#outstanding art outstanding fic go read it

[mouthwashingconfessionsblog]

15 years ago, I joined my first ever fandom. It was a fandom based around 1980s slasher movies and the villians featured in them. I remember people would write ship fics of these guys left and right. Sometimes with each other, sometimes with their victims from their respective films, or sometimes with their own OCs. People made silly memes and videos of these characters and did some truly outstanding artwork and cosplay. There was no need for any of the fic writers or fan artists to write big, long, ten paragraph essays explaining that they know these characters are the bad guys, that they don't condone their actions, or justifying their art by disclosing their personal traumas to strangers on the internet. That was already the general assumption that people in these sorts of fandoms already had toward the artists, writers, and cosplayers back in the day. We all had fun. If ship fics weren't the thing of the person reading them, they would just move on to the ones that were. Harassment was rare, but on the off chance that it did happen, it was more focused on the characters being written OOC than it was on the authors/artists/cosplayers being "murder apologists" or "rape apologists." It wasn't just this fandom, either. People back then seemed to have a generally good grasp on the concept of "fiction is not real life" or "personal tastes in fiction are not a direct reflection of someone's real world personal tastes."

Which is why I am absolutely fucking FLABBERGASTED at the insane level of harassment that gets thrown around in the MW fandom. I see people who like Jimmy as a character that feel they need to type out long explanations as to why they feel that way and how they don't condone his actions out of the (very much real) fear that they're going to get spammed by users calling them rape apologists or rapists in the making. I see people telling people who ship Jimmy with anyone that they deserve to burn in hell or hope that other various horrible things happen to them. I've seen people who feel the need to disclose their past traumas or personal experiences before they feel like they're allowed to have/share their unpopular opinions, and even then, they'll still get told that they should go die. All over FICTIONAL FUCKING CHARACTERS.

Seriously, how in the goddamn FUCK did internet fandoms fall so far from grace? I've been in various fandom spaces for 15 years, and while I have seen plenty of wonderful works of art, fics, cosplays, story analysis, and character studies for Mouthwashing, (and have enjoyed a lot of them,) I am not exaggerating at all when I say this has still been one of the WORST fucking fandom experiences I have ever had, and it is absolutely NO FUCKING CONTEST.

I am so very, very, very tired.

.

[budderdomo]

Andrew Neiman // Miles Teller -- Whiplash (2014) Dir. Damien Chazelle

Screenshot used:

From the scene where Andrew sees Fletcher's band practice for the first time

Ok, I watched Whiplash for the first time about a month ago and I MEAN- (I can't believe I haven't seen it earlier)

Amazing movie! I seriously think this is one of my favorite movies of all time now. Great acting, great cinematography, great editing, great story. Intense and thrilling in all the right places, the soundtrack is outstanding (obviously), the deep multi-faceted relationship between Fletcher, Andrew, greatness, obsession, and music. It's dark and I love it.

I had always seen clips of this movie, but I don't know why I didn't just go and see it, IMAGINE seeing this in theaters. damn. Anyway, this is a long winded way to say that I've been obsessed (which is also thematically appropriate) with this film. I've listened to the soundtrack multiple times, watched all the interviews, know all the fun facts, seen almost every Youtube analysis to man, watched all the fanedits, read the fics, watched La La Land, started going through Miles Teller's other movies like The Spectacular Now, Top Gun Maverick, realized JK Simmons voiced the yellow M&M and Ford from Gravity Falls and Cave Johnson and every other piece of media from when I was younger. I'm down so bad guys, help.

Please go watch the movie, if you haven't seen it! (Except if you're a minor, it's R rated sorry! But it's like the most asexual R rated movie I've ever seen haha) (And only if you're in a good head space, it's very stressful, there's yelling and abuse) It's about jazz drumming and passion turned to obsession. So do with that what you will :) It's on Netflix right now!

Besides my descent into madness, (as this is still an art blog haha), I'm really proud of this piece. I've really worked on my realism (can you tell?) and I'm getting to a place where I'm pretty happy with it. I also bought Corel Painter on sale recently, and now I can do cool text and stuff, I will be experimenting... Hopefully I can work on more art for this movie!

