#characterization in these early chapters is fantastic

[oacest]

oacest scholars, do you have any gcest fic recs for a beginner?

we decided to answer this in brief and limit ourselves to three recs each or, as evidenced by past failures to answer this same simple and straightforward request from other people, we'd spend forever quibbling about our choices and never actually post the dang thing. here, in no particular order, are some good jumping off points:

trill's recs:

1) @snickfic's baby, you're gonna be the one that saves me, aka my fave fic (technically series, it's got two parts) in this entire fandom. in which liam gets knocked up in the mid 90s by someone who's not noel, to noel's intense anguished jealous heartbreak mild dismay. even if you're not really into mpreg this one is well worth it. the characterization is god tier. bal and i insisted that jackie, who staunchly doesn't like mpreg, read it and even she was converted.

2) i could be your lover, you could be all mine, by hapaxlegomena. a collection of unconnected porn ficlets. lots of extremely tasty stuff in here, i reread random bits of it regularly.

3) the D'YA WANT SOME? series by one of our own triumvirate, bal! im sure she's squirming in horror that im including it but it is by far the best, most well-written, most well-characterized, thoughtful, hilarious, hot, fascinating work in this whole fandom imo, and is a perfect intro to the whole concept of pre/early days oasis and what noel+liam might have been getting up to behind the scenes (as it were) before they were famous.

bal's recs:

1) Filmstar, an orphaned fic on Ao3. This one gets recced plenty but for good reason. It's very funny in a deadpan way and the Liam in it is such a perfect little weirdo. It's a great fic to start with, readable even if you don't know all the lore and whatnot.

2) outta sight and outta mind by lustmord. this author writes Trauma and specifically the brothers' trauma in a way I find endlessly compelling. (for all that Everyone Knows about their shitbag dad, it is still such an unspoken and often unpredictable presence in the room; you can't really get into them without tangoing with it in some fashion)

3) Let Me Be The One, by @savageandwise. absolutely fantastic Liam voice, this author just GETS him. I often think about this quote as a literal thesis statement for Noel's whole insane deal:

You think he's perfectly willing to allude to it in public if he's the one pulling the strings. Cause he thinks he's cleverer than the rest of the world. He thinks it's edgy and rock and roll when he does it. It's his brand of anarchy. And when you do it you're just stupid and embarrassing and determined to destroy everything.

jackie's recs:

1) Trying To Find A World That's Been and Gone by @storyshark2005. my colleagues graciously let me be the one to put it on my list because this is Thee fic. as we were all getting into Oasis initially, this fic was our constant companion and teacher, holding our hand as the fixation unraveled within us. it's a present-day fic that beautifully and masterfully unpacks the entirety of their relationship from the glory days to the estrangement and it is so jam-packed with research and details, you can just assume that everything that's being referenced is based on something that actually happened. in my opinion, this is where any new fan should start.

2) If I Had a Gun by @savageandwise. it's probably cheating to put another fic by this author when bal's already done it, but... I don't care lmao. in many ways we're splitting hairs because all this author's fics are worth your time. but I do hold a special place for this one because it so wonderfully captures the tenuousness of their dynamic at any given moment. how they could go from fighting to flirting to hating each other to needing each other in rapid succession. it feels so true.

3) Here's Looking At You, Kid by RedheadAmongWolves. don't be thrown off by the fact that this is one chapter away from completion, it's still totally worth it. the characterizations are great, the vibes draw you in, the UST is delicious. honestly, this is really meant to function as an overall author rec. there were several here I could've chosen.

[pikamemfo]

HxH Reread Chapters 2-7

• Isn't it a little funny that the first time we ever see Kurapika and Leorio, Kurapika is sleeping (which we will never see him do voluntarily again) and Leorio the pre-med student is...blatantly not tending to the seasick passengers as Gon is going around giving them some helpful herbs.

• There's something really odd about this panel lol. Kurapika just looks so stumpy and Leorio's weird pose—I can't.

• Kurapika saying that he considers lying a sin equivalent to greed😭. This poor guy has no idea what he's going to be doing in two years. Although, off the top of my head, I can't remember a time Kurapika directly lied to anyone. By omission, sure, all the time. He intentionally misleads people with his ability quite frequently. But straight up saying something that's not true?

• The fav hath appeared:

• Kurapika is so much more prickly than I remember. I can believe him referring to Leorio by the wrong name being an accident, but he's truly taking shots for no particular reason, and while he's not particularly nice to other people he meets throughout the story, he's also not this combative on the regular (although this very well could be another instance of him repressing his more animated personality traits in favor of the cold rationality he believes his mission requires). Of course, Leorio fires back with the whole "I'm going to finish off the Kurta bloodline" threat which is just...h u h ??? Overkill much? The tension is resolved as they're soon able to recognize the common ground between them but they bicker a lot during these opening chapters.

• It reminds me a lot of Pariston & Ging, actually, whom they'll later parallel as the replacement Zodiac members. They're two people who feel as though they're on opposite ends of every spectrum (although this is much more exacerbated between the elder two) given their seemingly contradictory beliefs on the Hunter position, value of money vs bonds, etc, but their personalities are quite similar. All four of them are defined heavily by their pride, and with Kurapika and Leorio specifically, they share similar short tempers and defensive anger when they feel something poking at their insecurities. That said, behind their statements, Leorio and Kurapika share similar core values to the extent that it almost feels like they're arguing for the same thing, and the slow recognition of these similarities throughout these five chapters (from when they grab onto Gon to protecting the children of the monster in the trial to revealing their backstories) is what allows for a mutual respect to form between them.

• It's a nice little touch that Kurapika voices a bit of confusion when Gon tells them he's going to go check the tree the Old Man told him to take but still decides to follow Gon anyway—not just because he thinks Gon is right—but simply because he finds Gon interesting. This indicates Kurapika's strength of not just collecting and using information, but knowing who to trust. It also shows that he took a chance on Gon anyway when pressed with two options primarily out of curiosity, perhaps because he recognizes some similarities in the way he was as a kid in Gon's mannerisms today, and feels a burst of nostalgia and/or wonders how different their paths will be going forward.

• It's really incredible how through these few intro chapters, we've already been given clear insight into these characters' strengths and weaknesses. Gon is incredibly adaptable and perceptive, always looking to apply what he knows in the present. So when presented with this tough choice during the quiz, or a woman he doesn't know being kidnapped by some magical monster, he doesn't stop to consider the how's and the why's, and jumps right in to what he can do in the moment or what choice he'll make if faced with the decision right now. This of course leads to reckless moves that can hurt both himself and the people around him.

