#enjoy some angsty sim teenagers

[sims4luvrxx]

school sux

[florwal]

yeah some people are just mean cause they can, you've done so much and you don't owe anything to anyone

+ i'm so happy you've been enjoying jut playing the game for yourself, i've just cleaned all my mods folder (don't ask how.) and planning to fell in love again with the game that i've been loving since i was 10 😭

if you wanna share some pics of what you're doing i'm super curious, but if you dont: just fuck them all 💋💋💋💋💋💋 kisses and hugs

i’ve been trying to play the complete opposite of what i normally would but i’m actually enjoying it a lot! i just cleaned my mods folder too it was A CHORE

the dad erik is a construction worker and he’s into all the outdoorsy stuff. he goes fishing a lot. he has the goofball trait and tries to be “the cool dad.” because in my head the parents were in the grunge/alternative scene when they were younger

the mom vivienne is a freelance writer and to make things easier for me she has the family oriented/neat traits because erik is a slob and makes the house dirty as fuck and i feel bad cuz she is ALWAYS cleaning up after him but their marriage is going great and they never fight so ? she seems happy to do it i guess lmao

they have a teenage daughter named bristol that’s super angsty and has the live fast aspiration from hsy so she sneaks out and gets into trouble at school a lot. she has a crush on her best friend marjane who’s been having a stay over at the house for a sims week so i’m like 👀 waiting to see if any autonomous romance will happen with them BUT bristol also has a crush on another girl from school so idk which one i want her to go to prom with and it’s stressing me out!!!

[sincerely-sofie]

Check-in for October 27th, 2023

I spent 3 hours straight working on a single assignment that was meant to take half as long as it did. It took all my brain power to complete it, and I couldn’t get much tangible work on personal projects done as a result. Still got some planning done for business stuff, though. And I’ve been gathering inspiration and references for my dating sim / visual novel project.

The visual novel doesn’t have a premise yet, but I’m building up some creative guidelines to help me generate ideas. I also am planning out some scope limits to keep the size manageable. With NaNoRenO coming up in March, I’m hoping to get all the prep work done at a leisurely but consistent pace over the next few months, then finish up the project over the course of March. That’s very wishful thinking, but you know what they say: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” And if my wishing and daydreaming about goals is given the planned-out structure of a checklist and schedule, I can maybe, possibly, hypothetically complete this game.

I still need to think of a premise, though, so I better get cracking on that.

I’ve had a few ideas for visuals styles— like making scrapbook-y visuals with collages, journaling ephemera, and paper textures scanned in from real life, combined with actual photos for backgrounds. I’ve also had ideas for atmospheric flair, like typewriter noises playing whenever characters “speak.” Not sure if any of these would appear in my final product when I don't know what the story would even be, but I am very excited either way!

After doing some research on different visual novels, both ones I've played and ones that I've wishlisted or thought looked cool, I've tentatively decided I want to make a wackier sort of visual novel--- one that would preferably be a dating sim of some kind, but I'm not picky. I once drafted the ground work of a cryptid dating sim as a teenager where romance-able options included an angsty gray alien, a spoiled rich boy lizardman, a reverse-spiderman situation heroic vigilante mothman, and an eldritch god named Paul. That project is definitely too big for me to make with my current skillset and patience, so I can't take it on as a project quite yet--- but I can dream.

I'm tempted to make a dating sim based on some OCs in a setting I mentioned previously that is populated by bug people, but that's pretty niche, and I'm honestly not too sure if there's an audience for that sort of thing--- especially if it's essentially an extended inside joke with myself. Even so, I am tempted. So very, very tempted.

One day I will make finalized art of these characters, and everyone will know why they're peak examples of blorbohood.

That being said, I have other ideas that could be adapted to a visual novel or dating sim. One of them involves a tech enthusiast whose computer gets possessed by a malware demon, another details the player going on a blind date with a stereotypical "Hero of Prophecy" fantasy character, and another one is a playable bedtime story. I'll spend some time going through the archives of concepts and try brainstorming some new ones. Still going to need to take it easy for a while--- I've got a busy month coming up with NaNoWriMo, and I don't intend to burn out ahead of that--- but I'll be working on the concepts and required research at a gentle pace!

Seriously, though, fingers crossed on the possibly-completing-a-game thing! I finished a pilot / minimum viable product of an RPG titled Momther a while back and it made me realize I had the chops to actually enjoy game dev as a hobby--- I just have to stay focused and committed, ADHD be darned. If I manage my health well, both mental and physical, that should be nice and doable. I got this!!! Kinda!!! Hopefully!!!

Sincerely, Sofie

[mamomare]

Legacy Challenge - Gen #3

Heir: Kaila Partner: Amos Children: Sarah-Jane, Demi and Gunnar

Unfortunately for our large family of five, both Yukio and Peppino died relatively young, leaving all five teenagers to fend for themselves. Luckily, it was close to Elliot’s 18th birthday and he took over guardianship of his brothers and sisters. It became clear that they had outgrown their shared bunks, and a new family home was finally constructed, including individual space for each sibling. However, when they were all finally young adults, the boys moved together to Henford-on-Bagley and Macy found herself a small apartment to rent in Evergreen Harbour. Leaving only Kaila on their ancestral land in Del Sol Valley. Growing up angsty and listless, Kaila finally found herself when she journeyed to the Magical Realm and became a spellcaster. She specialised in potions, but dabbled on the side with practical magic. Despite wearing all-black, Kaila was a hard-working responsible adult who enjoyed spending time in nature. To assist in her potion making, she entered the gardening career as a florist and could often be found in the Sylvan glade hunting for frogs.

While in school, Kaila had multiple possible suitors, dating some, but never really finding the right one. She kept being invited to duel with Amos, and although she enjoyed their rivalry as a teen, she never pursued it. However, it wasn’t until later, after building up her career and skills as a witch, that she finally decided to give Amos a go. The attraction was electric and soon after their wedding, they welcomed their first child, Sarah-Jane. Sarah-Jane, although romantic, was extremely pragmatic and logically minded. Once her mind was set, she was dogged in achieving her goals. Next came Demi, a purple haired innocent girl who loved her mother with all her heart... oh, how things would change. Finally, came Gunnar, who followed in his grandfather’s passion for music and played the violin from an early age.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck the family early. Poor Amos was electrocuted whilst repairing a wind turbine on the property, leaving Kaila to manage everything on her own. She was constantly busy, trying to maintain her flower garden in her greenhouse to advance in career, whilst simultaneously practicing her potions making in a secret basement lair hidden under the family cemetery. She did her best as a single mum, but there was one child in particular who suffered... Demi. Demi worked tirelessly at school to get amazing grades and was constantly doing chores around the house to try garner praise from her mum. Who got all that praise? Sarah-Jane. Despite this, Demi never became angry with Sarah-Jane and the girls grew up super close, despite being very different. However, the resentment towards her mother grew in Demi and as she finally aged up to a young adult, she became evil. 

Sarah-Jane was the first one to move out. Whilst in the pursuit of answers to the Strangerville mystery, she met townie Samantha Tanaka. After their marriage, Sarah-Jane joined the science career and moved permanently to Strangerville. Not able to stand it in the house with her mother, Demi was soon to follow, marrying Haven and moving to the spooky neighbourhood of Forgotten Hollow... a premonition for things to come, perhaps?

That left Kaila with her last child, Gunnar. Kaila still loved Amos with all of her heart, but before her death had finally begun a relationship with an old flame and enjoyed her remaining time swimming laps in her pool or tending to her garden. ---

Honestly, I wasn’t that excited at the start to play with this Gen, especially since I had only started actively play with Kaila as a teen. I had to do a complete 180 in my mind, because my original heir was supposed to be Macy. However, the heir is supposed to be eldest child of the opposite gender, so when I realised Kaila existed, I had to go with it. But I’m beyond glad I did, because this was by far the most fun I’ve had since I started the challenge. I loved the storylines that came out and it forced me to play in a lot of new ways. I had so many ambitious plans with Kaila, I actually really wanted her to master potions and floristry and open up a retail store where she sold her potions and flowers... but these skills TOOK SO LONG TO MASTER. Getting to level 10 in the florist career was a nightmare and the potions thing took just as long!! Not to mention I spent her entire lifetime breeding frogs... in the end I think I actually just got all of them Sylvan Glade and all my elaborate research and breeding plans were a waste of time. This was also the first time I tried to make my own house completely from scratch. It was hard to find a house for the siblings on the gallery, so I had to make my own. I really liked the interior and the yard was quite nice, but the outside was a mess.

