#i can't believe i'd mix those up. but to me when i'm in the early-modern english section of the library im really only giving a shit

[britneyshakespeare]

Norton Anthology of Doin Your Mom

[a-froger-epic]

🎊 Freddie Mercury Weekend 2022 🎊

❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜

❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜

ABOUT THE EVENT

Once again, t’s time to shine a light on the man himself, Freddie Mercury! YOUR creative contributions are wanted! You can write, draw, edit, record, even cross-stitch. 😉 Any ship, any genre, any way you like, so long as it’s about Freddie. Everyone is welcome, there is no wrong way to be a fan! (Except maybe strangling him with his own scarf. That’s pretty weird. Don’t do that.)

WHEN? On the 3rd, 4th and 5th of June.

HOW? On the above dates (or after!), post your contributions to the AO3 collection or on Tumblr, tagged ‘#fmw2022’ or/and ‘#freddie mercury weekend 2022’. If you post on Tumblr, please also tag @a-froger-epic or @freddie-mercury-rising to make sure you get a reblog!

❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜

THE PROMPTS

The prompts are here to inspire, there is no wrong way to write them! Change them around, mix them up, ignore them, make of them whatever you want! 😊

3rd of June - 400-800 word challenge!

No time to write? First time writer just testing the waters? No need for an epic, just write a scene! Surely you’ll find time for 500 words! Each of these mini-prompts is a separate prompt, but you can combine them!

 Kitten 😺  |   Crush 💕  |   Panic 😱  |   Letter 💌

Telephone ☎️  |   Trapped 🧱  |   Terminal 😔  |   Tour bus 🚌 

Boarding school 🏫  |   Knickers 🩲  |   Flying 🍃 |   Microphone 🎤 

Cooking 👨‍🍳  |  Heartbreak 💔  |   Baby-sitting 👶🏼  |  Ballet slippers 🩰 

First time 😳  |  Eyeliner 👁️  |   Bruise 😢  |   Petals 🌸 

4th of June - Is This The Real Life? 

A list of real event prompts from Freddie’s life. How real you want to keep them is entirely up to you!

1964 - That time a violent revolution in Zanzibar caused Freddie’s family to flee the country.

1970 - That time Freddie’s idol, Jimi Hendrix, tragically passed away. Roger and Freddie closed their stall early. Later at rehearsals, Queen played Hendrix songs as a tribute.

mid-1970s - That time Ratty and Freddie almost died in a car crash, but things turned out unexpectedly hilarious.

1982 - That time Bill Reid was a dangerous, abusive, violent drunk during the Hot Space US tour and Freddie’s bodyguard went on to tell the tale. 

1985 - That time Freddie would not stop calling Jim in the wee hours of the morning. 

1991 - That time Freddie prepared letters/gifts for those he would leave behind. (Was Elton’s gift the only one?)

Or, let these quotes inspire you! ➡️

“Oh, I was not made for heaven. No, I don't want to go to heaven. Hell is much better. Think of all the interesting people you're going to meet down there!”

“I like to be surrounded by splendid things.”

“I can't cook, and I'd be a terrible housewife.”

“I am loved by thousands, but I feel like the loneliest man in the world.”

“Excess is part of my nature. Dullness is a disease.”

“It destroys the soul to hear that you're all hype, that you have no talent, and that your whole career has been contrived.”

“The bigger the better; in everything.”

“I think I'm sort of a chameleon. I change and I have moods, and I think it's a combination of a lot of characters that make up a person anyway. I think over and above I'm a person of extremes. I can be very soft, but that makes me that much more tenacious.”

5th of June - Is It Just Fantasy?

A list of AU prompts to spark your imagination. Going for the classics this time around, but feel free to change them up however you like!

Soulmate AU… in a society which no longer believes in such scientifically unsupported hogwash as soulmates, and yet… 

Fairytale/Fantasy AU… Freddie isn’t exactly the dragon-slaying warrior prince he is expected to be, as a firstborn male heir to the kingdom. But perhaps the dragon he is expected to slay is no ordinary dragon…

High School AU… School sucks. Most days, Freddie would rather be anywhere else. That is, until a new student joins the class…

Modern Day AU… Who is Freddie Mercury in 2022? A jaded artist, like too many others who tried and failed? A social media celebrity? A primary school music teacher? A contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race?! (We have no idea, you tell us!)

Horror AU… But who is the monster? And who is the villain? Are the two one and the same? 

Or, let these incorrect quotes inspire you! ➡️

“I’d like to offer you moral support, but I have questionable morals, my dear.”

“I’m a fool, darling, but I’m not an idiot.”

“I regret getting dragged into this heterosexual tomfoolery.”