• Kurapika has immense knowledge and the ability to apply it during tense situations to recognize key details that will help him find a way out. But his vision is not focused forward; it's intensely retrospective, which may cause him to neglect aspects of his life and the situation at hand that are vital to consider past the short-term goal. Leorio on the other hand is capable of using his past to drive his future, deciding to become a doctor to help others to prevent the tragedy of his past from occurring again. He's compassionate because he's able to use the empathy he feels for those suffering similar to him as fuel to aid them, healing himself in the process. In terms of impact, the end goal is narratively similar to Kurapika's goal of preventing the Phantom Troupe from hurting someone else, but offers Leorio a chance to grow by strengthening the bonds connecting himself to the world whereas Kurapika, by his own command, isolates himself because he doesn't want to heal out of fear that it might make him betray his clan's memory (which it won't because Pairo literally told you to have a fun journey, you absolute loser). Back to Leorio though, his major flaw seems to be this chip of insecurity he has perched on his shoulder which is probably why he reacted so poorly to Kurapika's insults, and why he's so susceptible to Tonpa's aggravations during Majority Rule later on. He is able to overcome this chip in bursts like when he takes off his shirt and keeps running forward (side note: did y'all notice Gon waited for him? Because he can't help but want to push forward the people who have been left behind by everyone else?) unlike the computer exam taker.

• What do you mean Tonpa started taking the Hunter's Exam at 10?? We've 100% been underestimating this guy, the fact that he's been surviving this exam since way back then?

• Killua looks so ragged here lol. His competitive spirit is also highlighted a lot in Chapter 7, with him noting that he's taking the Hunter's Exam solely for fun since he thought it would be tough, and how he decides to run after hearing Gon's age even though he just had and won an argument against Leorio arguing for the honor of his skateboard.

That's it for these 5 chapters! What a great batch of concise intro chapters to really help you get a feel for these characters.

[imakemywings]

Below will be fanfic recs for TOLKIEN, HADES, DRAGON AGE, MASS EFFECT ANDROMEDA and THE TERROR. Once again, I’ve tried to break the Tolkien recs down by character groupings but you all know what a thankless task that is. Asterisks by particular faves! (〜￣▽￣)〜

(Photo credit to Craig Pattenaude on Unsplash.)

Past fanfic rec lists

Tolkien

Sindar

As a River Flowing Into the Sea by Melesta - E - 3.2k - Elwing nurses a long-standing crush on Princess Idril. Love the symbolism and the characterizations here!

Bitter was Their Parting by Atalantie - G - 2.2k - I can’t speak, I’m crying about Arwen and Elrond.

Different Ways to Light a Path by baby_bat_98 - G - 5.1k - If you are looking for early stages of Gimli and Legolas coming to understand each other this fic is for you! Legolas is having a very bad no good time in Moria and Gimli offers some assistance.

* Chain and Trammels by am_fae - G - 322 - AHHH! It is SO testament to Lark’s writing ability that so much is fit into such a short fic. This speaks VOLUMES about Melian and her choices pre-canon and throughout Silm. And so poetically written, as always!

Hemlock and Niphredil by theScrap_Witch - G - 4k - Absolutely wonderful and crushing examination of Thingol and Elrond in Aman bonding over a daughter who chose mortality.

* A King is He That Can Hold His Own by iddump - I hear you. But Mae, you say, you’ve recced this fic like five times already. but listen. Listen. This week’s new chapter was so good it has to go on here again. Blown away once more by iddump’s grasp not only on the characters but their relationships with each other. This fic is a thesis statement on Maedhros and Thingol and I am here. for. it.

Nothing Beside Remains by TheChasm - G - 1k - Elrond and Elros take a trip to Doriath and everything is bittersweet. Wonderful exploration of their relationship to each other as well as to their family history.

* The Redemption of Daeron by Runedhel - T - 7.3 - Entirely in verse, this dedicated love letter to Tolkien and Daeron in particular blew me away. This author has fantastic talent and I was amazed at how well Tolkien's poetical style was captured. And of course, I love a happy ending for Daeron, even if it takes him a while to get there <3

The Self is Not So Weightless by Alyss_Baskerville - G - 1.3k - Sobbing again over Elwing meeting Thingol in Valinor. Absolutely wonderful fic!

To Speak of Nothing by Alyss_Baskerville - G - 3.7k - Honestly going a little wild over this take on Elrond and Elros’ relationship with Maedhros and Maglor. This look at the twins’ final goodbye to their kidnappers and caretakers is SO good and also shows how each of them views it a little differently.

Noldor

The Beloved by am_fae - E - 7.1k - Lark literally never misses. Once again Finrod and Sauron’s dynamic is utterly transfixing and their growing internal conflict over their feelings is delicious.

* Calma, Lambe, Lambe, Ore by sallysavestheday - G - 656 - Maglor and Daeron both made me laugh here and I loved the tone of this piece. Pretentious Maglor and snarky Daeron makes for such a fun dynamic.

The Chain that Snaps by am_fae - T - 5k - This masterpiece comes to a stunning and explosive conclusion to masterful effect. The emotions here come through so powerfully and vividly you can't help but be on the edge of your seat.

Deliberate by unendingwanderlust - E - 1.1k - Delightful bit of Meladriel smut with Galadriel getting the spanking she sorely needs. Very fun character dynamics!

Ensnared by swanmaiden - E - 749 - Messy messy Celegorm fucking one of his followers. His attitude here is so believable and as usual, Heather excels at capturing self-destructive characters. Nice work!

Hearth Fire by Atalantie - G - 1.4k Lovely little look at a tenderer, if still contentious, relationship between Feanor and Findis as the rebellion of the Noldor draws nigh.

In Fields of Gold by Arveldis - G - 350 - This is such a lovely glimpse of Finwe and Indis’ happiness and love. Beautiful imagery!

Just Call Me Home by sallysavestheday - T - 1k - A sweet moment between Celebrimbor and Finduilas after Celebrimbor disowns Curufin. Very touching <3

Maglor Indebted by SpaceAsthmatic - T - 8.2k - Very interesting look at Third Age relationships! When Maglor is badly wounded, he’s found and nursed back to health by an unlikely culprit–Legolas, only child of Thranduil, former Doriathrim. I really enjoyed the character interactions here!

Most Grievous of Partings by AngelQueen - T - 2.3k - Ahhh this look at Feanor and Nerdanel’s last parting is SO </3 The author does a great job capturing Nerdanel’s perspective.

Sown as Seed in the Dark by Melesta - G - 837 - The flowers are on Fingolfin’s side. Beautiful dialogue, and another angle for us all to weep about Fingolfin.

Starless by ncfan - T - 1k - Wonderfully claustrophobic look at Aredhel’s pregnancy in Nan Elmoth.

Tapestry of Years by NiennaWept - M - 5.7k - Love the dynamic between Galadriel and Melian here, and how despite her best intentions, Galadriel just can’t stay away.