I absolutely LOVED Demi and it was devastating that I had to move her out and choose Gunnar as the heir, but I’ve been playing with strict equality rules, so only a sim of the opposite gender can be the heir. Gunnar is sweet, but a bit bland.... I miss Demi and Sarah-Jane, they were so bad ass. :( 

[ls-mcmilkshake]

The Fyres Household

I have been playing Fyres household for the last few months, and here's my progression with the girls and their pals. Personally, I see the Renegades as a troubled yet sincere attempt of the search for self. I liked every character and their backgrounds from the group!

For the Fyres household, I did some background makeovers for parents, in which I assigned Moira as a lawyer who is obsessed with making her office in San Myshuno a jungle, and Dominic as an experienced high school history teacher—you know the drill, that one cool teacher who can’t stop talking about cool trivias during the class! (I headcannon them meeting in their college days at the Debate Guild, UBrite...an intelligent and angelic law major and a keen, efficient, bit-of-a-nerd history major!) For the children, I did a makeover to represent their mixed heritage better. I also altered their traits a little bit; Siobhan as a Family-oriented, Outgoing Perfectionist who now works as a lawyer, and Morgan as a Good, Outgoing, Unflirty sim working as a mechanic. Morgan gives me a big demisexual lesbian vibes which I like and relate to very much!

This is the first time I post any stories about my TS4 saves, and I would greatly appreciate feedback including grammar corrections!

Moira Fyres is a successful lawyer, a sweet mother, and the dearest wife to Dominic Fyres, who is also successful as a high school History teacher and loves his family from bottom of his heart. As well as being incredibly responsible to their duties, they enjoy their hobbies on weekends with lots of friends—they really live their lives fully! Currently, their prominent daughter Siobhan is studying law at UBrite, following in her mother’s footsteps. Her sister, Morgan, has grown up well, too. She is just as sweet and smart as everyone—maybe more than anyone, her family says—in the house, although it is overshadowed by her rebellious attitude. Problem is, Morgan has been distant since the start of her teenage years. The Fyres family doesn’t know why, because she used to be really attached to them and now she is suddenly distant with no explanation or whatsoever. Can they break free from the tension and mend their bonds?

Strong, bold, rebellious...Morgan Fyres was a bit of a troubled teenager. She belonged to the Renegades, skipped school to hang out and occasionally to make a mess with them. Being a handy, scientific person herself, she would help Max with the formula of the notorious toilet bombs and influenced him to pursue his career in the science field. She was the “strong one” in the group, all dressed up in a pair of heavy black boots and a leather jacket.

She was, however, struggling with herself behind the tough facade. She wanted to be a “normal girl” just like her big sister, Siobhan, who she had been admiring ever since they were little. No,  Morgan did not want to behave like Siobhan—pink lipsticks and skirts? Ew, that’s so Paragons!—she wanted, no, needed to be like Siobhan, to be happy.

Unlike her sister, and possibly all of her classmates, she wasn’t quite a fan of boys and romance and all the sweet stuff surrounding the world. The reason why she avoided her happily married parents was not merely an angsty phase of a teenager; her mind, her body, could not proceed what the “normal” lover would do--kissing, hugging, and possibly woohooing. Even the idea of it made her cringe, no matter how happy it was represented by her family, by her classmates, by the society itself. She once tried to date Wolfgang in a desperate attempt of teenage integration, only to get rejected almost instantly. He was insensitive and ill-tempered, but that did not mean he would exploit his friend’s struggle. The incident left a strain on their relationship, which resulted in Morgan distancing from Renegades, secluding herself further.

Then a girl came along. A girl with a small pointy nose and an...”unique” sense of fashion. Hailing from Mt. Komorebi, the girl, named Waka Hanaoka, gradually sneaked into Morgan's juvenile heart. They would chat in the school commons for hours and hours—Waka helped Morgan with her Simlish writing assignment, in exchange of Morgan teaching her how to do algebra. Waka was an epitome of the school demographics Morgan would never really associate with—she was clumsy, goofy, and yet incredibly smart. Their unlike friendship somehow seemed to have a chemistry nonetheless. Morgan started to turn up to school once a week just to see the girl’s stupid face, then twice, and it went on and on. She felt a tingling warm sensation in her chest whenever she saw that toothy smile Waka put on when she taught her that her calculation was incorrect, or when Morgan “unintentionally” complimented her freshly dyed hair. Still not knowing how to name the lingering feeling, she would spend hours of night thinking about all the time they shared in the otherwise quiet, empty hall. Oddly enough, though, she did not—at all—feel repulsed from their shoulders brushing  or the girl’s hand gently touching her on the back.

It was Morgan’s senior year that everything came back from stagnation. Siobhan, being a prominent law student at UBrite, broke up with her long-term boyfriend Sergio over the feud about their future career choices. The thing was, Sergio wanted her to be a stay-at-home wife, while Siobhan did not want that sense of safety in her life. Having believed they would accomplish big things in business together, Siobhan was dejected—but she bounced back stronger, making her way into the success as a lawyer in San Myshuno just like her mother did. That was the moment Morgan realized she didn’t necessarily need a prince to lead her own fairytale, and that it was her last chance to get rid of the years of strain with her family before Siobhan moved out to the big city, not to come back for the next few years, or possibly forever. One night, Morgan decided to turn up to her dorm room with a brief “Hey Siobhan, I think we need to talk” call, and sit down to have a conversation after years of avoidance and small arguments here and there. She confessed her feelings--something that had confused and tormented her for her entire puberty—towards physical interactions and heterosexual romance. It turned out Siobhan was extremely supportive, despite Morgan thinking it would never work out so well. They made up for their lost time together, mending their bond in the breezy spring weather of May. As well as being supportive, Siobhan gave her some interesting information; that love is not always a boy-meets-girl, that for some sims, love needs little to no physical intimacy.

After that night, Morgan suddenly turned to a new leaf--not fashion-wise, of course; she seems to like leathers whenever she heads off to party! She began to study harder than ever, so hard and efficiently that even her teachers were surprised. She also spent after school time with her parents, confessing and processing her feelings little by little. She came out as demisexual lesbian to her family and the few closest friends of hers including Waka. By the time she came out, Wolfgang started to notice something with his sexuality too...but more on that later.

She was still good friends with Waka, or maybe, a bit more than friends. When they visited Foxbury together and she said she would major in psychology there, Morgan couldn’t help but say “Can I be with you? I mean, can I, uh, go to the uni with you, like as a roommate?”, to which Waka replied with an unusually shy “Yeah, why not?”.

Morgan decided to major in physics, while Waka studied psychology to become a professor. They both studied at Foxbury, slowly developing their relationship over the course of living together as “roommates” (oh my god, they were roommates!). To both parties’ surprise, Morgan successfully proposed at the very night of their graduation, and now they have been happily married in Waka’s hometown, Mt. Komorebi. Their relationships with the Fyres family are at an all-time high. Since Siobhan got married and had two beautiful daughters (Cordie and Paige Fyres), they've been treating them like their children—and now they are planning on adopting a child of their own someday!

So yes, this is the brief story of Morgan Fyres, a demisexual lesbian. I really like playing her story and I get really attached to Waka as well!

I also gave some stories for some of the Evergreen Harbor residents (Jeb Harris and Knox Greenburg are married, and I headcannon Gideon Harris as being trans-nonbinary...I’m also thinking of Franchine one last romance with her high school lesbian sweetheart!) and for the Landgraabs and other members of Renegades.

Oh, and how Siobhan found the love of her life while also accomplishing her dream—I hope to share some of her journeys in the future as well!

[morethanmuses]

Ten Women Inclusive Bands To Check Out This International Women’s Day.

This list is for those of you who want to discover some more modern, punk/alternative bands with women at the helm! Here are ten of our picks (in no particular order).

1. Meet Me @ The Altar

Formed remotely in 2015 after the girls met online, Edith Johnson (vocals), Téa Campbell (guitar) and Ada Juarez (drums) recently signed to Fueled By Ramen after gaining attention online in 2020. They are teasing new music in follow up to their 2019 EP ‘Bigger Than Me’ and their 2020 singles ‘May The Odds Be In Your Favor’ and ‘Garden’. They offer some much needed representation for black and brown girls in the more mainstream alternative scene and hopefully they will help open the door to more recognition for WOC in these genres.

Spotify

Our favourite track(s): Beyond My Control, Tyranny, Garden, May The Odds Be In Your Favour, Caught In The Middle (Paramore cover).