[farm-witches-fic-recs]

Farm witch friends, you have done the coven proud.

We've got so many good recs it's going to take a few weeks to share them all!

Starting with these that were recommended more than once, if you haven't spend some time with these fan favorites, you should check them out now! And leave the authors some love, of course.

========

Everyday Magic (houdini74/@mostlyinthemorning)

Each magic story is so unique, so sweet, so... D&P! 

I couldn’t pick just one of these wonderfully variable scenarios that all include just a little (or maybe a lot of) magic added to the perfect scene setting and banter. 

Favored Nations (@blueink3)

ALL OF IT! It’s my go-to when I’m feeling down, when I need to revise our boys. The characters, writing, and plot are all amazing. 

Amazing world building, very in character slow burn.

The ultimate slow burn, the perfect love story set amongst the wonders of Broadway and NYC.

It’s just so, so good!  I am a sucker for secret romance fics, and this one has that and so much more.  Add in some Shakespearean theater with a twist and just the right amount of angst and sexiness, it’s just perfect! I love it so much.  

This author knows David, Patrick, and the NY theater world inside and out. The volume and level of specificity, volume, tenderness, anxiety, and love of these characters and worlds is astounding. The characterization is so vivid, it's the easiest fic to forget isn't canon.

Fifteen hundred miles (morehuman)

I go back to this fic a lot! I just love the idea of them both challenging themselves and finding out what they are capable of.

The most incredible journey, a gift to go along with them in it.

I carry these heart-shapes only for you (@ladyflowdi and @ships-to-sail)

I love this transportative, visual feast of historic fiction. Luscious WW2 Paris is so vividly portayed and David’s wild, wealthy, LGBTIQ+out flamboyance juxtaposed to the farm-boy turned military-man Patrick is sexy and sweet. It undoes me every time. I actually first came to the piece via FairManor’s outstanding podfic. Both the text and the podfic are high art. It’s not just one of my favorite fan-fics. It’s one of my favorite stories of ALL time in any genre. I read/listen and I am at the Gaston, riding on the back of Patrick’s motorcycle, kissing in windmills, eating crepes, touring junk shops & dancing naked to 40’s blues. I’d give anything to see this as a film with Dan & Noah & cast. I want a leather bound print copy of it. Also - The epilogue is progressive, heartbreaking thoughtful genius. I’ve just finished rereading & listening to it again. Each time there are new Easter eggs to be found. Joyous. 

It's just the most beautiful piece of writing ever written. Descriptive, lyrical, hot, stunning, heartbreaking. It has everything. 

I’d swing with you for the fences (@nontoxic-writes)

Achingly sweet and fluffy all set in the perfect baseball/famous AU with secret relationship AND musician Patrick. I come back to reread this one a lot!

What isn't there to love?  Baseball, long distance relationship, sex, songs, coming out to the parents, coming out to the team, coming out to the world, excellent use of side characters....I could go on and on.  There are so many amazing fics out there, but I've read this one at least a dozen times! 

Incorrect (@lisamc-21)

You can hear David saying it, but now picture the Maldives.

A beautifully written story of our boys meeting on vacation. Their trip is so sweet and so hot, and when they say goodbye, it's heartbreaking. The twist- they are both famous in their own worlds but don’t recognize each other so don’t realize who the other has hooked up with. When their week ends, they try to maintain a long-distance friendship as they learn who the other is. What was a hot hookup becomes a slow burn, and it’s amazing!!

The Last Rose Video (@distractivate)

Gorgeous writing, the perfect mix of canon and AU, clever plot, great dialogue.  The fic I read over and over.  It’s as comforting as a warm blanket. 

Swoon. SWOON.

Strike Anywhere (@madlori)

Hot firefighters. Hot sex. Hot romance. But like in a Sandra loves Keanu sliding out of a speeding bus kind of way.

Hot hot hot!  That’s the first work. Then- the author developed a prequel that is also hot but is also funny, loving, sweet. Love fireman Patrick!