True Wife by spellworth - G - 700 - You know that feeling when you supported someone on something because it seemed right and then later you realized they were totally in the wrong? Nerdanel knows that feeling :’) Fantastic dialogue and I love how the relationship between Feanor and Nerdanel is portrayed here.

Untitled by tanoraqui - This is such a fun look both at Finarfin’s relationship with Earwen as well as his position as Finwe’s youngest child. Great prose and a really sweet relationship between Finarfin and Earwen here!

Untitled by that-angry-noldo - ugly crying about Finarfin and Finrod’s relationship…also Finrod’s relationship with Nargothrond…really great work in using only a few lines to convey so much.

* Wan Little Husks of Autofiction by clovis_unleashed - T - 7.6k - Ahhh this is SUCH a fucking fantastic characters study of both Maglor and Daeron and how they are processing the Feanorian violence of the First Age a long time past. Absolutely phenomenal conceit of the conversation allegedly being about music. Cannot recommend enough.

Who did I suborn to do this piece? by birrdieEdwards - M - 1.1k - Fucking oof, brutal look at the kinslaying at Sirion with a painfully realistic Maglor and just enough canon divergence to make it that much more tragic.

Men

Ease Out the Thorns by myliobatis - G - 1k - Eowyn tries to help her soon-to-be-wife Faramir feel more comfortable in her own skin. A really sweet fic <3

The Horn of Gondor by saentorine - T - 3.5k - Very sweet and yet foreboding look at Boromir in the final days of Finduilas’ pregnancy with Faramir.

Labor of Love by Scyllas_revenge - G - 2.6k - Little Aragorn with his Super Serious crush on Arwen is adorable and poor Bilbo gets caught up in this XD

The Last Queen of Numenor by NevillesGran - G - 2.1k - Beautiful meeting between Tar-Miriel and Earendil at the fall of Numenor. Really captures the mythological energy!

Lavender Fields by Spurandsaddle - T - 507 - Arwen is less-than-subtle with her flirting, but it still takes Eowyn a moment to grasp it.

Rebuilding by bomberqueen17 - M - 7.7k - Excellent portrayals of both Eowyn and Lothiriel. A believable coming-together after the fight for Minas Tirith and good explorations of their feelings about their roles in life generally!

Ride Out with Me by raiyana - E - 2.1k - A really cute Eowyn/OFC fic from Eowyn’s youth!

Terra Incognita by aurembiaux - E - 8.1k - Faramir’s only been with men. Eowyn’s only been with women. They both try to get through their wedding night without having to admit this. Cute, sweet, funny.

With Every Seed You Sow, Let it Wash Away, Wash Away by hexagons - G - 3.9k - A beautiful exploration of Faramir post-canon and his budding friendship with Legolas. Excellent character portrayals!

Hobbits

Come True by Vulgarweed - G - 1.7k - Cute little fic about Elanor Gamgee meeting one of her heroes: Eowyn of Rohan.

Hades

Eternal Reward by cyankelpie - G - 2.3k - A lovely and touching look at the start of Asterius and Theseus' friendship.

Night Sightings by youtomyme - E - 6k - Sexy voyeurism between Hades and Persephone with Nyx's help.

Dragon Age

Anything Worth Doing by @chocochipbiscuit - E - 4.7k - Fabulous look at both Aveline and Isabela and the shift in their relationship after Aveline and Donnic divorce. I really enjoyed how real this felt (but still sexy!) I felt like this captured believable attitudes for women well into adulthood and that was very enjoyable.

Mass Effect Andromeda

Drusilla's Phosphorescent Adventure by drladybird - T - 6.6k - This is SUCH a fun look at Peebee and Vetra's relationship. Their banter fascinated me in-game and this fic does a commendable effort at capturing both the initial tension and the developing friendship.

Not So Recent History by Inquartata - T - 2.8k - Hundreds of years after the Andromeda Initiative arrives, Ellen Ryder awakes and meets Peebee, then a matron. Honestly, this fic convinced me that Ellen/Peebee is a far more compelling ship than Rybee. Let Ellen have some fun!

The Terror

Come Knocking by wildflower_47 - E - 3.5k - Delightful shenanigans when Francis, newly promoted, arrives at Franklin's house with a polite gift and is waylaid by a very intent Sophia. Love the dynamic of their relationship here!

Dark Red by flowermasters - E - 2.8k - Tasty sexy university AU where Francis is a professor at Sophia's university and she likes having a toy around. Really does a great job capturing the physical intimacy combined with the absence of true emotional intimacy.

An Ember, Stoked by Anonymous - E - 3.7k - Did you know "The Terror" has the most fanfics in the "sexual dysfunction" tag? Jopson is here to help Captain Crozier out with that.

Find the Wind to Fill My Sails by mothicalcreatures - G - 1.1k - A really touching moment where Sophia helps transwoman!Crozier explore privately presenting as a woman for the first time.

State of Grace/A Closing Flower by sshysmm - T - 432 - A short, sweet moment between Sophia and Francis before the departure of the expedition.

[joannechocolat]

The Final Chapter

A review – well, sort of – of Chris Fowler’s WORD MONKEY.

There are books that you never want to end. Sometimes it’s because of the thrilling plot; or the fantastic world of the story;  or that the central characters are so engaging that it’s hard to say goodbye. Whatever the reason, it has taken me a very long time to reach the end of my old friend’s final book. Not because it was dull – quite the reverse; it may be the finest, funniest, most sincere, the wisest thing he has ever written – but because I didn’t want to reach the final chapter.

This is the memoir Chris Fowler always spoke of writing. The first instalment, PAPERBOY, was the story of his childhood; a life dominated by books, films and comics in a working-class household where no-one understood his passion. The second chapter, FILM FREAK, was the account of a young, ambitious gay man at the start of his career, obsessed with the movies, desperately seeking work in a collapsing industry. The third, WORD MONKEY, was to be the story of a successful career in books, his advice to budding writers, his thoughts on the industry, all presented with the same joie-de-vivre, keen observation, hilarious wisdom and lightness of touch that characterized the previous two. And it is – it’s all those things, and more. More, because it’s also the tale of the final chapter in a life, the last pages of which I read in real time against the backdrop of the pandemic and everything that came with it, including Chris’ diagnosis with terminal cancer and his final, dazzling flare of creativity before the end.

Before I go on, some context. Chris and I were friends a long time – over 30 years, in fact. It began with a letter I wrote as a very new author, thanking him for my only review. From there it developed into a regular correspondence (I still have a stack of those letters, many of them detailing things that later appeared in the books, always funny and generous, and illustrated with little cartoons); and then a growing friendship. We were different in many ways, but we shared a love of books and films, and it was in Chris’ nature to help other writers whenever he could. He saw the rise of my career from teacher to bestselling novelist. He was there at my highest and lowest points. He found me my first proper agent. His company did the advertising campaign for the movie of CHOCOLAT. When he moved from Kentish Town to King’s Cross, I bought a pied-à-terre down the road, and we met up whenever I was in town, usually for a breakfast that would go on till lunchtime.