2. Stand Atlantic

While they have been a band in some form since 2012, Australia’s Stand Atlantic began going by the name in 2014. They’ve gained steady momentum since releasing their debut EP ‘Sidewinder’ in 2017, touring with the likes of New Found Glory and State Champs, quickly making a name for themselves in their own right. Their relatable, down to earth approach to social media has helped garner them a faithful fanbase, along with the stellar debut album ‘Skinny Dipping’ (2018) and sophomore album ‘Pink Elephant’ (2020).

Spotify

Our favourite track(s): Push, Lost My Cool, Hate Me (Sometimes), Drink To Drown, Your Graduation (Modern Baseball cover), Righteous (Juice WRLD cover).

3. Meg & Dia

Sisters Meg (guitar) and Dia (vocals) Frampton have been playing music together since they were children. In 2004, they began writing original music together under the name Meg & Dia. They released their debut acoustic album ‘Our Home Is Gone’ in 2005. They reworked some of these tracks for their album ‘Something Real’, having recruited a full band to fill out their sound. They enjoyed popularity on MySpace, especially with their single ‘Monster’, and consequently played Warped Tour in 2006. Over the years they have explored many genres within their music, combining rock with folk, indie, and most recently pop. After a break in 2012 in which Dia pursued her solo career, she was a contestant on (and almost won) The Voice US. In 2019, the girls reformed to play the final Warped Tour, and released their fifth album ‘happysad’.

Spotify

Our favourite track(s): Monster, Inside My Head, Dreams Like Oceans, The Broken Ones (Dia Frampton solo), Teenagers.

4. Sonic Boom Six

Fronted by Laila Khan (Laila K) and Paul Barnes (Barney Boom) Sonic Boom Six formed in 2002 in Manchester, UK. Blending punk, ska, grime and hip hop with lyrics focusing on social commentary to challenge issues such as racism and sexism. Known for their energetic live shows, the band has a strong underground following, and have played festivals such as 2000 trees and Warped Tour. Their single ‘For The Kids Of The Multiculture’ was featured in the video game ‘The Sims 3′ expansion pack ‘Showtime’.

Spotify

Our favourite track(s): Monkey See Monkey Do, While You Were Sleeping, Meanwhile Back In The Real World, Virus, From the Fire to the Frying Pan.

5. Hot Milk

Another export of Manchester, Hot Milk began releasing music in 2019 with their debut EP ‘Are You Feeling Alive?’. Fronted by Hannah Mee and Jim Shaw, who both share vocal and guitar duties, they don’t want to be confined to any one genre and prefer having the freedom to write whatever they feel like. They have supported the likes of Foo Fighters, as well as playing Download, Slam Dunk and Reading & Leeds festivals. Mee has also spoken openly about her sexuality, and is currently in a relationship with Bonnie of Stand Atlantic.

Spotify

Our favourite track(s): June Gloom, Candy Coated Lie$, Awful Ever After, California’s Burning.

6. The Skints

Formed in 2004 in London, The Skints are a reggae punk (or ‘tropical punk’ as they describe themselves) band. Vocal duties are often traded between multi-instrumentalist Marcia Richards, guitarist Joshua Waters Rudge and drummer Jamie Kyriakides. Marcia will keep audiences guessing what new instrument she might play from song to song. Onstage - on top of vocals - she plays guitar, keyboards, sampler, melodica, flute and alto saxophone. Their fourth studio album ‘Swimming Lessons’ (2019) reached number one on the Billboard reggae chart. The band have played with the likes of You Me At Six, Mayday Parade and NOFX. They have never signed with a major label, prefering one-time licensing with independent labels in order to retain creative control over their music.

Spotify

Our favourite track(s): Just Can’t Take No More, Where Did You Go?, Let’s Stay Together - Live at Electric Brixton (Al Green cover), Learning to Swim.

7. Courage My Love / Softcult

Courage My Love are a Canadian band formed in 2009 by twin sisters Mercedes (vocals, guitar) and Phoenix (drums) Arn-Horn and joined by Brandon Lockwood (bass) in 2013. Early releases were pop punk/alternative rock, but the band has transitioned to a more synthpop sound on later releases. Their EP ‘Becoming’ was nominated for Breakthrough Group of the Year at the JUNO Awards. They later re-released ‘Becoming’ as a full album in 2015. Phoenix self-produced their latest EP ‘Spectra’. During 2020, Mercedes and Phoenix began making music under the side project ‘Softcult’ which has a grungier sound.

Spotify

Our favourite track(s): Kerosene, You Don’t Know How, Stereo, Original, Everybody’s Lonely, Another Bish (Softcult).

8. Mint Green

Mint Green are an indie/punk band from Boston. Founded by frontwoman Ronnica and drummer Daniel, the pair are joined by bassist Tiffany and guitarist Brandon. They released their debut EP ‘Growth’ in 2016 and continue to grow a dedicated fanbase through their live shows and outspoken social media presence.

Spotify

Bandcamp

Our favourite track(s): Take Care, Callie, Changing, Motion Sickness (Phoebe Bridgers cover), Adore You (Harry Styles cover).

9. Pinkshift

Baltimore based Pinkshift began releasing music in 2020 and have quickly gained popularity. Inspired by 90s grunge and 2000s pop punk, they pull from various individual influences and combine them with their shared love of angsty rock. The band consists of Ashrita Kumar (vocals), Paul Vallejo (guitar), Myron Houngbedji (drums) and Erich Weinroth (bass).

Spotify

Our favourite track(s): Rainwalk, Toro, On Thin Ice, i’m gonna tell my therapist on you.

10. Forever Emerald

Forever Emerald are a pop rock band from Los Angeles. The band consists of vocalist Devin Papadol, guitarist Brodie Higgs and bassist Tay Fischer. They released their debut EP ‘Safer Space’ in 2019, and while lockdown may have stopped them from touring, they have continued to provide fans with livestream gigs and teasers from the studio where they’re working on new music.

Spotify

Our favourite track(s): Candy, Safer Space, So Sure.

[claennis]

january - march reads

I literally will c&p from goodreads if my review there make any sense.

circe (madeleine miller) -  miller does it again. greek mythology and I have had a strained, rocky relationship since forced to study renault’s The King Must Die in high school freshman year. somehow with an incredible talent for both scope and attention to detail, miller carves out ruthless, bloodthirsty tales of Greek godhood meets greek mortality with delicacy and fragility. the result is a captivating, irresistible read. I couldn’t get enough of circe despite her generations of flaws and naivety then brutality and self flagellation. the best part is that all of it is not in vain; that circe attains the perfect closure that she would ever desire and isn’t that the best ending we can ask for? I think this is favourite no.2 so far this year.

warcross (marie lu) - this book is so close to 5 stars for me it hurts (really a 4.5 more than anything). the first in its series engaged me right off the bat even with its usual y.a. tropes: down on her luck protagonist, life changes when she catches the eye of young-rich-genius-tall-dark-handsome CEO/creator/programmer (I’m not one to talk; I’m all for young-rich-handsome-genius ceos guffaws stupidly). the futuristic virtual gaming reality intertwined with reality was interesting and fun. the twists, though predictable, were also fun. however, what didn’t work for me were two things: 1) the romance and 2) the agreement to keep things on the dl and then having all actions of the protagonist pretty much disregard it. granted, the romance part was kind of redeemed at the end...I still feel like I didn’t need the little onsen getaway; no matter how nice onsens are. 

vassa in the night (sarah porter) - firstly, I have no preliminary understanding or knowledge of Russian folklore from which Vassa in the Night is based on. so to me, many things had no explanation and some narrative strands that were introduced actually didn’t provide any more insight to the story than mere random conjecture. it was pretty bloody and gruesome; I don’t like dolls; yet, I still enjoyed this weird, crazy, bizarre story.

autoboyography (christina lauren) - disclaimer: I don’t actually like reading drama genre literature. although, there are exceptions. one can tell a lot of heart went into this: the writing truly captures the melodramatic uncertainty of teenage life and sexuality alongside the wider subject of religion and societal acceptance. I don’t know much about Mormonism besides a scattering or stereotypes from when I used to live in the states, so I’d say that this book was quite a gentle and unbiased look into the religion, its believers and their doctrine. barring the serious bad rebounding (god what is with rebounding it makes me cringe) I cared for both tanner and sebastian enough to invest in their relationship and even cross my fingers for a happily ever after for them. I will be picky and say that there was a little too much perfection going for both protagonists, but was willing to overlook it for all the angsty boypain. overall, a sweet composition tackling issues in a genuine manner and a romance to fall and root for.

