! How do they help you?

I don’t, but I would love to have one! I have a few friends who I can bounce ideas off of, but an actual beta would be lovely to have.

Is writing a hobby or do you have aspirations of writing professionally outside of fanfiction?

100% a hobby. I’ve played with the thought of writing professionally, because I love writing and getting paid to do it would be amazing, but I’m terrible at keeping to deadlines so professional writing probably wouldn’t be a good idea for me.

Do you post your writing in other places? Where do you you find to be the best place for your work?

I’ve only posted my writing on Tumblr and AO3. I think they’re both good platforms because it’s easy to post writing on them and feedback is easy to give and to get.

Favourite writing trope?

Oh, man. There’s so many to choose from! I like writing “they’re in love and everyone knows it but them” and all of its variations, and I love reading “oh no! There’s only one bed/couch/seat left! Whatever are we to do??”

AU or OU?

AU. I’m not great at coming up with original characters but I can come up with alternate universes in a heartbeat.

Preferred types of writing: Blurbs, short stories, or full fics?

Either blurbs or full fics, depending on what kind of mood I’m in. I like blurbs for second person/self-insert pieces because most of my blurbs are based on things that have recently happened to me or certain feelings I’m having and need to get out, but I like full fics because I like being able to take my time telling stories with more complex plots, and full fics allow me to take all the time I need to tell them.

Do you draw anything from your personal life? What inspires your subject matter?

I draw a good portion of the blurbs I write from personal experience. A lot of my early writing was me turning my daydreams about my various crushes into little things I would keep to myself, just things I would use to get the ideas out of my head so I could move on to other impossible and unrealistic daydreams. A lot of my big fic ideas stem from me wanting to read a certain thing and not being able to find it anywhere so I just write it myself.

What's your purpose for writing? What do you hope to accomplish?

I’ve never really thought about it, to be honest. The main reason I started writing was to get stuff out of my head. My first Tumblr fandom piece was written for somebody because they had an idea and didn’t know how to flesh it out, so I figured I’d do it. More recently I’ve tried to come up with ideas for things that may not exist yet, try to cater to the parts of the fandom that don’t always get things written for/about them. I just like being able to give people the opportunity to read something different and maybe make them happy along the way.

And finally, do you have any advice/tips for your fellow fanfic writers?

Something I’ve learned recently is that if you keep going back and editing every little thing until it’s perfect, two things happen: it’s never going to be perfect, and you’re going to start hating writing. It’s going to feel more like a chore than something you enjoy and look forward to. A way I’ve been trying to combat that is to post whatever I write after looking over it only a few times. So far I’ve only done this with blurbs, and it’s helped a bit. Another tip is to write whatever you want. Trying to write to satisfy other people puts too much pressure on yourself, so just write whatever and however you like. You’ll find your groove in time.

#fanfiction #writers #harry styles #harry styles fanfiction #fanfic #one direction #one direction fanfiction #hsmuffintop #january hsmuffintop #january #harrystylesgotmefuckedup #imnottherealharrystyles

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dustedmagazine · 7 years ago

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The Dusted Mid-Year Exchange: 2018 Edition, Part 1

In our fifth annual switcheroo, Dusted writers review each other’s favorite records, venturing out of the genres where they feel most comfortable to wrestle with excellence outside their frame of reference. As always, assignments were made at random with the only rules being: a) you can’t review your own pick and b) you can’t review something you’ve already written about for Dusted.

Unlike in past years, there was no clear favorite in 2018, although artists including Marisa Anderson, Olden Yolk, DJ Koze and Kacey Musgraves made multiple lists. And perhaps most heartening, a number of writers amended their mid-year favorites after listening to other writers’ picks. We hope you’ll also be able to find some new favorites among the artists we highlight.

Today, we’ll run the first half of the mid-year blurbs (alphabetically) from Marisa Anderson to Joelle Leandre & Elisabeth Harnik. We’ll cover the second half of the alphabet tomorrow, then close our feature with individual writers’ best of lists through the first half.

Marisa Anderson — Cloud Corner (Thrill Jockey)

Cloud Corner by Marisa Anderson

Who recommended it? Eric McDowell

Did we review it? Not yet, but it’s assigned.

Ben Donnelly’s take:

"Slow Ascent" is one of the titles in Anderson's latest batch of profound electric guitar explorations. It's a good phrase to summarize her career and style, hiking higher with each release, wandering further from the trails. For the second time, she's tracking a few extra instruments into her miniatures without disrupting the solitude, keyboards and acoustic strings mostly matching the cracks and chime of her main axe. Her fingerpicking has a fractal aspect, where intricate and rapid patterns can create a cycle that's relaxed and gradual, as on the title track and other lilting numbers. "Lament," a slide blues with a dissipating tempo and skeletal keyboard notes is forceful in its minimalism. She's becoming a master of small contrasts. Nowhere better than the closer "Lift,” where folks sounds step aside for a plucky scale that spirals up, offset by sweeps that sound like brushing the harp of an open-lidded grand piano, but take focus as a harmonized electric. Her brilliance is ever more in focus.

The Armed — Only Love (Throatruiner)

ONLY LOVE by The Armed

Who recommended it? Jonathan Shaw

Did we review it? Yes. Jonathan Shaw said, “The Armed will likely be delighted by the divisive responses Only Love generates.”

Ian Mathers’ take:

You almost wish for anyone who’s potentially up for the Armed’s pummelling, exuberant, often frantic, tremendously maximalist take on hardcore and assorted associated genres to come to the record totally blind, and not just because “Witness” comes leaping out of the gates so forcefully. It can be fun to start digging around and register all the distancing tactics, purposeful obfuscation, sense of play, and weird links (to everything from Converge to, err, Rubicam and Young), but the visceral impact of Only Love is powerful enough that all that context should be saved for later. It’s one thing to start filling in context, it’s another thing to hear something as ferocious and compelling as “Role Models” (“NO INS! NO OUTS!” yell-chanted in a way I’m pretty sure even little kids would find appealing, if you could sneak this synth-spiked bomb past their parents) in the context of trying to figure out the game, if there is indeed a game here. After the roiling chaos of the first few listens subsides the sheer number of hooks packed inside these songs really settle in your mind, anchored by Ben Koller’s incredible drumming (possibly commissioned on false pretences) and just as adept at etching out a multi-part climax like the seething “On Jupiter” as just full-on sprinting on the likes of “Heavily Lined.” And then there’s “Fortune’s Daughter,” maybe the strongest earworm I’ve encountered yet in 2018. Who are the Armed and what are they up to? It’s not that I’m not interested in the answer to that kind of question, it’s more that as long as they keep making records as good as Only Love I’m happy to believe whatever they tell us (or don’t).

Bardo Pond — Volume 8 (Fire)

Volume 8 by Bardo Pond

Who recommended it? Jennifer Kelly

Did we review it? Yes, Jennifer said, “The sound, vast and muscularly monolithic as ever, seems more like a demon summoned periodically from a ring of fire than the product of any sort of linear development.”

Isaac Cooper’s take:

Like fellow travelers Yo La Tengo’s There’s A Riot Going On, Bardo Pond’s Volume 8 is stitched together from jam excerpts and spare parts, but unlike Riot, Volume 8 is remarkably cohesive and propulsive. Even at its droniest and spaciest, there is no shortage of momentum or sense that Volume 8 is a collection of barrel scrapings to tide over the diehards; it stands with any of Bardo Pond’s releases. The guitars on “Kailash” and “Flayed Wish” howl and wail like Lear on the heath, while the rhythm section pushes on, determined as Sisyphus. Two shorter pieces, “Power Children” and the gorgeous solo guitar piece “Cud,” act as a brief respite before the entropic and monstrously heavy closer, “And I Will”. Musical improvisation is one of the best means we have of tapping into the murky world of the unconscious, and Volume 8 demonstrates that while there’s plenty of chaos and darkness down there, it’s also the source of inspiration and transcendence.

Cut Worms — Hollow Ground (Jagjaguwar)

Hollow Ground by Cut Worms

Who recommended it? Ben Donnelly

Did we review it? Not yet...

Patrick Masterson’s take:

“Amid all the noise nowadays, there’s precious little that still makes me feel the way those peoples’ songs do, and aspiring to reach that level is a big part of what makes me do this to begin with.” This is Cut Worms’ Max Clarke in a charmingly earnest Medium interview last fall on some of his biggest influences – John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed. Maybe you’ve heard of them; maybe you’ve heard of the level of cultural influence they have exerted on us all. And if you’ve heard the Alien Sunset EP that was released just after the interview ran, you’ll easily be able to see where Clarke was coming from in the time that he spent putting the homespun eight-track wonder together, splitting halves between Chicago and his current Brooklyn home. It’s a beautiful record that doesn’t overplay its hand, choosing instead to let the simplicity of his natural ear for a melody do the talking despite the humble recording quality. He was never going to reach the mythical heights of his influences plying away at that trade forever, of course, but his art was all the better for sounding so self-assured in its limitations.

Hollow Ground, however, is a Trojan Horse of the most exhausting variety. Those same reference points – the Beatles, Dylan, solo Reed – still apply, only here they spring forth in an aggressively augmented form with a backing band and a more fleshed-out sound that’s like saying, “Alexa, give me every pop music trend of the 60s at once” or, more accurately, like listening to someone too young to have experienced the decade but old enough to be familiar with its most basic cultural signifiers play an album’s worth of icons. How do we know? Check the new versions of Alien Sunset’s “Don’t Want to Say Good-Bye” and “Like Going Down Sideways”; they’re wholly different, coldly unlovable remakes of the intimate originals. Even his lyrics feel unconvincing; Clarke uses the pet name “baby” on 60% of the songs here, which, look: I don’t need to stare into a wordless void with Bill Basinski to feel something and there’s an evident surplus of genuinely touching heartache present, but that’s an affectation of the most irritatingly trite variety.

For a certain kind of person, Max Clarke is the perfect person; for that person, Hollow Ground will resonate simply, perfectly. I am not that person. I will never listen to this again – likely not individual songs, certainly not in full. Does that seem unduly harsh? Does it feel too personal? Does the cut worm forgive the plow? Guess we’ll see. Ask again when there’s a follow-up.

Sarah Davachi— Let Night Come on Bells End the Day (Recital)

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Who recommended it? Bryan Daly

Did we review it? No

Bill Meyer’s take:

Sarah Davachi puts out albums often enough that it’s hard to catch up, so please cut Dusted some slack for not getting to Let Night Come on Bells End the Day until now. The Canadian composer and multi-instrumentalist has followed All My Circles Run, an all-acoustic minimalist chamber piece, with an overdubbed solo recording for electric organ, acoustic piano, Mellotron and synthesizers. Like some ecclesiastic initiate, she has followed a solitary path to arrive at a place that is one with the cosmos. Her slow-morphing tones, incremental melodies, and exquisitely voiced harmonies don’t just sound like they should be played in a chapel; they erect a virtual space around the listener that only lets the ineffable through. If Andrei Tarkovsky was still around, he might be writing a movie to wrap around these sounds.

DJ Koze — Knock Knock (Pampa Records)

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Who recommended it? Patrick Masterson

Did we review it? Yes. Jennifer Kelly said it “has a humid, organic air, even its most rigorously electronic tracks seething with jungle-y vitality and caressing warmth.”

Ian Mathers’ take:

Like a lot of his peers, DJ Koze has been active and prolific for years without ever putting out that much in the way of “proper” albums, which probably goes some way towards explaining why Knock Knock, only his third, sounds so relaxed, confident and casually accomplished. With stellar vocal turns by everyone from Lambchop’s Kurt Wagner to folkie José González to Róisín Murphy (who’s rarely put her imperious purr to better effect than on the two perfectly-matched tracks she’s on here), 16 tracks in total and a lengthy running time, Knock Knock feels like a bit of a Statement from the producer. Which makes it maybe even more impressive that some of the best stuff here (like the sad jam “Pick Up” with its perfectly deployed vocal sample, or the almost-Avalanches style “Baby (How Much I LFO You)”) is just Koze without a high-profile guest vocalist. The whole thing has a friendly warmth and subtle propulsiveness that makes for compulsive listening; if this isn’t Koze at the peak of his powers, it sure feels like it could be.

Tashi Dorji and Tyler Damon — Leave No Trace: Live in St. Louis (Family Vineyard)

Leave No Trace: Live In St. Louis by Tashi Dorji & Tyler Damon

Who recommended it? Isaac Olson

Did we review it? Yes, Isaac said, "While these performances are undoubtedly chaotic, they never feel purposeless.”

Justin Cober-Lake's take:

That guitarist Tashi Dorji and percussionist Tyler Damon have a limitless supply of ideas isn't surprising, but it's remarkable how well they've organized them into sensible packages on Leave No Trace: Live in St. Louis. Neither of the quarter-hour tracks here are exactly linear, but they do progress both coherently and unhaltingly. “Leave No Trace” offers the most noise, with the first half of the piece continuously crescendoing. The disappearance of one artist or the other simply means the soloist has more volume to cover. The pair spend the last two minutes together, Damon crashing away while Dorji sounds like two guitarists fitting blips together.

“Calm the Shadows” works differently. While not a suite, the song comes in sections, with Dorji and Damon filling in an outline as they go. The pair respond to each other, and work mutually on an unpredictable but discernable path. The slow build to the noisy section lets the chaos function as a thesis statement with the back half of the track the understanding of what to do with it. Dorji's pointed playing through that section answers the early rumble without making anything easier. Damon's sounds complete the thought. When “Leave No Trace” works so hard to slowly heap sounds before smashing through it all, the effect is amplified but the control of its predecessor. Dorji and Damon are a few albums in now and, while there wasn't much doubt from the start, they seem to be working in a rare place right now.

Holland/Parker/Taborn/Smith—Uncharted Territories (Dare2 Records)

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Who recommended it? Derek Taylor

Did we review it? Not yet.

Jennifer Kelly’s take:

It feels like a math puzzle. How many distinct ensembles including duos, trios and quartets can be formed out of four musicians? But hearing it in practice as master bassist Dave Holland, free jazz titan Evan Parker, pianist Craig Taborn and drummer-vibe-ist Ches Smith assemble and disassemble into improvisatory groups is quite another thing. “Trio No Tenor” on disc one takes a luminous shimmer from jangling metallic percussion, abstract interpolations of piano and the shape-shifting tone of plucked, hanging bass tones. “Duo Bass Tenor” on disc two is far more fluid and contemplative, as long bowed bass notes underline the fluttering explorations of sax; its two old friends finding space in each other’s musings, darting in to challenge and interject and locating points of agreement even in occasional dissonance. The quartets, though, are the most astonishing, (I like #5 from Disc 2), as extraordinary, unruly energies careen off one another, extemporizing, reacting, reaching over and in between each other in a dense mesh of sound that seems, nonetheless, uncrowded and precisely choreographed. Only three cuts were composed ahead, the rest worked out in two days of live improvisation. Uncharted indeed.

Quin Kirchner — The Other Side of Time (Astral Spirits)

The Other Side of Time by Quin Kirchner

Who recommended it? Bill Meyer

Did we review it? Yes, Eric McDowell said: “ Kirchner sidesteps novelty and navel-gazing by putting pyrotechnics second to, well, music.”

Jennifer Kelly’s take:

Kirchner leads from behind on this sprawling two LP solo debut, his drumming feverishly hot but held in check so that others — saxophonist Nate Lepine, bass clarinet player Jason Stein, trombonist Nick Broste and Matt Ulery — can take the spotlight. Interplay between the two reed players is intricately, acrobatically fine. In opener “Ritual,” Lepine jets off with Stein in hot, asynchronous pursuit, Kirchner executing a furiously syncopated undertow, part samba shuffle, part continually exploding roll. “Brainville,” the Sun Ra cover, swings and swaggers, bass and drums in arch, stylized conversation. Kirchner is, maybe a drummer’s drummer, but this is not a drummer’s record, except on two lovely, timbrally varied “Drums & Tines” tracks, where layers of kit rhythms and kalimba intersect in fascinating geometric patterns. Kirchner clearly reveres another band leader whose instrument didn’t always occupy the top of the mix; Mingus’ “Self-Portrait Three Colors” cuts the drums to brush-on-snares, while giving Broste a chance to wail, the two reedists to evoke lush dance-hall sensualism, the bassist to pluck out dark blots of body-moving tone. Kirchner is not the façade, but the architect and also the guy who holds up the building.