At the beginning of lockdown, both of us were diagnosed with cancer. They found mine early. His, too late. Over the next three years I tried to come to terms with his terminal diagnosis. I didn’t really believe in it; he was still so full of life, so upbeat, so creative. We corresponded by e-mail and text from our respective chemo chairs; he told me funny stories about his life and his doctors. When lockdown ended, we met up again for our usual breakfasts in King’s Cross. I think I expected to see a change; but he looked and sounded just the same; and he was still writing furiously. In December 2022 he finished editing his memoir; by then he was unable to leave the flat, and I went to see him at home for the last time. I didn’t know it would be the last time, of course, but it’s rare to know these things as they happen. He was getting frail by then, but mostly he was just the same; clever and funny and cheery and filled with stories and book recommendations and accounts of obscure European films that I absolutely had to watch. And he was still writing furiously; short stories, blog posts, tweets, even a new Bryant and May book (he joked that it would have to be a short one). I told him I loved him. He said it back. That was the last time I saw him, although our correspondence went on right up till the end, in March, just weeks from his 70th birthday.  

I still find it hard to believe he’s gone. His voice is still so clear in my mind. And I still see him all over King’s Cross; in bookshops and theatres and cinemas. In the comics and record shops we visited together; in countless breakfast places. And it’s here, in this book, the final chapter of a life well lived, a quite extraordinary life, crowned with achievements (which he typically downplays) and filled with humour and stories. It’s all here, and it’s wonderful, and it fills me with admiration at the talent of the writer, as well as the courage of a man who can take something as bleak as a terminal cancer diagnosis, and work it into something like this; a celebration; joyous, true and filled with unflinching insight.

I don’t know why I feel surprised. I always knew how good he was. But this is more than just a dazzling piece of writing. It’s a testament to the power of words; a reminder that through them, you can shine even beyond that darkness; that life is short, and love is long; and stories can live forever. This is why we write, after all; to push away the shadows. To connect with each other across the years. To celebrate what brings us joy; to prove that we are not alone. So read this book, and read the rest of this astonishing trilogy. And be inspired – as writers, as readers – by the boy who dreamed of the stars, and learned to live forever.

[lenny-rambles]

About nothing in particular, a bit of Zolu in general, and some fics here and there

Holy smokes, I've had a week. In between exams, my cat getting lost, more exams and work I haven't got the time to actually ramble about anything, which is pretty sad (to me).

HOWEVER.

This doesn't mean to suggest I didn't read anything at all. Oh no, you'd be greatly mistaken to assume that's the case. I devoured a lot of fics this week, in an attempt to release stress because my house was also inhospitable for some days. So, I decided to read and re-read some fics, because that's how I deal with my problems (that is to say, I don't).

It's very interesting to see how their relationship's been depicted through the years! Like, one of my favorite tags for them is "Devotion" (because that's SO them), and the tag's got 60 works, barely. And it was first used in 2019, for a romance fic. That's barely any time at all in OP time! I don't know why though, maybe everyone knew it but struggled to put it into words (like them). As in, everyone would assume right out of the bat that that's their dynamic. Or maybe not! You can never know with fandoms, the fact that Agenda Piece exists still surprises me.

Also, I've grown the habit of reading through an author's works rather than just searching with tags. Like, if there's a fic I really liked I'll go into their profile and read more. And almost every time they have more! It's always a thrill when they have like old works, it comes to show how much they've improved, and how their characterization also evolves with them!

One of my favorite examples of this, that I discovered this week, is the series Fantastic Idiots And Where To Find Them.

Title: Fantastic Idiots and Where To Find Them (series)

Author: Mir4le

Relevant Tags: magic school AU, ASL brothers (my beloved), Law, Zoro, first person POV, on going, maybe there are ships maybe not

Now, disclaimer from me. No one here's endorsing the terf's work as in "go read her stories, they are good", because they aren't. And giving her money in anyway is terrible (in my humble opinion), she poses a lot of terrible ideas for both Trans and Feminism Activism. I hate the woman, and her story is not even that good. She holds A LOT of unethical and incorrect social theories (like eugenics, ew) in her books, AND REFUSES to reconsider or anything. She thrives in the attention she gets from that, I'm sure. Sadly, nostalgia is a bitch, and her books where probably the first I read entirely in english, and through piracy, so I still have some sort of appreciation for them, as terrible works of fiction as they are.

The good news is that the setting is so unbelievably generic that you could say "generic witch society" and that would do just fine, so that's what I'm doing. It's a generic witch society boarding school AU. Ah, the thing. The fic's written in first person POV (sighs), so if that's no your cup of tea you should stay away. The narration improves, the POV never stops being first person. I'm not exactly a fan of first person POV, but I was looking for fic with Law in them, so I picked it up.

Now, the first few chapters where... an experience. They were the author's first work, and you could tell. I don't mean anything mean with that, it's just Difficult to pin the POV for me, so I struggled a bit. Nevertheless, the prompt was interesting enough to keep me going, even if I kinda rushed through some stuff (sorry). It was also noticeable how much the author liked the characters, and the story, even early on, so that also kept me going. Rarely a story loved that much doesn't improve on quality, both because the strive to be better for the story and all the practice they get by putting it out in the first place. So congrats and thank you to the author for your work, it paid off.

Now, another thing about the fic, I'm not exactly what you'd describe a Law fan. I like his story, it was OP most angsty backstory for a while in my opinion (before Kuma, oh Kuma), so that just drew me in. Sadly, it didn't get me like I wanted to. Maybe it's because I binged the anime in an unholy amount of time (another day I'll talk about that) but by the time we got the why of Law, I just wanted Dressrosa to be done. So while I appreciate his character, the anime just made me want to get over with it. All of that to say that I usually avoid fics with Law, because I just don't like him that much. But I stayed. For the potential this had.

And my staying paid off!!!! It was awesome to see another take on ASL, and adding Law to the mix, not through Luffy, but Ace and Sabo was Not something I was expecting! It is also one of the key factors as to why the fic is so entertaining, you keep trying to imagine how the relationships in canon will translate to the setting. I got a lot of them wrong, it keeps you guessing, I love it. The way it shows Law involuntarily warming up to Ace and Sabo is so good. It feels a lot like something 11 y/o Law would write in his diary, it's cute.

Plot-wise it isn't that strong in the first installment (even the author said so), so you are really looking out for character interactions rather than worldbuilding. So it delivers on that, a bit chopped here and there, but by the time you get to the final chapters (there are like, 5) it's way more dynamic.

Ah, I've run out of juice, all right speedrun.

The whole thing, plot and narration improves a lot. Getting to a point in the most recent chapters where I can say that the author nailed down at least Zoro's and Ace's POV to the t, I can't say for Law though, not my area of expertise.