This enemies-to-lovers-to-secret-husbands story featuring Patrick Brewer as a firefighter, is deliciously tropey and blazing hot, but also it’s written with such authentic emotion and perfect banter that it keeps me coming back to read it whenever I need a mood lift. 

Such great heights (@likerealpeopledo-on-ao3)

Great story, the very best jokes, and the wedding date chapter is so good it would work as a stand alone fic. 

It's got the mother of all fake dating scenarios, and Stevie in this in among the best I've ever read her. It's also very very funny. All the times when they say Feel The Air crack me up every time!

Sustineo (@rockinhamburger)

This is a perfectly paced one-shot AU that builds a world in which David is a brilliant, stormy, reclusive artist whose whose treatment by the press (and one Sebastien Raine) has made him unwilling to engage with the world…. Until he meets an intuitive and kind art writer who sees him for everything that he is (and can be). All of characters here are perfect and I love the descriptions of David’s art. 

Incredibly hot art fic.

You can fall (sweetsirius/@wordthieve)

It takes the David and Patrick rescue each other theme of the show and makes the stakes even higher. Plus it's just a genuinely beautiful piece of writing.

The story arc and pacing are fantastic. I love how David and Patrick's relationship develops and how Patrick learns to open himself up again after grief. It's incredibly well written. I've read it so many times, from full read thrus to dipping in and out of my favorite moments and chapters.

Patrick is so heartbroken, but then he meets David. So romantic, and feels lived in.

[hippolotamus]

Truth or Dare tag game

Thanks for the tags @underwaterninja13 @tizniz @dangerpronebuddie @kitteneddiediaz @spotsandsocks 💖

Which friends/mutuals would you call to hide a body?

@blackandwhiteandrose @stereopticons @giddyupbuck @watchyourbuck

How many user subscriptions do you have on Ao3?

122 (☺️ thank you)

Do you have a crush on someone? OR If you're with someone, tell us one thing you love about them.

Always saves me the last bite of something delicious

What does the last DM/text you sent say?

I'm so so curious

List the three friends/mutuals with the best takes

always enjoy @gayhoediaz @eddiebabygirldiaz and am continually impressed, bewitched and bewildered by my wife @bidisasterevankinard

also @steadfastsaturnsrings @spotsandsocks

@daffi-990 absolute queen of sending hilarious gifs and jokes/puns

Share one of your favorite fics of all time

One??? Really??? Rude. I have so many, I'm going to list some underrated favs

i wouldn't call it a mission by ASweeterArrangement (I’m sorry I don’t know their current tumblr)

Spanish Lullaby by blackandwhiteandrose

Play me like a fiddle by JamesPearce911/ @diazsdimples

twist yourself around me by @stereopticons (Schitt's Creek)

red life might stream again by Underhung_Aura / @eddiebabygirldiaz

saving you, saves me. by @tizniz

in my head by @your-catfish-friend

Our Love is Like a Storybook Story (But it's as real as the feelings I feel) by Bob_loblaws_lawblog/ @bi-buckrights

[WIP] Three Taps for the Lombardi by Wildgirl93/ @wildlife4life

List three of your favorite content creators

I already know I'm forgetting people but...

Darling Talented Wife @lizzie-bennetdarcy her art and words are unparalleled

@loserdiaz another incredible artist

@loveyouanyway @giddyupbuck @theotherbuckley @djdangerlove your edits are phenomenal

@bucksketch @skyhighrollins911 @nymika-arts I’m in constant awe of their work

Write one thing you love about yourself

My dark, sarcastic sense of humor

Which fandom of yours (past or present) has the best fics?

Don’t get me wrong, 9-1-1 has great fics, but damn the Schitt’s Creek fandom has some of the most outstanding works. Like... dude.

Which creation of your own are you the most proud of?

This Lucy Donato artwork

I'm preemptively naming one of my WIPs, you're where I wanna go as a thing I'm most proud of because, even though the words don't happen nearly as frequently as I'd like, it is the most precious and special to me.

Have you ever read RPF?