“I am not a whore! But if I were, I’d be the classy kind that gets flown to Dubai to stay in an underwater hotel.”

“My life isn't as glamorous as my wanted poster makes it look.”

“I tried to write ‘I'm a functional adult’ but my phone changed it to ‘fictional adult’ and I do feel that is more accurate.”

“What happens in Barcelona stays in Barcelona, darling.”

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t walk out that door.”

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RULES & FAQ

⛔ Strictly No Hate ⛔

This is the NUMBER ONE RULE of the event, to ensure that everybody feels safe. No rudeness, provocations or hate aimed at creators or other commenters will be permitted, not on AO3 nor Tumblr.

Please ensure that you EITHER have comment moderation turned on OR anon comments switched off. If you choose to ignore this rule, your work may be removed from the collection.

If you receive a comment or ask that distresses you:

Do not engage. (You can take a screenshot as proof.)

Delete it. No ifs, no buts. Just delete it. (Don’t hesitate to block anon hate on Tumblr.)

Alert @a-froger-epic or @freddie-mercury-rising, all questions are answered and everything runs smoothly. We are here to actively support you. We’ve got your back, and we will gladly talk to you and help you feel better.

But what if one of the works has upset me?

Can the thing that upset you be tagged, but it wasn’t? Then please inform @a-froger-epic or @freddie-mercury-rising, we will bring it to the creator’s attention.

Was the thing that upset you already tagged? Or is it perhaps simply the characterisation you find disagreeable? Then we suggest you click on the ‘back’ button, take a deep breath and remind yourself it’s just fanfic.

Who can participate?

Anyone who is inspired by Freddie Mercury in any way shape or form. This event is OPEN TO ALL.

Can I combine prompts from different days?

By all means, use the prompts however you like. Go crazy!

I’m not sure where my creation fits in, what day do I post it? 

The days, like the prompts, are only suggestions. We don’t mind when you post it, as long as you post it! Even if it’s two weeks late! 

Help, I’ve never posted fic before! 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you! We are happy to walk you through the process of setting up an account, just DM @a-froger-epic or @freddie-mercury-rising.

I’m still too nervous to participate!

You can post anonymously to the collection. You can disable comments entirely and just collect the kudos. You can close anon asks on Tumblr temporarily. But most importantly, we are here for you and we want you here!

❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜

“I love the fact that I make people happy, in any form. Even if it’s just half an hour of their lives, in any way that I can make them feel lucky or make them feel good, or bring a smile to a sour face, that to me is worthwhile.”

- Freddie Mercury

[p---leia]

Ancient Writer of dreams and nightmares: I am 71 (-one month), and have been writing (making up tales) since I was three. I can still remember my Pawpaw whittling a pencil for me, and Mawmaw tearing a piece of brown grocery bag for me to write on. They weren't 'poor', but writing paper wasn't to be wasted on a 'kid' just for fun. I carefully scripted my first short story.

Of course my 'letters' looked more like ancient Hanguel, so I had to read it to my "captured" audience. I really don't remember the story, but as my grandparents had a yard full of chickens and my dog, Mutt, liked to chase them (because of this we 'both' got into trouble -- because I always joined the chase) I most probably wrote about that.

My Pawpaw was a story-teller. For several years I thought there really was a baby found in the wilds of the African jungle and raised by the great apes. I thought he was the luckiest babe, EVER!

Then I found Pawpaw's books about three years after he died. I was eleven when he died, and felt that my best friend had abandoned me. But when I found those books I realized just where Tarzan actually came from and went to. I read everyone of those books and got the complete picture. THEN..

Well, Pawpaw also told stories of Daniel Boone and Davey Crocket...before I saw them on Disney. Then, of course, I went to school and learned what I already knew. Pawpaw was an excellent story-teller and never mixed up his facts, time-lines, or characters.

Growing up under his influence had a lot to do with how I developed as a story-teller. At family gatherings when I meet cousins I haven't seen in decades, they STILL remember me and the stories that I used to tell them. My children and grandchildren have grown up with me re-telling Pawpaw's old stories, and sharing many that I made up on the spot.

But I think what I read in my early years developed my writing style.

I was just turned eight when I read my first Shakespeare, MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. He was my first favorite author. Then I was forced to read Romeo and Juliet. I was disgusted by the fact that TRAGEDY was made famous as a ROMANCE! Even at the innocent (then) age of fourteen, I was disgusted with the idea that it was considered romantic for 'anyone', let alone 'teenagers' to commit suicide over unrequited love.

My sister (now 68) and I recently discussed this play. Because she had a 'forbidden' teenage love, she said that she related to the story (even though she had never read it). GASP! It was required reading in ninth grade!

