#chemistry assignment experts

[onlineexamhelper-expert]

[writingwithfolklore]

Fake it til you Make it (Faking Expertise)

                One of the hardest parts of writing is that we're rarely just writers.. We have to be doctors, magicians, politicians, thieves, masters in chemistry, song writing, theatre, biology. The perfect writer would be someone with a little bit of knowledge about literally everything. As much as I’d love to spend the rest of my life just taking random university classes and learning about whatever I needed for the project I’m working on—eventually I have to graduate and, y’know, pay off student loans.

                So when you’re writing about something you really don’t know anything about, but your character is supposed to (or worse, supposed to be an expert) here’s what I do:

Research what you can

I start with the basics. Vocab lists, beginners classes or articles, and news stories about recent contributions to the field are an easy way to make your character sound like they know what they’re talking about, and also they’re super available to find. Just don’t overuse niche vocab or you’ll lose your readers—if you’re going to use a term or word most wouldn’t know, you can also define it or use context to allow readers to know what it means, stick to a few of these max.

2. Keep it vague

If my characters are learning about something in class that I know nothing about, an easy way to get by this is to start the scene in the classroom with a little intro: “open your textbooks to page 33”, and then focus on something else, “outside shadows stretched long across campus as the sun dove behind the horizon”, then finish it up, “Next assignment is on the fundamentals of linguistics we went over today. Please have it in by next week.”

        Obviously if it’s important you should teach it to the readers too—there’s only so much faking we can do in this area, but this allows you to keep from literally teaching an entire lecture within your story and is going to help you keep interest and control your pacing.

3. It’s okay if you fib a little

The truth is, most of your readers aren’t going to be experts or professionals in whatever you’re writing about either. When we read fiction, we’re reading from an understanding that the things within it aren’t realistic or stretch and exaggerate the truth. If you make some things up about the topic you’re writing about, few will notice, many less will care. It doesn’t have to be perfectly accurate, we’re here for the story, not to study for our next exam.

                If you have the basics, the base of knowledge, but build fiction or magic off of that, it will be convincing enough while saving you from spending too much money getting a masters in your topic.

                Good luck!

[wonjnz]

love, like it always has been

₊˚⊹ summary: gyuvin sets out to defeat some old white man's quora answer about love.

₊˚⊹ genre: fluff, best friend!gyuvin, high school!au | wc: 1k

₊˚⊹ warning(s): some swearing | inspo: —

₊˚⊹ a/n: very random slice of life moments with bsf!gyuvin so the timeline is kinda.. 😭😭 got the idea when i got sm quora emails today

whenever gyuvin wonders what love is, he thinks the amount of "expert" answers in a random quora thread about it doesn't seem to click with him.

he didn't feel some sort of fireworks when he saw you, so some doctor specializing in 'love' is automatically eliminated. and his world certainly didn't slow down when you walk in, so now a random old, white man talking about his wife of 25 years is also eliminated (though gyuvin admits it's cute).

gyuvin sighs and puts his phone down, placing his hands on both cheeks; god, this is so stupid, he thinks. if only his friends weren't the loudest speakers in school, he'd probably be ranting to them about this, but he remains determined to find out what love means to him.

ever since that night, gyuvin made it his goal that one day, he'll have the most upvotes on his quora answer and everyone will reply this is exactly what love feels like.

old white man be damned, gyuvin is going to have a more relatable answer. just watch, he thinks.

gyuvin swears he felt love when he watched you introduce yourself on the first day of school, he found it hilarious. after school, you almost cut him off from how much he teased you about it. only did he redeem himself when he willingly became your servant for 2 months, to his friends surprise (and ultimately gyuvin’s embarrassment).

and he feels it once more while you're slowly losing your mind over a chemistry assignment. the way your hair sticks out in all directions from all the times your hands kept running through in frustration, the way your eyebrows furrow when you finally get a logical answer after five grueling minutes, that's when gyuvin confirms it.

“what?” you ask, noticing how gyuvin has been awfully quiet and smiling to himself. “is my answer wrong or something?” you worry, looking back and forth from your paper to his.

he's in love.

gyuvin immediately comes back to his senses and waves you off, “it's nothing. just thought of something.” he says. to be fair, what he said wasn't much of a lie. he was thinking of you after all.

you scoff at his half-assed answer, "whatever. i'm going back to number 6." mumbling as you look back at your paper. "yeah, i'll go back too." gyuvin says, smiling amusingly at his answers (he's only done 4 questions).

��seriously, gyuvin. you're disgusting.” you laugh, pointing at the dried-up ice cream stains at the corner of his lips. "you look like you drooled or something."

gyuvin rolls his eyes, “at least wipe it off for me. both my hands are occupied.” he says while holding up his ice cream and a small plastic spoon, obviously finding a reason for you to do it. “what a loser..” you mumble before trying to find a few pieces of tissue in your backpack, putting it up to his lips to wipe the remnants off.

and gyuvin fights the urge to say “i'm in love with you,” at that moment. opting to share a few details about his day instead since he knows how you're always invested in whatever drama he manages to dig out.

damn his demons are hard to beat today, he curses to himself.

as he looks at you, eyes purely focused on his as if you're anticipating more, gyuvin's heart feels lighter than ever. he feels the slight click one quora user said in his answer, albeit very softly, to the point he might've missed it.

“that's all i have today.” gyuvin shrugs, in his defense, you were always his highlight of the day, not some random drama he heard from gunwook every lunchtime, but he can't tell you that just yet. “boring.”

he smiles amusingly, “i might have something else cool in mind though. but i don't know if you'd wanna hear it.” mentally preparing on the spot is something gyuvin wouldn't wish even on his worst enemy.

you look at him incredulously, mouth slightly agape. “what? of course i'd wanna hear it.” setting your cup of ice cream down just to show gyuvin how interested you were.

“well, i’ve liked you for quite some time and —”

"so ricky was right!"

gyuvin feels his inner demons creep up on him right after, he swears he could hear them laughing at this very moment. “..so, you knew all this time? because of ricky?” you chuckle at how quiet his voice became.

“he told me last night since he thought you were being kinda weird lately, and he knew we always go out after school, so he warned me you might confess or something.” gyuvin puts his head in his hands, whining at his now spoiled confession, “i wanted this to be cute..”

it's an understatement to say ricky and gyuvin were on bad terms for a while, though you couldn’t stand the amount of shade they kept throwing at the other, so you forced them to make up on gyuvin’s fifth day of his villain origin story against ricky.

“you know i can't kiss you right now if your breath smells like the cheeseburger you ate, gyuvin.” you point out, snickering at gyuvin's exaggerated pursed lips and dramatic reaction to your words.