Surprising to no one, I like the Zoro POV chapters best, because we get Strawhat crew, and Luffy and Zoro, and I really like them.

I like the professors and classes they teach they teach. Who is which head of house and all that, nice, very in character.

Whitebeard's kids are a thing here, and I love it, they are fantastic.

Oh, Robin in particular has a lot going for her in the fic, you should also stay for her, if you are a fellow Robin fan.

The shenanigans are AU typical, that's not bad at all, I like how much emphasis they give to pranks and all.

CORAZON IS ALIVE AND WELL, more beautiful things.

Idk, I wish I could tell you more but I kinda read the whole thing for the experience and enjoyed it a lot. Even if it's unfinished.

Oh well, I guess that's it.

Also, "When All the Embers Die" also updated, as well as the other Zoro fic from the same author. And "Treasures for your Treasure (The Pearls Pale in Your Eyes)" ALSO updated, a Zoro update (thanks author) to say the least. I might say some things, I might not, probably I will, once I'm out of this hell hole called midterms.

Anyways, if you read this far thank you very much. Please read the fics mentioned above, even if it's for the experience, they are wonderful stories.

[wantmangojuice]

Tianbao Fuyao Lu/ Legend of Exorcism - finished (via MTL) - 221 chapters

Premise: During the Tianbao era, a naive 16-year old (or is he?) half-demon half-human MC Hongjun descends to the human world with the task of, among others, delivering the Heart Lamp to the Chen family. Too bad that the seemingly-cool but actually perpetually-unlucky failguy commander ML Jinglong gets into a fight with him, and accidentally absorbs the Heart Lamp instead. Somehow, this leads to them forming the Department of Demonic Exorcism along with a wolf-guy, a scaredy-cat scholar, the most ~fabulous~ token straight guy in existence, and a fish yao. Together, the Department of Demonic Exorcism is tasked to protect Chang'an from evil yao! (Good luck, Chang'an.) And then this escalates by a lot. Like, a lot.

There are not enough words for how awesome this is.

I loved it so much I made a separate post just gushing over this book.

Like, not long before reading this, I was just thinking to myself, "Maaan, I wish there was some Epic Save-the-World Adventure novel featuring a really sweet couple who are just sickeningly sweet and get together early in the story so they can be badass and romantic together, and it would be good if both the MC and ML are 3D well-realized characters with their own character arcs so that I can appreciate them both individually and as a pair, and an awesome Squad (TM) that work together well would be great, too. Also, one of my favorite MC-ML dynamics is wide-eyed and enthusiastic MC + seemingly-cool actually-weirdo ML who dotes on him helplessly." ...and there it was! Tianbao Fuyao Lu! Ahahahaha.

Someone somewhere described this as JRPG-like where the party starts out doing fetch quests and ends up fighting god or something. This is true.

The squad! Is great! I enjoyed almost every single one of those bozos. Everyone gets the chance to shine, which is awesome.

Wonderful characterization for both Hongjun and Jinglong. In particular, I was not expecting to like Jinglong as much as I did because his character archetype can be hit-or-miss for me, but in my opinion, the author nailed him. He's smart and skilled and hyper-competent and such a mess, all at the same time. So wonderful.

(Why the hell does this have a 4.2 rating on novelupdates that rating is criminally low. I'd put it at 4.6 at least.)

What a fantastic book. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys the JRPG- or shounen-anime-type stories of a group of friends journeying together to save the world (now with gay), or anyone who enjoys history (history knowledge not strictly required; I managed somehow, after all), or anyone who wants to see a sweet romance between a badass couple. It's just--it's great, guys. It's great.

[monachopism]

Hi! Do you have a list of favorite FT fics that you would recommend to someone that hasn't read any yet?

Absolutely I do! Thank u for asking! These are in no particular order btw.

1. Too Old to Play (and Too Young to Mess Around) by ninav. Complete. I just finished reading the most recent chapter of this and I am in awe of how brilliantly written it is. It's not a traditional Hawktim fic though. It's about Kimberly as a young woman journeying to find herself in San Fransisco. I'd save this one for after you're a bit more seasoned with the FT Ao3 tag, but it feels like a necessary read to me. This is one of the best fics I've read in a very long time (possibly ever). Please give it a try.

2. Teacher's Pet by ascandalinpink. Complete. It's just fluffy and cute and a pretty enjoyable read. It's a modern day fix-it where Tim is a student in Professor Hawkins Fuller's foreign affairs class. When I first started this one, I initially closed out of it about 10 mins into reading, but a few days later I gave it another chance. That being said, I found it hard to imagine the cadence of Hawk's voice in this one. It got there eventually, and it was definitely worth the read, but you have to let it grow on you. This one also does a fantastic job of modernizing FT without just retelling the same story.

3. A Joy, Hard Learned by partialresonance. Incomplete. Very fluffy, a fix-it based in canon where everybody's gay and less emotionally repressed and/or traumatized. Hawk and Skippy get snowed in and have a pillow fight. Enough said.

4. Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps It’s Real by drabbleswabbles. Complete. Time travel fix-it where Hawks lands himself in the early 70s. There's a reason it has the highest amount of kudos in the tag. I read this so recently after finishing FT that I genuinely started confusing it for canon because of how well the characterization is written. Very well concieved concept and so so consistently good. It is so goddamn balanced that I'm a little bit envious of how skilled this author is. I also appreciate that this doesn't eliminate the actual events of the show. I really like that Hawk has to grapple with previous events in his new timeline.

Those are all the ones I have for now! If you want more, you can message me or send another ask. I'm sure I'll have more recs by then haha

[raphaelesbian]

Not sure if you’re still up for answering ask game questions but if you areeee 23, 27, and 36? 👀

Oh hell yeah, absolutely!!!

23.) What is one of your favorite TMNT fics?

Oh man, this is always such a difficult question fhsakldghsdkl this fandom is SO talented and there's so many amazing ones out there!! I try to always recommend a different fav lmao, since I do have so many that I will repeatedly reread, so:

Chain Reaction by roktavor, where Raph is captured and strung up by some hunters to lure his brothers in. It's only 7k, so a quick read, and it's just so good! Very in-character, lots of very funny moments, as well as being some nice Raph angst and brotherly love.

Softshell in Human Clothing by HoonHarpoon is a fantastic ongoing 2012/Rise fic, where Rise Donnie post-movie is thrown into the early-S1 2012 universe, which I just thought was such a fun dynamic! Plus the characterization on 2012 in particular is just. Chef's kiss. Spot-on. And whatever is going on with Donnie and [REDACTED] is super interesting and I can't wait to see where it goes!

27.) What is something you love to see in TMNT art/fics?