I remember our dad breaking up my sister and her boyfriend, who was really cool. He was a hard working farm boy who had saved his money to buy a motorcycle. AND his own car. But he wasn't good enough for my sister. smh

I always thought her story would make a great LifeTime movie. But I'm not touching it. She would 'skin me' for sharing with the world her broken heart. And if I added the stuff that sells today, she'd scalp me for lying. Not a win situation at all. So, I will write notes in my "Random Jottings Journal" for future decendants who might grow into writers or story-tellers.

By the way, the title "RANDOM JOTTINGS" came from a sci-fi book that I read as a kid in the fifties. I don't remember the author, although I'm pretty sure it 'might' be from a Heinlein juvenile book. But I've never found a reference to any sci-fi books using that term. SO!!! If anyone recognizes "RANDOM JOTTINGS", which was a note book that a professor/scientist/genius used to keep his 'thoughts', PLEASE share the author's name and the title of the book!!! Thank You.

In the meantime, I referenced Shakespeare. James Oliver Curwood wrote about Kazan, the Wolf Dog, and later Baree, Son of Kazan. From those two books, read when I was eleven, I searched for and found other books about Canada. Later there was Walter Farley, author of the Black Stallion, and the Island Stallion series. I think I met my FIRST friendly alien in the Island Stallion Races.

Of course, Edgar Rice Burroughs taught me much false history about the jungles of Africa, as well as the Moon and Mars. But I loved every 'read-under-the-covers-with a-flashlight' minute! I believe he was a contemporary of Zane Grey, because he wrote a few non-jungle and non-space stories, too. Which led me to Zane Grey.

Having read both of their biographies at a young age, I learned about the hardships of being a writer. I should say 'the hardships of a struggling writer'. I have never had a problem writing. Since I write for 'fun' and not 'profit', the few short stories I've had published were by local press, and a State magazine.

No, my struggles have centered around graduating high school, and completing college, stuggling to satisfy my husband, a 'Mr. Spock in the Flesh' personality, and later raising two children without benefit of parental support or child support. But we survived in the middle of laughter and many tears. And my made up stories about children lost in the woods who were rescued by a great friendly bear, or wolf. Or dog. And sometimes by a great Black Panther - a by product of one of my Pawpaw's 'local historical tales'.

I understand that publishers detest stories that begin with "It was a dark and stormy night.." But let me tell you, some of the BEST bedtime stories occur on stormy nights when the power has gone out, and it's too hot for candles or lanterns. That shadow that stands darkest in the corner and seems to be moving towards the bed is actually grandma come to check on the kids, and stands quiet so not to disturb the kids if they're already asleep. But since they are awake, and they see her 'shadow', she becomes the old crone who lives in the castle dungeon, and has slipped her chains to visit with the 'wee folk'. But there are no fairies out on such a blustery night, so the old crone comes to visit with the 'wee bairn', who fall all over themselves to get out of bed and sit around her to hear her stories of 'long ago' and other 'dark and stormy nights'. Again -- unpublished, because publishers don't like ... LOL

Of course there's always On-Line publishing. But that involves more work than actual writing.

Back to the writrs who influenced my writing:

While I enjoy a good Western, an adventurous space trek, or time travel, I also enjoy the occasional Historical Romance. Georgette Heyer was my first! I still re-read her amazing books. Of course there's Jane Austen.

There are a myriad of modern writers that I have read over the last five decades. Heinlen, Asimov, Norton, Bradley, McCaffrey, Moon, Stirling, Krentz/Castle/Quick, and Moening, just to name a few of the ones whose books I have in my personal library.

Those older authors did affect my writing style to develope as I read their stories. The later authors helped me to move into the late 20th century. But I'm not so sure that I like the 21st century so much. It's all about being politically 'correct'. If you aren't ashamed of your gender, your race, your country, your religion, your culture, your family, your history, then you are prejudiced. That's just too much guilt to have to live with.

I'm still dealing with my mom's death from ten years ago. I was her care-giver for five years. Her doctor had given her nine months. I still worry if I did enough for her in those last years.

And though my children are grown with their own families, I worry that I wasn't a good enough parent. And I worthy as a grandmother? How was I as an older sister? I was responsible as a moral guide when our parents were at work. Was I a good neighbor? A good support in our Church? And Hollywood wants me to feel guilt about something I can't change?!!

I'm an old woman who still likes being a woman and enjoys liking men. I'm not just white. I'm also mixed with a bit of Native American, and even a drop of -- OMG!!! --- Black. snicker.