chainbreaker (timekeeper #2) (tara sim) - chainbreaker is a solid sequel to the first of its trilogy and it is not just a mere stepping stone for the finale, which is a joy to divulge in. there are some clever developments that move the original characters along. that doesn’t stop the fact that new characters are just as interesting and worth investing some time and emotion into. it’s a pretty crazy universe but I do love the historical fiction/steampunk/fantasy mashup. it works for me and I am excited to see what’s next in book three.

the tea girl of hummingbird lane (lisa see) - please see disclaimer in bold above. there are many great elements to this novel that I can appreciate: the effects of culture and tradition of a minority group on a young, ambitious girl who strives to do and go beyond what is expected of her, the Cultural Revolution, the love and research into tea, specifically pu’er, how people can grow (for the better and for the worse) alongside societal changes. however, I had a particularly hard time reading past the first part. I can’t put my finger on exactly what, besides the fact this kind of drama literature isn’t my cup of tea... (haha bad pun soz)

the lady’s guide to petticoats and piracy (montague siblings #2) (mackenzi lee) - you guys, I loved this sequel so much; what fun this was...! though I have to admit: the sentiment wasn’t the same from beginning to end. it took me a while to get into Felicity’s narrative but once she left London and went into cahoots with Sim and Johanna, I was sold. while monty lacked drive, felicity is all determination and stubborn will, and I enjoyed how the book addresses what is her strength is also her biggest weakness, a double-edge sword. I’m always a big fan of historical fiction in the 19th century despite the loose references being made. the intertwined focus of medicine and naturalism is great; some good research has obviously been made to ground the novel. above all though is how much I loved the gradual teamwork between the three women—their interactions, their combined strength from their own differences and inner will... truly a delightful read. I mean who doesn’t like pirates?!

[sunnysynthsunshine]

3rd Comedy Monologue

“Do any of you remember Rugrats?”

“The 90s cartoon about talking babies that went on adventures”

“Yeah well you know Angelica the whiny,spoiled character?”

“I actually kind of liked her maybe it’s because I related to her when I was little or maybe it’s because I liked how cool she was she was able to tell the babies about stuff they didn’t know about, playing a part in their imagination.”

Anyways speaking of children,they’re alright and they are usually one of the following

“Mummy Daddy why do they get to pick a sweet not me what did I do?”

“Waaaa I want that I want that”

“Hi there, do you want to play?

“Your good at art,I couldn’t draw like that”

“Thank you young soul you are too pure for this world”

Me on the other hand,was a whinging cowardly little sod

Now I’m not a child anymore but I am still mistaken as one

Yeah,that happens

17/18 years old,old enough to vote,old enough to drive,old enough to move house & old enough to realise my phases of being a tory “skeptic” were pointless

Yet sometimes people still think I’m someone who likes ice-cream,toys and video games

Well I mean I do like those things I’m sure some of you like those things too

We are children at heart but physically and mentally we evolve and learn with time

I’ll be an young adult,and I love it I might not have a place of my own yet but I love being able to learn new things and see new places I couldn’t see when I was a kid.

Then again my teenhood wasn’t that good either because I had a developmental condition that made me different than others mentally,my interests were very intense and I got panic feelings when around crowds or in difficult situations

My primary school classmates liked JLS,Partying and other things that I didn’t like or couldn’t do

While now I’m warming up to certain things I’m still happy I didn’t like JLS.

I on the other hand, liked the sims 3,dolls,the 1980s,old cartoons and films.

So...a game where you become God,plastic models,the age of neon graphic design, and innovative video games and...yeah that hasn’t changed has it?

Well I don’t play the sims anymore,my laptop has no cd rom drive,I used up the data on my old one, from downloads I’d buy from the exchange store

Sims also was one of the few things that got me into my “emo” phase

I’d be looking at sims videos on youtube they’d usually be very sad and in the background there’d be evanescence,my chemical romance or avril lavigne

I’d be sitting at the back of the living room at a gathering and I’d be listening to Sims 2 sad story part 1 because it had good music. I later learned the names and that I was a bit of a goth,a emo,a metalhead because I liked gothic and j-metal any of that.

Dolls…..

now this was embarrassing I’m sure we all have those songs where as soon as you hear them you feel a film reel of negative memories return. For me that was

Barbie Girl by Aqua, weird because aqua are a good band,but that song oh that song it was so annoying

Picture this

Someone in their final primary school years, who still collects dolls,

Now!  Would you ignore that or would you use that outdated song as a way to mock them because they were still enjoying a thing, meant for children.

I received the latter,because of that when I’d hear people sing that song simply just because they liked it I’d get confused and offended a similar thing happened with my little pony

I used to sing and perform for people in the playgrounds other times I’d keep to myself

I loved my little pony before the new wave I loved rewatching episodes of the old 80s mlp series of goblins,witches and giants...oops that was a different show I was describing there

And one of the songs I’d perform was the original theme song

My Little Pony~ My Little Pony~

What will today’s adventure be?

My Little Pony…My Little Pony

Will there be exciting sights to see?

Nope to some of my primary school audience the lyrics were

“My little pony skinny and boney”

*sarcastic deadpan laugh*

Ha ha ha,  

Then again I wasn’t much better

I used to make youtube videos with those “dolls”

They weren’t very good

They had bad editing and barely any plot beyond badly structured fourth wall jokes

Yet I wanted the whole internet to know about them even if they weren’t interested

I was a easy target and while I did get tired of that,change interests and go into a different fandom direction

Some things were still the same

I was still cowardly,weak and timid and that was a problem

I was always following others,I didn’t make my decisions often,because of the condition and my own loneliness I couldn’t do things other teenagers could.

I never had a sleepover,I never had a crush that wasn’t one-sided and I didn’t have much independence

Even when I did have “friends” those friends I would later learn were not nice making me believe I had wasted years that I couldn’t get back.

On...the topic of regrets, dance  something I sometimes enjoy but when I studied performing Arts it was what I dreaded…

Note I’m ok with  anyone who does like to dance,party or do any of those things

I would just try to take part like everyone else but many times I was put aside or embarrassed in front of the others because of either me having a meltdown or because “my timing was off”

Yes,he did teach me some cool moves and I am more supple now but that was the content and even if I was crap I knew it and tried to practice

Everyday I’d practice each technical exercise and routine but it was still not good enough.in fact it was because of that and other reasons that I couldn’t do that course anymore

All because of,of….Craig Revel Hor not him but he was like him.

Because of that I had to take saturday dance classes...those weren’t fun

The most fun I had was from the songs we danced to and the few positive examples of small talk I attempted with the people there.

Otherwise it was not good...me and little kids specifically loud hyper kids don’t always go well when in the same place..again my timing was off it wasn’t told but I could tell

One of the moments I hated the most was the headshot day

Now we were supposed to just be getting photos taken but the photographer noticed I was shorter than she thought.I laughed it off because I know I’m short but then what did she say in response…

“Your a wee bit vertically challenged”

EXCUSE ME

Now,I may be short but in a class of kids and teens of different ages and heights I was far from the shortest person there.

When I was a teenager I wasn’t a proper teenager the only things that made me a teenager was my age,my angsty attitude and the drama I got into involving political meme posters and anime roleplayers.

The less I say about that the better

So while all the “adults” were telling me to beware of the adult years because of

Oooh responsibilities...ooooh independence ooooh….education

Honestly  it’s ok for me so far I’m a fairly organized person so studying is good,I did a assistant stage managing gig for a west side story production which was class by the way and I think i’ll feel a lot happier as a adult.

I have not much to mock about today my political jabs are sometimes good other times they’re like a bad Ben Elton joke on Saturday Live.

“Ha teresa may is like the wicked queen from snow white when she’s in disguise”

yeah? …..and  You look like you could front the band Wings mate

(pause)

Speaking of a bad Ben Elton joke

“Oh I never really understood the whole “comedy” business I always prefered being a bit of a writer and I think now with Bohemian Rhapsody being out that those critics will think

We Will Rock You wasn’t that bad.”

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a show that layered it’s satire of the mainstream establishment under a sitcom narrative about alternative young adult characters where the comedy was good

for once

Once in every life time

Comes a moment like this

Oh I need you, you need me,

Oh my darling can't you see.

Young Ones.

Darling we're The Young Ones.

The Young Ones.