“the cheeseburger you bought for me. so technically it's not my fault.” he shrugs nonchalantly, a stark contrast to how he kept whining about wanting even a small peck a minute ago.

you watch gyuvin, who's on the verge of losing his mind at the thought of at least 10 minutes with no affection, “okay, fine. i'll drink something to get that burger taste out.” he surrenders quickly to your amusement.

laughing at his defeated walk to his fridge, “not my fault you wanted takeout after studying.” you heard him mumble under his breath.

“you agreed to it!” you retort, gyuvin comes back with the iced tea he ordered along. “of course i would, why would i say no to you?” he says before drinking.

“plus, if i didn’t confess to you on a whim last week, i’d probably kiss you right now and i wouldn’t know you hate cheese breath. imagine how horrifying that would be for me.”

once he makes sure any trace of cheese in his breath is gone, he smirks at you expectingly but in reality, it's his usual goofy smile. “can you give me a kiss now?” he says, paper cup still in his hand as if it was some cliche house party scene.

“now that i think of it, cheeseburger and iced tea breath is even more disgusting.”

“oh fuck you.”

[ariel-seagull-wings]

THE MATCHMAKERS (A ORORO X LOGAN FANFICTION)

(Originally posted as different chapters of my fanfic Giving it Back on AO3.)

@the-blue-fairie @themousefromfantasyland @piterelizabethdevries @amalthea9 @professorlehnsherr-almashy @thealmightyemprex @voxxgrimly @barbossas-wench

~oOoOo~

The next morning, Storm was tending to the fruits she grew and the beehives of stingless honey bees she built in the greenhouse. 

Melons and blackberry bushes were by her covered in humid mists, while she harvested amber and purple honey produced from the flowers of those fruits.

Gambit appeared, making his presence known by asking:

“ May Gambit be of help, my friend? ”

Turning her face to smile at him, she greeted:

“ You’re very kind. If you please, help me by pruning the blade apple cactus . Beware of the thorns .”

Gambit took the pruning shears and started to prune the branches, reserving them for the salad he would prepare for dinner. He pricked his fingers some times, but didn’t let this stop his work, which was made enjoyable thanks to a light conversation with his friend. A few minutes in, Gambit slip:

“A curiosity, Storm: What do you know about redwoods?”

“ I know that they are amongst the tallest and most enduring species of trees in the world. Why, do you ask? ”

“ So … Jubilee mentioned she’s having a  homeschool assignment by Beast, to learn about the environment of Redwood Forest. She said that it would be nice to make a field trip there, and since you enjoy the outdoors and botanics, you would be a great field guide to help in that assignment, if Xavier doesn’t assign you any mission, there is .”

“ It's a marvelous idea . I will talk to the Professor, and if indeed there is no mission assigned, we may pack to go. ”

“ Beast will follow as an expert in mineralogy and chemistry, and Rogue intends to join you too, she loves the outdoors. ”

“ What about you? ”

“I will stay here, to give back up for those who stay. Maybe next time. ”

~oOoOo~

Meanwhile, in the garage, the canadian fighter known as Wolverine was working on fixing his bike, when Professor Xavier flowed in his chair, bringing in different flowing bottles of beer:

“ I got Iron Horse, Molson, Moosehead, Labatts, O’Keefe and Brador. Which poison shall it be? ”

Cleaning his hands with a piece of flannel, the gruff ex soldier choosed:

“ Hand me a Molson, Chuck. ”

With his powers, the Professor handed the bottle of Molson. Wolverine opened it with the bottle opener of the switchblade he carried in his pocket, which he then threw for Charles to catch and open his bottle of O’Keefe.

Then, Charles proposed a toast.

“ To what? ”

Asked Wolverine.

“T o the crazy adventure of living in this world. ”

They toasted and drank, and the medium height, gruff man exclaimed:

“ As Doug McKenzie once said: ‘Beer is a cold friend on a hot day.’* ”

Suddenly, jumping like a canary, Jubilee appeared by the Professor’s side.

“ Professor, did you ask him yet? ”

“ Ask him? ”

“ What are you up to? ”

“ Well, maybe he can take some of us to the redwood forest. Just to get away. ”

“Oh, yes! Wolverine, we were thinking … Perhaps you'd lead a camping trip to the California redwoods. Up for it?”

Wolverine raised an eyebrow.

“ How many would go? ”

“ Jubilee and Beast are going, to do research and work in her homeschool science assignment, and Rogue will be joining to enjoy some relaxing outdoors. ”

“I’m not sure…”

 Now Jubilee joined her hands and made a begging facial expression:

“ Wolverine, pleeeease! ”

While the Professor talked:

“Just imagine yourself, Wolverine… In a natural environment like the redwoods. Untouched by man. Miles away from another human being.”

“Except the ones I already know from here, hum… If you allow me to take along some bottles of Baileys, Hampden Rum, Iron Horse, Molson, Moosehead, Labbatts, and Brador, I’m up to it.”

“ As long as you bring them back intact after drinking the content. ”

“Deal.”

~oOoOo~

Later that night, Professor Xavier and Jubilee joined Beast, Gambit and Rogue in the kitchen.

“ So, they took the bait? ”

Asked Rogue.

“ Yes! In two days, they'll be in for a surprise! ”

Jubilee cheered.

“ That’s the greatest mission you ever assigned us, Professor. ”

Remarked Gambit, while their leader completed:

“ If we can do this, Cupid is no longer an archer: his glory shall be ours, for we are the only love-gods. * ”

Beast was quick in recognizing the source of that phrase:

“ William Shakespeare. ”

The five friends took an airplane to go from New York to California, where they would take a bus to get in the National Park to which belonged Redwood Forest.

When he saw that Storm was joining the camping trip, Wolverine was surprised and nervous due to not being told she also was going, fearing that she wouldn’t like his presence.

But instead, she smiled at him, and said:

“ I’m happy you’re coming with us. Is good to have a fellow enthusiast of nature coming along. ”

At this moment, he was disarmed.

In the airplane, they ended up sitting side by side, her by the window, him by the corridor.

Behind them, Jubilee and Beast were seated, and right behind them was Rogue’s seat.

The trio talked among themselves and took enjoyment in activities like reading and listening to music, while occasionally taking glimpses to see if the two people in front of them were making any interactions.

There was a moment when Storm fell asleep, and let her head fall over Wolverine’s shoulder.

He looked over, but didn’t say anything, nor tried to get away. Just took his arm over her shoulder, and let her sleep by his.

Jubilee gave a wink with her eye to Beast and Rogue.

When the group arrived, the first thing they did was set up their tents. Rogue, Storm and Jubilee would share a tent, while Beast and Wolverine would sleep in individual tents.

They were ready right on time for rain to start, so everyone rushed inside and spent the rest of the evening and night in their tents.

“ Was that you? ”

Jubilee asked Storm with a little tease in her voice.

“ No… my rain’s aren’t so calm and slow. ”

Was the white haired weather witch’s answer.