I love a good animalistic turtle! Not TOO far beyond canon, but hissing in surprise/fear/pain, shedding, eating worms fhksdahglk (ty melon for the newest chapter of Freaky Friday, which btw is ALSO a really good fic that could go under the previous question).

Also, 2012 turtles being more Japanese. I've made a few posts about it lol, but I am strongly of belief that all four are fluent and the English in the show is partially non-diagetic. I headcanon that Japanese was their first language, though they also started learning English super young. So basically any time they speak Japanese in a fic, or it's mentioned at all, I am just very 🥰🥰🥰🥰

36.) Which character do you have the hardest time writing/drawing?

Oof, excellent question 😭 Out of the main characters... probably Shredder? I feel like I could write 10k words of analysis on the man no problem, but actually trying to write his dialogue is tough. He can be so CARTOONISHLY evil at times—even when I can comprehend (imo) his thought processes and intentions, actually translating that into writing is very difficult.

Drawing-wise, Splinter fsdaghldksg. If I don't have a pretty direct reference for what his face would look like from a specific angle, I pretty much give up XD

ty so much for the ask!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[adhd-merlin]

2023 WRITING REVIEW

I really don't write much but it's the second time @eeverlark tags me in a writing meme (I think) soooo alright lys I'll do it. for you 🫶🏻

1. number of stories posted to ao3: 4, and yes I'm counting the fic I updated in early January because 7 out of 8 chapters were written in 2023

2. number of words posted last year: 49k

3. fandoms i wrote for: only Merlin I'm monogamous 💛

4. pairings: Merwenthur; Merwaine; background Arwen in an Arthur & Merlin fic if that counts

5. stories with the most:

KUDOS || BOOKMARKS: Call It Anything We Want (281 | 48)

COMMENT THREADS: my merwenthur vignettes have 31 threads (excluding the chapter posted in January 2024). makes sense given every chapter is basically a self-contained ficlet

6. work i'm most proud of (and why): every fic I write is simultaneously the best and the worst I've ever written and it remains so until I post a new one.

Honestly though every fic(let) has some things I like and some I think I could've done better.

Having said that, Call It Anything We Want is the first fic I posted on ao3 after a long writing hiatus so. I'm proud of that and of the amount of time I've put into this story as a whole.

7. work i'm least proud of (and why): hmmm see previous answer.

there's a ficlet called The Hunting Trip that I think I could have done better – mainly the conversation Arthur and Merlin have about Uther – but I just wanted to get it done tbh. I do like how it starts though. And Cavall the dog :)

8. share or describe a favorite review you received: I absolutely love any time someone says they liked my characterisation. for example:

your characterization is insane i am so obsessed. its so so good. like. idk how to describe it you just write relationships meshing so well together and not in like. an unrealistically flawless way but in a warm and familiar way. im in awe.

or

I love this story, your writing, this relationship, this dynamic, your details, your characterization, your everything and I’ve been meaning to tell you for a very long time. I’m sorry for not expressing this earlier. Your continuation of the original story was incredibly, believably, wondrously fantastic.

Comments like these give me life 🥺

9. a time when writing was really, really hard: 99% of the time if I'm being honest

10. a scene or character you wrote that surprised you: I wrote a ficlet that was supposed to be magically genderbent!Merlin x Arthur smut but it ended up being fem!Merlin x Gwen instead because Arthur wasn't cooperating

11. a favorite excerpt of your writing:

“Ah, the court sorcerer himself!” Gwaine exclaims, spreading his arms wide, and some wine sloshes out of his goblet and spills on the floor. He claps one hand on Merlin's shoulder. “Congratulations, Master Merlin.” “I told you to stop calling me that.” Gwaine just looks at him. Head to toe, with a grin that does nothing to hide what he's thinking, and must therefore come across as incredibly lewd. “You look good in green,” is all he says. Merlin raises an eyebrow. “You think I look good in anything.” Gwaine leans closer; close enough to purr in Merlin’s ear: “And even better in nothing at all.” Mainly for the pleasure of watching the tips of Merlin’s ears flush pink. — UNWAVERING

12. how did you grow as a writer last year: well I actually wrote something which is a good starting point

13. how do you hope to grow this year: I'd love to write a multi-chapter fic with an actual plot someday. also get better at titling things

14. who was your greatest positive influence this year as a writer (could be another writer, beta, cheerleader, etc.): I think all the lovely people that left me some feedback made me push myself a tiny bit harder to keep writing and posting. a special shout-out to @castelled-away for writing whole essays about my merwenthur ficlets, I've loved every single comment 💛

15. anything from your real life show up in your writing last year: nothing apart from my desire to kiss Colin Morgan on the mouth

16. any new wisdom you can share with other writers: sometimes done is better than perfect. just get it done and move on it's fine if it's not a masterpiece. at least that's what I often have to tell myself but also I suspect I have adhd

17. any projects you're looking to starting (or finishing) this year: I would like to finish my Sefa-centric WIP, I wrote like 8k words but I'm not sure where it's going

[germanpostwarmodern]

In view of his present-day popularity it seems odd that John Lautner throughout his sixty years in architecture was largely misunderstood by contemporary critics and colleagues. And although since his passing in 1994 a number of books have been published about him there are few that are as comprehensively illustrated as the present volume: Alan Hess‘s and Alan Weintraub’s „The Architecture of John Lautner“, published in 2000 by Rizzoli. The book brings together Hess’s long-term research into Lautner’s architecture and Weintraub’s sensible staging of the architect’s fantastic buildings.

With the book Alan Hess aimed to explain Lautner whom he had gotten to known personally and who in turn explained his buildings to the author in a number of interviews. Although the volume first and foremost features 25 of Lautner’s buildings in comprehensive photographic spreads Hess’s three chapters on the architect and his work are equally noteworthy: divided into early, middle and late years Hess follows Lautner‘s development from a FLW disciple to the creator of spatial sculptures.

Lautner’s career as an independent architect began in the 1940s and 1950s with the design of small and medium-sized houses, unconventional, highly original and characterized by a great deal of spatial freedom for its inhabitants. Simultaneously Lautner also designed numerous roadside restaurants and coffee shops that today represent high points of California’s „Googie“ architecture.

In the 1960s Lautner then designed some of his most iconic buildings, namely the Elrod, Chemosphere and Silvertop houses, with which he mated emblematic outside and liberated living on the inside.

With his late work Lautner then entered a phase of increased extravagance: through daring concrete constructions and a spectacular play with a given site’s topography Lautner created some of his most breathtaking houses, among them the Arango Marbrisa House.

This Hess/Weintraub book again is a great visual treat that through Alan Hess’s diverting overview of Lautner’s career also provides comprehensive insights into the master’s work. What is unfortunately absent are plans and sections, a practice known from other publications of the duo that nonetheless continues to frustrate.