That show,oh I only watched last year but I have so many words

The jokes,the satire,the characters,the setting,the fact it still holds up

I found that show at the right time

It was august 2017

I had finished my GCSE’s,I had left a manipulative friendship and I felt horrible

When I’d go to the cinema people were making noise and I would remember the panic more than the film itself *coughs* Spiderman homecoming

I felt like I didn’t know how to laugh anymore

Summertime sadness

When edgy me came across ben elton’s ronnie barker memorial lecture

Being a fan of Porridge and Open All hours I listened and after hearing about a certain sitcom  I started watching...The Young Ones...and it was out of this world

I roared with laughter with each episode,I related to the characters and I felt a connection of some sort

Researching more about the “alternative comedy” genre and I saw a familiar name

I learned I had seen some of his work before,he was the andrex puppy,he was in that king Arthur cartoon and he was in that drop dead fred movie I didn’t watch just because internet critics said it was one of the biggest cinematic flops ever….

Yet I never knew his name until then and I’m still not over that

I looked up his other work,where he was richie,richie rich,lord flashheart and a b’stard of a conservative

(which I would later try to do an impression of, on my final girls brigade show.)

So many thoughts,so many emotions he changed my life

Many things and people have. He is one of them  

his work was incredible and iconic  and his mantras are very inspirational and useful. He made me realise a lot of things about life,my love of his work also resulted in me meeting most of the friends I have now.

It’s 2019 and I’m now the anarchist I always wanted to be,I’m out of my shell, a bat out of hell,I followed others for too long but I’m my own person now that’s who I will always be

Now say it with me   Young Ones..

You shouldn't be afraid.

To live, love, there's a song to be sung.

Cause we may not

Be The Young Ones

very long.

Oh,Doctor Rik.Mayall we miss you,you bastard

The world wasn’t as much of a crap place when you were there to cheer us up

But your still here spiritually in her hearts

As you said yourself we still have your shows  and poems

Now!  all you punks,skins,rastas,emos,hipsters,creators,viewers,performers,entertainers,observers and fellow peoples poets

let’s gather round and hold our hands in sorrow for our fallen leader

Love is the answer!  Goodnight

[stayingwhelmed]

Feelings on Love, Simon

*Spoiler Free...ish*

You know what it’s like.

There’s this movie, about someone like you. 

There have been movies with gay characters. There have been movies where they’re even the protagonist (sometimes they’re not even AIDS-related or even remotely tragic). 

Love, Simon is perhaps the first I’ve gone to see in the cinema. It’s probably the first I’ve been able to go see in the cinema. That, combined with the fact that I’ve read and loved the book Simon vs. The Homosapien Agenda, I can truly say that I adored this film.

The list of queer films I’ve loved can be counted down on one hand or less.

1. Love, Simon

2. You Should Meet my Son

and that’s about it. Still the perfect number for an offensive gesture though.

That’s not to say that these films are perfect or that other films aren’t good. I’ve either just not got around to seeing them or they’ve not been to my taste. I want a movie where there’s conflict but ultimately acceptance, a happy ending, and even something to make me laugh in my seat.

Love, Simon did that for me. 

I know I shouldn’t be bitching or complaining, that there are other films and shows where I can see myself, but in those cases, like I’ve said, I’ve either not seen them or felt anything for them. Or the people behind the scenes think a token lesbian, maybe with a girlfriend, is enough LGBT representation for one example. That’s not an entirely accurate statement, especially considering the increasing number of bisexual characters on television (Rosa Diaz is my heroin(e)), but boy does it feel like it some times. 

The whole gay guy finds himself and comes out has been done to death. But not in film. Not in television. Not like this. 

I’ll get around to Call Me By Your Name eventually. Probably. Hopefully. But Love, Simon isn’t an Oscar-bait masterpiece or an artsy film that I find out about a few years later on a Wikipedia page. This is a RomCom, about a gay kid coming out. I’m sure my Mangsting or whatever it’s been dubbed is grating on a few nerves by now, but I’m going to give myself this. It’s a movie about a gay guy. It’s been released in cinemas. It’s been played in Wales of all places. We’re not backwards people, but for even Love, Simon to reach this far is glorious. 

I’m just thankful that I wore a hat into the cinema because believe you me, there are just some scenes that, whilst they’re not horrible or horrific, are just...

...you ever just feel secondhand embarrassment for a character and have to pause the film or episode the cool down or skip a beat? Yeah, there’s moments like that. Anyone who’s seen the movie can pinpoint exactly two of the scenes I’m talking about (both involving a character who unquestionably earned the big “FU” they got). 

I’m not going to pretend that I’m a seasoned film critic, or that watching movies is my life, or that I come even a smidge close to that level of ilk. But I will say that in terms of plot, this movie is great. 

It’s the classic tale of mistaken identity and trying to find “true love” in the time of adolescence. With computers! 

Only this time, the love interest on the other end isn’t the manic pixie dream girl, the popular princess with a secret edgy side, or the often-ignored-until-relevant female best friend. It’s the god-honest handsome jock, and the protagonist isn’t the misfitted girl who “isn’t like other girls”. 

They’re gay. 

They’re gay, and it’s not a joke!

The film is so self-aware of this fact too (granted, it’s self-aware of a lot of things). There’s an internal monologue regarding a young man’s identity as a gay person, and what society expects of that, and how unfair it is that he and other gay people are in a position where they have to verbalize their identity and how the alternative is considered the norm and unrequiring of verification. This comes alongside the comparison with another gay character, who’s sexual identity is implied to those around him by his behavior that coming out does not surprise his friends.

Of course, acting feminine and “girly” doesn’t mean that a guy is gay. I think, in a sense that’s the point. There are different kinds of gay guys, who act differently and like different things, but because of popular conjecture homosexuality is believed to go hand-in-hand with it, and anything else makes someone’s homosexuality invisible, easily overlooked, and all the more shocking when it’s revealed to those around you. Love, Simon presents three examples of young gay men, all three of them different and all three of them struggling in some way with how their sexuality informs, hinders or contradicts the rest of their being, but not because of homosexuality inherently, but how homosexuality is perceived.

The film does not shy away from the homosexual angle just like it doesn’t shy away from the other teenage RomCom tropes it invokes. The main character does something stupid, because either they’re scared, desperate and don’t think things through. There’s backlash to secrets and crappy behavior, even when the audience can understand the behavior. There’s parodying of tropes and archetypes that can be found in other movies and there’s the sense that the whole world is watching this handful of teens whatever they do. 

Quite literally in one respect, and whilst that’s a scene where I had to avert my gaze (truly, it was painful to watch), it was quite realistic. Which is what the film is. 

Realistic.

The parents aren’t crappy. They’re lovely. The angsty family dynamic of warring siblings, disinterested until-necessary parents, and free-range of the children isn’t washed away, but it’s watered down into something believable. To something that actually feels as though these are real people. 

The brother-sister dynamic is adorable and you kind of want to kick Simon for the scene of them in his room (although a panic attack is justifiable in my opinion). The mother isn’t the bridge between father and son and her intuitiveness isn’t just because she’s his mother, but because she is close to her son and knows him as a person, moreso as the movie goes on. 

The father-son dynamic is even believable. They enjoy spending time together, and the father feels guilty for never figuring out his son’s secret, feeling like a bad parent not because his son is gay but because he failed to notice it and said some shitty things that I have to forgive because I know more people who thoughtlessly say things like that than I would care to admit. I’ll even admit, the Grindr gag had me snickering too and most of us can only imagine how that experience would have played out if Simon hadn’t explained to his dad first.

The friends, the friends. Good God, his friends.

I love ‘em. I can understand where they’re coming from when shit goes down. Simon’s actions have very detrimental effects on their lives, and he did it because he was cowardly. 

(But they literally live in walking distance of his house and one of them saw the beginnings of his panic attack. Did no one think to walk over to his house and ask him what the hell? If that were my friend I’d be over there with oreoes in one hand, a jabbing finger in the other, and a fist on standby for You-Know-Who. Most know why.)

I could say more. I could even wax poetry about the side characters, the love interest (I knew who it was from the book and I understand the need in films for foreshadowing for audiences but damn), or bitch about the “antagonist” (boy I could go on about that one. He’s almost forgettable in the book. Here he’s the personification of MP), and I can even go on about other things. But then I’d be ranting.

In all, Love, Simon is a great movie. It’s something I’ll definitely get on DVD and watch to feel good about the world we’re living in now. It’s hopefully and heartful and its a promise of things getting better for LGBTQA individuals. First books, then television, now movies. I give it 5/5, but then again I’m biased.