Joelle Leandre & Elisabeth Harnik — Tender Music (Trost Records)

Tender Music by Joelle Leandre / Elisabeth Harnik

Who recommended it? Eric McDowell

Did we review it? No

Isaac Olson’s take:

The best part of listening to improvised music is hearing the moment when the musicians lock in and the music takes on a life of its own, when the thrill of discovery dissolves the boundaries between performer and audience. There are many such moments on Tender Music, an improvised set from bassist Joelle Leandre and pianist Elisabeth Harnik. A few examples: the swelling tension that emerges at the one and a half minute mark of “Ear Area I,” the rising anxiety and tentative conclusion of “Ear Area IV”’s final minute, and the march that closes out “Ear Area VI”. Between these peaks, Leandre and Harnik evoke Cecil Taylor, Morton Feldman, blues, bop, classical and more, sometimes all within the space of two or three minutes. Fortunately, Leandre and Harnik are attentive enough players that their restlessness never comes at the cost of coherence. Leandre and Harnik are formidable soloists whose use of extended techniques coax ear-tickling, unexpected timbres from their instruments, but it is when they’re playing together, and more or less “normally,” that Tender Music is at its best, that the melodic and rhythmic invention of both players shines brightest, and that they’re able to speak to each other, and to us, most clearly.

#marisa anderson #the armed #bardo pond #cutworms #sarah davachi #dusted magazine #mid-year 2018 #dj koze #tashi dorji #tyler damon #dave holland #evan parker #craig taborn #ches smith #quin kirchner #joelle leandre #elisabeth harnik #midyear

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stephicness · 8 years ago

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There's these things called 'lifts' the you put in your shoes to make yourself taller so now I HC that Prompto is only 5'3 and puts lifts in his shoes to make himself 5'8

Hope you like some Promptio written on my phone because I’m out right now, and this is too good not to write a blurb about!(I’ll edit this when I get home!)

EDIT: Proofread and check for a word count now~ Read it under the cut, my friends! C:

Word Count: 1634Pairing(s): Gladiolus Amicitia x Prompto ArgentumWarnings: None

Well, shit… Ignis must havetaken his clothing. He always had to be insistent on cleaning everything everymight, so Prompto was often subjected to the horror of the ‘Walk of Shame.’ Asthe boys had called it, the Walk of Shame was the tragic walk where, aftertheir bath in whatever body of water was available to them at the time andafter Ignis’s cleaning rampage, the one who wasn’t finished by the time Igniscame to collect laundry would have to walk back to the camp in nothing morethan a towel and a look of embarrassment on their face.

Well, except Gladiolus. He had no shame in walking back starknaked and nearly blinding everyone with his daggers for nipples and his swordof a-

Prompto shook his head of the thought, patting his reddeningcheeks out before he straightened up and stared at the towel hanging from thetree once again. At least Ignis showed mercy in actually leaving him a towelthis time. Sometimes Ignis would take their towels on purpose, he swears. ButPrompto was usually one of the first people to finish bathing, liking toimmediately throw his clothes back on because of his hidden and mysterioussecret the others (besides Noctis, whom he tells everything to) didn’t discoveryet…

That secret was that Prompto was short as hell. With liftsinside his shoes, he looked a little bit more intimidating at a bit of a tallerheight. At least, that’s what Cor said. It was his gift to Prompto for his highschool graduation, which made Prompto question whether or not the gift was athoughtful one or an insulting one. He valued them nevertheless though, for itwas a gift from his idol and mentor. But with Ignis taking his boots as well,he’d have to hurry to get dressed, so the others didn’t realize just how muchor a ‘tiny beansprout’ he actually was. Prompto let out a sigh, mentallypreparing himself to discard his pride as he wrapped himself up with the toweland began to hustle back to the camp.

Noctis and Ignis appeared to be out taking care of some huntingfor dinner, and it seemed like Gladiolus wasn’t around either as Promptoapproached the camp. Oh thank the Astrals. Prompto hunched over in reliefbefore he quickly scoured the camp for his boots. They had to be somewhere,right? Where Ignis hung up their dirty laundry? Prompto searched around beforehe let out a groan and slouched backwards. “Are you kidding me?!” Where arethey? Where are his boots?!

“What’d got your panties twisted?” Prompto jolted and stoodupright as he heard the low and groggy voice behind him. The tent rustled a bitas the sleepy behemoth emerged, a loud roar of a yawn escaping from him as hestretched his arms out. Without Prompto’s lifts, he didn’t realize just howtall Gladiolus was. Holy hell! Why did the Astrals think it was a good idea tomake anyone that tall? Gladiolus eyed Prompto out of the corner of his lazygaze before he arched an eyebrow. “You blushin’ or somethin’?”

“N-No!” Prompto mentally facepalmed after he realized just howflustered he sounded. He didn’t want to be teased about his height, so now hedefinitely wanted to find his boots. “Just looking for my shoes, dude. Have youseen them?”

“Uh, yeah. Iggy put them in the tent next to your bag.”Gladiolus was nearly toppled over by the blond as he barreled towards the tent.But before Prompto could dive towards safety, Gladiolus frowned and tuggedPrompto back as his arm shot out and hooked Prompto by his waist. “Whoa there!You know Iggy’s rules. No naked ass in the tent, remember? We pissed him offenough last time he caught us.”

“But my shoes-!” Prompto was silenced as Gladiolus gavePrompto’s backside a rough smack that provoked a whimper and moan mixed in one.“Hey!”

“No butts.” Gladiolus grinned at his own dumb joke before he setthe tense Prompto down in front of him. He looked down at him and opened hismouth for a moment. Well, he looked forward kind of. He didn’t realize that hehad to turn his head further downward to meet Prompto’s gaze. Maybe his depthperception was just off after his nap. “Iggy’s rules, Prompto. You can sit andrelax until your clothes dry. You know… You… Me… Alone-”

“But my shoes!”

Gladiolus felt his eyebrow twitch as Prompto seemed toimmediately deflect his pass at him. He groaned and crossed his arms over hischest. “What’s the big deal about your shoes? You’re allowed to relax and notwear them. They hiding something in them?” His eyes narrowed suspiciously atPrompto. “You hidin’ drugs or something? A weapon?” His suspicious gaze turnedinto a more mischievous smirk. “Is it a chick’s number? Cheating on me, huh?”

Prompto gawked and furiously shook his head. “What? No!”

“So then what’s the big deal about your shoes?”

“I wanna be taller okay?!” Prompto let out a few huffs asGladiolus looked down at Prompto with a surprised expression. “I… Cor gave melifts in my shoes so I can be as tall as Noct, and I wanna be taller, so youdon’t call me pint-sized like you call Iris!” He tugged on the front ofGladiolus’s shirt, his voice almost loud enough to echo around the forest. “Doyou know how embarrassing it is to be as tall as her? Aranea’s taller than me,for Astral’s sake! I just want to be taller, so you can’t call me short, and-”

“Whoa! Calm down.” Gladiolus grabbed Prompto’s shoulders andshook him a bit to calm the shorter man down. “It’s not like I didn’t know thatyou had lifts and shit, so chill.” He waited a little bit to see Prompto’sexpression calm and finally direct his gaze up at him. With how Prompto’s eyesglistened from the urge to cry, he looked like a puppy. Gladiolus found himselfstaring a bit too long, the silence settling in before Prompto tried to smackGladiolus away again, but the brute regained his thoughts and shook Promptoagain. “Listen to me, Prompto. All of us know that you have lifts in yourshoes, and who cares? I don’t think you’re pint-sized anyways. Even though youare…”

“What the hell, Gladio?! What kind of comforting is that?!”

“I don’t know!” He grunted a bit as Prompto fidgeted in hishold, a grunt coming from him as he felt Prompto hit his chest with his fists.He shook Prompto out once again as he eyed him with an expression that demandedhim to stop. “Look, you are short. You always have been. But you wanna knowwhat the best is?” Prompto quietly tilted his head as if curious to know.Always so cute, in Gladiolus opinion, so he had to take a moment to appreciatethe adorable expression before he leaned forward and wrapped his arms aroundPrompto. Fingers folded themselves over Prompto’s lower back arch; his headnuzzled into Prompto’s hair before his rested his chin directly on top ofPrompto’s head. Prompto blinked a few times with his head nestled intoGladiolus’s chest.

“…Wow, this is really gay, even for us.”

“Shut up,” Gladiolus scoffed as he smacked Prompto’s bottombefore he let out a chuckle. “Just making a point: you’re the perfect size forme. The perfect fit.” He smirked to himself as he felt Prompto’s cheek heat upagainst his chest as arms wrapped around Gladiolus. “See? Perfect fit for youtoo.”

“Y-Yeah, I guess.” Prompto couldn’t help but smile as well as herelaxed in Gladiolus’s hold. “I guess it’s perfect just like this.”

“Hm… Wouldn’t say it was perfect just like this.” Gladiolusgrinned a bit as he slid his hands down Prompto’s back and slowly over thetowel that covered Prompto’s backside, a husky grumble muffling itself into thephotographer’s hair. Prompto’s face flushed red before he squirmed inGladiolus’s hold, clinging to the towel as Gladiolus tried to remove it fromthe smaller blond’s form.

“H-Hey! Gladio…!”

“Mm… I can think of a few other positions that are more perfectthan this, you know.”

“And then, by all means, takethose positions with you elsewhere.”

The two froze as they heard footsteps approaching them alongwith the newly speaking voice. The strategist and the prince had returned, withIgnis with a far from pleased expression as the photographer’s exposed butt andNoctis in the back buried under the heavy and burdensome body of a cockatricein his arms. He looked at Gladiolus’s face and then Prompto’s before lookingback at Gladiolus’s eyebrow arch and the nudge he gave to Prompto, who wasstammering out of embarrassment. An expression that merely read 'do you mind?’Ignis let out a heavy sigh and adjusted his glasses. “Dinner shall be preparedin about an hour. Do not squander time and be late.”

“We’ll be sure to make use of every minute.” Gladiolus smirkeddown at Prompto before he scooped the blond up over his shoulder and began tocarry him off towards the forest. “Come on, pipsqueak. We’re gonna have ourmoment elsewhere.”

“Huh?! Wait a sec! Glads! I just bathed, dude!” Prompto kickedaround a bit, catching his falling towel with his foot as he reached towardsNoctis and Ignis in desperation. “Guys! Help!”

“Hm…?” Noctis tried to peer around the dead creature in hisarms, more focused on not dropping the bird than he was about the situation athand. So heavy…! Do not drop or Ignis will flip. “Why’s Prompto screaming thistime?”

Ignis merely shrugged and helped Noctis carry the cockatrice tothe fireside. “Don’t worry about them. They can resolve their size differencesthemselves.”

#asks #dear anon #stephic writings #fanfiction #final fantasy xv #ffxv #gladiolus amicitia #prompto argentum #prompto #gladiolus #promptio #*gives a proud nod*#i wrote this all from my phone!#yeah buddy!#i'll revise it maybe when i get to my PC #x.x

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idombledore · 5 years ago

Photo

The Offworld Author's Book Launch Map is a Step-by-Step Schedule to Publishing your Book.

It’s written by Self-Published Authors, who tell it like it is.

It assumes you have your manuscript professionally edited and ready to move on to the next stage. If not, it really needs to be before you hit The Map.

If you need an Editor to give it the once over for you, do that here.

If you’ve got a great idea but don’t know how to write it (or haven’t got time) have a professional author ghostwrite your book for you. You can do that here.

Beyond that, lay on Macduff

This Map covers Book Design, Book Production, Book Rights, Book Reviews, Book Publishing, Book Publicity, Book Promotion and Social Media, Literary Agent Pitch, Promo Videos, Audiobooks, Translation, Author Websites, Search Engine Optimisation, Screenplay Adaptation, Film Makers, Film Producers and Original Music

Watch the Movie, Read the Map or use the Self Publishing Author's Toolkit, a full complement of Author and Publisher Services and links and shortcuts mentioned in the Map.

Watch the Movie

Read the Map - The Movie Transcript

This Map will take you through the tasks and timelines of taking your Manuscript, Making your Book, Publishing it and Selling it.

Click the map on the right or the progress bars to jump to any of the Five Key Sections or just let the slides roll and take a stroll through the full Timeline.

The fairly sedate pace of the Timeline assumes you have work, maybe some kiddies and a pussycat lurking nearby, fancying a nice warm keyboard.

You’ll see these links from time to time. They’ll take you to where any particular task can be completed for you.

Before we get cracking on the fun stuff, there’s a bit of Admin to do. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of time and panic later on.

You’ve worked with your Editor to get your manuscript tight. Day 1 is the day after you complete their suggested edits. They should have gone through most of these final checks but just in case ……..

Hello. I’m Astrid and I’ll be walking through this with you

Early Admin

Day 1

Formatting

Make sure your Manuscript is error-free and perfect. Yes, your Editor should have done it for you but, like most other things here, it’s down to you in the end.

Format Paragraphing, Indentations, Make sure you run a Grammar and Spell Check on at least two applications.

Libre Office (Free) is a great tool for this. If you're anything like me and just need to get words on the page without formatting, Libre will take you through it all in double-quick time.

Day 2

Editorial Quotes

If you haven’t already secured this, it’s important to get some positive quotes from your Editor. They know the book really well by now so don’t be shy.

Ask them to underline the things they say with a quote and make sure you add their credentials to it. Needless to say, dropping the fact that someone who does or used to work for a big publisher enhances reader confidence.

Day 3

ISBN Numbers

These are the barcodes that codify your book.

Amazon will supply them for free for your eBook and Paperback but Amazon don’t do hardbacks. So if you are including a hardback, you will need to buy your own. If you prefer your ISBNs to be concurrent, buy three, one for each version.

You can buy these here.

Design

Day 4

Book Cover

You need to engage a professional Book Cover Designer, someone who knows how to match graphics and colours to your book’s genre and demographic. A good designer will read your book for starters to get an idea of all this. They will design your front and back covers and your book’s spine and get you quality high res images all ready to help create your book.

This is where some of the admin starts to pay off because your editorial quotes will go on your back cover. Your designer will add all the standard stuff and when people look at your book on shelf or screen, they will be drawn to check it out a little more closely. Your cover will be formatted for Amazon and all other distributors whether yours is an eBook, paperback or hardback.

Day 5

Internal Design

The design doesn’t stop at the cover. You need to present the same professionalism all the way through your book. Maybe you’d like your chapter title to carry through some of the cover design ideas. Maybe you’d like some closing pages to carry offers or advertising. This will all be handled for you by your designer. Some more of the early admin will pay off here again because your ISBN details will go into the first page.

It will take your Designer about a week to complete this task.

Collateral

Day 12

Blurb

So, you’ve got your beautiful new designs and you’ve got your Editorial Quotes. In this section, you’ll be getting together all the text you’ll be using throughout this process in its various forms. These will be used for flyers, web pages and other publishing and marketing material. Here, we’ll start with the BLURB, your book’s write-up.

A good Blurb should start with a strong hook, mention your book’s keywords in the first paragraph. Present the protagonist(s), present the conflict and the stakes, explain who the book is for (e.g. "If you're a fan of … or … you'll love this fast-paced psychological thriller”). Ask a question, or tease the reader about what happens next. Write it so it excites the reader, they’re intrigued. When you prep your book graphic to create your book, the blurb is normally on the back cover.

Day 14

Start and End Matter

This is all the stuff that accompanies your book’s text. Before chapter one starts, you’ll be adding your Copyright information, you’ll be adding a section on you, the Author. After your final chapter, you’ll be addressing the reader, thank them for reading it and asking them to review your book on Amazon. You’ll be mentioning forthcoming publications and of course, your Blurb will go on the back cover.

Day 16

Review Pitch

Here, you’ll be sending your manuscript to a list of reviewers and beta readers so that by the time it’s up and live on Amazon, they can post reviews and you can start getting stars and solid feedback. The sooner you start this process, the better. Here, we ‘re going to design that pitch material.

First of all, you need to design a flyer. Use your book designer’s graphics to create an image that carries the Blurb and any other details reviewers might find useful such as possible release date (so they can schedule their review).

Next, we’re going to design your email or post. Don’t be spamming these folks randomly. Each email request needs to be addressed to the specific reviewer you’re contacting. Look at people who’ve reviewed books in your genre on Amazon, Goodreads, Booksprout or Bookbub and many others.

See which books they’ve reviewed. Introduce who you are and that you’re releasing your title soon. mention that you’re contacting them because of their review of “book title” by “author” and they might enjoy your book as well.

Add your cut-down Blurb to the email body and offer them a free copy of your manuscript in exchange for an honest review. Tell them a little about your previous book releases or any future releases you’re planning and give them a brief Author Bio as well.

Maybe even mention your favourite read right now. List your ISBN Numbers, Publication Date (if known) and the book’s word count. Provide links to your website and any social media profiles you have and remember, you are not engaging a service, you are requesting a free review from folks who simply love to read.

Be nice and send it out to as many as you can at this pre-published stage.

Day 18

Amazon Data

When it comes time to publish your book on Amazon, you’ll need to be ready with the right Keywords and Categories and Amazon Ads Keywords. So let’s get this set in stone right now.

You can send your manuscript or synopsis off to a professional or you can check out what categories similar titles are using. You can list under two categories on Amazon initially but later, we’ll be showing you how to grow that to ten.