With the sound of rain, everyone was asleep… except for Wolverine, who took a long while looking to the roof of his tent, thinking of Storm. He was wishing she would sleep by his side.

The next morning, the rain stopped, and the canadian was the first to rise, so he could warm a little gas stove to prepare some English breakfast tea he brought. His travel companions slowly woke up with the warm and comforting scent of the beverage. Rogue, rubbing her eyes, was the first to say:

“ Good morning. Wow, what smells good? ”

“ Get a cup and a spoon. Grub is served. ”

“ Wait… you cooked?! ”

Jubilee exclaimed, wondering if that was really Wolverine and not Mystique in disguise.

“ Someone had too. ”

His answer assured her it was really him.

“Now line up to get your share.”

He passed a cup and a spoon to Jubilee, Rogue, Storm and Beast. Inside each cup he put a handful of Hardtack biscuits, a share of evaporated milk from a can he opened with one of his adamantium claws, and then the English breakfast tea .

“ Mix it up and you have porridge. ”

Said Wolverine as he now filled his own cup. Rogue and Jubilee were reluctant to taste the mixture, because its appearance wasn’t the most appetizing, but when they saw Storm and Beast eat a spoon from their cups and smile, their reluctance shrinked a bit… 

They tasted it, and… liked it. The two (along with Beast) even asked if there was more when they finished their cups!

Having finished breakfast and washed their faces, they now set up to find dry branches and rocks to make fire for the following nights. Wolverine said:

“ Find some cramp balls as well. ”

“ Some … what? ”

Jubilee asked while

“A black coal ball looking  mushroom. Is good fuel for the fire.”

“That reminds me…”

Spoke Beast.

“Could you guide us to help find mushrooms? Researching the local types of fungus are amongst the things I asked for in Jubilee's homework.”

“I thought you could guide her on your own.”

“But, see… you are the most experienced tracker among us.”

Beast insisted, and Storm also spoke up in, favor of having Wolverine as their guide

“And you were the first who mentioned the utility of the mushrooms… you seem to have valuable knowledge to teach all of us.”

They were not giving him an order… they were asking him. He looked at each of his travel companion’s eyes… Storm’s eyes looked especially anxious for him to say yes.

So with a grant and a half smile he said:

“ Alright, get your baskets and water bottles ready and let’s go! ”

~oOoOo~

Their search for mushrooms proved to be surprisingly fruitful: besides finding Cramp Balls to fuel the fire, Jubile and Beast took some Bird Nests that Wolverine showed them, to be analyzed for her homework study, among with a wide variety of edible species: Cauliflowers, Maitakes, Matsutakes, Ceps, Morels, Chanterelle-Girolles and Hedgehogs.

When nightfall came, a campfire surrounded by rocks was lit with dry branches and the Cramp Balls. Amidst its embers were roasting some sweet potatoes covered in aluminum paper, while above the embers and branches was a pan roasting a bread that Storm carefully watched, helping the top to be fully cooked by burning some branches above it.

Rogue took the sweet potatoes out of the embers with a stick, joining them in a plate to be uncovered of the aluminum paper and be cooled down a bit, and then Storm finished cooking the bread and turned it over to another plate, then cutted it in triangular slices, revealing that it was filled with the edible mushrooms they caught along with some fried onions.

Rogue called Beast, Jubilee and Wolverine, and soon everyone was reunited to eat around the campfire, passing the plates so each would get their share.

“That pizza tastes amazing!”

Said Jubilee, complimenting the bread filled with the mushrooms that Storm cooked in the pan.

“This is Madfouna.”

Explained the white haired windrider.

“You can use any stuffing of your liking to make it. Traditionally, in the North of Africa, we use lamb or chicken.”

Putting a hand over her chin, Jubilee answered:

“Now I wonder what it would taste like if we fill it with cheese …”

“What I think could really be perfect with this Madfouna …”

Beast interjected.

"… is a glass of wine.”

“We don’t have wine, but I brought in some Baileys, Hampden Rum and four labels of Canadian beer, if you wish.”

Offered Wolverine.

“I’ll accept the Baileys and Hampden Rum.”

Storm willfully raised her hand, while Beast followed with a:

“Make it two.”

“I’m in for a Labatt’s.”

Interjected Rogue.

“Do you have any root beer?”

Asked Jubilee.

Wolverine asked if Dr Brown’s Cream Soda was okay, and she assured him it was. He went to his tent and returned bringing in bottles and cups for himself, Storm, Beast and Rogue, and a can of Jubilee’s Dr Brown. The teenager proposed a toast:

“To our friendship, and this amazing trip together. May many others come!”

The group cheered, and drank their beverages. When the sweet potatoes and bread were finished, then Rogue suggested:

“Now that we ate, and are drinking, what about a good ol game of truth or dare?”

“Isn’t that a thing kids do in pajama parties? We’re too old for that.”

The rough Canadian warrior complained.

“It can be played anywhere, at any age, and since we’re friends who have nothing to hide, I see no problem with it.”

“I’m in!” Their youngest companion cheered. Beast and Storm also agreed to play, so Wolverine joined in as a defeated vote.

Rogue began.

“Storm, truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“So … how many languages do you speak?”

“Kiswahili, Al-'arabiyya, English, Française, Elliniká, Italiano and Español.”

She spoke in Kiswahili, Arabic, English, French, Greek, Italian and Spanish, respectively.

Then, she turned to Jubilee.

“Jubilee, truth or dare?”

“Dare.”

“Hmmm … I dare you to say the full Monday's Child nursery rhyme… from back to front.”

“Alright, let’s see:

Gay and good, blithe and bonny is.

Day Sabbath on born is that child the but.

Living a for hard works child Saturday's.

Giving and loving is child Friday's.

Woe of full is child Wednesday's.

Grace of full is child Tuesday's.

Face of fair is child Monday's.”

Everyone cheered, both for her good memory of the full nursery rhyme, as well as her capacity to recite it from back to front. Next, it was her turn to ask Beast.

“Beast, truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Have you ever got a grade lower than A?”

“Yes, I took Arts and Other languages as electives in my High School days, got a C+ in my Photography homework and B+ in Russian, French and German.”

“Boy, even when falling in grades you are a Little Goody Two Shoes.”

Spoked a frustrated Jubilee.

“For you not to think so low of me, I assure you that I took every chance to write swear words in the bathroom walls.”

“Alright, got my respect.”

“And now is my turn ... Wolverine: Truth or dare?”

The Canadian shrugged:

“Dare.”

“I dare you to tell us a story.”

“What kind of story?”

“One that makes us laugh.”

“Right, I’ll try.”

