#missanthropicprinciple

[bebemoon]

look for the name: WENDOVER

@missanthropicprinciple

pa33word "goddess myth" hanky hem knit angel print dress

aganovich medieval-inspired soft white cloth booties, s/s 2o17

{beauty} tati gabrielle @ nyfw 2o23, makeup by laurel charleston

the harmonist "sacred water" eau de parfum

my dearest world "angel" freshwater pearl collar w/ cross pearl pendant

[homenecromancer]

regarding this post, and the Dune sequels by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson

So I haven’t picked up any of these Dune followups in about twenty years, and for all I know, the books released in the intervening time are much better. And I’m operating off memory here.

But the main reason I’m content not going back is that… they’re not all that good. At best they’re about equal to some of the fanfiction I’ve read lately. At worst, there’s some deeply goofy worldbuilding and plot decisions. I should back up and give a little context.

The books I’m talking about here are written by a team of Brian Herbert (Frank’s son) and Kevin J. Anderson, who has written a lot of spinoff novels. I went to go check out his other work — he did a few Star Wars novels and three X Files novels, among others, and here is a very telling quote from his website, describing one of his original novels:

Unpretentious, unapologetic storytelling that transports busy readers to other worlds for a quick escape and fast-paced entertainment

Which… is both a perfect description of his writing and the absolute opposite of the Dune novels that Frank Herbert wrote. I’ll get back to this in a moment, because there’s another important detail: the Herbert+Anderson team, according to them, work from outlines and notes left by Frank Herbert before he died. So far they’ve gotten seventeen books out of these outlines and notes — Frank wrote six Dune novels.

OK. So. I do not envy the H+A team the effort required to imitate Frank Herbert and live up to his legacy — Dune and its sequels are dense books that interweave science fiction storytelling with politics and philosophy, all in a prose style that’s hard to mimic. I think they’re legitimately trying their best, and working on a compressed timeline compared to Frank. (The original six books were published over the course of twenty years — H+A have put out seventeen books in the 25 years since 1999, and they are not short.)

The problem is that, unless they’ve really switched things up, the H+A team put way heavier emphasis on the storytelling, and almost none on the politics and philosophy. So their Dune novels are much quicker reads than the originals! In my paperback edition, Dune takes about 150 pages of small type until the “action” begins — Herbert really takes his time setting up his characters and setting, and begins to explore his main theme of the risks of political power. And then the main characters find themselves in nonstop life-threatening peril.

I… do not recall the H+A Dune novels having themes in the same way. A lot happens, but like. Dune is constantly saying things to the reader about how, say, carefully-orchestrated plans can easily go awry in tragic fashion, and also there are dozens of memorable setpieces. The H+A Dune novels have memorable moments, but they all feel rather shallow. The deepest thing they’re asking you to consider is gonna be, like, “wouldn’t it be fucked up if weird robots ruled over people?” And yeah, that would be fucked up, but it doesn’t have the staying power of some of the weird ideas in Dune.

Anyway I don’t bear either Brian Herbert or Kevin J. Anderson any personal ill-will. Their Dune books just don’t do it for me the same way as the Frank Herbert originals.

Also Anderson’s writing process is interesting — I can’t seem to make this a proper link no matter what I do (????) but he discusses it on his blog at kjablog.com/dictating-writing-hiking . And that method explains a lot, to me — I don’t know about him, but I would not be able to imitate Frank Herbert’s prose style by dictation while hiking, even if I had the ability to revise later. Makes sense that the text of the H+A Dune novels sounds like Kevin J. Anderson more than it sounds like Frank Herbert.

Oh and fun fact I learned writing this: Kevin J. Anderson lives in my state. Wild.

[spengnitzed]

Isaac for the "in character" prompt, please :D

Aww thank you, friend! 💜 Isaac be like….

“I make movies and catch ghosts. I’m having the time of my life!”

[jamieaiken919]

Your fave character (whatever fandom you wish!) makes you a special little meal for tea with your favorite little snacks and treats and you settle down for a nice cuddle on the couch. (yes, this is self ship and if my friend gets anon hate for this you're gonna get it.)

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH😭😭😭

I NEED THE CUDDLES

honestly the first one that came to mind for this was Director!Eddie- the whole setting is giving Director and wife vibes :3

[crushondonald]

Omgosh I just read your previous ask/post! Are you recovered from Covid? *hugs*

Oh, so sweet ♥️ ... many thanks for asking, and your kindness!

I think I'm nearly recovered, but I still struggle with fatigue and sometimes shortness of breath during my daily routine. I was positive with Covid over two (!) weeks in November ... can you believe that? It felt like losing my mind! 😵‍💫

Besides, the long caring for my Mum at home, the worsening of her health condition in July/August, and finally, the painful process of realization that I'm no longer able to continue that way without going to pieces has already made me feel drained ... long before Covid put the icing on the cake.