For Keywords and Amazon Ad Keywords, there’s a really useful little tool called KDP Rocket. This simple software will enable you to select the best keywords for your book based on popularity and other factors.

Day 19

Reviews (Again)

If you’re doing what you need to do on Reviews, you’ll be getting emails back from reviewers and sending them your manuscript. Establishing and maintaining your reviewer base will be an ongoing task. Don’t forget to keep a note with any reviews that start rolling in including the reviewer’s name. Add these reviews to your collateral file. They can go into the book when you produce it.

Production

Day 20

Book Files

Right. You’ve done a lot of hard work to get to this point. By now, you’ve got everything you need to create your eBook, Paperback and Hardback files.

Amazon KDP can create the eBook and Paperback files based on your manuscript but if you want to take full control of this process and include the hardback files, you’ll need to find your own software for this or even outsource the whole thing.

Personally, I use Vellum. It’s simple and versatile, and in not too much time at all, it will generate all the files you need to just upload to various online sites and publish your book.

Your eBook file will be called an .epub file and your paperback and hardback files will be .pdf files. Once you’ve pasted all the chapters and graphics and all the front and end matter into Vellum, just ask it to produce all your files and you are away.

Day 21

Audiobooks

Audiobooks are becoming really popular. We’ll cover this later on but just spare a thought for this. For now, though, you’re ready to publish.

Publishing

Day 22

Protection

Hold on there. Let’s make sure you’re protected from plagiarism and anyone pretending they wrote it first.

Register your work and all its artwork with the US Copyright Office at https://www.copyright.gov/registration/ or https://eco.copyright.gov.

You have all the files you need from the admin and collateral sections. This will cost about $55 and take a couple of hours to complete. They will post you your certification inside a few weeks but you are now protected.

Day 23

Publish to Amazon

For the first 30 days, you’ll get a preference position on Amazon. After that 30 days, you’re on your own.

So give yourself a fighting chance. List your book on Pre-release for a month or two and have reviews all ready to be added on release date. It’s also a good time to look at price promotions but we’ll tackle that later.

Log into your KDP account. Go to your Bookshelf and create a new publication. Add your blurb and upload your eBook, Print files and Artwork. You’ll be able to preview it, then set your categories, keywords and set your price.

If you chose KDP Select (you get more royalties), remember you can’t sell your book anywhere else.

Save your book and remember to log your book’s page URL. You’ll be using this link many times later.

Amazon usually takes about 3 days to confirm everything is OK with your formats and your book will now be on pre-order. Chase your reviewers and get some stars rolling in for the first customers that get in on release date.

Day 26

Amazon Profile

Your book has a profile on Amazon just as you do. You will need to complete a few sections: From the Author (your personal notes about the book); From the Back Cover (thank your readers, ask them to review it and mention any upcoming releases).

You’ll be able to add the editorial reviews you got as well and do this for all versions of your book. You can also make sure all versions are linked so readers have all the options.

Then go to Author Central and make sure your own details are up to date.

Day 27

Categories

Earlier on, you made a note of your ideal 10 categories so now contact Amazon and ask them to apply them. Go to “changing book details” and fill out the form.

You’ll need to tell them the Marketplace (US, UK etc) ; the Format, Title and

Amazon’s ASIN number. And of course, you will need to list the category strings you want.

This will take another few days but you’ll get a reply confirming it’s done.

Hardbacks.

Day 30

Hardbacks

As you know, Amazon doesn’t do Hardbacks but you can use someone else like Ingram. When an order comes into Amazon, Ingram will fulfill it.

Go through their process. It’s much like Amazon, wait a couple of days for your proofs, check and approve them. Ingram charges about $49 for this.

Selling

Day 33

Publicity

Develop a Press Release and Sell Sheet and find companies that specialise in getting the word out to news agencies.

Day 34

Advertising

Consider Amazon Ads to get your book seen by more people. Also, consider using Google Adwords for your site.

Start small and make sure your keywords work.

Day 35

Social Media

Start pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Linkedin and many more. Post to your social media platforms and seek out more reviewer pages (yes, the search for reviews will never stop).

Day 37

Price Promotions

As we discussed, the first 30 days on Amazon is key. During that time, it’s a good time to get a handle on Price promotion sites. Again, a professional can handle it all for you as it’s important you get your book accepted in an over-subscribed market.

But if you prefer to do it yourself, just search for some Book Price Promotion sites, see what they cost and note down your preferences.

You’ll drop your price to perhaps 99c or even free for 7 days or so but you will get exposure.

Day 39

Amazon (Again)

On KDP, you’ll go to your Bookshelf and click on “Advertise and Promote.” Choose the Kindle Countdown deal

Day 40

Website

Whether you go with Amazon or other retailers and Distributors, you will need an Author Website. This will be where people can go to find out more about you, comment on your books and chat. They should also be able to subscribe to updates about you and your work.

If you’re a web developer, you know what you’re doing tech-wise. Just make sure it’s all about personality. Readers love to hear about what inspired you, which real-world settings you used, any people they might know who you based your characters on.

If you’re not a web developer, it could take a very long time to do all of this so maybe you should get some help. A simple interactive site doesn’t need to be expensive.

Why not add 3d Mockups of all 3 versions and don’t forget to add you book sale links to your book page.

If you have the budget, get some SEO work done on your site as well, make sure it’s getting found.

Beyond the Map

And that’s that really. But there is a little more…

Beyond the Map.

Translation

If you wrote your book in English, 20% of the planet will be able to read it. Consider expanding it to more like 50-60% by having it translated into Spanish, Chinese and the like.

Video Promos

It’s always useful to have a promo video made of your book and create your own Youtube channel to host it. Explain the book but take the opportunity to introduce yourself and your marketing channels, perhaps in an interview. a good promo gets popular fast.

Podcasts

Another popular way to entertain and deliver your message. A Podcast can follow a similar line to the promo video.

Movies

You’re a published Author. Movie producers love “based on the novel by…” Why not let a few of them know your story or better still, have it adapted to Screenplay format and engage a proper pitch.

Finally...

Don’t forget to monitor sale rates, promotions and ads. Chop and change, see what works and what doesn’t.

And now, after 40 days of this, maybe you can get started on book 2.

Good luck.

Offworld Author's Toolkit

Author’s Guide to Self Publishing

The definitive insider’s guide to self publishing

Free Consultation for Authors

Chat with Authors, Editors and a variety of specialists about what you want from your writing journey

Ghostwriting Professionals

Too busy? Don’t like how you write. Get a professional author to write it

Editing Professionals

A full Developmental Edit and Proofread

Libre Office

A great author-friendly tool for your word processor and grammar and spell-checker

Grammarly

Grammar and spell-checker tool

Proofreading Professionals

From both the editor and the readers perspective

Book Funding Professionals

Get funded, sponsored or paid to write

Book Design Professionals

Beautiful covers and artwork

Gimp

For me, as good as Photoshop and FREE

Book Production Professionals

Book creation and integration with major platforms

Smartmockups

Turn your cover design into 3d books, PDAs, phones. even trucks and pizza boxes

Merge PDF Files Online

Always useful for printed book generation

Vellum

Leading book creation tool

Book Rights Professionals

Get protected against plagiarism and other claims

Plagiarism Checker

Online Plagiarism Detector Software

US Copyright Office

$55 will get you protected Worldwide

Book Reviews Professionals

Get the machine cranked up and keep it going

Book Publishing Professionals

All the way from your manuscript to global retail

Ingram Spark

Book (and Hardback) production and distribution

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

The hub of it all. Where you load and control your books

Amazon Author Central

All about you

KDP Change Book Details Form

Contact Amazon for all sorts of requests and processes about your books

KDP Rocket

Category and keyword tool

Book Publicity Professionals

Get your book out to the news media

Book Promotion Professionals

Get your book seen, read and talked about

Anchor Podcasts

Create and distribute your podcast interview

Social Media Professionals

Get your book trending

Literary Agent Pitch Professionals

Get your manuscript out to 100s of Agents with the files and format they expect

Promo Video Professionals

From a quick abstract to full interview shorts

Audiobook and Voiceover Professionals

Choose your voice

Translators

From English to Spanish, Chinese, French and more

Author Website Specialists

Establish your Author Presence

Search Engine Optimisation

Get your Author Presence ranking

Screenplay Adaptation Professionals

Turn your book into an industry-standard movie screenplay

Film Makers

Have your movie made

Film Producers

Pitch your screenplay

Original Music

Have original music made for presentations, promo videos, radio shows or movies

Take care, big hugs and adios.

0 notes

theonyxpath · 8 years ago

Link

How Intriguing!

I know, bad joke. (More on that later). But excellent Intrigue cards from the Prince’s Gambit social-deduction card game, pictured above. Our Kickstarter is just finishing up its first two weeks and we’re already 400% funded and have reached over 1000 backers!

That last factoid is actually really significant, as it’s a milestone I love to see with our KSs. I think in comic book publishing that’s called the Golden Thousand, and applies to a creator who can rely on that many fans, at least, picking up and talking about their latest work. Get that amount, they say, and you have enough voices out there to spread the word about every project you publish.

And in general, it is just fantastic that 1000 people are excited about our little card game!

Illustration by Pat McEvoy for V20 Dark Ages Companion

Thanks to all of you that joined us for our AMA last week on Reddit. Mostly about Prince’s Gambit, the questions were fired at us fast and furiously and were all over the place. It was great- thanks to all of you and all of the various Onyx Path creators who dropped in from that afternoon all into the night and even the next morning!

Now what was I going to say about bad jokes?

Oh yes, I remember. One person’s bad joke is another’s laugh-riot. Humor just works like that. It, like all art, is subjective.

In fact, I’d say that humor is even more subjective than horror, and that much harder to successfully use well in roleplaying games. So generally, I tell our developers to try and avoid writing the Funny. Let the situation and characters dictate whether a situation might have humor in it, but let the players decide just where in that subjective humor zone they want to land.

Eddy and I had a similar conversation about the humor in Pugmire, and we decided to dial it up just a notch, but not to undermine the fantasy adventure basis of the world, nor the essentially pathos of dogs awaiting their masters’ return. But ultimately, we know we’re not stopping the sniffing each other’s butts jokes that are almost always part of the first reaction to the game.

Fortune Markers for Pugmire by Jeff Laubenstein

Which brings us to our April Fool’s joke project this year.

Every year, we try and come up with something amusing. Just that, just amusing. Not big laugh, not change your life. And absolutely not something that freaks anybody out as sometimes happened back in olden White Wolf days. We get enough in the freak out department with just everyday business as usual. (More on that later).

So this year, it’s an homage to Chuck Tingle and his projects. (Google him).

And no, the humor is not for everyone. It was not designed to be. Nor is the over-the-top nature of the humor a threat to anything you hold dear. It’s not for sale, so if you get it and don’t get the joke, then you’ve lost nothing. It didn’t come out of our regular production efforts, so no projects were delayed for it. It is only official Scion lore if you want it to be.

It’s a joke, which I don’t say as a put-down to anyone who didn’t get it, or as an excuse. It’s a joke because jokes are subjective. Jokes are the things that look at life at an angle, that at their best can contain unpleasant truths that can’t be told any other way. For the record, I’m pretty sure our little effort this 4/1 is not the best that jokes can be, but it made us and a bunch of other people laugh.

Which is a win any day of the week.

For anybody that didn’t get the joke, got it but didn’t think it was funny, or was offended: No worries, we’ll be doing another something next year, and we’ll try and get you laughing with that one.

V20 Beckett’s Jyhad Diary illustration by Sam Araya

One more thing this week: I’ve been talking a bit about how we’ve been working on “shoring up our infrastructure”. I’m sure it is obvious by now that that also meant that we are getting some projects and entire lines moving forward as we need them to. There are a lot of approaches that we are using, and sometimes after using a bunch of them, we see no choice but to change the team.

Some of you have expressed concern for your favorite project, or line, or developer(s) after we’ve made these changes, and I understand that. Change is scary. We invest a lot of ourselves in our favorite creators of our favorite games (and media in general), and it sometimes feels like we’ve lost out on something if they move on. Please rest assured that we at Onyx have been there, and know how you feel, and are doing everything we can to make the changes needed as non-disruptive as possible.

I will say that we don’t make these sorts of changes casually. We don’t make changes to projects merely for the sake of doing so, particularly if the project or line has already been shown, even a bit, to our community. We take that very seriously. We always pay for publishable work that is handed in to us when we require it. And unless a creator’s actions are actively harming Onyx Path, we generally would like them to continue doing something with us, just not the thing that wasn’t working out.

It is my preference that Onyx Path‘s representatives don’t go into the details of how and why we’ve made those changes, but on the ultimate result by announcing to you all how a project or line will be moving forward and with whom. There are many, many, reasons why these sorts of things turn out like they do, and rarely are there villains of the piece. Like I’ve said before, more often, due to where we are with what we need and where a creator is in their lives, there’s no longer a good fit.

Again, I’m keeping this all kind of general and broad-sweeping rather than getting into examples, and while I know that’s not as entertaining, in this case I’m erring on the side of treating people like I’d like to be treated.

And there I go from jokes to some pretty serious stuff, hope none of you got whip-lash.

BLURBS!

KICKSTARTER!

The Prince’s Gambit casual vampire card game Kickstarter continues to roll with over 1000 backers! We’ve been passing alternating Stretch Goals for adding the Independent Clans and new art at a rapid clip since then, with more cool rewards yet to come. So please check it out: http://ift.tt/2nj37GG !

Designed by long-time Vampire: the Masquerade tabletop RPG developer Justin Achilli, Prince’s Gambit is a fast-paced social deduction game set within the world of Vampire, but which requires no special knowledge to play. Players must cooperate to gain the favor of the Prince while deducing who among them are secretly the traitorous Sabbat infiltrators.

Next, the Monarchies of Mau KS is scheduled come after Gambit.

ON SALE!

Looking for our Deluxe or Prestige Edition books? Here’s the link to the press release we put out about how Onyx Path is now selling through Indie Press Revolution: http://ift.tt/1ZlTT6z

You can now order wave 2 of our Deluxe and Prestige print overrun books, including Deluxe Mage 20th Anniversary, and Deluxe V20 Dark Ages!

The splendor and horror of Rio is unwrapped this Wednesday! Cursed Necropolis: Rio for Mummy: the Curse goes on sale in PDF and PoD versions.

Beneath the splendor of Rio de Janeiro seethes a hotbed of occult activity. Over a score of mummies keep their tombs in Rio, their presence seeping into the soil and stones and souls of the city. Over all this reigns the infamous Teshra-Gemet, the pretender Pharaoh.

The city of Rio births marvels both bright and dark… and you never know which kind you have until it’s too late.

Cursed Necropolis: Rio contains:

The secrets and schemes of Rio’s Arisen.

New Utterances, from the perception usurping Horse and Rider to the cleansing fire of Baal’s Due.

“The Serpent’s Tooth,” an all-new adventure to introduce players to the conflicts and power plays of Rio de Janeiro.

Beasts are added to Hunter: the Vigil with Hunter: Tooth and Nail, coming atcha in PDF and physical book Pod versions on DriveThruRPG.com! http://ift.tt/2nwetoP

Tooth and Nail is a bonus chapter/companion book to the previous released Hunter: Mortal Remains that explores antagonists inspired by the Beast: the Primordial RPG.

Hunter: Tooth and Nail includes:

Fiction and story hooks to bring these beasts of legend to your Hunter: The Vigil chronicle.

New bestial Dread Powers.

New Compacts and Conspiracies which hunt the monsters, but also sometimes hunt the zealous heroes that hunt as well.

The Secrets of the Covenants for Vampire: the Requiem 2nd REVEALED this Wednesday on DTRPG! Physical copy PoD version coming to DTRPG: http://ift.tt/2gbQjus

Vampires gather under many banners. But five have endured the tumult of Western history better than any other. The Carthian Movement. The Circle of the Crone. The Invictus. The Lancea et Sanctum. The Ordo Dracul. Each has its fierce devotees, its jealous rivals, and its relentless enemies. Now,for the first time, the covenants speak for themselves.

This book includes:

A variety of stories from each of the covenants, all told in their own words.

Never-before revealed secrets, like the fate of the Prince of New Orleans.

New blood sorcery, oaths, and other hidden powers of the covenants.

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: Fallen Blossoms (Hunter 1640-1660 Japan). Japan is moving into the Edo Period. New laws and new ways of thinking wash over the land, and with a new order come new threats to humanity. Take a look at the Vigil in a time where samurai transition from warlords to bureaucrats, Japan massively and lethally rejects outside influence, and when Edo rapidly grows into a world power.

Continuing our individual Dark Eras chapters, we offer you Dark Eras: Fallen Blossoms on in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG! http://ift.tt/2mfc1F1

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: Doubting Souls (Hunter 1690-1695 Salem). Immigrants and tribes struggled to co-exist on the Eastern Seaboard in the ever-expanding Colonies. Violent clashes, supernatural beliefs, and demonic influences spelled disaster for Salem Village and its surrounding towns, while others fought werewolves and vampires on the frontier. With so much at risk, only god-fearing men and women were deemed innocent — and those were few indeed.