And written

Tag the mutual(s)/friend(s) most likely to get away with murder

@blackandwhiteandrose @stereopticons @shortsighted-owl @slightlyobsessedwitheverything

Tag the mutual(s)/friend(s) who know(s) the most about you

@blackandwhiteandrose @stereopticons (are we sensing a theme yet?) @diazsdimples @vanillahigh00

Now tag some friends to play!

@stereopticons @blackandwhiteandrose @shortsighted-owl @eddiebabygirldiaz mi amor @bidisasterevankinard

@elvensorceress @bi-buckrights @loveyouanyway @hoodie-buck @wikiangela

@slightlyobsessedwitheverything @giddyupbuck @daffi-990 @vanillahigh00 @bucksbiawakening

@filet-o-feelings @lemonzestywrites @theotherbuckley @jesuisici33 @rmd-writes

@welcometololaland @wildlife4life and anyone else who wants to 😘

[ghuleh-recs]

♡ Fandom Faves Tag ♡

Tag 1-3 (or as many as you want) of your favorite creators (writers, artists, outstanding members of the community etc) and link your favorite creation if you can.

Thank you for the tags @midnight-moth and @coffeeghoulie! I'm gonna challenge myself to not wax poetic and keep these extra short and sweet. That way it's not as intimidating for others to participate (hope that makes sense). Oh and I'm not putting a "keep reading."

Witness my faves (�� •̀_•́)ง

@midnight-moth (who started this tag game ♡) drew THE Phantom art of all time and I recently went absolutely feral for:

Buried in Treasure - Dew x Phantom - E, 3.6k

When his eyes roll forward again, he notices more than just the same riff playing over and over. He notices Phantom’s grip on his hand simultaneously go still and tight. He notices the rosy flush on his cheeks, and the tent in his pants that he tries to conceal with the hand holding the phone. It takes more than a few seconds for all of the dots to connect and when the thought is fully formed, Dew grabs the phone and launches it to the end of the bed.

@ramblingoak hey why is there an angel in the satanic band fandom? I created this whole blog so I could shout about:

The Cardinal's Bride - Cardinal Copia x F!Reader - E, 91k (wip)

A Romantic Adventure in the Old West: After being forced into a marriage with Mr. Saltarian by your father you are sent west to his estate in Nevada. Along the way you end up meeting one of the cowboys you have always fantasized about…

@conjuring-ghouls finds the perfect moments and turns them into the loveliest gifs. On top of that she is endlessly kind and supportive. Look at these!!!

@coffeeghoulie is writing the Aeon x Swiss hurt/comfort fic of y'all's dreams and I got to do my first "official" art collab for it yay!!

Eternal Heatstroke - Aeon x Swiss - M, 17k (wip)

For once in their life, Aeon feels lucky. Whoever's opened this portal, whoever's summoning ghouls Up Top, specifically wants a quintessence ghoul. They may not be the biggest or strongest quintessence ghoul, far from it, but they'll do anything this summoner wants if it means they get to live. Or: being Topside is a drastic change from the life Aeon's used to.

@writingjourney truly the kindest soul and an absurdly talented writer. I screenshot Ibi's tags on my posts all the time because they cheer me up so much 🥹🥹

Friday Nights (series) - Papas x GN!Reader - E, 40k

“But to die as lovers may - to die together, so that they may live together.” ― Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, Carmilla Each of these stories features a vampire papa and a gender neutral reader.

@anamelessfool writes some of the best world building and characterizations that I have ever read in fanfiction AND she's a fantastic artist.

Violence & Gentleness - Primo x OC - E, 50k (wip)

You made me forget myself...I thought I was someone else, someone good... LATE OCTOBER 1979 Primo has his work cut out for him as the bodyguard of the beautiful and fearsome Mater Emerita Jocasta. As mystery after mystery unfolds, it becomes harder to remain a honest man in this den of thieves called the Ministry.

@foxybouquet makes wonderful art and her colloquial Italian posts are an incredible resource for the fandom.

@angellayercake has angel in her username for a reason tbh. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I learned important things about myself and my love language whilst reading the brilliant:

Banchetto - Terzo x F!Reader - E, 22k (wip)

Papa Emeritus III is struggling to adapt to his life after the Ghost project but perhaps some good homemade Italian food will do the trick.