[dirtyoldmanhole]

i'm like three chapters deep in this old but classic 80k rogneto fic from the early 2000's - it's so good. well written, spicy, fantastic characterization + power dynamics.

[the-scribe-and-her-scribbles]

I'm pretty shy online, so I'm sending this anonymously, but holy fuck I love your Fae!Gilbert x Reader fic.

It's so fun! Like, the world building works so, so well on multiple levels. It works well to bring out interesting characterization (the violence? and the pining? *chefs kiss* perfection!). And it also foreshadows and sets up plot things to circle back later on really, really well (and I fucking love good setup ahdbsjdk). When Basil was talking to Reader/Maus about soulmates, I was like "haha it'd be funny but unlikely if Gilbert and her were soulmates... unless?" and then it happened and it was so so good and fit into the fae lore established reaaalllly early on about knowing the right questions to ask!!

Like, your plotting and worldbuilding and setup are so damn good, and they all inform the characterization which blends hetalia canon and fanon and takes the fun parts and amplifies them and I love this so much. When I started wandering back into hetalia fic after 6+ years due to marukaite chikyuu on a road trip, this has been a goddamn treat!!

And the characterization! Fuck, I love how Gilbert is portrayed in this, and every hetalia character that's popped up so far has been likewise incredibly enjoyable to see. Hot damn is this good, top tier fic here.

Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that I really, really appreciate all the time you put into this AU. Whether or not you continue this, I'm definitely coming back for rereads :)

I hope you have a fantastic day!!!

Aaahaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!

Thanks you do much for this glowing review! I feel unworthy!

I know I’ve been gone for a while but DONT LOOSE HOPE! I have no intention of abandoning this fanfic and an update will come SOON!!!!!!

I’m so glad you think the set up and characterization is good, it was so important to me to weave a compelling story out of Fae myth, canon characters, and their fanon interpretations.

I’m writing the next chapter now, and am so excited to finish this fic. Your message has restarted my will to write again!

[thebandcampdiaries]

ND!FFRENT Unveils High-Energy Anthem ‘Playing Games’

ND!FFRENT is a hip-hop artist hailing from Philadelphia. He has announced the release of his latest single, "Playing Games," a track that dives deep into the complexities of modern relationships but with a fresh twist. With its Jersey/Philly Club beats and a seamless blend of hip-hop and pop culture elements, the song is poised to resonate with a wide audience as it blends catchy, relatable melodies with the edgy, upfront roar of modern rap.

"Playing Games" was recorded at Groove House recording studios, a Philly hub known for dishing out hits and hosting top local talent and beyond. The track's high-energy vibe captures the essence of the Jersey/Philly club scene, characterized by its distinctive rhythms and dance-ready groove. ND!FFRENT's intent with this song is clear: to embody the raw energy of the club scene while appealing to listeners who crave something that's catchy and perfect to dance to.

Lyrically, "Playing Games" explores the unspoken and often convoluted mind games that occur in romantic relationships. ND!FFRENT highlights the back-and-forth that often replaces straightforward communication, a theme that many will find relatable. The artist describes the track as a reflection of the emotional tug-of-war between people who are interested in each other yet hesitant to be direct about their intentions. The lyrics, which often feature nods at pop culture references for added flair, focus on physical attraction and casual intentions. At the same time, the song also shows the frustration that might come from the sometimes repetitive, confusing nature of the romance and all the back and forth between partners - comparing the relationship to a spinning "Merry Go" and a maze.

ND!FFRENT, also known as "Naturally D!FFRENT," is quickly developing a strong reputation for his distinctive fusion of relatable lyrics, skillful vocal flow, and memorable melodies that will not get out of your head so easily. Growing up in Philadelphia, he was deeply influenced by the city's music scene, and it really shows, especially with this new release. Having said that, his early inspirations include rap legends such as DMX, Tupac, and Nas, whose storytelling prowess and powerful beats shaped ND!FFRENT's own musical endeavors. Over time, he expanded his musical palette, drawing from a wide array of genres and artists, including Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and James Brown, which helped them endow his music with a truly timeless quality, as he learned the secrets from some of the true greats in the scene. Such a broad range of influences and styles is evident in ND!FFRENT's work, which combines elements of hip-hop, rap, and the distinct sounds of the Jersey/Philly/Baltimore club scene to great effect.

In conclusion, "Playing Games" is a fantastic calling card for ND!FFRENT. The artist is going as strong as ever as he continues to carve out his unique place in the music industry. This exciting new track is not only energetic and epic but also deeply rooted in the cultural vibrancy of his hometown's highly celebrated music scene, for which he is writing a new exciting chapter to keep the legacy alive. Fans of contemporary artists such as Lil Uzi Vert, Cash Cobain, and 2Rare are most definitely going to find ND!FFRENT's latest track is a welcome addition to their playlists, as he continually strives to give hip-hop fans something new.

Find out more and connect:

[wondereads]

Weekly Reading Update (04/15/24)

Reviews and thoughts under the cut

The Buried and the Bound by Rochelle Hassan (8/10)

This was a quick reread since I'm going to be reading The Summer Queen, the sequel, and I actually liked this one more the second time around! It has a sort of casual interaction with the fantastical that I love, and Aziza, Leo, and Tristan are all great characters with unique ties to each other. There are some points where I think things are just a little too convenient or rushed, but those mostly happen early on and the plot is cohesive and strong for the rest of the book.

House of Crimson Hearts by Ruby Roe (3/10, DNF @ 50%, 18+)

As I've mentioned, I was excited for this one since sapphic fantasy romances are few and far between. Unfortunately, this book was just a mess. The main characters have wildly inconsistent characterization, and it's so obvious the author wrote in certain worldbuilding elements to make them have sex without working out their issues and hatred for each other. The worldbuilding is atrocious; despite the typical vaguely historical fantasy setting descriptions and the lack of anything like lightbulbs, phones, or really any technological advancement, the final straw for me was the remote control vibrator that made its appearance halfway through. There's absolutely no effort to build a sensible setting for the story, which is barely there in the first place. The actual plot was just beginning when I DNF'd--halfway through the book! An unfortunate letdown.

To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang (CR, 53%)

This was another highly anticipated read of mine and, unfortunately, it's not living up to my hopes. I think a lot of flaws lay in the writing, which is clunky and over-descriptive, taking time away from character and plot developments. The worldbuilding is interesting, but it's inserted in very awkward infodumps, and a lot of the elements that caught my attention aren't being given a lot of page time.

Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross (CR, 33%)

On one hand, this is shaping up to be a brainless, fun fantasy romance, just like I thought it'd be. On the other hand, there is a place for your fandom rants, and your published novel is not it. If I wanted to read about this author's undying love for Reylo or Wolverine, I'd check out their social media. I should not have to slog through a whole chapter of the main character perusing a comic book shop so the love interest can say she's so 'quirky' and 'passionate.' It's unfortunate because the rest of the book is meeting my expectations so far.