Available in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG: http://ift.tt/2kKOrfm

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: The Bowery Dogs (Werewolf 1969-1979 NYC). New York City in the 1970s. Crime. Drugs. Gang violence. Vast economic disparity. And werewolves. It’s a lean, ugly time to be alive, and the lone wolf doesn’t stand a chance out there. In the end, all you really have is family.

Available in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG: http://ift.tt/2lM0Tzv

The Locker is open; the Chronicles of Darkness: Hurt Locker, that is! PDF and physical copy PoDs are now available on DTRPG! http://ift.tt/2gbM9me

Hurt Locker features:

Treatment of violence in the Chronicles of Darkness. Lasting trauma, scene framing, and other tools for making your stories hurt.

Many new player options, including Merits, supernatural knacks, and even new character types like psychic vampires and sleeper cell soldiers.

Expanded equipment and equipment rules.

Hurt Locker requires the Chronicles of Darkness Rulebook or any other standalone Chronicles of Darkness rulebook such as Vampire: The Requiem, Werewolf: The Forsaken, or Beast: The Primordial to use.

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: Ruins of Empire (Mummy 1893-1924). Perhaps the quintessential era of the mummy in the minds of Westerners, this period saw the decline of the two greatest empires of the age: British and Ottoman. Walk with the Arisen as they bear witness to the death of the Victorian age, to pivotal mortal discoveries in Egypt, and to the horrors of the Great War.

Available in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG. http://ift.tt/2k0XDhX

From the massive Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras main book, we have pulled this single chapter, Dark Eras: The Sundered World (Werewolf and Mage 5500-5000 BCE). At the birth of civilization, in the shadow of the Fall, the Awakened stand as champions and protectors of the agricultural villages spread across the Balkans. In a world without a Gauntlet, where Shadow and flesh mingle, the steady taming of the world by humanity conflicts with the half-spirit children of Father Wolf.

Available in PDF and physical copy PoD versions on DTRPG. http://ift.tt/2k16mRj

Night Horrors: Conquering Heroes for Beast: the Primordial is available now as an Advance PDF: http://ift.tt/2j7p7lO

This book includes:

An in-depth look at how Heroes hunt and what makes a Hero, with eleven new Heroes to drop into any chronicle.

A brief look at why Beasts may antagonize one another, with seven new Beasts to drop into any chronicle.

Rules for Insatiables, ancient creatures born of the Primordial Dream intent on hunting down Beasts to fill a hunger without end, featuring six examples ready to use in any chronicle.

Open the V20 Dark Ages: Tome of Secrets now on DTRPG! Both PDF and physical book PoD versions are now available! http://ift.tt/2i1XOXd

The Tome of Secrets is a treatment of numerous topics about Cainites and stranger things in the Dark Medieval World. It’s about peeling back the curtain, and digging a little deeper. Inside, you’ll find:

• Expanded treatment of Assamite Sorcery, Koldunic Sorcery, Necromancy, and Setite Sorcery

• A look at Cainite knightly orders, faith movements, and even human witchcraft

• Letters and diaries from all over the Dark Medieval World

CONVENTIONS!

Discussing GenCon plans. August 17th – 20th, Indianapolis. Every chance the booth will actually be 20? x 30? this year that we’ll be sharing with friends. We’re looking at new displays this year, like a back drop and magazine racks for the brochure(s).

In November, we’ll be at Game Hole Con in Madison, WI. More news as we have it, and here’s their website: http://ift.tt/RIm6qP

And now, the new project status updates!

DEVELOPMENT STATUS FROM ROLLICKING ROSE (projects in bold have changed status since last week):

First Draft (The first phase of a project that is about the work being done by writers, not dev prep)

Exalted 3rd Novel by Matt Forbeck (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Trinity Continuum: Aeon Rulebook (The Trinity Continuum)

M20 Gods and Monsters (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

M20 Book of the Fallen (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

Ex Novel 2 (Aaron Rosenberg) (Exalted 3rd Edition)

C20 Novel (Jackie Cassada) (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)

Pugmire Fiction Anthology (Pugmire)

Monarchies of Mau Early Access (Pugmire)

Hunter: the Vigil 2e core (Hunter: the Vigil 2nd Edition)

DtD Night Horrors: Enemy Action (Demon: the Descent)

The Realm (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Dragon-Blooded (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Arms of the Chosen (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Redlines

Kithbook Boggans (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)

Second Draft

V20 Dark Ages Jumpstart (Vampire: the Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition)

GtS Geist 2e core (Geist: the Sin-Eaters Second Edition)

CtD C20 Jumpstart (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)

Pugmire Pan’s Guide for New Pioneers (Pugmire)

VtR Half-Damned (Vampire: the Requiem 2nd Edition)

Trinity Continuum Core Rulebook (The Trinity Continuum)

Scion: Origins (Scion 2nd Edition)

Scion: Hero (Scion 2nd Edition)

WoD Ghost Hunters (World of Darkness)

Development

W20 Changing Ways (Werewolf: the Apocalypse 20th Anniversary Edition)

Signs of Sorcery (Mage: the Awakening Second Edition)

SL Ring of Spiragos (Pathfinder – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)

Ring of Spiragos (5e – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)

SL Dagger of Spiragos (Pathfinder – Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)

Dagger of Spiragos (5e– Scarred Lands 2nd Edition)

Changeling: the Lost 2nd Edition, featuring the Huntsmen Chronicle (Changeling: the Lost 2nd Edition)

Book of Freeholds (Changeling: the Dreaming 20th Anniversary Edition)

BtP Beast Player’s Guide (Beast: the Primordial)

M20 Cookbook (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

Editing:

Wraith: the Oblivion 20th Anniversary Edition

BtP Building a Legend (Beast: the Primordial)

Post-Editing Development:

CtL fiction anthology (Changeling: the Lost 2nd Edition)

Indexing:

ART DIRECTION FROM MIRTHFUL MIKE:

In Art Direction

Beckett’s Jyhad Diary – Got almost all the artwork in.

W20 Pentex Employee Indoctrination Handbook – Ellis is on it.

Dagger of Spiragos – Leblanc’s art is in, waiting on maps.

VTR: Thousand Years of Night – Contracted

Cavaliers of Mars – AD’d(ish)

Monarchies of Mau Early Access – Contracted

BtP Building a Legend – Contracted

Wraith 20 – Sending out notes to some of the old guard artists… then figuring out who from the new roster to get.

W20 Changing Ways – Getting that contracted this week. Got a couple of artists lined up… just need to line up a couple more.

Marketing Stuff

In Layout

Prince’s Gambit

M20 Book of Secrets – Layout in progress.

Pugmire Screen – Got specs…working on it once I have the book ready to go to press

Pugmire Cards – Working on these. Just have the shepherd set and another tiny set.

Pugmire – Prepping files for press.

M20 Art Book

C20 Anthology – Try and carve out some time to knock this together.

Proofing

C20 – Aileen inputting notes from 1st proof

V20 Dark Ages Companion – Second proof.

At Press

Ex 3 Screen – Shipping almost completed.

Ex 3 core book – Shipping almost completed along with map and bookmarks.

W20 Shattered Dreams – Shipping almost completed.

Shattered Dreams Screen – Shipping almost completed.

Beckett Screen – Shipped to shipper.

Beast Conquering Heroes – PoD proof on the way.

Dark Eras: Beneath the Skin – PoD proof being reviewed.

Dark Eras: Out of the Cold – PoD proof being reviewed.

Necropolis Rio – On sale in PDF and PoD versions this week.

V20 Lore of the Bloodlines – PDF out to backers, gathering errata

Dark Eras Companion – PDF out to backers, gathering errata.

W20 Song of Unmaking – PDF out to backers, gathering errata.

EX3 Tomb of Dreams Jumpstart – PDF going out to backers this week.

TODAY’S REASON TO CELEBRATE: April Fool’s was a couple of days ago, and now we can believe everything everybody tells us!

#Onyx Path Publishing

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ventooreos · 8 years ago

Text

Edit: I didn’t put a little blurb here before cause I was rushing to post this before work, sorry about that! So here’s what is probably my favorite chapter so far. I’m really even more excited for part 2 of this, though I’ll have to get a bit better at writing action scenes.

Other than that, I’m tightening up the character list cause it’s getting pretty long. Hope it still works well enough. Also Chapter 9 probably won’t be out as quickly since my classes are picking up again. But I’ll still be working on SoA! Thank you for your support!

Title: Story of Assassins Chapter: 8 - La Guerra a Venezia, Part 1 Characters: La Squadra Di Esecuzione, Trish Una, Buccellati’s Team, The Elite Guard Squad, Sheila E Rating: T Words: 7,934 Summary: La Squadra arrives in Venice, but their enemies are closer than they think. As paths cross and tension builds, caution must be taken by all as they choose their allies and battles.

Ghiaccio stared out at Ponte della Libertà. He leaned over the stone barrier that cut between the pavement and the sea below. Something about the sight of it made him uneasy. Prosciutto’s black BMW was the only car parked in the lot. He could smell the blond’s cigarette burning down wind of him. At least the gentle ocean breeze provided him with some relief. It delicately drifted through his blue pin curls as if begging him to give up some of the stress he held. The docks to the left of them slowly began to wake. Mariners were used to working in the early morning darkness.

“We’re set to meet Risotto and the other’s at five.” Prosciutto puffed out a jet of smoke and rolled back his sleeve. His golden watch shone a dull reflection of the embers at the end of his cigarette. “So we’ve got about 30 minutes.”

“Then why are we waiting around? Being split up like this puts us in more danger.” Ghiaccio rested his chin on his hand. The little sleep he’d gotten in the car clearly hadn’t been enough for him.

“I was driving for upwards of five hours straight through the middle of the night. I need a break. We’re taking one.” Prosciutto closed his eyes. These weren’t the worst hours he’d ever pulled, but they were still strenuous.

A sharp cry of pain tore him from his moment of peace. In an instant he was ready for action, but the sight he found prompted him to relax into mere annoyance. Trish sat doubled over, gripping her forearm. The car door had been pushed open and her legs were swung out to the side. Through the rear windshield of the car he could see Pesci already handling the situation. He controlled Beach Boy with ease - despite the cramped space.

“That’s my Fratellino, always one step ahead!” Prosciutto proclaimed with pride. “You should know by now that trying to run off isn’t going to work.”

“I wasn’t trying to run, I just wanted some fresh air.” Her voice was strained. Trish’s attention remained on the phantom fish hook burrowed deep in her wrist. “I don’t know how you do this type of stuff or how to fight it, but I’ve been trapped in a car all night too. I just wanted to stretch a bit.” The resigned whisper she spoke in conveyed utter sincerity. Prosciutto raised an eyebrow and looked to Ghiaccio. Even if this was an attempt at rebellion, their stands were more than enough to handle her.

“I guess that’s fine. Go ahead and let her go Pesci.” The bulky assassin complied, releasing Trish from the effects of his stand. “Keep in mind that if you try anything you won’t be allowed any more special privileges in the future.” Prosciutto was cautious. This was new territory for all of them; Their line of work didn’t involve holding captives. Well, Formaggio was known to bring home a shrunken target now and then, but they never lasted long when pitted against his pets. But this situation was indubitably different.

Trish lifted herself from the car seat while rubbing her hand. The hook had left no marks in her skin, but an echo of pain was still present. She feared that perhaps it had torn the muscle and veins within her arm. But those minor injuries weren’t her biggest problems. Her eyes landed on the blond first, then the blue haired assassin. She’d spoken with both of them in the past. Neither struck her as very pleasant people. She was standing outside the car now, but where should she go? The two men seemed equally puzzled - both watched her. Their gazes weren’t so hostile as they were curious. Despite being stuck together for the last week, they didn’t know her and she didn’t know them. She hesitated a moment before approaching the stone barrier on Ghiaccio’s right. She had no desire to stand between the two of them, but straying too far would cause suspicion.

“So, uh..” Ghiaccio began. He wasn’t even sure who he was addressing. Trish kept her eyes on the ocean. “Miles Davis?” His words hung in the air. The disjointed, awkward sentence was simultaneously an attempt to alleviate the strange atmosphere of the situation and begin a conversation. It seemed to be doing neither.

“I’m definitely a fan of his work.” Prosciutto spoke up. “Though you must have noticed that a long time ago. I’m glad you chose to play him.” There was another stretch of silence. The two of them had never had a very friendly bond. By no means did they hate each other, but they didn’t exactly pal around either. Still, the blond was making an effort and Ghiaccio appreciated it.

“Honestly I don’t know how you could listen to jazz for hours in the middle of the night and not fall asleep.” Trish’s comment came as a surprise to both of the assassins - The nonchalance of her tone was even more unforeseen. Outwardly she seemed completely calm and self assured.

But beyond what the men could see, she was only inches from panicking. Leaving the car had been a brave move itself, but speaking casually with her captors was even more so. Trish feared the clamor of her heart crashing against her chest might give away how she truly felt. She’d been emboldened to this point by the brief conversations she’d shared with Risotto Nero. He treated her like a human being more than any of the others. Strangely enough, she found herself beginning to trust him.

The realization scared her. What was that thing they called it? Stockholm syndrome? Trish loathed the thought of falling victim to some sort of psychosis based on a few decent actions of the squad’s leader.They were still her enemies. They hadn’t harmed her, but they had plucked her from the life she had.

Or at least what was left of it.

No, that wasn’t true. It had been the others from Passione that had taken her from her home first. They’d acted like they were businessmen. They’d explained things slowly and professionally while forcing her to come with them before she even knew what was happening. Orders from the boss - her father. She hadn’t had a father until that day. She didn’t want one.

“If you know his work well enough it becomes more than just songs.” Prosciutto was slow to respond, still recovering from the initial surprise. “All music is like that. Even within a single piece there’s the build of anticipation towards one chorus or chord.” Trish nodded at his explanation. She was too concerned with her own thoughts to fully listen to what he was saying.

“Everybody already knows that, Prosciutto.” Ghiaccio criticized.

“I’m just putting it into words.” The blond retorted. “There’s an art to that, you know. If you use more than the simplest and crudest words, you can give your sentences life and poetry.” The younger assassin only rolled his eyes in response. For a brief moment Trish had disappeared from their minds. She was allowed a few fleeting seconds of observation.

They almost seemed like normal people.

“Anyway,” Prosciutto checked his watch. “We need to get going.”

- -

The gas station they’d stopped to rest at was cramped and dusty. It’s rows of packaged food and magazines threatened to squish Narancia and Mista as they wandered through the aisles. Abbacchio and Bruno were conferencing about something outside near the van.

“Dude, come over here! You gotta check this out!” Narancia hollered from where he had crouched in front of a display. Mista drew closer, careful to dodge a package of peanuts that jut out from it’s shelf. “Check this chick out!” the boy had somehow managed to find the most questionable magazine in the building with a brief scan of the shelves.

“Oh, damn!” Mista snatched the magazine from his comrade, who seemed less than thrilled to have his find stolen.

“Hey, you can’t just take it from me! I had it first!” He protested.

“You’re too young to be reading stuff like this anyway!” Mista retorted, his eyes never leaving the centerfold.

“That doesn’t even make sense, there aren’t words on there!” Narancia grabbed at the magazine, which was swiftly raised into the air by Mista. “Plus I’m nearly as old as you!”

“Yeah, but you’re not 18 yet. The cashier wouldn’t even let you buy this.” Mista turned towards the other side of the store. “Hey Giorno, come look at this!” The blond lifted his head toward them in response to the call. He’d heard their commotion from afar, but had little interest in shenanigans.

“Yeah he would, I’d just have to convince him a little!” The boy balled his fist and thrust it forward in a stabbing motion.

“The cashier can probably hear you from here.” Giorno informed as he stepped toward them. His eyes slid to the man behind the counter who seemed utterly detached from their racket.

“So? That means he’ll just know who to respect.” Narancia shrugged.

“Hey, that’s not important - Giorno, check out the kinda stuff they got here!” He held the magazine open the the blond, who after a brief inspection respectfully averted his eyes.

“Whaaaat? Mista, Giorno is two whole years younger than me!” Narancia griped.

“Does it really matter? We’re not going to buy it.” The blond offered. He’d slowly gotten used to the antics of the younger gang members as his time in Passione stretched on. He almost welcomed it at this point. Observing his comrades minor squabbles served as an enjoyable distraction from the bleak reality they all faced. They hadn’t heard anything from their higher ups since Trish was taken from them, and they weren’t exactly anticipating the arrival of any news - It would be bad. That was assured. Giorno frowned. The boss was likely sorting out the mess they had caused before coming for their necks.