(I'm cutting myself off here because I could do this all day. I will probably be making another list in the near future because I love and admire so many of you. 😅)

No pressure at all but I would really love to see this tag game keep going! If you're reading this please consider adding some of your personal favorites to the list! This fandom could use some positivity right about now ♡

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Wednesday, January 22nd

Faith is dancing and three cops walk up behind her. FAITH: (turns, sees the police, smiles) Hey, I was wondering what was taking you boys so long. Where you been? COP: We're gonna have to ask you to come with us, miss. Outstanding warrants. FAITH: (playing it cool) Yeah, or we could try this one on instead. How 'bout you guys buy me another drink, (hands them her drink) and we see where the evening takes us. One of the cops grabs Faith's hands roughly, puts them behind her, and starts walking her out. DAWN: (stops dancing when she sees the police with Faith) Hey! KENNEDY: (follows Dawn over to Faith) What's going on?

~~Empty Places~~

The Sunnydale Herald is looking for at least one new editor. Contributing to the Herald is a great way to get your Buffy on! Find out more here.

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

BtVS Triple Drabble: Among The Stars by badly_knitted (Buffy, Angel, PG)

Chicken Wings by ineffablecabbage (Buffy/Spike, T)

Unforgettable by storiwr (Buffy/Tara, T)

Hello Again by slinky (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

[Chaptered Fiction]

Broken Lives - ch.1 by Celticwitch70 (Buffy/Tara, other pairings, E)

What Happens at Willow Creek - ch. 2 by Alyot (Buffy/Spike, R)

Brutal Honesty - ch. 10 by EnchantedWillow (Buffy/Spike, R) COMPLETE!

An Enmity Most Engaging - ch. 7 by HappyWhenItRains (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Stories of True Love in Capeside - ch. 13 by CheekyKitten (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

How To Be A Heartbreaker - ch. 22-23 by Maxine Eden (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Masquerade - ch. 12 by Holly (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Spiderwebs - ch. 47 by Willow25 (Buffy/Spike, R)

Redefine the Words - ch. 4 by violettathepiratequeen (Buffy/Spike, R)

Some You Lose - ch. 23 by lyapunov (Buffy, Stargate xover, FR15)

Lessons: An UnExpected Sequel - ch. 5 by amerie (Buffy, HP xover, FR13)

Psych-Out Wolves: The Side Quest - ch. 2 by calikocat (Xander, CSI Miami xover, FR21)

Redefine the Words - ch. 4 by violettathepiratequeen (Buffy/Spike, R)

How to Be a Heartbreaker - ch. 22-23 by Maxine Eden (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

An Enmity Most Engaging - ch. 7 by HappyWhenItRains (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Fanvid: i'm actually really proud of this by ultraviolencekisses (Buffy, worksafe)

Artwork: Andrew Dump by the-nerdcave (Andrew, worksafe)

Artwork: Image tagged with art, digital art, artists on tumblr by dgirael (Buffy, worksafe)

Artwork: Jacket time by blue-star-charmer-art (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

Artwork: Good Night Sweet Girl 🎶 by bertolts (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

Edit: The end was soon To Bethlehem, it slouched And then, must've caught a good look at you by tenderjock (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

Textpost: BUFFY: i can be meaner. if you'd like?? companion(ish) to this by tenderjock (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

Textpost: BtVS Spuffy text posts: S6 pt 2 by satinsafefromreality (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

Moodboard w/headcanon: I felt inspired to create something after reading maybebitterxox take on Faith x Willow in season 7... by magickinthewillows (Willow/Faith, worksafe)

Two Tillow Moodboards w/headcanons: An AU idea (set somewhere, probably, in early season 7) where Tara is still alive and My first ever moodboard (except for study stuff)! :D both by magickinthewillows (Willow/Tara, worksafe)

Gifset: Xander Harris + Outfits (Season 3) by clarkgriffon (Xander, Cordelia, Oz, worksafe)

Gifset: BEST OF BTVS: Willow Rosenberg — Season One by clarkgriffon (Willow, Xander, Buffy, Giles, worksafe)

Gifset: Sometimes is something. 4.19 The Yoko Factor | 7.22 Chosen Requested by oveliagirlhaditright by bangelgifs (Buffy/Angel, worksafe)

[Reviews & Recaps]

The Pack…is annoying! by Glad-Passenger-9408

PODCAST: Episode 87: New Moon Rising by Gym Was Cancelled: A Buffy Podcast

[Recs & In Search Of]

ISO: selkiemaidenfae seeks fuffy s3 au fic recs where faith never sided with the mayor?