Anyway, I'm feeling much better now and my mum, too. 😊 So, I look forward to celebrating Christmas with Mum in her beautiful new home where she's tenderly cared for! 🎄🥰

Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas! 🌟

[iant0jones]

Happy Birthday!! <3

Thank you so much!!! 💜

[offensiveagentpie]

✨❤️🌙SEND THIS TO OTHER BLOGGERS YOU THINK ARE WONDERFUL. KEEP THE GAME GOING ✨❤️

Wahhh! I really needed this today, thank you so much! And you're wonderful too! <3 <3 <3 <3

[momointhetardis]

What was your fave moment of 2023? <3 Also, Happy New Year's Eve!

Hmm that's a good question.. probably getting to do my first art market this yr, that was exhausting but really cool! Either that or going to the aquarium finally. It was also exhausting but definitely worth it!

Gotta admit earning my first degree was not as exciting as expected since I still have another yr technically to do but I'm proud that I did it since most of my family went to college but dropped out.

Thanks for the ask! 🥂🎆

What was your favorite moment??

(feel free to message me anytime btw I always enjoy talking! )

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE

[theloccent]

from @missanthropicprinciple

send a valentine here

[ID: white text on a green background that reads “ @dabney Thank you for being an awesome friend! <3 - S” END ID]

[nadja-antipaxos]

Happy Birthday!! 🎁

Thank you!!

[bebemoon]

look for the name: PUSHPITA

@missanthropicprinciple

selkie "the strawberry cream in bloom" organza bridal gown

free people "meoldy" choker w/ velvet flower in fuschia

valentino garavani "vlogo" patent leather round-toe platform sandals in green

byredo "inflorescence" eau de parfum

vintage gold-tone metal compact w/ floral-embroidered and pearl-beaded lid, c. 194o's (note: mentally adding a lil gold chain attachment for easy carrying)

[homenecromancer]

replying to everyone all at once bc i gotta go to work today :[

@astonishinglysane @thetenthirteens @mycupofstars @missanthropicprinciple THANK YOU!! i had a lovely birthday; the most active thing i did was hang out with my best friend and bother his cats :3 then tomorrow i am going to the zoo to see even more animals

[thisbluespirit]

#Mr Palfrey of Westminster#I love this show so much

Favourite episodes of old telly: Mr Palfrey of Westminster 1.4 “A Present From Leipzig” (Thames TV, 1984.  Written by Anthony Skene; dir. Peter Cregeen.)

“If it were mine, I’d enjoy looking at it.” // “Even though it’s completely false?” // “Because it’s completely false - because it’s brilliantly, completely false.” // “Like the trade you’re in?” // “Like the trade we’re in!”

The Co-ordinator finds an impossible bargain on a market stall for £40 that leads to this thoughtful episode with a lovely guest turn from Martin Jarvis as a blackmailed businessman at the heart of this expert little con.  Mr Palfrey at its best has a humane, indefinable quality that’s showcased perfectly here.

[iant0jones]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! <3

Than youuuuuuu!!! 😁🥰💜

[momointhetardis]

9 People You Would Like to Know Better

Tagged by @missanthropicprinciple

(1) Three ships: hmm I'm not big on shipping but I've always been a big fan of Bubbline (Marceline & Princess Bubblegum in Adventure Time), in Dirk Gently I was shipping Bart with like everyone bc she's amazing, and of course Moriarty/Moran & Sherlock/Moriarty (Mormor & Sheriarty) have been longtime favorites.

(2) First ever ship: oh idk if this counts but I guess my first instance of interest towards fictional relationships would have been in A Journey Through Fairyland. I guess either that or Ash/Misty/Brock (yes all three lmao, I was a weird kid and I had 3 boyfriends at one point in elementary so like I didn't think it was weird)

(3) Last Song: Java Jive - The Ink Spots

(4) Last Film: marathoned the first three Hellraiser movies

(5) Currently reading: I'm rereading the Lackadaisy webcomic since I technically haven't caught up with the latest updates. and I consider that reading bc she is verbose in the best way.

(6) Currently Watching: unfortunately all my shows rn are on hiatus or cancelled (I'm still pissed about Zomboat) so I've mainly been watching reruns of Roc and wrestling. there's been a few good storylines going on in AEW rn though, especially been enjoying Timeless Toni Storm's storyline.

(7) Currently consuming: just had banana bread and coffee

(8) Currently craving: a relaxing campfire night with friends. also a concert. covid and florida bullshit has totally fucked with the music scene here.

not tagging anyone so followers feel free to reply

[spengnitzed]

@ms-ship

that funny moment when the Elvis impersonator marries two different couples who look the same??????

de-ja vu, Vegas Style!

The Elvis tribute artist squinted a bit at the couple in front of him, “Didn’t I marry you two before?”

‘‘What does that mean?” Asked Janine, short hair styled and wearing a white dress above the knee.

“Neither of us have been here.” Egon simply said, suit and tie and glasses.

——

Two years ago

‘You may kiss the bride.’

Instead the groom picked up the bride. ‘‘See? You got my last name now.” He managed to say, slightly slurred.  “Vanessa Ziskeeey!” She giggled, ‘Has a nice ring to it.” She kissed him, albeit sloppily, as she’s carried out of the chapel, bridal style.

——-

The Elvis impersonator shook his head at that memory. The ceremony proceeded as usual.