Island of Graves by Lisa McMann (CR, 18%)

This is another book with a major pro and con. Pro: Alex instantly gave up searching for Aaron, finally letting Aaron reap the consequences of his actions. Con: Alex instantly gave up searching for Aaron, ruining the cliffhanger of the last book. If you're going to introduce a huge future plot point at the end of a book to get readers to continue your series, you can't immediately backtrack on it. This is a symptom of this series' issues as a whole, desperately trying to maintain the status quo for seven whole books, and stunting the plot and character growth in the process.

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice (CR, 6%)

I've barely started this one, but for now it's just sort of decent. I'm vaguely intrigued by the vampire's story, but it's also tough to get attached when a lot of the details, such as people's actual names, are missing.

[tullipstudio-blog]

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: UNLOCKING IMAGINATION AND LEARNING.

Children's books are more than just stories bound between colorful covers; they are gateways to imagination, knowledge, and emotional development. These literary treasures serve as companions on the journey of childhood, shaping young minds and fostering a love for reading that can last a lifetime.

What Makes a Book a "Children's Book"?

Defining what constitutes a children's book can be somewhat elusive, as it encompasses a broad spectrum of genres, styles, and themes. At its core, a children's book is typically tailored to engage and resonate with young readers, usually ranging from infants to preteens. However, this doesn't mean they lack depth or complexity. On the contrary, the best children's books often tackle profound themes in a way that is accessible and relatable to young audiences.

Diverse Formats and Genres

Children's literature comes in various formats and genres, catering to different age groups and interests. Picture books, characterized by their vibrant illustrations and simple narratives, are perfect for preschoolers and early readers. They provide a visual feast that complements the text, making the reading experience interactive and captivating.

As children grow older, they transition to chapter books and middle-grade novels, which offer more intricate plots and character development. These books encourage independent reading and allow children to immerse themselves in imaginative worlds filled with adventure, mystery, and friendship.

The Power of Storytelling

One of the most remarkable aspects of children's books is their ability to transport readers to fantastical realms while addressing real-life issues with sensitivity and empathy. Through storytelling, authors have the power to instill valuable life lessons, promote empathy, and foster a deeper understanding of the world.

Many timeless classics, such as "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White or "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis, continue to resonate with readers of all ages because of their universal themes and timeless appeal. These books transcend generations, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of readers.

Children's books serve as invaluable educational tools, helping young learners develop essential literacy skills such as vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking. By exposing children to a diverse range of stories and characters, these books broaden their horizons and encourage them to explore new ideas and perspectives.

Furthermore, children's literature plays a crucial role in promoting cultural awareness and understanding. Through stories featuring characters from different backgrounds and experiences, young readers learn to appreciate diversity and celebrate the richness of human heritage.

The Importance of Representation

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in children's literature. Authors and publishers are increasingly striving to create books that reflect the diverse experiences and identities of young readers. Representation matters, as seeing themselves reflected in stories validates children's experiences and fosters a sense of belonging.

Moreover, exposure to diverse characters and narratives cultivates empathy and understanding, breaking down stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. Children's books have the power to shape perceptions and inspire positive social change, making them a vital tool in building a more equitable and compassionate society.

Children's books are more than just entertainment; they are catalysts for imagination, learning, and emotional growth. From whimsical picture books to gripping middle-grade novels, these literary gems captivate young minds and ignite a lifelong love for reading. By fostering creativity, empathy, and cultural awareness, children's literature plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of readers and thinkers. As we continue to celebrate the magic of storytelling, let us embrace the power of children's books to inspire, educate, and empower young readers around the world.

[yieldingtides]

CaL in Flow

A month has passed since I committed to “stay in the flow” of my process and I’m thriving! I’m nearly done writing Coals and Lilacs first arc (got two to three chapters to go). There’s so much I want to talk about the CaL cast, but for now, let's focus on this sad fisher lad first.

Robert is the first character I ever made, somewhat coinciding with Paule’s creation. He was created out of a means to be somewhat of an edgy teen despite not being outwardly edgy myself in the late 2000’s. You know the tropes: black clothes, fallen angel wings, “nothing personal kid” vibes, and whatnot. Shadow the Hedgehog (at least with his SA2 incarnation) was the main influence on his characterization. It’s like silent punk energy, even with the outlandish looks I had with him back then or what I thought was cool at the time. He still intends to do good, but if he must, he would also consider methods that would do the least amount of harm to the people he cares for.

RPs back in the late 2000s - early 2010s were ground zero for the two of them, as I navigated in those spaces to flesh out their character backgrounds. Most of my time spent role-playing is just seeing how far I can understand these two till I feel comfortable writing a narrative. Robert was doing a lot of fantastical sci-fi-related work. Sometimes murdering outright (within reason woops) till I dialed back to make him more of a weird everyday man.

His name too changed. Before Robert, he was called Rekana. It’s an edgy interpretation of “Recant” or denying an opinion or belief. I still think this holds true to his character. I threw this guy into situations he didn’t ask for just to see how he’d respond, mostly in denial. I think the only thing that stayed the same was his overall hairstyle, his fishing hobby, and his personality. Incarnation after incarnation, that’s been consistent with him for years.

Often I recalled a dream I had years ago where I was pinned against the wall by Robert, shaking and screaming why I wrote his narrative as it was. Thinking of ways to make him suffer more (as you do with your characters) and demanded a reason. I straight up told him “It’s for the narrative” till my life snapped in half. Well, he snapped my neck and I immediately woke up, vowing I would never manifest my characters in existence. That’s the nice thing about fiction, I suppose. It’s also why I grew to like Aurelius from Dislyte so much, to my surprise at least. Similar character vibes and such. I tend to find weird hunches like that.

Onto Paule. Her role changed a lot. I also used her in old RP spaces till I took the time to flesh out her goals. Thought it would be fun for her to be a magical girl in 2009, till I scrapped the concept (it reminded me of Madoka vibes before Madoka existed), and an author insert similar to Rohan in Araki’s work. She’s probably the closest I had to my younger self, or reflection of. I wanted her to be cringe, engrossed with her hobbies but still outwardly kind by a fault.

If I had the energy to change her now, she would be more like Cara or Dao Hoa. They’re flawed as hell, but I’m not suggesting Paule is less so (she has her little dark secrets too lol). I would rather make new characters that fit more of that energy than readjust her personality for such trends.

I can’t say much about her current characterization since CaL is in progress, but at this point, she always nurture flowers and plants than I can be in person. I don’t have a green thumb, and it’s a struggle for me to care for plants, but at least through her, she lives that part of myself. Maybe that’s a hope for future me to try out.

Anyway, Coals and Lilacs is always the project I hold close to me…it’s the first major narrative story I’ve written, and now it’s going somewhere. May it grow strong and proud.