ISO: anonymous [seeks fics with] more of Fred and Lorne’s friendship so bad! answered by boopsterliv

ISO: NCH007 is Seeking Scythe — anyone selling?

ISO: PresentationNo1568 seeks ATS soundtrack in vinyl

[Fandom Discussions]

[i finally noticed] in the dark age (s2e08) that the people [in the] summoning/orgy group were... by thechastefreeballer

I'm not even a Xander Harris fan and even I get tired of seeing "Xander Harris is Actually The Worst" by spangelmybeloved

xander coming back to see buffy and willow after he left anya at the altar and they're like "you don't have to explain"... by mattholicguilt

and what if i said cordelia only dated xander because that was the closest she could get to dating buffy. by xaeyrnofnbe and forcebookish

i love it when willow and faith interact they’re both so insane about buffy... by finalgirlguy

[anti spuffy - how Spike treated Buffy in S6] by mortalandstupid

Ask answered: 🔥 tara maclay [when she defends Willow's refusal to use magic] by coraniaid

the "poor Willow is a magical junkie now and it's not her fault :(" subplot [in S6 is actually the worst] by coraniaid

willow's tantrum about xander dating cordelia is a very teenage reaction [but] by comradesummers

I like to believe that David from Angel and Andrew got married. by autumnknight

posts that portray buffy as the sole aggressor in season 6 spuffy annoy me. by comradesummers

Spike's widower arc is so so good because before that he and Buffy had never been together [and yet] by aphony-cree

[headcanon on spike learning how to cook - read OP tags for more] by camellcat

POLL: Is Spike Gender Fluid? by are-they-gender-fluid

POLL: Have you read this fic? [link to Daddy Angelus Chapter 1, an angel fanfic] by haveyoureadthisfanfic

POLL: Worst characterization choice on Buffy the Vampire Slayer by quasi-normalcy

Soulmates - were there any soulmates in the Buffyverse? by November and others

Do warewolves have souls? by November and others

Finding their stride [ATS S1 new viewer struggles] by socialpronk

Is Faith a Psychopath? by PrettyIndependent1

can anyone please tell me why they like faith [anti Faith] by Lazy_Pigeon48

What games do you think Faith played on the PlayStation that the Mayor got her? by Hungry_Walrus7562

Why the mayor would give up immortality, political power, money, influence, and opposable thumbs to become a big snake is beyond me. by ComprehensiveFlan638

Buffy’s death on Angel by lilac_heaven29

Is there an Angel crossover episode for Buffy S6? [no] by tuliptwirl

shooting script clarifies how the curse works [on Angel] by SafiraAshai

What are the best platonic relationships between a man and a woman from Buffy or Angel? by InfiniteMehdiLove

Problematic Friendship [Buffy's friends don't treat her well] by CoasterTrax

Kendra vs Drusilla [fix it headcanon] by Lookintomyhazeleyes

IMDb Buffy Boards early 00s [were you on there?] by HappeeHousewives82

Wesley changed a lot... Whose Buffyverse character arc did you like better, Wesley's or Cordy's? by VTuck21

Wesley shooting his employee in the leg by Good_Ad3485

Is Angel the same as Liam? [what] does he have to atone for and why does he go by Angel? [soul talk] by Extra_Impression_428

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

[angelosearch]

Little life/fic/project update...