“Speak for yourse-” Mista was cut off by the sudden chime of the door alarm. Fugo stared at them, his face woven into an expression of stress and urgency.

“Bruno needs all of you out here. Now.” Fugo disappeared from the doorway seconds after speaking. The boys wasted no time in dropping the magazine and rushing to the door. Bruno and Abbachio were still near the van they’d stolen, but someone else had joined them. Giorno recognized her instantly. The flowing clothes, the long braids. They’d encountered her the previous day.

Sheila E was standoffish as ever as they approached. Her arms were folded, and she studied them as if looking for any weakness. Narancia’s skin crawled as her eyes scoured him, he couldn’t hide it. This seemed to please her. But Giorno was a different case. He met her glare and progressed steadily towards her. Even upon arrival he was unrelenting. At last Sheila looked away from him to address Bruno.

“Tell them and we can get going.” Her tone was dominant, overconfidence apparent. Bruno wasn’t a fan of it, but he wouldn’t fight her on it. Not now.

“I’m sure you all remember Sheila E..” The uneasy air snuffed out any friendliness in the introduction. “She’s provided us with some invaluable information. In return, we’re going to take her with us to Venice.”

“Venice?” The question fell out of Mista’s mouth. The turn of events made little sense to him. By now anyone could have figured out that Bruno was trying to avoid interactions with Passione, so why team up with this girl?

“Yes, that’s where the assassination team was headed.” Bruno explained.

“Hey, wait, how would she even know that? This is really shady Buccellati!” Narancia was on guard. He’d heard about the run in with this girl and he didn’t like her one bit.

“I tracked them for awhile and eventually followed them to a clinic where they stopped. My stand helps with gathering intelligence.” She glared at Narancia. “But don’t get the wrong idea, it could easily tear a person limb from limb too.”

“There’s no need for anyone to be hostile here.” Bruno stressed, his patience already beginning to wear. “We’re both going to help each other. Sheila has unfinished business with those assassins, just like us. Even if there was anything to worry about, I’m sure we’re more than capable of holding our own. Don’t you agree, Narancia?” The boy looked to his leader and nodded hesitantly. His trust for Bruno outweighed his suspicion of this wanderer.

“No point in wasting time then.” Sheila broke out of the conversation. Before anyone could even question her, she’d pulled one of the van’s doors open and climbed inside. After a moment she popped her head out the window to address Bruno once more. “When are we leaving?”

The men shared a collective moment of stunned silence. This ally - if she could be called that - was utterly incomprehensible and more than a bit prickly. But there was work to be done. Bruno gestured for his men to follow her lead.

“I am NOT sitting by her.” Narancia grumbled.

- -

“I don’t really get it, but whatever.” Formaggio shrugged. Yellow lamp light washed over him as he slumped further down into the chair. It wasn’t all that comfortable, but it would work for a bit. He was happy to have been one of the first to arrive and claim a spot. The other assassins were sprinkled around the space; Some sat on the beds, others leaned against walls. The hotel room was cramped when inhabited by eight people. “We’re clearly not tourists. We’re as Italian as they come!” He bousted.

“It’s not about looking the part - That’s impossible for us.” Risotto sighed. “It’s about the location and our actions. Don’t stand out. Blend in with crowds. We need to lay low for awhile.” He peeked out at the city from behind the curtains. The sun had begun its slow climb over the horizon. Orange and violet bands creeped into the sky above it, slowly pushing away the cool blanket of night.

“If I may interject..” Melone spoke up from where he laid in one of the two beds. His voice was slow. “How is this any safer than the other places we’ve tried to hide?”

“It’s not, but we don’t have many options. I still expect you all to be cautious.” Risotto’s eyes didn’t meet the blond’s. The Capo had seen enough of his pain the previous day. “If you feel threatened don’t hesitate to use deadly force.” That much was clear among the assassins. There was no margin for formality here. Their lives were on the line and they would need to defend themselves without a second thought.

But the order didn’t sit well with Trish. It may not have been meant for her, but she was around the people who would be following it. Aside from the incident involving Giorno, she hadn’t had to see the brutality these people were capable of. For a few brief hours, she’d felt a strange lack of discomfort around them. It was almost like she’d adjusted to fit a new normality. But Risotto’s words served as a stark reminder of who these men really were.

“We’ll be working out of a few of the rooms along this hallway for the time being.” Prosciutto added in. “But there’s no need to sequester yourselves in this hotel the whole time - As long as you keep in frequent contact with me and Risotto.” The blond stretched his neck and yawned before tossing a keycard to Pesci. “Fratellino, you’re with me. I’m going to take a well-deserved nap, you all settle in and do whatever. Just stay smart and on your toes.”

“I think maybe I’m going to stay inside too.” Pesci muttered, jumping to follow behind Prosciutto as he left the room.

“Well that’s boring. I’m gonna go out for awhile.” Formaggio stood up and slipped his hands in his pockets. “Anybody else wanna come with?”

“You’re not tired?” Ghiaccio cocked an eyebrow.

“Nah, I slept the whole way here. Cars aren’t really a problem for me, you know?” The redhead strode toward the door.

“It’s not about the car, shouldn’t you have been helping Melone?” The boy was growing agitated.

“Huh?” For a moment Melone’s injuries had slipped his mind. “Eh, maybe, but Melone’s fine, and he got here right?”

“But he-” Ghiaccio began, his volume growing.

“I watched Melone. Formaggio was out in 5 minutes but I stayed awake.” Illuso cut in before the others could progress into a fight.

“I was fine. I’m already patched up and I’ll be back in the action in a day or two.” Melone nodded. It was currently easier to stay out of conversations and rest, but Ghiaccio blowing a fuse now would be a hassle for everyone. He wiggles his bandaged shoulder slightly as a sign of affirmation to his friend.

“Well, fine I guess.” Ghiaccio had been successfully cooled down. “I’ll come out exploring with you then.” The two moved out the door.

“I might as well get to my own room then.” Melone scooted to the edge of the bed and pushed himself up with his single arm. “Illuso, can you help me carry some stuff?” The other assassin nodded in response. The two grabbed the few valuables Melone and Ghiaccio had brought and headed from the door across the hall.

Risotto had kept his place near the window, his eyes still tracing the streets of Venice. Each path was overshadowed by a towering building. Even through his vigilant duty, the beauty of the sight didn’t escape him. Trish had remained in place too, but now she felt as if she had missed some cue. She looked from the door to the Capo.

“Uh, don’t think I’m into this prisoner situation or anything, but what am I supposed to do?” She questioned.

“You’ll be staying in this room with me. I apologize, I know it’s improper but I hope you can at least be content with having your own space.” Finally dragging his eyes from the window, he lifted his hand. A crack appeared in the wall between the two beds. A low creak followed it as the wall burst open and one of the metal supports inside twisted forward until it was horizontal to the ground. “This may take a moment, please be patient.” The shower rod and curtain flew from the bathroom, followed by other bits of metal. The desk chair began falling apart as its assets were scavenged from it. Each piece began melting together and forming into a long rod that curved around the bed until it met with the other wall.

Trish had little concern with how long this would take - She was too busy watching in utter shock at the supernatural feat unfolding before her eyes. Even if she had wanted to say something, her voice had been reduced to a tiny squeak. The handles from the dresser broke from their bases and folded into rings. Risotto turned his attention to his own bed. The rings pierced into the edges of the sheets that peeked out from the side and drew them to be suspended from the bar. Combined with the shower curtain, they created a barrier between Trish’s bed and the rest of the room.

“Will that suffice?” The Capo turned his tired eyes to Trish. She was speechless, still staring at the newly constructed privacy curtain. She was awestruck, horror and amazement gripped her so strongly that she feared she might be choked. It took Risotto a moment to understand her reaction - she was an outsider to the world of Passione, after all.

“That.. That was..” Trish could barely form the words necessary to describe her trance. “Giorno - I saw what you did to him but..” She swallowed. “This is on a whole different level.”

“I hope I didn’t startle you too badly. It’s called Metallica.” He spoke cooley. There was no need to stress her out further. “I know you’ve noticed our other abilities in the past. They’re called stands.”

“Stands?” Trish was slowly settling from the previous sight. “Like the fish hook and the ice? They must be ‘stands’ too, right?”

“Yes. Pesci’s and Ghiaccio’s specifically.” Risotto informed.

“They can’t be the only ones, that day, when you all kidnapped me,” Her eyes landed on construct, a brave spark had been lit. “That was the work of stands too, wasn’t it?” Risotto nodded silently. Trish took a step away from the wall. The curtains were mere feet from her. She lifted her hand, slowly moving forward and grabbing the soft sheets. “Are you the only ones?”

“No. All members of Passione possess stand abilities.” He answered.

“Wait, the mafia has superpowers?” She blurted and turned to him. “Like, all of them?” Risotto shook his head.

“Only your father’s.”

“He’s not my father.” Trish snapped. The Capo met her eyes with his own dark sclera. His stern face was enough to make her regret the previous outburst.

“Is that how you feel?” His words weren’t scornful, they were inquisitive and sincere - a far cry from the disdain she had perceived. He waited as the girl looked down, searching for the right response.

“Yes. I believe that wholeheartedly. He didn’t raise me, my mother did. He never helped or put anything good in my life. Only trouble.” Her eyes stayed on the floor. “He abandoned her to raise a child alone - and don’t try to say he didn’t know, I’ve heard that enough. That doesn’t make it any better.”

“You were going to meet him. Didn’t you want that?” Risotto folded his hands in his lap.

“What? Of course not!” Her head jerked upwards. “I basically got kidnapped twice! Do you think they would have listened to me? I never wanted to be involved with any of this! But I never had a choice. I just got tossed around. First it was social workers, then some strange mafioso, then Bruno, and now you!”

“You can resent us.” The words cut by her so quickly that she almost missed them.

“What?” The girl was seized from her rage.

“You can resent us. You have every right to. I know what we’re doing is wrong. I’m sorry that you’re involved.” Risotto closed his eyes. This was a matter that had weighed on him for some time. Cold, distant murder was one thing. Taking a child from their home, fracturing their life, and making them live in fear was another.

“If you know it’s wrong then why are you doing it?” Her voice had grown softer. The anger that had flushed out of her left a void that needed something to fill it. The grief she’d often denied herself volunteered.

“We are assassins. We’ve always known our work is wrong. It’s something you learn to bury, to be professional. Even now we’re criminals in the eyes of criminals. Traitors sentenced to death.” He paused. “But it’s not just for us. It’s for them too.”

“Them? The people you worked for?” Trish questioned.

“No. For our friends.” Risotto opened his eyes again, but he failed to meet her gaze. Instead his heavy glare centered on his shoes. “Their names were Sorbet and Gelato. Your fath-” He stopped himself. “The boss did something terrible to them. The details are unbefitting of a young lady, so I’ll spare them. But no one should ever have to see their family like that. No one should be given such scarce, terrible clues to a loved one’s fate.”

“They were your brothers?” She grasped at his words like pieces of a puzzle, desperately trying to fit together the narrative.

“Not by blood, but they were my brothers all the same.” He sighed.

“I’m sorry.”

“We’re undeserving of your sympathy.” He insisted. “We’ve brought evil into your life. You’re pitying the thing you should hate. Don’t do that to yourself.”

“I’ll make that decision myself.” After her words silence filled the space between them. Trish returned to her study of the new construction. She knew that he was right, that she shouldn’t feel bad for them. She should consider the deaths of Sorbet and Gelato just. These people were murderous lowlives and they didn’t deserve to be happy, right?

She frowned. Why couldn’t she just believe that? She didn’t like this people. Prosciutto was unpleasant, Ghiaccio was an aggressive mess, and the others came off like shady thugs. She wouldn’t really use the term “favorite” to describe Risotto, but at least he had showed her some decency.

There was a knock at the door, followed by the blonde poking his head in.

“Hey, I ordered some room service, it should be here in-” He turned back towards the hallway. “Nevermind, it’s here.” Bright orange swathes of hair curled out from behind the page’s black headband. The wheeled cart in front of him carried a variety of packed in dishes.

As Prosciutto’s gaze landed on him, the blond couldn’t help but notice his unnerving features. Something about him just wasn’t right. The stranger looked back at him silently, averting his eyes every few seconds. He also hated the way Prosciutto was inspecting him. He needed to leave before anyone grew suspicious.

“Wait, something’s not right here.” Prosciutto took a step toward the page. His blood froze and his eyes leapt to the water bottles on the cart in front of him. There were still ways out of this situation. The blond reached toward him. He was about to crack. This plan was failing. Prosciutto’s hand touched his neck. “Maybe it’s not my business but I would expect staff in a professional hotel to take a bit more pride in their appearance.” He grumbled while adjusting the collar of the stolen uniform. “You look like you threw this on in a hurry. I’ll forgive that if you listen to some advice: If you want to be someone, you have to look the part.” The assassin lightly finger combed the stranger’s hair into a more formal position.

“Thank you?” The faux page was aghast. The two words were all he could manage as the adrenaline drained from his veins. Only seconds ago he’d thought he was brushing death at the hands of these traitors. Back to business. He shifted the cart against the wall. “I’ll leave this here.” He turned rigidly into his crawl of a retreat.

Prosciutto watched him for a minute before grabbing some of the dishes and bringing them into the hotel room. He took a moment to marvel at Risotto’s recent work before placing the food on the desk. Trish had retreated behind the curtains soon after the blond arrived.

“I wasn’t sure what you wanted, so I just got a variety of stuff - Of course I’m gonna bring some of it over for Pesci though.” Prosciutto popped the lid off of a salad bowl and plunged his fork in.

“Thank you. I’m glad I have you by my side, Proscuitto.” Risotto gave him a tired smile.

“Oh come on, you don’t have to thank me for getting food.” The blond deflected - admittedly, the Capo’s sudden praise flustered him a little. He focused on his salad, bringing the first bite to his mouth. “Weird, this dish is a little fishy.” He churned through the greens with his fork. The unexpected taste provided a perfect topic to flee to.

“Venice is a city of the ocean, after all.” The capo reached for one of the containers of food.

“I guess so.” Prosciutto shrugged and returned the lid to his dish.

- -

“You know we’re not actually on vacation.” Ghiaccio grumbled, popping a fritole into his mouth. Formaggio stood ahead of him carrying a stuffed bag as they walked along one of the larger canals.

“Well yeah, of course not. But having some fun while we’re here ain’t a crime. Besides, you’re snacking too.” On the redhead’s observation, Ghiaccio’s hand froze above the bag he was plucking pastries from.

“Hey, I got one thing!” The young assassin pointed to the other’s spoils. “You’re just wasting money.”

“Oh come on Ghiaccio! There’s nothing but food places around here anyway. We’re not gonna get anything out of knick-knacks or tourist hot spots, so why not enjoy the view with some grub?” He leaned back against the corner of a building. “See, this cafe here has plenty of lovely patio seats. The weather is just perfect for a nice brunch and-” His sentence dropped off and his eyes widened. Before Ghiaccio had a chance to question the sudden change, Formaggio dropped his bag and locked his arms around the boy’s waist. The redhead practically threw him into the adjacent alleyway. “What the hell do you thi-” The younger assassin’s crescendo was silenced by the hand the redhead smacked over his mouth. Little Feet materialized beside him. Without hesitation it swiftly plunged its claw into Ghiaccio’s hand. The action earned a muffled cry of rage from the boy.

“Hey, you need to be quiet!” He hissed, peeking around the corner swiftly. “We’re in trouble, those people out there-” Formaggio jolted and his hand shot away from the other’s mouth. “Did you just lick me?! Dude, what the hell!”

“You’re asking me that? You just attacked me, what are you doing?!” The boy roared. His size had already begun decreasing.

“I didn’t attack you, I’m saving you before those Passione kids notice us!” Formaggio had managed to get a handle on his volume again. “They’re eating over there, if they had seen you we’d be toast!”

“The one’s who were guarding Trish? Why are they here?!” His demeanor had changed with realization of the situation, but anger still pulsed through him. He had shrunk to half his original height - this fact only served to further aggravate him. “Wait, why are you shrinking me? They’re more likely to recognize you, you idiot!” Formaggio froze, mulling over the statement.

“Good point.” Little Feet activated again, this time stabbing it’s own master. “Now we’ll both be in stealth mode.”

“Stealth mode?! This is what you think stealth mode is?” Thankfully, Ghiaccio’s small stature helped to quiet his voice. “Yeah, this way we can slip past them. If we follow that canal behind them, we’ll be back at the hotel in no time.” Formaggio shrugged. He had little patience for the minute or two his stand’s shrinking process took. At least growth was more instantaneous.

“What? Why would we go past them? That’s too dangerous - and how do you know that’s the right road?! You’re just going to get us lost or squished!” Ghiaccio fumed. He stood only a few inches tall now. He’d never been one of Little Feet’s victims before, and the situation was far from comfortable. Everything around them was dizzyingly tall.