Swallowing some extra content from his bottle of Iron Horse, Wolverine took a deep breath, and started to tell:

“At the time of which my story speaks people were camping just as we are here. In the winter time they used birch bark wigwams. All the animals could then talk together. Two young maidens slept right out under the stars. One of them asked the other: "With what star would you like to sleep, the white one or the red one?" The other maid answered, "I'd like to sleep with the red star." "Oh, that's all right," said the first one, "I would like to sleep with the white star. He's the younger; the red is the older." Then the two maidens fell asleep. When they awoke, they found themselves in another world, the star world. There were four of them there, the two maidens and the two stars who had become men. The white star was very, very old and was gray-headed, while the younger star was red-headed. He was the red star. The two women stayed a long time in this star world, and the one who had chosen the white star was very sorry, for he was so old. There was an old woman up in this world who sat over a hole in the sky, and, whenever she moved, she showed them the hole and said, "That's where you came from."

They looked down through and saw their people playing down below, and then the girls grew very sorry and very homesick. One evening, near sunset, the old woman moved a little way from the hole. The younger woman heard the noise of the mitewin down below. When it was almost daylight, the old woman sat over the hole again and the noise of mitewin stopped; it was her spirit that made the noise.

She was the guardian of the mitewin. One morning the old woman told the young women, "If you want to go down where you came from, we will let you down, but get to work and gather roots to make a string-made rope, twisted. The two of you make coils of rope as high as your heads when you are sitting. Two coils will be enough." The two women worked for days until they had accomplished this. They made plenty of rope and tied it to a big basket. They then got into the basket and the people of the star world lowered them down. They descended right into an Eagle's nest, but the people above thought the two women were on the ground and stopped lowering them. They were obliged to stay in the nest, because they could do nothing to help themselves. Said one, "We'll have to stay here until someone comes to get us." Bear passed by. The two women cried out, "Bear, come and get us.

You are going to get married sometime. Now is your chance!" Bear thought, "They are not very good-looking women." He pretended to climb up and then said, "I can't climb up any further." And he went away, for the two women didn't suit him. Next came Lynx. The two women cried out again, "Lynx, come up and get us. You will go after women some day!" Lynx answered, "I can't, for I have no claws," and he went away.

Then an ugly-looking man, Carcajou, passed and the women spoke to him. "Hey, Carcajou, come and get us."

Carcajou started to climb up, for he thought it a very fortunate thing to have these women and was very glad. When he reached them, they placed their hair ribbons in the nest. Then Carcajou agreed to take one woman at a time, so he took the first one down and went back for the next. Then Carcajou went away with his two wives and enjoyed himself greatly, as he was ugly and nobody else would have him. They went far into the woods, and then they sat down and began to talk. "Oh!" cried one of the women, "I forgot my hair ribbon."

Then Carcajou said, "I will run back for it."

And he started off to get the hair ribbons.

Then the girls hid and told the trees, whenever Carcajou should come back and whistle for them, to answer him by whistling.

Carcajou soon returned and began to whistle for his wives, and the trees all around him whistled in answer.

Carcajou, realizing that he had been tricked, gave up the search and departed very angry.”

When Wolverine finished the story, he became silent, looking at each one of his companions' reactions.

They weren’t laughing: Beast, Jubilee and Rogue were serious, with their eyes low.

And Storm … had tears falling from her eyes.

“Well … I lost the dare. My story didn’t make you laugh. So … good night.”

And he walked back to his tent. Everyone also decided to go to sleep, and worked in putting out the fire.

Storm stayed a bit longer, looking at the stars in the sky.

~oOoOo~

Wolverine drank some more beer inside his tent, when he heard a voice:

“I never thought you were ugly.”

He looked around, and saw a shadow projecting through the fabrics of his tent.

“May I get in … Logan?”

He decided to open the zipper of his tent, and allowed Storm to come in.

“I never said it was me.”

He spoke.

“Carcajou is another name for Wolverine.”

She answered, smiling.

“You pity me?”

He asked, looking to his right side.

“I pity you for the suffering you have passed … and love you for who you are now.”

When he heard this answer, he turned his face to look at her’s.

“Loner, you have found a family. Wild savage, you have found dignity. Cynic, you have found faith. To me, your eyes shine like the sad white star’s.”

“It's because I’m 163 years old.”

“I know.”

She came closer, extended her arm and opened her hand, showing that she wanted to touch his left chest, to feel his heartbeat. He took her hand, and put it where she desired, letting her feel how stronger his heart beat.

“Since when … Do you feel this way?”

He asked.

“Since our mission in the Nuclear Submarine, to watch Omega Red.”

“Do you also sometimes feel like there is … A memory of us being together in another time and place?”

“Every night. When I go to sleep. And I always hoped that you shared the same memory.”

“I was too afraid … that something could separate us again.”

“And now are you still afraid?”

“If tomorrow, we wake up, and you are still by my side, then I shall know that this is real. That is not a dream.”

“Hug me, my love, and you shall see this is not a dream.”

And so, he wrapped her in his arms, and her foreheads and noses touched.

That was one the many nights that they would be together, till the end of their days.

Jubilee had woken up, following Storm leaving the tent they shared with Rogue, and listened to every word spoken between the white haired windrider and the rough Canadian warrior, and when she saw their shadows were laying down together, it was the sign for her to return to her tent.

[drhu0806]

Book recommendation tag game

rules: recommend as many books as you like. please include genre and some basic information on it (either your words or a copy+paste synopsis). feel free to include cover art, a personal review, trigger warnings, and anything else! just don’t spoil the book!

Tagged by the lovely @southernreaches <3

And because this got long to where I felt I need a read more, I'll tag other people up here: @portman-natalie, @bluvixen

The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Genre: nonfiction

Physician, researcher, and award-winning science writer, Siddhartha Mukherjee examines cancer with a cellular biologist’s precision, a historian’s perspective, and a biographer’s passion. The result is an astonishingly lucid and eloquent chronicle of a disease humans have lived with—and perished from—for more than five thousand years. The story of cancer is a story of human ingenuity, resilience, and perseverance, but also of hubris, paternalism, and misperception. Mukherjee recounts centuries of discoveries, setbacks, victories, and deaths, told through the eyes of his predecessors and peers, training their wits against an infinitely resourceful adversary that, just three decades ago, was thought to be easily vanquished in an all-out “war against cancer.” The book reads like a literary thriller with cancer as the protagonist.