That's a serious joke, because as a kid I had a recuring nightmare that I was a black man being judged by a group of people in white hoods I was hanged amidst their fiery torches. I always thought those white hoods represented the Catholic Church, because at that young age I didn't know about the Ku Klux Klan. Even though I grew up in the South, my family was not involved with that group of out-lawrey. Thank God!

Still, I'm supposed to feel shame? For something not even my family supported.

I've always believed there's a hint of Fae in my DNA. Because I love dancing in the light of the full moon, and flying with the owls who perch outside my bedroom window and call to invite me to follow the moon's shadow. If I am part Fae, I know it came from my mother's people. They were Irish mixed with Alabama Indians who believed in the Nunnehi aka Immortal, and the Yunwi Tsunsdi, aka Little People.

ALSO, while there's no DNA proof of ancestry, I've always been a 'closet Chinese'.

In the Fifties, when WW2 was still fresh, and we were involved with the 'Korean Conflict', and at odds with China, I would sneak around the radio, turn down the volume, and tune into 'that wierd channel' that sometimes played Opera, or Chinese music. Ahhh. I would close my eyes and wander through the few visuals I'd found in books, or the occasional movie. (before color tv)

A year or two ago I was totally depressed and disgusted with American TV. Hollywood has become so political, so wierd. Their programming is no longer for entertainment, but to 'educate, enlighten, or to inform'. zzzzz

Then I found KDrama!!!!! Korean TV. Japanese Tv. squeal!!! Chinese TV.

The rom/coms are sweet and 'pure'. Okay. I'm realistic. This is not a reflection of real life on any planet. But the innocence of the early 1950s programs is there. Similar to Disney's 'Summer Magic'. I'm happy with those dramas that remind me of thati nnocence. I have found a few dramas that shared more than I cared for, and I do enjoy an occasional 'romp'. But I've always preferred the Lady and Gentleman characters.

And watching these programs have reminded me of those fairy tales and legends from my childhood that had been sprinkled with the Occasional Oriental myth, legend, and children's tale.

Then I remembered my FIRST historical legend. "The White Stag" by Kate Seredy, is the tale of Atilla the Hun!

I recently found a copy of that book and am waiting for a quiet time, when the power is out and there's nothing to do. Then I will use one of the many flashlights I bought for a huge hurricane, and relax on the sofa beneath an open window and read this legend once again. I live in Florida. The odds of this happening increases as the summer progresses. I can't wait to learn if my memory of this tale of Atilla the Hun remained true, or has been distorted in the last half of a century.

Most of the tales that I write involve space adventures, the occasioanl ghost, and encounters with fairies, the evil ones, not the romantic ideal fairy. smh

I've never been very good with romance or comedy. But thanks to the recent influence of the Asian productions, I have re-formatted one of my dark adventures and turned it into a rom/com.

I love a good joke, but very seldom get the point or see the humor. And I can NEVER remember the punch line if I try to share a joke. My family have said they will write on my tombstone --

"I don't remember the punchline ... but it was funny."

But as I write humorous lines or events I find myself laughing. Or crying at sad events. And I am all 'giggly' when I write what is supposed to be innocent romance between a young and shy couple. But I have never felt that my own reactions were a true guide to how the story might come across to a 'reader'.

As it happens, I have two sisters younger than I am. My middle sister is bored easily and immediately redirects our conversation to something about 'her'. Okay. I understand. She is lonely, needy, and maybe a bit selfish? Not judging. She's the 'middle child' and that's her excuse. ROFL..

But the youngest sister is my greatest fan who declares that I am an awesome writer. "I love you, sister, dear."

So she visited me last week and patiently listened as I read the first chapter. She listened quietly, and I wondered if I had 'read her to sleep'. sigh. Boring books are often the best sleeping pill. Then I heard her laugh.

Squeals/Dancing/hooting/flying around the room in ecstasy!!

Okay! At least one person has laughed. And she's not that easily 'tickled'.

So, I will always carry on and write. But now I feel that at least I might be following a path strewn with "Black-Eyed-Susans, honeybees, butterflies, and bunnies".

I don't know if anyone will read this, or will enjoy it. I hope so. While sharing bits of my youth, my worries, and my concern about certain ones of my 'stories', I actually had ideas for developing 'new' stories.

I am always amazed when writers say they are 'blocked'. I have only to open my eyes to see a world around me that no one else can envision. I listen to a song, and I'm in a different world, time, planet. A gift from Pawpaw, and Mother's DNA.

It is my oldest granddaughter's birthday this month, and I don't know what to give her for her birthday. But when she was younger, she always asked me to tell her a story. I think that I will pull out one of my OLD/ANCIENT tales that I wrote when her dad was her age and make it into a book for her.

p---leia aka Mamma KayeLee

7/19/2020