“Dude, ‘ve got this. Which one of us is going to be better at navigating while tiny?” Formaggio grinned. The younger assassin was denied time to retort before his comrade darted around the corner.

“Don’t just run off, we need a plan!” Ghiaccio found himself sprinting as well. Being tiny was bad enough, but losing his guide through this gigantic world would be a disaster.

“I have a plan! Step one is keeping up!” Formaggio shouted back at him before turning on a dime to weave through the table legs that cluttered the patio. Ghiaccio followed behind him, his attention split between the ginger and the passione members that towered above them.

Formaggio stopped and crouched behind a chair leg. It sprouted above them like an ancient oak tree of paint and steel. Ghiaccio caught up and stood next to his friend, taking the pause to catch his breathe and let White Album materialize it’s skates on his feet.

“Step two is finding the perfect moment to move.” He pointed to the corner of the cafe. “We won’t have any cover beyond here, so we have to make sure they don’t see us.” He paused, observing the gangsters seated beyond them. “They’ve got six sets of eyes, and we have to avoid all of them.” Ghiaccio peered from behind their cover. “Seven.” He corrected as his eyes landed on the girl partially hidden by the man in a white speckled suit. “Either our intel didn’t know about her before, or they got a new friend. She was looking away from the group, totally disinterested in whatever they were saying.

“Now!” Formaggio practically knocked the boy back with the amount of force he used to push past him. Ghiaccio’s eyes snapped from the girl to redhead’s trajectory.

“Formaggio wait, there’s-!” The assassin had already broken into a full sprint. Her eyes honed in on him like a hawk spotting it’s next meal. Sheila’s chair fell behind her as she jumped to her feet. She made every moment count in her vicious pursuit of the assassin. By the time her allies had processed the sudden explosion of motion, she was halfway to Formaggio. A path of ice formed in front of Ghiaccio, each fractal growing in rhythm with his racing heart beat. His forward glide increased speed with each step, but his new stature hindered him greatly. There was still too much room between him and his friend’s pursuer. She’d catch him soon. He couldn’t let that happen.

He wouldn’t be witness to another tragedy.

Ghiaccio was gaining on her, but she was closing the gap between herself and Formaggio in turn. Even as he accelerated, the chances of reaching the redhead before she did were dismal. And what would he be able to do if he could reach them? Would he give her frostbite? A pit of agony was forming in his stomach. His eyes came to rest momentarily on the canal in front of them. His muscles screamed as he pushed this legs to their limit. There would only be one chance.

Ghiaccio kicked his legs out from beneath himself, landing hard on the ground and skidding forward at the same break neck pace. He could see the girl’s stand materialize and begin to strike downward with it’s claws as he slid past her feet. He stretched his arms out to meet Formaggio’s legs, pulling him to the icy ground with him. The young assassin gripped his teammates legs tightly. The thud of their enemy’s strike hitting the ground millimeters behind them was of little concern to him right now - there was still work to do.

The edge of the canal met them. He released one of Formaggio’s legs and clawed into the edge of the ground. White Album had yet to fully form around his hand. The young assassin could feel his nails cracking and the bricks tearing against his palm as he prayed for the ice flash freezing around his hand to be enough to halt their momentum. The strain threatened to tear his body apart. Tension stretched across him, from the arm that gripped Formaggio across his chest and to the icy support he’d created over his hand. Ghiaccio bit his lip, forcing himself to endure the pain.

The inertia around them abated and the duo was left hanging. Ghiaccio felt as if his rib cage was separating. White album worked fast, creating a ledge of ice below them. At last he could release his grip and let the ice around his hands melt, allowing the two to fall onto the disk of ice below them.

“Holy shit..” Ghiaccio could barely hear the redhead’s voice past the throbbing beat in his ears. “I think you just saved my life.” Formaggio was incredulous.

“Did she see us?” The boy spoke too quickly, his words nearly slurring together. He lay on his side, eyes trained at the sky. He couldn’t see the girl who’d chased them, but he could hear voices from above.

“What the hell were you doing?! Narancia could have tracked them! Why didn’t you just tell us you saw something!” The yelling came from a boy slightly younger than himself. The blonde had caught up to Sheila. He gripped her shoulders. She stared back at him with a snarl. “Do you think I’m supposed to know how to work with you? I don’t even know you!” She grabbed one of the holes in Fugo’s suit for leverage. “I got you here. Be thankful for that and get your hands off me.”

The conversation became clearer the longer Ghiaccio listened. The pounding beat in his ears was still abating. Formaggio backed against the wall and flipped a phone out of his pocket.

“Fuck, this is bad.” He keyed in numbers forcefully and moved the phone to his ear. His foot tapped against the ice as the phone rung in his ear. “Come on Prosciutto, come on..” He glanced toward Ghiaccio, who had sat up. The boy was clutching his right shoulder.

“Hello?” The calm and collected voice of their second in command echoed in Formaggio’s ear.

“Prosciutto, thank god, thing’s aren’t good, we ran into the enemy- they spotted us, I think Ghiaccio’s hurt.” His sentence came out as a mismatched mess as he tried to convey too much too fast.

“Don’t come back to the hotel.” The answer came as a surprise to the redhead. “Stay near them.”

“What - Prosciutto, that’s ridiculous! We’re not off to a good start! We need back up, we need to get out of here!” He demanded.

“Don’t you dare come back here. We don’t need any liabilities.” The blond’s order was more forceful this time, leaving Formaggio in a state of shock.

“How could you say that? What the hell is wrong with you?” His tone became somber as disbelief sank into him. This wasn’t right. Their team would never leave them for dead. Formaggio struggled for an answer. There was nothing but an abrupt click on the other end of the line. Was it just Prosciutto? Or had Risotto quietly given him this order in the past?

The idea of his Capo betraying him stabbed Formaggio through the chest.

“Ghiaccio, how’s your arm? Do you think it might be broken or something??” The redhead focused on something new. The world was overwhelming him right now. He couldn’t handle the feeling of being alone. Sure, being an assassin meant being fundamentally cut off from the normal world, but this was different. Now he had nothing. He’d been severed from society’s underbelly too. Formaggio was left with the sour conjugate of something intimately familiar to him; He felt small.

“I’ll be alright.” The boy tried to push himself to his feet, but winced and recoiled as soon as his damaged shoulder felt pressure. “What did Prosciutto say?” He almost didn’t want to know - he’d never seen such a sullen look on Formaggio’s face. It was so out of the norm that it was almost scary.

Formaggio only blinked in response before lowering his gaze and grasping at the right words. The younger assassin turned toward the voices above them. They’d moved fast enough for their actions to be missed, but their opponents were still searching. He faded back into the conversation.

“There’s still time, it’s just a matter of locating and isolating the right mark. I’m counting on you, Narancia.” The voice was calm and sturdy. Ghiaccio could hear it’s owner moving above them.

“Wait, hold on - You were chasing them towards the canal, right?” There was clear excitement in the young voice. It pulled Formaggio from his trance. “I’ve got something right over the water!”

“Shit, Ghiaccio, I’m going to need you to hold you breath, okay?” The boy’s attention snapped to Formaggio, his expression of alarm mirroring his comrade’s.

“Wait, what are you-!” Before he could even finish his sentence, Little Feet had appeared. In a flash the redhead began to grow to his original size. He wasted no time, swiping up Ghiaccio as he tumbled into the water and shoving the tiny assassin into his pocket. As the distorting shroud of salt water enveloped them, Formaggio kicked off from the brick wall. This beginning to his escape denied him any insight onto their enemies’ actions. He couldn't check to see what they were doing, there was no time.

Salt burned his eyes as the opposite wall of the canal came into view. The ledge wasn’t too high on it’s own, but the assassin knew he’d need to maintain his momentum. He kicked upwards, bursting from the sea and latching onto the wall. The redhead propped his foot against the pavement and propelled himself upwards. His biceps were well trained from similar actions throughout the years. Through his work alone he’d honed his body for traversing even the strangest environments. The act of lifting himself over the ledge and rolling into an immediate sprint came as naturally as breathing.

The world at it’s proper size seemed to lack in possibilities compared to its scaled counterpart. He’d settle for the most direct path in front of him. As Formaggio picked up speed his confidence in their escape grew. He wasn’t in a pinch, not yet.

Something whizzed past him, sinking into the corner of a building as he reached the cover of an alleyway. In the split second as he passed it, he could see the tiny smoking hole that was left behind by the crushed bullet. Fear crept back into the forefront of his mind. He couldn’t get cocky. There was still so much at stake.

Across the canal, Sheila leapt into action once more. In a flash she was running across the bridge that connected the two chunks of city. Bruno’s attention shot to her briefly.

“If she’s not going to listen to us, we can’t be held responsible for what happens to her.” The Capo’s words were directed at Fugo, who was obviously uneasy over her sudden flight. The boy seemed paralyzed between two decisions.

“But if she goes over there..” He shot into motion, sprinting after their headstrong associate.

“Fugo, what are you doing!” Narancia looked away from his stand’s monitor. “If you get in the way of my stand you could get hurt!” Aerosmith continued its pursuit of the assassins into the corridor. Formaggio turned sharply, nearly grazing a wall in the process. There was no time to look behind him. He needed to keep moving, and he needed cover.

The buildings that surrounded him were so dense and streamlined. If no alternative route presented itself, he’d make his own. Formaggio’s gaze swept across the bricks. Just ahead was the perfect option. Cutting from his sprint, he rammed his entire body sideways into a glass panel. The shattering scream of the glass was joined by the eruption of another volley of gunfire.

As the redhead’s body connected with the carpet inside the building, he felt a sting racing up his nerves. He’d broken through glass countless times before, but this was different. His feet felt cold. He lifted himself from the shards on the floor to meet face to face the glowing apparition of a fighter plane. His legs opposed him as he tried to stand. Deep red splotches trailed between Aerosmith and Formaggio. It floated in place, engine roaring. What was it waiting for?

Formaggio gazed at the patches of torn clothing just above his ankles. Stains had already begun to creep outward from the bullet holes.

“Aw, Ghiaccio, listen.” He dug the boy out of his pocket. The younger assassin was dazed and more than a bit disoriented, but the he quickly came to his senses. “They might not know that there’s two of us, so you gotta run or hide. I’ll take little feet’s effect off you soon. Warn the others,” He paused, eyes returning to the stand just beyond the window frame.. “Just be sure they can’t follow you.” He closed his hand gently around Ghiaccio before throwing him under the opposing phantom.

There was a moment of hesitation. Ghiaccio couldn’t leave, not with this thing staring Formaggio in the face. He wanted desperately to be large enough to summon a wall of ice and defend his friend. Formaggio could see his indecision clearly. He grinned at the boy. “I’m not out of tricks just yet.”

- -

The cell phone dropped from Prosciutto’s hand.

What had he just said? Why had he told his friends not to return? He was cracking under the stress, that must be it. The room felt unsteady. He turned toward Pesci.

“Everything’s fine, enjoy your food.”

The blond clamped a hand over his own mouth. Pesci’s dismayed expression only deepened at the sudden tone shift. “Are you sure, fratello?” Pesci hesitated as he spoke. Normally he’d have no reason to question the other - Prosciutto was always collected and precise. But what he’d heard was so jarringly out of character that he knew something was wrong.

Well, not knew. Pesci didn’t want to assume that. He was probably just misunderstanding what kind of conversation the blond had been having over the phone. But if that was the case, why did his brother’s expression look so pained?

“Stay here, Pesci. We can’t leave this building.” More nonsense spilled from his mouth. Why would he urge be urging Pesci to stay in place when their teammates were in danger? Prosciutto searched for some explanation. He could form the words in his mind. He could suck in a breath and feel his vocal chords beginning to vibrate. But as soon as the message rolled off his tongue it was distorted into a fallacy.

Prosciutto dove toward the desk and frantically searched it’s drawer for a pen. Thank god for the free post it notes this place provided. The blond scratched down his message with haste before thrusting the note towards Pesci.

“Fratello,” he spoke carefully, not wanting to further upset the blond. “We already have the front desk’s number listed over there.” Pesci gestured to the nightstand between the two beds.

Prosciutto blinked, astounded at the other’s reply. He turned the note towards himself. Sure enough, he’d scrawled out a phone number with the words “Front desk” over it. He snapped immediately back into his panic. He could feel beads of sweat beginning to form. Was there no way to alert the others of Formaggio’s situation?

An idea struck Prosciutto. If he couldn’t communicate, he’d rely on his team’s intuition.

He turned towards the door and took a deep breath. His demeanor and actions would need to be enough to convey his message.

In a flash the blond flung the door open and shot toward Risotto’s room. Prosciutto kicked the door open. It slammed into the wall and jolted Risotto from the paper he was reading. The two men’s eyes met. In a split second The blond would need his gaze to convey the intense distress and ferocity in his heart.

Just as quickly as he had arrived, Prosciutto departed. He sprinted down the hall, praying that his message would be received.

Wasting no time, Risotto leapt to his feet. His powerful stride led him through the door. Metallica shut it behind him, fusing the lock into place. Pesci’s head stuck out of the doorway down the hall. It didn’t take a single word - his Capo’s stance alone told him that it was time to mobilize. The assassin’s features shifted to match the same determined expression his boss wore.

Prosciutto was far ahead of them, but they swiftly followed.

Behind them, a girl had decided that her chance had arrived. The hotel wouldn’t mind a little more structural damage. If the knob wouldn’t turn, she’d break it apart. If the door wouldn’t open, she’d kick it down.

All across Venice the potential for action had reached it’s peak.

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theinvinciblenoob · 6 years ago

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2018! We did it! Way to go, Earth! We’re number one! We’re number one!

As we do each year, the TechCrunch Staff — our writers, our illustrators, our editors and more — have gathered together and come up with a mega list of our favorite things of 2018.

“Things” here is intentionally defined rather loosely. “Things” here can be a book, or a game, or a concept, or a thought, or an album, or anything else. It can be something that popped up for the first time in 2018, or it can be something we’ve had for a while but found a new appreciation for this year. We tried to limit it to things you, too, might be able to enjoy (so no people from our respective lives, for example) — but beyond that, if it left a positive mark in our lives in 2018, it can make the list.

Here goes!

Greg Kumparak, Editor

Google’s Night Sight Mode

Google recently added a low-light photography mode to its Pixel phones, and it’s just ridiculously good. It’s one of those “Hahaha there’s no way it really works like thaaaOH MY GOD WAIT HOW DID IT DO THAT” features. Other phone makers will be chasing this feature in 2019.

The magical combo that is the Kindle Oasis with a PopSocket

I liked my Kindle Oasis in 2017. It’s light! It’s waterproof! The battery lasts for-freakin’-ever! But the more I use it, the less certain I am that it was actually designed for human hands. The back is slippery smooth, with a weird ridge that looks like it should be easy to hold onto for extended periods of time but isn’t really.

In 2018 I stuck a PopSocket on the back and it changed everything — I’m reading more often, and for much longer stretches. My Kindle has gone from something that lives on my nightstand to something that is always with me. Between the light weight of the Oasis and the flexibility of the PopSocket, it’s the most comfortable reading experience I’ve ever had.

99% Invisible

I’ve been commuting more this year, with the upside being that I’m finally able to catch up on a thousand podcasts I’ve been wanting to listen to forever.

My favorite right now is 99% Invisible — it’s one that friends have been suggesting to me for years, and now I’m sort of mad I didn’t start listening sooner. Each episode focuses on something that we tend to overlook; the history of the places around us, the clothes we wear, the tools we use, etc. They start most episodes with a bit of narrative, then throw you face-first into a rabbit hole. They present a little dangling thread, then spend the next 20-30 minutes tugging on it until your understanding of that thing unravels and reforms. I’m hooked.

Spider-Man for PS4

This game. Just… damn.

I can’t remember the last single player game I enjoyed quite this much. It’s the first game that convinced me to pre-order all of the DLC long before I was even done with the main campaign. It’s the first game I’ve been drawn back to after completing every storyline, side quest and collectible.

There’s too much right about this game to fit into a little blurb like this, but above it all: that webswinging, though. Insomniac Games built a webswinging system that’s intuitive enough to immediately make sense, but complex enough that you can get more adept and precise every time you sit down to play. What could’ve been deeply frustrating instead feels very natural and, before long, wired in. Sequel please.

Devin Coldewey, Writer

Return of the Obra Dinn

At once an interactive storybook, a maddening logic puzzle and a beautiful game, Lucas Pope’s Return of the Obra Dinn bucks pretty much every gaming trend and is a resounding success. Tasked with investigating the fates of all hands aboard the derelict Obra Dinn using an artifact that shows you the scenes of their deaths, you work your way backwards and forward through a strange, compelling story told in freeze frame, snippets of audio and your imagination. Not for quitters — this game is hard.