One of my favorite books, and I just remembered I've been meaning to get a physical copy for years now. There's something really moving about the way the author tells how cancer is so inexplicably tied with human history - don't get me wrong, cancer is still shit, but something about the book made it a little less scary in a, "Ah I think I understand you a little better now" kind of way

Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai

Genre: romance, urban fantasy

As a descendant of the Chinese god of medicine, ignored middle child Elle was destined to be a doctor. Instead, she is underemployed as a mediocre magical calligrapher at the fairy temp agency, paranoid that her murderous younger brother will find her and their elder brother. Using her full abilities will expose Elle’s location. Nevertheless, she challenges herself by covertly outfitting Luc, her client and crush, with high-powered glyphs. Half-elf Luc, the agency’s top security expert, has his own secret: he’s responsible for a curse laid on two children from an old assignment. To heal them, he’ll need to perform his job duties with unrelenting excellence and earn time off from his tyrannical boss. When Elle saves Luc’s life on a mission, he brings her a gift and a request for stronger magic to ensure success on the next job—except the next job is hunting down Elle’s younger brother. As Luc and Elle collaborate, their chemistry blooms. Happiness, for once, is an option for them both. But Elle is loyal to her family, and Luc is bound by his true name. To win freedom from duty, they must make unexpected sacrifices.

I have to plug this. I have loved Mia's writing for years and I will not stop now. This book has everything I love: calligraphy-based magic system, beautiful romance, dick jokes, extremely accurate to the point that I'm almost uncomfortable lens into Chinese family culture to the point where there were times I had to put the book down and stare at a wall. Also Tony. I will never stop loving Tony.

A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin

Genre: fantasy, romance

For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it's her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her—the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu. When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi—masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making—she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning's only chance to save her sister's life. But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.

TEA MAGIC!! TEA MAGIC!!!!! TEA MAGIC!!! This book has wonderful worldbuilding that really brought back nostalgia from my childhood watching wuxia and xianxia dramas.

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao

Genre: fantasy/urban fantasy

Zachary Ying never had many opportunities to learn about his Chinese heritage. His single mom was busy enough making sure they got by, and his schools never taught anything except Western history and myths. So Zack is woefully unprepared when he discovers he was born to host the spirit of the First Emperor of China for a vital mission: sealing the leaking portal to the Chinese underworld before the upcoming Ghost Month blows it wide open. The mission takes an immediate wrong turn when the First Emperor botches his attempt to possess Zack’s body and binds to Zack’s AR gaming headset instead, leading to a battle where Zack’s mom’s soul gets taken by demons. Now, with one of history’s most infamous tyrants yapping in his headset, Zack must journey across China to heist magical artifacts and defeat figures from history and myth, all while learning to wield the emperor’s incredible water dragon powers. And if Zack can’t finish the mission in time, the spirits of the underworld will flood into the mortal realm, and he could lose his mom forever.

I know they're more well known for Iron Widow but Xiran's Zachary Ying series (I think they have a sequel planned, dear God I hope that's the case) but I have to show some love to their other series that I don't think gets nearly the attention it deserves; it really tickles my urban fantasy bone AND my wish to see more Chinese mythology incorporated in modern fiction. I absolutely hate (read: love) how relatable Zach is for me and my experiences personally!!! 10/10 for being @'ed, would read again.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

Genre: historical fiction, romance(kinda)

In 1986, Henry Lee joins a crowd outside the Panama Hotel, once the gateway to Seattle's Japantown. It has been boarded up for decades, but now the new owner has discovered the belongings of Japanese families who were sent to internment camps during World War II. As the owner displays and unfurls a Japanese parasol, Henry, a Chinese American, remembers a young Japanese American girl from his childhood in the 1940s—Keiko Okabe, with whom he forged a bond of friendship and innocent love that transcended the prejudices of their Old World ancestors. After Keiko and her family were evacuated to the internment camps, she and Henry could only hope that their promise to each other would be kept. Now, forty years later, Henry explores the hotel's basement for the Okabe family's belongings and for a long-lost object whose value he cannot even begin to measure. His search will take him on a journey to revisit the sacrifices he has made for family, for love, for country.

This one is very near and dear to my heart due to its setting and certain parts of its subject matter (a Chinese lead in a book published in 2009??? A rare find for me lol). The title is exactly what you get: so bittersweet, with an ending that made me want to cry.

[we-joyless-few]

We Happy Few x Lethal Company AU (We Lethal Few?)

In this AU/crossover, the events of WHF take place after the war on Titan, where a bunch of people were drafted and/or killed during the fight.

Post-war, Arthur and the other protagonists get hired by The Company, with Arthur, Sally and Ollie being the first crew the story would follow.

Although he still gathers scrap, Arthur also takes time to search the Exo-Moons for Percy, although the likelihood of finding him- especially with all the dangerous creatures on said Moons -dwindles every day.

Sally is an expert in relation to helping the others navigate the facilities and mansions, and uses her knowledge of chemistry and medicine to make more insulin supplies for Ollie. She stays back on the ship to care for Gwen and help with navigation.

Ollie is the self-assigned captain. He detests The Company for treating people as expendable assets, but at the same time he enjoys the challenge of the missions. Doing his job has helped him sober up, which the others in his crew are proud of him for.

Altogether, the crew is made up of great assets to The Company :)

Next crew would be Roger, James, Nick Lightbearer, and Victoria.

I’ll probably write more about all of this later, but please feel free to share your ideas and stuff if you have ‘em :)

[rainkays]

ENTER THE REVENANT… | ORIGINAL STORY + OC’s

ENTER, THE CALYPSO SHIP. The year 2533.

In a distant galaxy, a group of 8 young individuals were assembled to track and observe the extraterrestrial life forms given the name THE REVENANT. Given its name by American special forces in cooperation with NASA, the revenant life forms are an alien species found on the planet CALYPSO. Project Revenant was created by special forces in the year 2500 in connection to over 45 deaths on the ship ROMULUS, sent to the planet Calypso to study the alien life forms. All documents of their expedition were erased from public records, until 6 years later in which a new expedition was formed. Project revenant. The project covered a ship, containing 35 passengers, 8 of which would be the future team to detail the highly sought after Revenant species. When all members of the team reached 18 years old, their ship was disconnected from the NOSTRADAMUS mother ship and sent on a path to Calypso. All team members were trained in individual specialties by the NASA special forces for all needs to be met during the ship’s travel away from the mother ship. Once the Calypso team reached the outer rings of the planet, all communications to the Nostradamus were severed due to satellite interference in connection to the Revenant.

MEET THE CREW….