[farashasilver]

hey! so, i realize im late af, but i finally took the plunge by binging yoi today. once i was done you were the first person that came to mind. idk if you give recs, but i was wondering - what would you say are some essential must-reads for a newbie to the fandom? fic that really blends into the canon and maybe fills those emotional gaps? (feel free to rec your own work as well ofc!) i'd really appreciate you pointing me in the right direction as i consider you a huge yoi resource! 💕

HI I AM THE WORST you asked me this literal months ago and I’m only just now getting around to making you a rec list. It’s been a real busy back half of the year.

OKAY SO I’m gonna put these behind a cut because this is a wall of recs. At least it’s somewhat organized. Some of these are very strong in the canon setting, a handful of them are AUs. You’re not going to get much plumbing of emotional depths from the PWPs, although there are one or two that stand out as really grounding their relationship in skating. Please enjoy this massive list of fic and mea culpa for taking so long to answer you (and I only recced three of my own fics lmao).

Cute short fics that are Safe For Work

Easy on my knees by ineptshieldmaid - Victor’s subby thing explored as a character studyAddicted (to the taste of you) by smudgesofink - After the Cup of China, Yuuri can’t stop kissing Victoryou’re like heaven to touch by lazulisong - Yuuri is wearing Victor’s jacket and Victor likes that a lotYuuri Katsuki Secret Route Walkthrough/FAQ by Metis_Ink - Meta fic written as if the show is an otome game/dating sim, really cutebetter than sliced bread by ebenroot - Victor owns a Yuuri body pillow because of course he doesthe naming of cats by csoru - Otayuri, a little bit of their careers and mostly them gravitating together for a relationshipa slow invasion of the heart by radialarch - Otayuri, Yuri is straightforward about what he wantsIf We Had No Winter by FreshBrains - Lilia/Minako fic where they maybe had a relationship when they were younger and reconnect nowStay Close to Me by dasedandconfuzed - AU where Vicchan doesn’t die before the GPF in Sochi and Yuuri just barely doesn’t medalNight is Young and the Music’s High by opalish - Yuuri somehow gets roped into another breakdancing contest at the press conference for Japanese Nationals. Outsider point of view.Of Love and Other Emotions by smudgesofink - Two fics of nothing but incredibly tooth-rotting fluffthe warmest part of winter by dadvans - Wedding ficThe Bulge (Don’t Bring a Weapon to a Public Beach) by nagoyadelay - Yuuri posts beach pictures. The internet gains an obsession with Victor’s dick.Feet first (Don’t Fall) by gunboots - Otayuri, awkward teenage romcom shenanigans

Smutty Victuuri one-shots

all the sparks you’re trying to hide by pageleaf - Yuuri gets in touch with his inner doma little love, a little sympathy by pageleaf - Yuuri figures out that Russian names have diminutives and uses it to his advantagea day for all the rest by Etharei - Morning after the Cup of China, a Victor introspective plus sweet morning sexStraight to Video by SocialDegenerate - Pre-canon, Victor’s sex tape leaks and Phichit promptly sends it to Yuuri because Phichit is the bro we all wish we could havei’ve come to be where you are (i can’t help it) by incode - Just some nice kinky sexsmoke and mirrors by grim_lupine - Victor randomly gets de-aged to his long haired teenage self and they bonePraise Please by surveycorpsjean - Praise kinkVictor Effing Nikiforov by shysweetthing - Yuuri doesn’t bomb Nationals and ends up at Worlds in the season before canon, is extremely confused as to why Victor is so interested in himTalk to Me by SuggestiveScribe - Yuuri has a language kink for Victor speaking RussianSubmission by SuggestiveScribe - Shibari bondage and orgasm delay with sub VictorStamina Should Have Been a Verb by scribblywobblytimeylimey - 12k words of completely unrepentant marathon sex where Yuuri’s epic inhuman stamina wrecks VictorIMG_20140215.AVI by neomeruru - Victor finds one of Yuuri’s old sex tapes from college where he one of his ex-boyfriends has organized a gangbang for himMaid to Love You by Kizuna_Auri - Victor in a french maid outfit with lots of kink because why notNot an inch of you I didn’t cling to by Farasha - Post-Rostelecom body worship fic, gentle dom Yuuri, Victor is the subbiest service sub who ever subbed, the YOI fic in my repertoire that’s most grounded in canon, I think

Smutty one-shots for Other Ships

Green-Eyed Monster by flammablehat - Victuuri + Yuri’s raging crush on Yuuri, Yuri overhears them having sex and has an angry jerkoff sessionsix feet under by knightswatch - Otayuri, Yuri has a pair of sexy leopard print heels and Otabek is really into them. someone on the dancefloor, waiting just for you by verity - Otayuri, kinky stuffHands On Education by BewareTheIdes15 - Otayuri, hilarious internal Yuri narrative during awkward loss of virginity shenanigansTeach Me Just What Fast Is by Zee - Otayuri, some kink but mostly them figuring out their relationshipDevour by dannydevito - Otayuri, face-sitting and rimmingKind, Sober and Fully Dressed by probablestars - Chris/Phichit, Chris and Phichit make a sex tape togetherthe taste, the flavor by pageleaf - Yuuri/Yuri, Yuri asks Yuuri to help him get rid of his virginity, hints that it could be future Victor/Yuuri/Yuri OT3crimson headache, aching blush by pageleaf - Victor/Yuri, Victor gets drugged with sex pollen and turns to Yuri for help, also features Victor/Yuuri/Yuri phone sexSoft as Snow (But Warm Inside) by Farasha - Yuuri/Yuri, Yuri gets drugged with sex pollen and Yuuri is the one who gives him a hand, plus emotional codaPino Grigio Boys by cherrybulesque - Chris/Victor/Yuuri threesome, they have some fun together in the hotel at a competitionTonight, You’re All Mine by doncastaway - Chris/Victor/Yuuri, Yuuri and Victor give Chris a booty call and he is not complainingOff the Ice by Halrloprillalar - Chris/Victor, someone throws lacy underwear on the ice as a post-skate gift, they have some fun with itwhat flattery gets you by tripcyclone - Chris/Yuuri, pre-canon, Chris expected Yuuri to be shy in bed and gets a lot more than he bargained forVice by Halrloprillalar - Celestino/Chris, Chris has had a crush on Celestino since he was young and seduces him at a bar

Longer Victuuri Fics (any rating)

Maybe It Started Like This by dance_across - Character study into both Yuuri’s anxiety issues and Victor’s insecurity issues and how they navigate those in their relationshipkatsuki_fc wrote by tetsurashian - Outsider POV fic on Yuuri and Victor’s relationship as covered by fan communities and social mediaMaelstrom by feelslikefire - Time loop/groundhog day alternate universe where Victor keeps repeating the Sochi banquet over and over againKintsugi by witchbane - Alternate universe where they’re both in the mafiaCall Everything on the Ice… by shysweetthing - Victor learns Japanese in order to better be able to communicate with Yuuri’s family, also a really sweet look at their relationship developing while they’re in HasetsuThe Boyfriend Experience by cryingoverspilledvodka - Alternate universe where Yuuri had to quit skating and became an escort instead, somehow he still ends up in Victor’s orbitlove like fools by lily_winterwood - Roman Holiday AU, Yuuri is modern Japanese royalty and Victor is a journalist, they run away togetherKings in Couture by slightlied - Devil Wears Prada AU where Victor is the fashionista and Yuuri is his brand new personal assistant (that he thirsts after like woah)we are lost, but we are not gone by persephoneggsy - Dollhouse AU based on the concept of the Joss Whedon show - programmable escorts that can be anyone you want them to be, heavy on the angst and mindfuckeryThe Lily of Kasagiya by Kizuna_Auri - Memoirs of a Geisha AU (kind of) where Yuuri is a famous Geisha and Victor is his favorite charming foreign clientnever stop until the grave by Naraht - A gritty, angsty look at Victor trying to balance coaching Yuuri and coming back to competition at the same timeFated by maydei - Technically a crossover with Loveless but the only thing you need to know about the Loveless universe going in is that everyone has cat ears and tails until they lose their virginity, the author does an excellent job of explaining everything else in the universe