Vita Nostra

I’ve been disappointed by modern sci-fi, fantasy and magical realism for years, and thought I’d try my luck with this newly translated novel touted as “Harry Potter meets metaphysics in backwater Russia.” A girl is approached by a mysterious stranger offering entrance to a mysterious school… but instead of magic the students seem to be having their minds systematically broken. I was very pleasantly surprised by the freshness, weirdness and intelligence of Vita Nostra, which is nothing like anything else I’ve read, and certainly not in the increasingly overcrowded YA genre, which this only barely fits into. I’d recommend this to anyone over 16 who’s okay with having their mind bent a bit.

My trusty iPhone SE

As everyone in the world fusses about the latest, largest phones, which notch is best and how to get the most out of your virtual assistant, I’m content with my years-old, pocket-sized iPhone SE, in my opinion the zenith of Apple’s design philosophy. It’s been discontinued (I suspect because it was still showing up newer models) and that’s a shame. I wish more things in the tech world worked as well and lasted as long as this phone.

Catherine Shu, Writer

Trekz Air

I belong to a group for fans of true crime podcasts who are also parents of young children. We were wondering how to indulge that interest without traumatizing our offspring and someone suggested bone-conduction headphones, which send sound vibrations through the bones of your cheeks and jaw, keeping your ears open so you remain aware of surrounding noises.

I bought a pair of wireless Trekz Air and they have totally changed my life. Fine, that’s hyperbole, but I love being able to listen to things while keeping an ear out for my toddler, deliveries or traffic. Not surprisingly, the sound quality doesn’t match traditional headphones, but it’s more than clear enough for spoken words. Trekz Air are lightweight and a good option for people who find earbuds uncomfortable but don’t want to lug around over-the-ear headphones. The vibrations tickle at first, but you get used to them.

Paprika (the app, not the spice)

Before downloading Paprika, using online recipes meant printing them out or smearing grease, flour and possible traces of salmonella on my iPhone. Paprika makes everything easier by downloading recipes, cutting out the 2,000 word essays and dozens of photos many food sites publish, and sorting ingredients and directions into organized sections. You also can keep an inventory of ingredients you already own and match that against meal or menu plans to automatically create grocery shopping lists. The iOS and Android apps cost a very reasonable $4.99.

NPR’s Believed podcast

Believed is often painful to listen to, but it is one of the most important podcasts released this year. Through interviews with survivors, their parents, advocates and law enforcement officials, Michigan Radio reporters Kate Wells and Lindsey Smith not only examine how Larry Nassar was able to get away with sexually abusing hundreds of girls and women for so many years, but also how his young victims eventually found their voices and succeeded in bringing him to justice. (For people raising kids, the “Gaslighting” and “The Parents” episodes are essential listening.)

BBC Radio 3 Slow Radio’s episode “Forgotten Sounds”

The episode captures many of the noises that once formed the ambient soundtrack of daily life, but are disappearing as technology advances, including typewriters, printing machines and looms. All are combined by composer Iain Chambers into a gentle medley that’s awesome for background noise if you find music too distracting while you work.

Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee

Lee, a designer, breaks down the aesthetic elements that induce feelings of contentment, wonder and glee: lush bouquets and bright colors, balloons bobbing in the air, gardens hidden in the city neighborhoods, the glow of sunlight against pale yellow walls, a silly pair of socks, the perfect harmony of a Rockettes’ kick line. Her book makes a solid argument for the link between good design and social well-being, while serving as a guide for how you can create more moments of transcendence and joy in your life.

Rookie on Love edited by Tavi Gevinson

I’m more than a decade older than their target age bracket, but I loved Rookie, the online magazine for teenagers edited by Tavi Gevinson, because it was the kind of thing I longed for in high school and I was just happy it existed. It also brought exposure to an amazing group of young writers and artists, including Jenny Zhang, Hazel Cills, Petra Collins and Rachel Hodgson (to name just a very truncated list).

Though the site recently announced it will stop publishing new content, this year also marked the release of Rookie on Love, an anthology of essays, interviews and comics about all kinds of love — romantic, platonic, familial, self — and heartbreak. It is just as remarkable as the Rookie Yearbook series and cements the legacy Gevinson and her colleagues built over the last seven years.

Bougainvillea

Photo by Leonora (Ellie) Enking

Want a plant you can’t kill? Screw succulents. Get a bougainvillea instead. I bought four potted ones and they make me feel like a gardening genius. The bright pink perennial blooms also add a happy note to my balcony on cold and grey days.

Romain Dillet, Writer

VanMoof bike

2018 has been an interesting year for people living in Paris and who love bikes. In 2017, I was using Paris’ bike-sharing system (Vélib) constantly, but couldn’t anymore because the new provider made the whole system unusable.

After a lot of Ofo and Mobike rides, I became frustrated with the unpredictable nature of free-floating services. Will I find a bike? Is the bike broken? And let’s be honest, those bikes tend to suck.

So I switched to a VanMoof Smart X and I love this bike. It’s a solid, connected bike that doesn’t need a ton of attention.

People

This weekend, maybe you can leave your phone in your pocket and talk with people around you. After countless examples of Facebook missteps, multiple digital well-being dashboards and many #quitfacebook hashtags, it’s time to act.

If you were waiting for proof that social networks, ad companies and addictive engagement tricks were hurting your social behavior, now you have it. A tiny little red number shouldn’t stop you from engaging in an interesting conversation with your family, your neighbor, your Uber driver or the person waiting in line in front of you for a concert.

I’m not perfect on this front. The goal isn’t to reach perfection — being mediocre at something is OK. But trying to talk a tiny bit more with people around you is already better than clearing your Instagram feed multiple times a day.

Natasha Lomas, Writer

Open DMs on Twitter

It’s a bit of a love-hate “favorite” because my Twitter account’s noise to signal ratio has inexorably taken a (small) hit after I opened up DMs this year. But, on balance, having to tune out a bit of spam PR/worthless crypto pitches/random “suspicious” photo-messages (which are helpfully autoblocked from being displayed by Twitter anyway) has been worth it to allow some interesting new signals to filter through via direct message.

Email is an alternative channel for this, of course. But the level of inbox noise makes it challenging for this type of “alien signal” to break through. Ditto LinkedIn, which also only offers the messaging feature to paying users or existing contacts. So Twitter — at least for now — offers a decent alternative where interesting strangers can whisper in your ear. There’s no predicting what might happen to the calibre and cadence of these alien signals in the future though. Much like Slack used to claim to aid productivity until it became a self-replicating, attention-sucking virus, comms technologies work until they break from overuse (and/or corporate growth targets…).

Travis Bernard, Audience Development

Sonos’ 5.1 Surround Sound Set

My sound system stopped working this year, so I looked into getting a Sonos system. The price was initially a turn-off, but after using it for the last few months I can honestly say it’s well worth the steep price tag. The sound is stellar, but what’s more impressive was that it only took 30 minutes to set up a 5.1 surround sound system.

Megan Rose Dickey, Writer

OWL Two-way Dash Cam

It’s an always-on camera for my car that gives me peace of mind that no one is smashing my windows or towing my car.

Otter, a transcription service

These transcriptions are the actual best. This tool has become my go-to for transcribing recorded interviews.

Super Mario Party for Nintendo Switch

It’s a fun, pick-up-and-play kind of game that’s great for groups — even if half the group isn’t usually super into games.

Brian Heater, Writer

Hell-On by Neko Case

“God is not a contract or a guy / God is an unspecified tide” is one of the great opening lines, on-par with Patti Smith’s “Gloria” and Nick Cave’s “Into My Arms.”

I don’t know how, but seven records into her solo career, the sometime New Pornographer keeps getting better. Hell-On is an intricately layered and deeply personal expression from an immensely talented singer-songwriter.

Sorry to Bother You

If you haven’t had this spoiled yet, congrats. Turn off all internet notifications and go watch it immediately. Sorry to Bother You is such a beautiful brainfuck in ways the trailer, thankfully, doesn’t begin to approach. True, there’s all of the social commentary one would expect from the directorial debut of Coup frontman Boots Riley, but the movie explores the subjects through shockingly hilarious unexpected avenues.

Muse 2 headset

I’m bad at meditation. Like really, really bad. I may be the only person in the world who actually gets MORE anxious when I sit quietly with my thoughts. I’ve had mixed results with apps (Calm has been my go-to, of late), and while I initially balked at the idea of gamifying the process, I’ve actually found this wearable a useful tool in helping regain my focus, even when not wearing it.

Nancy by Olivia Jaimes

Nancy, Olivia Jaimes’ take on the octogenarian newspaper strip, feels too good for this world. Or at very least, too good for the hate-spewing comments section that follows it around on GoComics.com. You see, newspaper strips are like Ghostbusters or Star Wars. People want a fresh take on something familiar that’s somehow exactly the same as the original. Jaimes has the unenviable task of being the first woman to take on Ernie Bushmiller’s beloved strip, and some of the angrier corners of the internet have not been so kind — causing her to take on a forced anonymity. It’s not for lack of brilliance. Her take on the strip is often hilarious and frequently meta — exactly the sort of stuff we’d hope for Nancy and Sluggo.

Sharp Objects

I travel a lot and do around 75 percent of my movie watching on planes. Turns out you run out of reasonable movie choices pretty fast. Thankfully, I discovered this Showtime series at the beginning of a 16-hour flight back from Hong Kong and proceeded to watch the entire thing, front to back in one leg-cramping binge. It’s the only show that’s held my increasingly short attention span since last year’s Twin Peaks reunion. Sharp Objects leans less on the weird, but has enough left-field twists and turns to make it one of the most engaging series in recent memory.

Sarah Perez, Writer

DoublePane for macOS

I’ve used this for years as a window manager for when I have to drop from 2 screens to 1. I realized how important it was to me this year, when it was one of the first installs on a new Mac.

This $11 clear case for my iPhone XR

I mean, I drop my phone a lot and it’s not cracked yet, but feel free to spend 3x more on Apple’s version.

(also, +1 to what Greg said about PopSockets)

Bryce Durbin, Illustrator

All the Answers by Michael Kupperman

Michael Kupperman is known for hilarious, absurd comics such as Snake ‘n’ Bacon and Mark Twain’s Autobiography 1910-2010, but the author opens up about his own family history in this graphic memoir. His father is “quiz kid” Joel Kupperman, who became world-famous in his youth but retreated from the spotlight after adolescence. The memoir is beautifully rendered in stark black and white drawings as Kupperman tells his father’s life story in an effort to understand his own. Buy it here.

Meet My Friends The Friends

Meet My Friends The Friends is ostensibly a recap podcast about Friends, but you don’t have to like or know the ’90s sitcom to enjoy this.

Tom Scharpling (who also hosts The Best Show) tries to run a smooth ship that seems to be coming apart right from its launch due to infighting with his engineer(s). Running jokes about music cues, sound effects bumpers and fake ads for ridiculous companies and products build throughout the series. Unlike the sprawling Best Show, each episode of MMFTF is about 15 minutes.

Jordan Crook, Editor

Nanette by Hannah Gadsby

I’m a huge fan of stand-up comedy, but no special has ever touched my heart the way that Nanette did. Hannah Gadsby reimagines what a stand-up special can be. She feeds information to the audience bite by bite, whether it’s the sad reality of art history legends or her own personal stories, all the while narrating the underlying meaning of the special. Bottom line: Is it funny? Yes. Very. Does it go beyond funny to something more meaningful? Indeed, it does, and with a combination of authenticity and grace that are rarely paired so well.

Red Dead Redemption 2

If the holidays are a time for rest and reflection, heading into the new year means taking on new challenges. Red Dead Redemption 2 is great for both. It’s a laid back beautiful game that at times feels much more like a movie than a game, and yet the sheer volume of the game is most certainly a vast undertaking. It follows the story of a man, Arthur Morgan, but also the story of a time and place.

Brooklinen sheets

Growing up, my parents’ bed was always the best bed in the house. Not only was it a giant California King (which feels like a cruise ship to a six-year-old), but it was beautiful and had the most luxurious, soft sheets. The older I get, the more I feel pushed to make my bed just as luxurious, and Brooklinen has paved the way. The mix-and-match sheet sets are adorable, and they feel amazing. Plus, they’re pretty affordable.

Lucas Matney, Writer

Apple HomePod

I am what most would call a smart speaker power user. Despite living in an apartment with few distinct rooms, I’ve somehow gotten addicted and am situated with a dwelling that has twice as many smart speakers as it does doors.

As such, I was super intrigued by the HomePod when it came out. I was already an Apple Music user because of the enhanced support for other devices, but I’ve really enjoyed the capabilities of the HomePod beyond its nepotistic relationship with Apple Music. The voice command isolation usurps similarly priced speakers, and the speaker is incredibly well-balanced, with solid bass and volume that fits my needs. Siri’s capabilities are getting there and hopefully Apple gets a little bit more aggressive with what bits are Siri-enabled in the next iOS release. Overall, I am still a big fan of Siri’s most custom-built hardware home.

Logitech Harmony Home Hub

Combining home theater gear into a unified smart system is often the most frustrating tech task you can attempt. This year I picked up a Harmony Home Hub for about $50 and made everything a lot easier. The idea of controlling all of your gear with your phone is sometimes better in theory than it is in practice, but by using the IFTTT app you can create custom Google Assistant or Alexa controls for the Harmony Hub so that you can easily switch between audio and video outputs. I still keep my remotes around, but I’m able to do a good chunk of what I want with my voice.

Oculus Go

The perfect flight companion. I have spent a ton of time with VR headsets and, for the most part, it’s been time I wish I could get back. That being said, I’ve really liked traveling with Facebook’s Oculus Go headset on my last couple long-haul flights. A lack of self-awareness is something Santa can’t put under your tree, but spending 7 or 8 hours with a VR headset strapped to your face binging movies on an airplane is borderline magical if you can stomach the fact that you’ll end up being ridiculed in about a dozen tweets by the end of your flight.

Anthony Ha, Writer

The Leftovers

Friends — and regular listeners of our Original Content podcast — know that it takes a lot for me to stick around for more than one season of a TV show, even a show that I’m enjoying. (There’s just so much else to watch!) But this year, I finally caught up on seasons two or three of HBO’s The Leftovers, and I can now confidently state that it’s one of the best shows ever made.

Aside from maybe Twin Peaks, I can’t think of anything else that mixes goofy humor and existential despair, the surreal and the mundane, so effectively. Carrie Coon delivers an all-time great performance as Nora Durst, a woman whose entire family disappeared in the mysterious Sudden Departure, and when Justin Theroux sings “Homeward Bound,” it’s probably the most emotionally devastating karaoke performance you’ll ever see.

Forest

Like everyone whose working life has moved online, my concentration has been shot to hell, which is why I’ll happily try out anything with a halfway-decent chance of making me less distractible and more productive.

The Pomodoro technique (basically: you work without interruption in 25-minute intervals, then take short breaks) turns out to be less-than-ideal for covering breaking news, but it’s great for other, longer-form writing, like fiction. And while there are plenty of Pomodoro timers in the App Store, Forest has become my favorite, thanks to its playful design, and the cheerful scolding you get when you’re tempted to break concentration by checking your phone.

via TechCrunch

#IFTTT #TechCrunch

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fmservers · 6 years ago

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TechCrunch’s Favorite Things of 2018

2018! We did it! Way to go, Earth! We’re number one! We’re number one!

As we do each year, the TechCrunch Staff — our writers, our illustrators, our editors and more — have gathered together and come up with a mega list of our favorite things of 2018.

Here goes!

Greg Kumparak, Editor

Google’s Night Sight Mode

The magical combo that is the Kindle Oasis with a PopSocket

99% Invisible

I’ve been commuting more this year, with the upside being that I’m finally able to catch up on a thousand podcasts I’ve been wanting to listen to forever.

Spider-Man for PS4

This game. Just… damn.

Devin Coldewey, Writer

Return of the Obra Dinn

Vita Nostra

My trusty iPhone SE

Catherine Shu, Writer

Trekz Air

Paprika (the app, not the spice)

NPR’s Believed podcast

BBC Radio 3 Slow Radio’s episode “Forgotten Sounds”

Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee

Rookie on Love edited by Tavi Gevinson

Bougainvillea

Photo by Leonora (Ellie) Enking

Romain Dillet, Writer

VanMoof bike

So I switched to a VanMoof Smart X and I love this bike. It’s a solid, connected bike that doesn’t need a ton of attention.

People

Natasha Lomas, Writer

Open DMs on Twitter

Travis Bernard, Audience Development

Sonos’ 5.1 Surround Sound Set

Megan Rose Dickey, Writer

OWL Two-way Dash Cam

It’s an always-on camera for my car that gives me peace of mind that no one is smashing my windows or towing my car.

Otter, a transcription service

These transcriptions are the actual best. This tool has become my go-to for transcribing recorded interviews.

Super Mario Party for Nintendo Switch

It’s a fun, pick-up-and-play kind of game that’s great for groups — even if half the group isn’t usually super into games.