CAPTAIN TESSA “white wolf” KANE is the leader of the revenant and assigned pilot of the ship. Her parents were once well known physicists on the ROMULUS expedition, and were killed in action 6 years prior to the formation of the revenant. Tessa was assigned her position after years of extensive training for the mission, and dedication in leading her closest friends that would soon become her crew. Tessa is 24 years old, born on July 21st, 2509. (fc: cailee spaeny)

LAYLA “reaper” CARTERS is second in command to tessa, and is the captain’s closest friend. After being orphaned shortly after the disaster on the ROMULUS expedition, she bonded with tessa and found herself growing closer with the kane family. Layla had training in aviation prior to the formation of project revenant and worked alongside Tessa’s older brother in learning cartography skills. Layla is 24, born on March 7th, 2509. (fc: ella purnell)

JASON “indiana” KANE is the older brother of Tessa and the lead tracker and cartographer of the revenant. Jason studied alongside his father in his teenage years learning chemistry before his passing, and trained his younger sister in basic training. Jason faced his struggles after the death of his parents, but stayed strong in order to lead alongside his sister and secure his place on the revenant expedition. Jason is 27, born on September 17th, 2506. (fc: kyle gallner)

ELAINE “hawkeye” WILSON is the weapons and tech expert on the revenant. Elaine was trained in weaponry by her father, and found an interest in technology on the ship as she grew older. While on the revenant, she receives transmissions from home base and is in charge of any repairs needed on the ship. Elaine’s closest friend, CLARISSA, also shares similar interests and the two work together on the ship. Elaine is 24, born on December 9, 2509. (fc: sophie thatcher)

CLARISSA “monarch” PALMER is the weather tracker and repairs expert on the revenant, alongside elaine. Clarissa was hesitant to join the revenant team, leaving her mother behind alone at base, but was ultimately persuaded to for the sake of the research they were setting out for. Her close relationship with Elaine kept her going during the long time spent on the revenant, as she even sent messages to Clarissa’s mother during their time on the ship. Clarissa is 24, born on June 24th, 2509. (fc: amandla stenberg)

RYAN “ronin” MICHEALS is the extraterrestrial life expert on the revenant and training specialist for the team alongside Jason. Ryan was a lone wolf for most of his teenage years after the passing of his parents when he was 6, but grew close with Jason during their training for project revenant. The two work closely together while on the ship and Ryan has also grown close with Tessa. Ryan is 25, born on February 12, 2508. (fc: rohan campbell)

NOTE ! (hi hi guys <33 since the alien romulus trailer dropped i have not been able to stop thinking about it so i decided to write my own standalone verse + characters inspired by it and im so excited so share them with u!! i’ll be posting the first chapter soon <3)

[sophiyablogs]

Unveiling the Top 5 Online Assignment Help Services: A TakeMyClassCourse Expert's Guide

Are you struggling to keep up with your Chemistry assignments? Overwhelmed with the complexities of chemical equations and reactions? Worry not! In today's digital age, help is just a click away. As an expert from TakeMyClassCourse, I understand the importance of finding reliable assistance for your academic needs.  There are some situations which make the students think who will take my chemistry  class for me to complete my assignment easily? Worry not! In this post, we'll explore the top 5 online assignment help services that cater to students seeking support, especially in the realm of Chemistry.

Takemyclasscourse – Your One-Stop Solution:

At Takemyclasscourse, we pride ourselves on being a comprehensive online platform dedicated to assisting students with various academic challenges. From live tutoring sessions to detailed study materials, we cover it all. Our team of experts specializes in Chemistry, ensuring that you get the personalized help you need to excel in your coursework.

Live Exam Helper – Real-Time Assistance for Your Chemistry Woes:

Need instant help with a Chemistry problem or preparing for an exam? Live Exam Helper is the go-to service for real-time assistance. Our experts are available round the clock to guide you through complex concepts, ensuring you grasp the subject matter thoroughly. Say goodbye to last-minute cramming with our live support.

Chemistry Assignment Help – Tailored Solutions for Your Assignments:

For those seeking specialized help with Chemistry assignments, Chemistry Assignment Help is the answer. Our skilled professionals are well-versed in tackling diverse topics within the subject. Whether it's organic, inorganic, or physical chemistry, rest assured that our experts will provide you with well-researched and meticulously crafted solutions.

Reddit – A Community of Knowledge:

The Reddit platform has evolved into a rich source of information and assistance for students. Joining relevant subreddits allows you to interact with peers and experts, gaining insights into effective study strategies and receiving guidance on your Chemistry assignments. The collaborative nature of Reddit makes it a valuable resource for academic support.

Quora – Tapping into the Wisdom of the Crowd:

Quora is another community-driven platform where students can seek answers to their academic queries. By actively participating in discussions related to Chemistry, you can tap into the collective wisdom of educators and fellow students. It's a great way to supplement your knowledge and get valuable perspectives on challenging topics.

When it comes to excelling in your Chemistry coursework, leveraging online assignment help services can make a significant difference. Whether you choose Takemyclasscourse for its comprehensive support, Live Exam Helper for real-time assistance, Chemistry Assignment Help for tailored solutions, or community platforms like Reddit and Quora for collaborative learning, the key is to find the right blend of resources that suit your learning style.

At TakeMyClassCourse, we understand the importance of providing top-notch assistance, and we encourage you to explore these online platforms to enhance your academic journey. Remember, success in Chemistry is just a click away!

[blaserables]

Bravo Team's leader, and Wesker's second in command for the S.T.A.R.S. unit. Enrico feels threatened by the arrival of the Alpha Team, thinking that Chris or Barry may end up replacing him as #2 to Wesker. Nonetheless, Enrico is a dedicated S.T.A.R.S. operative and is always proud to lead the unit when Wesker lets him.

A very important member of S.T.A.R.S. serving as Bravo's communications expert. The only link back to headquarters for teams out in the field, Richard actually has to pull double duty as radioman for both units since Alpha Team has no trained operator, except for Jill (who has a knack for technology). A very positive person, Richard greets new members warmly.

The youngest member of the group, Rebecca has been recruited for her knowledge of field medicine and First Aid. She is nervous around other members, both because of her age and due to her lack of experience. Rebecca is eager to please and will take on any task assigned to her without hesitation.

Forest is a sniper in addition to his duties as Bravo's vehicle specialist. He is a consummate professional, and his work earns him great respect from the other members. He instantly clicks with Chris, and it seems they'll end up good teammates.

A quiet but very talented field scouting officer. Also is an expert in chemistry. He wonders why his chemical experience would be necessary in Raccoon City but quickly discounts his hesitancy since Wesker himself sought him to enlist in S.T.A.R.S.

STARS Bravo Team character profiles, from the Internet Archive

Alpha Team profiles here

[amazing-beautysupplie4u]

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[mermaidsirennikita]

ARC Review: The Cutthroat Countess by Minerva Spencer

3.75/5. Releases 10/24/2023.

Vibes: romance with a side of espionage, a totally in love hero, "a motley crew of oddballs" sensibilities, and light assassin feels

Blade expert Josephine Brown never stays in one place long, and doesn't form deep relationships. But now that she's a partial owner of Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre (think a traveling circus full of dangerous ladies) connections are becoming difficult to avoid. Particularly her connection with Elliot, an agent for the Crown who quickly falls head over heels for her. As the two work together on a dangerous assignment, Jo finds Elliot increasingly hard to resist--while he's determined to know her secrets.