Longer Fics for Other Ships (any rating)

adventures in personal growth by stutter - Otayuri, also features Yuri’s raging crush on Yuuri, series of three fics, Yuri completely and utterly fails at anything resembling “taking it slow”i walk my days on a wire by idrilka - Otayuri, long distance relationship with pining and Skype sexFrom Almaty, With Love by BoxWineConfessions - Otayuri, slow burn get-together fic where Yuri comes to train in Almaty for the summerNeon Pink Motorcycle by goldheart - Otayuri, soulmate/soulmark AU where Yuri’s soulmark is damaged so he can’t see ithe (walked like, looked like) burned like summer by foxfireflamequeen - Victor/Yuri, alternate universe where Yuri suffers a career-ending injury and seeks out the fae to get what he wants (in this fic, Victor is not a skater, he’s a faerie)Commemorative Photos by airspaniel & dance_across - Phichit/Yuuri, Chris/Phichit, Chris/Victor, Victor/Yuuri; a series of fics that starts with Phichit and Yuuri in college and leads into Victor and Yuuri’s wedding (where Phichit and Chris hook up)i know where my heart lies by orro - Yuuri/Yuri, an alternate universe where Yuuri is the 27yo champion, Yuri is the 24yo Russian ace who can’t quite keep up, and Victor is the bratty 16yo prodigyHalf a Chance by ratherunnecessary - Otayuri, also Yuri’s raging crush on Yuuri, a slow-burn fic of Yuri figuring out how the fuck to deal with his feelingsVodka Tonic by Halrloprillalar - Chris/Georgi, a hookup that starts after the Cup of China turns into something that resembles emotions over timeRed, Yellow, Green by dance_across - Chris/Yuuri/Victor, what starts out as a hookup turns into something like a relationshipbite down (to me) by pageleaf - Victor/Yuuri/Yuri, Victor and Yuri seduce Yuri through skating choreography because this is YOI and of course they doAn Excuse to Be There by shadow_lover - Victor/Yuuri/Yuri, Yuri kept the pole dancing pictures from the Sochi banquet on his phone, Victor and Yuuri know whyOpen My Heart by Farasha - Victor/Yuuri/Yuri, Alpha/Beta/Omega alternate universe where Yuri goes into heat unexpectedly, drags Victor with him, and they all have to figure out how to make it work

[willreadforbooze]

Hello fellow boozie readers!

Sam’s Update:

I had a good week all in all. I wanted to avoid the St. Paddy’s nonsense in DC so I hosted my own mini weekend readathon. I was hoping for 24 in 48, but I got to 12… so it was a 12 in 48 lol.

What Sam finished this week:

King of Fools by Amanda Foody: This is the sequel to Ace of Shades and we continue to follow our kids Enne and Levi. Holy hell was this good. I was meh about the first one but I LOVED this one. Our characters get more fleshed out, the plot twists were better, and we get angsty and non-angsty romances. I loved it. Review to come soon, closer to release date.

Empire of Ivory by Naomi Novik: This is the 4th book in the Temeraire series. Talking dragons, gentleman’s honor, etc. I didn’t like this one as much as the others, but the end though. THE END. So. Good.

The Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa: I liked this much more than I thought I would. I liked the characters a lot. And the way it ended was… get this… a satisfying cliff-hanger. GASP. Linz wrote a review here.

What Sam’s reading now:

The Defiant Heir by Melissa Caruso: I’m literally in chapter one. But I’ve been trying to finish up series that i’m in the middle of that are already out. I finished The Tethered Mage last year. I believe I have a review… yep. Here.

Victory of Eagles by Naomi Novik: This is the 5th book in the Temeraire series. Fortunately, this audio was available as soon as I finished the previous one and I was cooking so I needed something to listen to. Picks up some time after the 4th one left off.

Ginny’s Update:

 Well, I didn’t get much reading done during the week but I fucking crushed some books this weekend.  I mean, yeah, one was a novella and one was middle grade but I still read a lot this week (sorry Sam for making you find so many pictures….). 

Currently Reading:

Hold Me by Courtney Milan: I wasn’t lying about the romance novel kick.  This is a sequel to the one I just read by Courtney Milan, this book stars Maria who is Tina (from the first book’s) best friend who runs an apocalypse blog and absolutely loathes Jay, her brothers best friend.  She also has a long time commenter that’s she’s pretty into, one guess as to who it is… 

Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta:  This is a book I’m reading for a book club.  Gonna be honest, I’m not very far into it, but it’s a book I’ve heard a lot about so I’m looking forward to telling you what I think. (Sidenote, goodreads is telling me I’ve already read it… Welp, guess who is still gonna have to skim it)

 Completed this week:

  The List by Patricia Forde:This was a pretty solid read, very reminiscent of the Giver, it’s a middle grade book (I assume) so I could give some of the more obvious twists and turns. Letta was a good character in that she grows to think for herself and fights for what she thinks is right.  For more info, Parker wrote a review.  (see it here) 3.5/5

An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire: OMG I love Seanan McGuire’s books so much.  I know I’ve said that I’m not huge into Urban Fantasy, and that’s still true (I feel things tend to need to be life or death at all times and that can be a bit frustrating) but this book was by far the best in the series so far.  Toby Daye goes to fight the proverbial boogeyman.  This is a book that could have ended in three different places if Toby wasn’t so damn noble, but nope, if she’s working a job she’s going to see it through.  My favorite characters made a return; Tybalt, the king of cats, Quentin, the quasi-awkward teenager who follows Toby around.  And holy crap do I have some new favorites too! 5/5

Once Ghosted Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole: Believe it or not, my biggest complaint is that I needed this to be longer.  Likotsi (from the first book in this series) has a novella of her own that explains her attitude in the first book.  I adore the way that Alyssa Cole fleshes out this universe she has created.  There are things going on in the background and it feels like she has thought out everything. Likotsi and Fab had a whirlwind romance set during A Prince In Theory, which is abruptly cut off for reasons.  This picks up 7 months later when they have a chance meeting and can’t fight their own magnetism.  4/5 but only because it was too short.

The Lost Plot by Genevieve Cogman: Ugh, I’m digging this series so much.  I’m hoping I can knock out a post on this one so I don’t want to give too much away.

  Melinda’s Update:

What Melinda is reading now:

Beach time! Great opportunity to finish what I’ve been reading and start something(s) new. What was the last thing you read at the beach?

What Melinda read this week:

Vengeful by V.E. Schwab – I was really enjoying this book and SO excited to see how it ended, and then… well it had an ending. It was a bit of a let down, but it happens. Review pending. 

What Melinda is reading now:

The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Getting Good with Money by Chelsea Fagan – The title says it all—adulting all over the place. One of my resolutions this year was to get a handle on my finances, so figured this is could be a good first step. 

The Charm School by Nelson DeMille – Spies, Russians, POWs, and the CIA… what more could you want? This has been on my to-read list for awhile, so planning to start on our road trip home.

Linz’s Update:

What Linz read:

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal: HIGHLY recommend. A young Indian-British woman signs up to teach a creative writing course at a Punjabi community center in London, and after a series of miscommunications, ends up with a group of Sikh widows who want to write some sexy creative stories. It’s funny, endearing, emotional, takes some great plot turns, and frankly, a piece of modern fiction I ended up loving.

What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera: Didn’t love but I’m also not the intended audience. Two gay teens, Ben and Arthur, who are VERY different, meet-cute in a New York post office. Complicated teen romance and drama ensue. 

What Linz is currently reading:

King of Fools by Amanda Foody: I had to put this one aside for a bit because I’m in feast mode with the library loans right now *hysterical laugh**frantic hand flapping*

For A Muse of Fire by Heidi Heilig: I started reading this yesterday and I’m just having a really hard time getting into it. I actually tried to read another book by her recently and I think her books just might not be for me–there’s a LOT of telling, not showing, and I’m having a hard time with the world building. I strongly suspect I won’t finish it, especially when I want to knock out King of Fools

Looker by Laura Sims: I REALLY want to finish King of Fools, but it’s got some formatting issues (it’s an ARC), so it’s hard to read when I’m working out, so I started this ebook today. I liked the premise–a woman set adrift by her inability to conceive (and subsequent divorce) becomes increasingly obsessed with a celebrity neighbor and her family–so I hopped on the waitlist immediately when it came out earlier this year. I GUARANTEE someone will try to tell me this is the 2019 Gone Girl; I don’t hate it, but I’m like 40% of the way in and wondering when the real action is gonna start.

 Until next time, we remain forever drunkenly yours,

Sam, Melinda, Linz, and Ginny

 Weekly Wrap-up: Mar 11-17, 2019 Hello fellow boozie readers! Sam's Update: I had a good week all in all. I wanted to avoid the St.

[spiceukonline]

Georgia Meets "Dark Pop" Duo City Conga

THE first thing I notice about City Conga before the interview has even started is how accommodating they are.