Brian Heater, Writer

Hell-On by Neko Case

youtube

“God is not a contract or a guy / God is an unspecified tide” is one of the great opening lines, on-par with Patti Smith’s “Gloria” and Nick Cave’s “Into My Arms.”

Sorry to Bother You

youtube

Muse 2 headset

Nancy by Olivia Jaimes

Sharp Objects

Sarah Perez, Writer

DoublePane for macOS

I’ve used this for years as a window manager for when I have to drop from 2 screens to 1. I realized how important it was to me this year, when it was one of the first installs on a new Mac.

This $11 clear case for my iPhone XR

I mean, I drop my phone a lot and it’s not cracked yet, but feel free to spend 3x more on Apple’s version.

(also, +1 to what Greg said about PopSockets)

Bryce Durbin, Illustrator

All the Answers by Michael Kupperman

Meet My Friends The Friends

Meet My Friends The Friends is ostensibly a recap podcast about Friends, but you don’t have to like or know the ’90s sitcom to enjoy this.

Jordan Crook, Editor

Nanette by Hannah Gadsby

Red Dead Redemption 2

Brooklinen sheets

Lucas Matney, Writer

Apple HomePod

Logitech Harmony Home Hub

Oculus Go

Anthony Ha, Writer

The Leftovers

Forest

Via Greg Kumparak https://techcrunch.com

#TechCrunch

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readingontheedge · 7 years ago

Photo

BOOK INFORMATION:

OUTRAGEOUS, the next Quantum series novel Marie Force is now live!

Read OUTRAGEOUS now!

Kindle US: http://geni.us/q7amz iBooks: http://geni.us/q7ibooks Nook: http://geni.us/q7bandn Kobo: http://geni.us/q7kobo Google: http://geni.us/q7google Kindle CA: http://geni.us/q7amzca Kindle UK: http://geni.us/q7amzuk Kindle AU: http://geni.us/q7amzau

Print Signed copy from Marie’s Store: http://geni.us/q7mfstore Amazon US: http://geni.us/q7amzprt

Amazon UK: http://geni.us/q7amzprtuk

BLURB:

She drives him crazy… In more ways than one.

Every time Leah Holt encounters Quantum Production’s chief counsel, Emmett Burke, the only thing she can think of is how much she wants to lick him. Everywhere. She’s never had that kind of reaction to a man, and the fact that he’s a much-older colleague makes her out-of-control attraction to him far more complicated than it should be. Every day, she brings a new legal question to Emmett, hoping to catch his attention and make him see her as a grown woman who wants him desperately. She walks a fine line in trying to remain professional as the assistant to superstar Marlowe Sloane while lusting after Marlowe’s sexy attorney.

To Emmett, Leah is a fly buzzing around his head who can’t be swatted away. She’s always there, looking at him, asking him legal questions that have nothing to do with his specialty in entertainment law and generally driving him mad with her overt sexiness and sassy mouth. He wants to toss her over his desk and run the sass right out of her, which is hardly the way a professional who loves his job should behave in the office—especially with a young, fresh, sexy colleague. As the author of the company’s policy on inter-office dating, he’s painfully aware of all the reasons he should stay far, far away from her and the tantalizing temptation she represents.

Then Leah gets her chance to step up for Emmett, to help him through an unfortunate “accident” and to show him she’s much more than just a smart mouth and a sexy body. When she realizes she has genuine feelings for him—and that those feelings are returned—she wonders if he will take a chance on her or continue to hold her at arm’s length. Slowly but surely, she chips away at his resistance, and he begins to crave more of her. But Emmett knows if he’s going to let her in, he has to let her all the way in. What will she think when he introduces her to his BDSM lifestyle? Will she still want him the way she does now or will she run away in horror? And what will he do if she runs away?

When Leah confronts a dangerous threat from her past, Emmett is forced to acknowledge that his “annoying little fly” has worked her way firmly into his heart—and his bed.

Also, join the entire Quantum team at the company’s vineyard in Napa for Hayden and Addie’s wedding!

Contains the full TAME edition in the back for those who want all the romance with a less scorching heat level!

AUTHOR BIO:

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, including the indie-published Gansett Island Series and the Fatal Series from Harlequin Books. In addition, she is the author of the Butler, Vermont Series, the Green Mountain Series and the erotic romance Quantum Series. In 2019, her new historical Gilded series from Kensington Books will debut with Duchess By Deception.

All together, her books have sold 6.5 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list many times. She is also a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller, a Speigel bestseller in Germany, a frequent speaker and publishing workshop presenter as well as a publisher through her Jack’s House Publishing romance imprint. She is a two-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award for romance fiction.

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.

Join Marie's mailing list for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter @marieforce and on Instagram. Join one of Marie's many reader groups. Contact Marie at [email protected].

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://marieforce.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarieForce

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/

Newsletter: http://marieforce.com/subscribe/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1508588.Marie_Force

Reader Groups: https://marieforce.com/contact/

Leah

I want to lick him. I want to strip him naked and lick every hill and valley of his muscular body. I want to know if all his muscles are as big as the ones on his arms. I want to ride him like a cowgirl. And then I want to ride him like a reverse cowgirl.

My obsession with Emmett Burke began on my first day at Quantum Productions, where I work as assistant to megastar Marlowe Sloane, a Quantum partner and overall amazing, badass woman. On day one, Emmett was charged with reviewing the company’s nondisclosure agreement with me. Even with Flynn Godfrey’s assistant, Addie, sitting with us, I didn’t hear a word Emmett said about the NDA because I was so fixated on his obscenely sexy mouth. Right there in the Quantum office, I had visions of all the places I’d like to feel that mouth.

Then he mentioned how I could be sued for discussing Quantum business or the partners outside of work, and that got my attention off his mouth, for a second or two, long enough to sign the NDA. I would never blow the amazing opportunity my friend Natalie secured for me after she fell in love with Flynn the superstar and ran away to Hollywood to marry him. But I sure would love the opportunity to blow Flynn’s attorney.

At her wedding, Natalie hooked me up with Marlowe, who hired me on the spot and bought out my contract with the charter school I’d worked for in New York—unhappily, I might add. Teaching wasn’t for me. Being the assistant to one of the top movie stars in the world? Hell to the yes, that’s for me. Marlowe paid for my move to LA, and now that I’m here, doing a job I truly love, I’m the envy of everyone I know.

Telling tales out of school—no pun intended—is not going to happen. I’d never do anything to screw up this sweet deal and the amazing opportunity I’ve been given to have a career I couldn’t have dreamed up for myself.

But me and Emmett Burke? That is so going to happen. If I can just figure out a way to break through his uptight, always-professional demeanor to find the hot-blooded man under the three-thousand-dollar suits that have to be handmade for him because no off-the-rack suit would fit those biceps.

In the meantime, I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about licking him and trying to come up with reasons to talk to him. I wish I had the balls to come right out and tell him I want to suck his dick until he explodes down my throat, but something tells me that wouldn’t be the best career move I could make.

While Emmett isn’t one of the Quantum principals—and let me tell you, the word principal in this business is a whole lot different than it was in the school business—he is best friends and chief legal counsel to Flynn, Hayden, Marlowe, Jasper and Kristian, otherwise known as the bosses. That means I need to tread lightly and keep my drooling and licking to a minimum.

But God help that man if I ever get him alone in a bedroom—or any room that isn’t an office in the building where we both work. I have to laugh at how ridiculous this obsession has become, because it’s truly out of character for me. Before now, before Emmett, my interest in men has been more along the lines of wham-bam-thank-you-sir. I’ve never actually given a shit about any of them. But this one… This one is different, and I knew it right away. Every time I’ve been with him since that first day, and I’m “with him” just about every day, between work and play—these people love to party—I only want him more than I did the day before. It’s insanity. I willingly admit that, but I have no desire to make it stop. No, my desire is entirely focused on making it start.

Sometimes, when I’m home alone at night with my trusty rabbit, I allow my wildest fantasies to take flight. I picture myself with Emmett in every conceivable position, as well as a few that haven’t been invented yet. I’ve begun to anticipate rabbit time a little too eagerly, which is worrisome. I’ve never been the kind of girl to run from a challenge, but I suspect Emmett thinks I’m too young and immature for him.

There’s really no one I can talk to about my “dilemma,” since my closest friends here also work for Quantum or are married or engaged to the partners. Of course, they’re the ones whose opinions I most want because they know him better than I ever will at this frustrating rate.

I’m going to have three whole days with him when we head up to Napa at the end of this coming week for Hayden and Addie’s wedding. I’ve been counting the days with plans to implement Operation Nail Emmett Burke while we’re there. I figure I only need to get Marlowe and Sebastian out of the way, because other than Emmett and me, they’re the only ones who aren’t in relationships. With lovebirds circling all around us, I expect the four of us to end up on our own quite a bit and will fully exploit any opportunities that present themselves without humiliating myself in front of Marlowe.

Fine line that’ll be…

I’ve made up my mind that the weekend in Napa is go time. Enough fantasizing about what I’d do if I had a night with him. It’s time to make those fantasies a reality.

#romantic comedy #amazon #marie force #kindle #love

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makingscipub · 8 years ago

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CRISPR, unicorns and responsible language use

I was looking through my twitter timeline on 12 June, when I came cross a tweet by Dietram Scheufele which said “’bend nature to our will.’ #CRISPR frame in new #Doudna book might resonate differently across audiences […] #scicomm”. The tweet made reference to an article by Sharon Begley in STAT News about Jennifer Doubna’s new book, co-authored with Samuel Sternberg, A Crack in Creation: The New Power to Control Evolution, in which they reportedly write that it “won’t be long before CRISPR allows us to bend nature to our will”. I became curious about this new book and its grand claim.

The book: publicity and reactions

On 16 June, Jennifer Doudna, a pioneer in a new way of modifying or ‘editing’ genes called CRISPR Cas9, came to the UK to talk with Adam Rutherford about her new book at a Hay Festival event held at the Royal Society. CRISPR Cas9 is based on exploiting the way that bacteria snip out parts of an invading virus’s DNA “and keep a bit of it behind to help them recognise and defend against the virus next time it attack”. Scientists, like Doudna, have “adapted this system so that it could be used in other cells from animals, including mice and humans”.

The blurb for the event (which I could unfortunately not attend) says: “’A Crack In Creation’ also asks us to consider what our new-found power means: how do we enjoy its unprecedented benefits while avoiding its equally unprecedented dangers? As Doudna argues, every member of our species is implicated in the answers to these questions. Somehow we must consider and act together. The future of humankind – and of all life on Earth – is at stake. This book is an essential guide to the path that now lies ahead.” (From what I can ascertain, unicorns were not mentioned at the event)

It appears that Jennifer Doudna wants to stimulate public debate about this new technique for genetic manipulation or gene or genome editing. This is a great example of what some call ‘upstream’ engagement with an emerging technology by one of its founders. This is also an example of what people would now call responsible innovation. As one reviewer of her book, Peter Forbes, says: ”It’s always difficult when something like this [gene editing] happens to sort the hope from the hype, but anticipation is now intense. Doudna does, though, sound many notes of caution.”

Another review of Doudna’s book by Nathaniel Comfort, is a little bit more critical and says: “Rather than guiding us through the ethical thickets of precision genetic engineering, or providing a candid, warts-and-all look at one of the great scientists of our time, the book mainly polishes her ‘good scientist’ image and rationalizes the unfettered self-direction of human evolution, within liberal bounds of safety, efficacy and individual choice.” I became more and more curious.

Unicorns, dragons and flying pigs

Let’s get back to the article mentioned in the tweet by Scheufele. After reading that tweet, I read the article by Sharon Begley for STAT news entitled, intriguingly, “CRISPR pioneer Doudna envisions a world of woolly mammoths and unicorns”. We are told that: “This Doudna doesn’t hold back. We are ‘on the cusp of a new age in genetic engineering and biological mastery,’ she and Sternberg write, dangling the prospect of ‘life-changing treatments’ and ‘lifesaving cures.’ She says she is ‘not kidding’ that CRISPR could bring about ‘woolly mammoths, winged lizards, and unicorns. … It won’t be long before CRISPR allows us to bend nature to our will.’”

Wow, I thought, these are some claims. I also asked myself whether this is really how one sorts “the hope from the hype”? And I wondered whether and how the unicorns were picked up by other news articles reporting on the book (they were not mentioned in the Forbes and the Comfort reviews).

I found an article for CBC radio that notes: “Imagine a world where genetic diseases can be edited and cured, where pigs can be ‘humanized’ to use their organs for transplants in people — and where we might even run into unicorns or winged dragons.”

Here lizards have turned into dragons. Interestingly, dragons had been discussed in the context of gene editing, but one of the co-authors of the book had intimated that they would not be created: “Dr Sam Sternberg – formerly of the University of California’s Doudna Lab, which pioneered work with CRISPR-CAS9 – said […] he is not hopeful genetic engineers could ever cross the Rubicon to create dragons.” (BBC interview, 3 January, 2016)

The other article appeared in The Daily Beast and was entitled “New DNA tech creating unicorns and curing cancer for real”. Unicorns and dragons are here joined by yet another mythical creature: “Scientists say that CRISPR-Cas9 may soon allow them to perform miraculous fixes to eliminate or alter mutations that cause everything from some cancers to Parkinson’s disease. More whimsically, the technology could be used to create, say, a unicorn, or a pig with wings; though it’s unlikely they could make swine fly.” Lizards have turned into flying pigs….

Unicorns in context

I was now thoroughly hooked; I ordered the paperback edition of the book; and read it. It is a breezy and enjoyable account of the whirl-wind in which Jennifer Doudna found herself after the discovery of CRISPR Cas9, a new way to target and edit genes.

This rather personal account of excitement and collaborations is interspersed with cautious reflections on the social and ethical implications of CRISPR, but also with references to mastery (“over the code of life”, p. 113; “to rewrite the very molecules of life anyway we wish”, p. 119) and control (chapter 4 is called “Command and Control” echoing the subtitle of the book: “The New Power to Control Evolution”). Control and caution jostle with each other.

I also found the unicorns. They make their appearance in chapter 5 entitled “The CRISPR menagerie” (paperback, p. 117). Here is the quote that got some people so excited: “Within a few decades, we might well have genetically engineered pigs that can serve as human organ donors – but we could also have wooly mammoths, winged lizards and unicorns. No I am not kidding.”

The next paragraph goes on to say: “It amazes me to realize that we are on the cusp of a new era in the history of life on earth – an age in which humans exercise an unprecedented level of control over the genetic composition of the species that co-inhabit our planet. I won’t be long before CRISPR allows us to bend nature to our will in the way that humans have dreamed of since pre-history”. We are back to the tweet that set me off in chase of unicorns.

I couple of pages later the book’s sometimes breakneck foray into a new CRISPR world populated by novel plants and animals, including unicorns, is somewhat slowed down by a note of caution: “We have a responsibility to consider the ramifications in advance and to engage in a global, public, and inclusive conversation about how to best harness gene editing in the natural world, before it’s too late.” This is a call for ‘Responsible Research and Innovation’ or RRI.

Unicorns and responsible language use

A Crack in Creation has, it seems, three aims: firstly and mostly to convey the excitement of CRISPR; secondly to point out emerging risks (especially with relation to germline editing); and thirdly to stimulate public debate. My question is: are unicorns the right way to go about stimulating this debate?

I have written quite a few posts about CRISPR, some more about responsible innovation, and some others where I try to include responsible language use in the RRI agenda. I have also written an article with Carmen McLeod entitled “The dilemma of raising awareness responsibly”. The book certainly exposes this dilemma.

Viewed from the perspective of RRI and responsible language use, A Crack in Creation might therefore not only stimulate public debate about CRISPR; it might also stimulate debate about responsible language use. As we have seen, unicorns grab public and media attention; but are they good examples of responsible language use, especially since they can easily morph into flying pigs?

Master builders

This episode in the history of gene editing and public engagement reminded me of the early days of nanotechnology, where excitement mingled with concern and public discussion. At the time (around 2003/2004), a former colleague of mine, José López wrote about the trope of the master builder which he saw running through some of the early nanotech discourses, a trope that is also commonly used in science fiction. In an interview he pointed out:

“’Looking at science fiction helps us understand how we talk about nanotechnology. Science fiction usually relies on revolutionary technology or a major event to define how society works. Nanotechnology gets talked about like that—some argue that it will change everything,’ López says. This world-changing technology or event is called a novum—time travel and parallel universes are classic examples. Science fiction then typically includes a master builder who interacts with the novum and drives the story line. ‘With this mindset, we perceive nanotechnology—and the scientists driving it, the master builders— as a way to reconstruct a new world,’ López says. ‘We’re speaking the language of hubris to think we can control the future in this way. We have to remember that nanotechnology is still in its infancy.’”

This is perhaps something we should reflect on in all the excitement and promise surrounding gene editing today, as it has implications for science, society and science communication.

Image: A unicorn, woodcut after C. Gessner, 1551, Wikimedia Commons

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