With a good dose of plot (often having to do with Napoleonic shenanigans), the Wicked Women of Whitechapel series is entertaining and always sexy, with a spin on historical romance you don't see often. I really enjoyed the chemistry and interactions between Jo and Elliot--but I do feel like you might want to read the first two books ahead of this one.

Quick Takes:

--One thing I like about this series is that the heroines tend to be a bit on the jaded side, regardless of age. They've been around the block, they've been emotionally (and usually physically, thanks to their dangerous lifestyles) wounded in the past. This makes it totally believable when they began physical relationships with their heroes without being able to emotionally commit. These are women who seize pleasure when they can get it, and find it difficult to resist indulging their desires.

Similarly, the heroes might be snarky, might be a bit dangerous themselves, might be frustrated with their heroines at points--but they also tend to be heroes that fall first and fall hard. You get that with Jo and Elliot. No matter how much she wants to resist falling for him, it's hard for her to do when he's just so smitten and so charming.

--Jo has a pet raven. His name is Angus and he is excellent. I love it when heroines have random weird pets; it's a quirk that I find particularly satisfying. Maybe the raven watched them have sex? Only God knows.

--There is an interclass conflict, and I do love an interclass conflict. However, at points it did feel like a bit of a rehash of the previous book's personal relationship conflict (separate from the larger suspense plot) which is "I shall not be your mistress, sir". The thing that makes it a little more baffling here is that Elliot is so clearly gone for Jo early on. So it's like--girl, I don't think he really cares if he comes from a wealthier family (and he's not even a firstborn son). He wants you.

--Additionally, I will say that while I enjoyed the relationship between Jo and Elliot and the larger mystery plot... Where I think this book suffered was in the overlapping with the two previous novels. Don't get me wrong, this works as a standalone, but considering how much this entwines with the previous installments... I don't know, I feel like you'd get more out of reading the series in order.

This kind of overlapping plot element can work, especially in romance. But when I compare this to say, The Duke Gets Even, a book that was the culmination of a four-novel buildup to the final couple--this book just feels a little two connected to its companions. It slowed the plot at points, because you'd have to get a catchup on what was happening. By no means did it hurt the story too much, but it was noticeable.

The Sex:

The sex scenes begin pretty early here, and they're great, and they really don't let up throughout the novel. Spencer has a real talent for writing a sex scene that's both quite carnal and quite emotionally satisfying. I really loved the way Jo and Elliot interacted with each other; from the beginning, you felt that she was technically giving him a lot, while emotionally remaining closed off. Over time, you feel that emotional connection strengthen, and that's reflected in the way they have sex. It's a smart writing choice.

While I think I preferred the previous books in the series a little more, The Cutthroat Countess is still a fun, satisfying read. Would recommend to anyone who wants to explore a more action-packed historical romance with a heroine whose skill set extends beyond the ballroom.

Thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[jacobblack3751009]

Quake and Vibe

Agent Coulson stood at the entrance of the briefing room, a determined look on his face. The room was filled with various agents, each assigned to different missions and tasks. Today, however, Coulson had a special announcement to make.

"Listen up, everyone," Coulson began, his voice commanding attention. "We have a new recruit joining us today. His name is [Y/N], but he goes by the codename Vibe."

The room filled with whispers of curiosity as the agents exchanged glances. They were always intrigued by new recruits, especially those with unique abilities.

"Vibe possesses an array of powers and skills that make him a valuable addition to our team," Coulson continued, projecting an air of confidence. "He's an Inhuman, capable of manipulating dimensional energy, with the ability to travel between dimensions. He also has vibrational blasts at his disposal."

The room fell into a hushed silence as the agents absorbed the information. It was clear that Vibe's powers were extraordinary.

"In addition to his powers, Vibe is a genius-level intellect, a master scientist and physicist," Coulson added, his voice laced with admiration. "He's a bilingual computer specialist and expert hacker. He's also an expert tailor, a skilled guitarist, and a master engineer. Furthermore, he has a knack for setting traps."

The agents exchanged impressed glances, their curiosity piqued. It was rare to find someone with such a diverse skill set. But there was one agent in particular who seemed more captivated than the rest—Daisy "Quake" Johnson.

Daisy had always been a force to be reckoned with. Her own Inhuman powers allowed her to manipulate vibrations, earning her the codename "Quake." As a result, she possessed a deep understanding of Vibe's abilities and their potential.

As the briefing concluded, the agents dispersed, heading back to their assignments. Daisy lingered near Coulson, a glimmer of interest in her eyes.

"Vibe seems... incredible," she remarked, her voice tinged with a mix of awe and curiosity.

Coulson smiled knowingly. "Yes, he certainly is. I believe his unique abilities and diverse skills have caught your attention."

Daisy blushed, trying to hide her growing interest. "I mean, it's just... he's so talented. It's hard not to be intrigued."

Coulson chuckled softly. "I've seen this happen before, Daisy. Sometimes, extraordinary individuals can't help but captivate us. But remember, we're a team. Focus on the mission first."

Daisy nodded, her expression more determined now. "Of course, Phil. The mission comes first."

As the days passed, Daisy found herself crossing paths with Vibe more frequently. Their conversations started as casual exchanges about missions and strategies, but soon they delved into deeper subjects. They discovered a shared passion for science and technology, often engaging in spirited debates about the latest advancements.

Vibe's expertise in engineering impressed Daisy, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of admiration for his skills. They even found common ground in music, occasionally jamming together during their downtime.

Slowly but surely, Daisy's initial intrigue transformed into something more. She found herself genuinely drawn to Vibe's intelligence, his passion, and his unwavering dedication to the team. There was a connection between them, an unspoken understanding that seemed to grow with each passing day.

Vibe, too, began to recognize Daisy's exceptional abilities and the strength she brought to the team. He admired her resilience, her determination, and her unwavering loyalty. There was a spark between them, an undeniable chemistry that couldn't be ignored.

As they faced dangerous missions side by side, their bond grew

stronger. They relied on each other's support, both in the heat of battle and during quieter moments of vulnerability. It was a connection forged in the crucible of teamwork and shared experiences.

And so, amidst the chaos of their missions, Daisy and Vibe discovered something extraordinary—a love that transcended their powers and abilities. Their mutual admiration had blossomed into something deeper, intertwining their lives in ways they never expected.

In the world of S.H.I.E.L.D, where danger lurked around every corner, their bond became an anchor, a source of strength that propelled them forward. Together, Daisy "Quake" Johnson and [Y/N]—codename Vibe—faced the challenges that came their way, their connection growing stronger with each passing day.

They spent countless nights talking about their pasts, their dreams, and their fears, slowly peeling back the layers of their souls. Daisy discovered Vibe's thirst for knowledge and his insatiable curiosity about the dimensions he could traverse. She marveled at his ability to manipulate vibrational energy, creating harmonious blasts that could topple adversaries. And Vibe was in awe of Daisy's unwavering determination, her resilience in the face of adversity, and her fierce loyalty to those she cared about.