A few days before the interview is due to take place, I confess to one-half of the music duo that as hard as I may try, I am not a London girl and cannot think of a “cool” enough interview location. Taking pity on my country ways, they email me a location and we sit down to chat in The Troubadour in Earls Court, which is possibly the most indie bar I’ve ever stepped foot in.

In typical “me” fashion, I walk straight past them to the other end of the bar, looking hopelessly lost, until one of them taps me on the shoulder. This is 22-year-old James-Eden Hutchinson, who I will come to learn likes to refer to himself in the third person. He’s dressed like an advert for Urban Outfitters, and I will spend the whole interview trying to match up his aesthetic against his well-spoken demeanour.

He embraces me and tells me it’s “lovely” to see me again, and introduces himself to my photographer, before pointing over to where his other half, 23-year-old Dan Choppen, is sitting. Dan does not get up when we approach him and watches us cautiously, and I instantly notice he appears a lot more reserved than James, who seems eager to please. Dan’s aesthetic is what I call “effortless,” dressed in a simple T-shirt featuring a scene from a movie I am nowhere near cool enough to have seen.

By this point, I’m confused about a lot of things. I’m confused about how these two found each other, confused about what genre of music they belong to and furthermore, still confused about how to operate the Circle and District line.

Firstly though, I want to address where in the world they got the name “City Conga,” and whether they are aware it has the potential to sound like the next dance craze or a strip club in Soho.

James (left) and Dan (right).

Dan admits that they went through a lot of potential names, but the penny finally dropped for him after spending a weekend back home. ‘I thought about the massive contradiction between the city, the business people doing the 9-5 type thing, and students like us stressing about not having a job after uni,’ says Dan, ‘and then I just got this image of all the business boys in like a conga dancing to work. I came back and said to James and he was like “that sounds cool.”’

Cool indeed, and that’s the vibe they seem so keen to give off, so much so that I feel artsier just breathing the same air as them.

James and Dan met when they were both students at The University of Westminster, studying mixed media arts. I nod when they mention this last part, even though I have no idea what such a degree entails. Initially working on their own “soundscapes,” they eventually “jumped in” on each other’s solo work and began writing together. Not only are they now one another’s bandmate, but they also live together and are best friends.  How do they work together when they’re always in each other’s space?

Dan explains the creative collaboration process in possibly one of the best-worst analogy I’ve ever heard. ‘It’s kind of like that game you played as a kid called “hot potato,”’ he says, (it should be noted that I never played this game as a child), ‘I’ll have the potato and then I’ll chuck it on to James, and then he’ll add something and then I’ll add something and then the potato is perfectly cooked at the end.’

They admit that their “sound” is difficult to describe, and having seen them perform live, I would also agree. Experimental, angsty and synth heavy, their vibe is reminiscent of The 1975 or The Neighbourhood, without the poppy overtones and the floppy-haired poster boy. I recall being at a recent gig of theirs not being sure whether to sway thoughtfully, whoop like a teenage girl or start forming a mosh pit.

So how would they describe their sound to someone who was approaching it for the first time?

They look at each other as if they’re sharing some kind of inside joke that I’m not allowed to be privy to.

‘We’ve come up with a one liner,’ says Dan finally.

After a prolonged and slightly awkward hesitation, James pipes up: ‘I want to say Dark Renaissance.’

‘Dark Renaissance?’ I repeat uneasily, which perhaps gives the impression that I’m challenging his creative authority because in a moment of insecurity he backpedals and says “I’m not quite sure that fits.

Dan tries to save James from the hole he has dug himself, but that doesn’t go to plan either. “We say dark pop duo because influences range from…it’s weird really because one minute we’re listening to the Clash and the next minute we’re listening to Biggie.”

Biggie? I didn’t see that one coming.

“Yeah, I guess I’m slightly more hip-hop, broken beat more like actually DJing and producing music,” says James.

Who would be their dream collaboration?

‘I mean Kanye West would be class,’ James declares. I didn’t see that one coming either.

‘I just find him so intriguing and interesting,’ he elaborates, ‘and even if you try not to like him, I think his ability to instigate and play around with his image and music and everything that he’s pioneered is just very, very interesting. I’d just love to see how his brain works.’

“Dark pop” aside, they seem to be quite positive individuals. There is a sense of charming awkwardness about Dan and a sense that he would happily give you his undivided attention for hours on end. James is careful with his words and avoids eye contact, so much so that multiple times I wasn’t sure if he was talking to himself or not.

But they are fun and interesting, and to all intents and purposes, just like us regular young folk. They enjoy nights out (Peckham’s infamous “Soultrain” is a joint favourite night of theirs), are partial to a bit of laddish debauchery and despite seeming to have it all figured out, come across as being a bit lost post-graduation.

  “Having a diverse range of musical influences is really important. There’s so much stuff out there now.”

  Listening to the one song available on their Soundcloud called “Family Feud,” I’m surprised such dark lyrics could’ve been created inside the minds of the two charismatic lads in front of me. Are their lyrics always so dark and damning?

Dan laughs, aware that they’re never going to be asked to debut on a Disney soundtrack anytime soon. ‘I think our lyrics do often take quite dark turns, maybe because of our course. The lecturers were always like “you’re never going to be able to buy your own house,” “you’re always going to be struggling for money,” “you’re going to die alone,” and we’re like “fucking hell.” And then as the course developed, we realised that there’s a lot of shit wrong with the media industry, and I think that’s where a lot of dystopian or apocalyptic blues all stems from.’

The mood shifts and I suddenly want to order an entire bottle of wine to myself. ‘I mean, “Family Feud” is probably the most depressing song we’ve got,’ Dan clarifies.

What’s so wrong with the media industry then, I ask, aware that the answer is most likely “everything.” 

‘Fake news’ says Dan, and I subconsciously clutch my notebook tighter to my chest, aware that as a journalist, I’m the creative industry’s public enemy #1.

‘The thing that really winds me up, I see it on my Facebook all the time, is that people believe anything they’re given. People say “oh my God, so-and-so did this,” but I’m like yeah but where did that come from? Billybob’snews.org.biz.za or something saying shit and everyone’s like “oh, it must be real.”’

This is the most animated I’ve seen Dan thus far, and I’m slightly taken aback but also want to hear more of what he has to say about the very industry he’s trying to break into.

James fails to outdo Dan on this one, telling me that we’ve “slightly been sold a lie” by the media, and I think reading too much George Orwell can sometimes be a bad thing in situations such as these.

Despite their differences in just about everything, it is that difference, at its very core, that seems to make City Conga what it is and has acted as a help, rather than a hindrance to their collective project.

‘I’d never think to do some of the stuff [Dan] says,’ James confesses, ‘but then [he] does it and I’m like “wow, I was wrong, that was quite good!” And same with me, I’ll be like what about some bongos here and he’s like “really?” and then we do it. Diversity is important, there’s so much stuff out there now.’

They both seem to realise that they have chosen an ever-saturated market to break into. Are they worried that they’ll never “make it?”

James disappears off into his own world again and seems hopeful. ‘ I guess sometimes it’s a challenge to make any noise at all because so many people are doing it,’ he ponders, ‘it’s wicked now that with like £20 you can buy a little sim thing and you can write an album on it and upload it and two million people can hear it. But I guess sometimes it’s like, you wonder…’

Dan finishes his sentence as it becomes clear James is about to venture off into his own personal monologue. ‘How are we going to get ourselves heard?’

On Saturday night, where they play a live set at The Water Rats in King’s Cross, they appear to answer their own question. Playing to a larger audience and their sound significantly more fine-tuned than the last time I saw them, they seem to be actually enjoying themselves this time, even if James’s interpretation of dancing was a bit dodgy, but 10/10 for comedic value.

Dan clocks me after the gig and admires my “dedication” since I have to make it back home to Kent from here. I joke about being eligible for a free T-shirt, and he says I’m like their “no. 1 fan,” by which he means to say “crazed groupie.” I’m not sure whether now is the appropriate time to tell him that my attendance was a personal challenge to see how much I would need to drink to approach edgy indie boys who play the guitar. I wouldn’t say no to a free T-shirt, though.

Nonetheless, with promises of “plenty” more music and a lit music video to come, the conga line is only just getting started.

 City Conga’s EP “For Our Friends” is available on Soundcloud and Spotify 

You can also stay updated on all things City Conga via their Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (yay, new fans) 

WORDS by Georgia Chambers (@Just_GeorgiaSD)

PHOTOS by Robert Bruce (@RobBruceK)