Their shared passion for science led them to embark on joint research projects, pushing the boundaries of their understanding of interdimensional energy and its applications. They worked in perfect sync, their minds complementing each other's, as they unraveled the mysteries of their powers.

But it wasn't just their shared intellect that deepened their connection. They discovered joy in the simplest of moments—strolling through the S.H.I.E.L.D. base hand in hand, stealing secret glances during missions, or enjoying quiet evenings where they could let their guard down and be vulnerable with one another.

Daisy found solace in Vibe's embrace, a safe haven from the chaos of the world. He understood the weight she carried as an agent, and he supported her unconditionally. And Vibe, too, found comfort in Daisy's presence, her unwavering belief in his abilities, and her ability to make him feel grounded amidst the constant whirlwind of their lives.

Their romantic relationship didn't go unnoticed by their fellow agents. Some teased them about their newfound connection, while others admired the strength they drew from each other. Coulson, their wise mentor, offered them guidance and reminded them of the importance of balancing personal feelings with the mission at hand.

In the midst of their evolving relationship, Daisy and Vibe continued to excel in their roles as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. They fought side by side, their combined powers and skills forming an unstoppable force against those who threatened peace and stability.

Their love was a beacon of hope in a world of uncertainty. It reminded them that even in the face of darkness, there was light to be found. And together, they would face whatever challenges came their way, with their hearts entwined and their powers united.

[reviewsthatburn]

I’m so happy about BITTER MEDICINE. Often I can get very stressed out by stories where the two parties are lying or misrepresenting things, usually because the reasons don’t make any sense, except as transparent excuses to further the plot. When this happens I either become distressed by the lie(s) or I’ll lose the suspension of disbelief and can’t stay in the story. At all points in BITTER MEDICINE, Elle and Luc are being as honest as they possibly can be with each other (given the constraints on them). As they grow closer they work first individually, and then mutually, to get rid of the barriers between them. In each new stage of their relationship they work to accept whatever obstacles cannot yet be removed. The story is driven by their need to fix their individual problems, gradually turning into a realization that they can help each other accomplish more than either could without help.

Full Review at Link.

[r6unitedfront]

Name: Helen Park Unit: Joint Intelligence Committee Rank: Director  Helen Park entered Oxford at the age of 16 where she pursued a doctorate in international relations. After her older brother was killed in an IRA car bomb attack in London, she dropped out from the program and began studying the origins and motivations of international paramilitary organizations, eventually leading her to join the ranks of MI6. Park earned her place by proving her prowess as an expert strategist, becoming one of MI6's youngest yet most talented logistics agent. She also displayed proficiency in chemistry, biology, psychological manipulation, and is a talented hypnotist. After several years of international assignments, Park was placed on protection service for two British scientists who were set to travel to a clandestine location to collaborate with the CIA on an officially sponsored project. During the cold war she conducted many operations around the globe to tackle Communism threat, with her successes she quickly rose through the ranks of MI6. After many decades of serving in the MI6, Helen Park was appointed as the Director of the agency. In 2018 she was knighted by the Queen, getting the title of ‘Dame’ later on appointed to lead the JIC which leads it to this day. ------------------------------------------ When I saw Helen Park in CoD: Black Ops Cold War, she instantly reminded me the youth of Colonel Katherine Powell who was a character in a movie called ‘Eye in the Sky’ played by legendary actress Dame Helen Mirren. So decided to make it a thing in our universe, so here it is!

[shelby-bach-books]

It’s hard to have capacity for all the changes on your plate if you’re beating yourself up all the time. 

It’s hard to make room for someone else’s pain if your own mind is busy stabbing you in a tender place. 

Some of this mental stabbing comes from brain chemistry, which usually needs to be treated with expert care. 

Some of this mental stabbing comes from experienced trauma, which—at this point in our history—we now all share. The degrees differ, and every person’s exact experience is unique. But I haven’t yet met a person who emerged unscathed from the past few years.

But some of this wounding, perpetuated by our own brains, comes from habits made normal by the culture we have inherited. 

That’s what I want to speak about. 

For example, we writers may speak casually about our “inner editor,” a voice in our heads that tells us what we’re making is terrible or worthless. At best, we may trade techniques on how to shut this voice up long enough to keep on writing in spite of the noise in our heads. 

We don’t often speak about how often this cruel voice shows up in other areas of our lives. We rarely mention that many of the writers we grew up reading—including those assigned in our writing classes for their artistic brilliance—struggled with mental health. Quite a few committed suicide. Who has emerged from high school without studying Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, or Sylvia Plath?

It is immensely human to want to end pain. I can’t fault anyone for that impulse.

It is however cultural to accept that creativity must be paired with stabbing yourself with your own thoughts—and perhaps other more physically dangerous forms of self-harm. 

I challenge that belief. Instead, I encourage an alternative:

Make your mind a nicer place to live. 

Commit to retraining your brain’s habits until it’s a safer space for you to inhabit. 

Experiment. Use as many modalities as are effective. Allow your creativity to support your emotional wholeness.

Investigate the stories, whether internal or inherited, that are giving your mind a knife to cut you with, and rewrite them until you dull that blade—until it loses its power to cut you. 

Explore Further:

This quote came from the very first piece I posted on the JourneyPen Project website, way back in March 2020. With everything happening back then, I wouldn’t be surprised if you missed it. I titled the piece “How to Navigate Chaos,” and I’ll link to it here in case you would like to read the rest of it.

Over the past few years, I created the collection that this idea—and the whole piece—belongs inside: “Renewing Capacity” is the theme. 

Making your mind a nicer place to live IS one way to renew capacity. You can reinvest the energy you’re losing in self-criticism for something more useful. More here.

As I’ve shared before, I’m speaking to this from my personal experience. I too was immensely hard on myself, and one year, I made it my 2018 New Year’s intention to accept myself. From there, it took a little longer to work up to self-compassion. I talk about that process in this video.

But I recognized the need for self-acceptance in Fall 2017, while I was taking an online writing course. I described that moment in People Are Stories-in-Progress here. 

At the time I had that realization, my life was in chaos due to family crisis. In that moment, I didn’t have the time, energy, or capacity to make any actual changes. It wasn’t until a few months later, when the family crisis had settled, that I circled back to it. I got sick, and forced to slow down, I tended my frayed edges and committed to changes. That’s why I make time to integrate experiences—it helps me to respond to a troubling situation by making changes that improve my entire life, not just a part of it.  More on integrating here.

Creative Lineage Credit: 

“Put down the knife you are holding to your own throat.” 

- Elizabeth Gilbert, author of BIG MAGIC and host of Magic Lessons Podcast