I absolutely love my grad program and learning all this art therapy stuff but sometimes the spoon drawer just gets empty even when all you're eating is ice cream, you know?? Definitely hit a bit of a wall yesterday, especially with how stressful/unpredictable my internship has been. I took a mental health night (still had to intern for 5 hours and sit in an hour of traffic) and skipped class this evening... hoping that recharges me at least a little.

I fell behind with Inktober and it doesn't seem like I'm going to catch up. I have two sketches that I might ink and post but if it's between that and writing... I'm going to write.

The next chapter of "Chaos Theory" is in progress. I might finish it this week, but I'll have to see if it feels "complete" after I finish the current scene or if I want to add more. After that there is just two more chapters and the epilogue and two out of three of those I already have extremely strong drafts for!!

The one thing keep asking myself is have I answered all the questions? From watching the numbers I am guessing I have between 60-80 consistent readers (WHICH IS INSANE. And a huge honor!! so happy to share my story!!!!) and I don't want to let anyone down!! If you read CT, please let me know any outstanding questions you have in the story (like 'what's going on with x character?' or 'what's the explanation for this?' etc.). I have room to answer some things I might not have considered, but I need to know what I haven't considered!

Because I am so close to the end of CT, I haven't really touched anything else lately! Here are my rough writing goals looking toward the end of the year:

Finish posting CT before December. If I can, finish writing this month!

Finish writing CT "Rewind." I am about 60% of the way through overall and 50% through the next chapter.

Post at least one more FFVIII The Musical song by Halloween since that's when I started writing it last year.

Finish my Bingo card!

Write and post for my Yuletide exchange.

Write and post "Angelo: Search" (the next installment in the Angelo Combine series)

After that, I will probably try REALLY HARD not to start anything new (at least in the FFVIII fandom) until I finish some of my current multichapters. Update priority as I see it is:

Minute Hand

The Sorceress Awakens (and the rest of the New Beginning Series)

Vessel of Hyne's Grace

FFVIII The Musical

Of course, I have other non-fanfiction things I want to do before the end of the year/January, too. I have some people I want to visit, outstanding art projects, my new year's journal, holiday gifts to make (watch out my friends 👀), AMVs, class/finals... Yeah, so who knows how much of that is possible! Also I have SO MUCH reading to do!!

As always, these posts are more for my planning purposes than anything else!! I love a prioritized list, haha. Please continue your regularly scheduled scroll.

[runawaymun]

End of Year Fic Recs <3

Happy New Year y'all!!!! I got tagged by both @deadqueernoldor & @camille-lachenille for this and what better day to fill it out than December 31st.

I must confess I haven't had the time or energy to read a lot of fics this year, but this is a great excuse to look back on the ones I have read and sort through my bookmarks!!!! I am going to cheat for some of these, purely because I'm very behind on fic reading. So not all of these will be fics that were posted this year, but they're fics that I read this year and loved.

So here we go with some recs:

Recommend up to 5 series or multi-chapter fics from 2023 that everyone should read (multi-year WIPs count, if the last update was in 2023).

Prefacing this by saying that I have not kept up with a lot of multichaptered fics this year 😭 but I will try to rec some that I have been religiously reading!

1. Sacrifice - Sekikaru (unsure if the author is on tumblr, nothing comes up for the tag!) [Original Fiction]

Hanyu is a human who has been delivered as a sacrifice to one of the powerful seafaring beings his people worship as gods. Antony is a bored vampire looking forward to a simple meal and a quiet new servant. Neither gets quite what he is expecting. But as old enemies resurface and the old order proves unsustainable, they might just find in each other exactly what they need.

Listennnn I read this on a whim while sick one day and it gripped me instantly. Every OC is fantastic. It's outstandingly queer. The author explores a lot of really difficult topics with incredible depth and care, and there have been points at the plot where I have yelled out loud or fist pumped. It's insane. It is so, so, so good. Rated E, though, and not just for smut. It can get very intense at some points. It is so, so so good. I've been meaning to do art for it one of these days.

2. The Secret of Formenos House - @jaz-the-bard

Once, Maedhros and Fingon were engaged to be married, before Maedhros broke it off for reasons unknown, and with his family took to the secluded manor of Formenos House. After their departure, only Maedhros ever came to Lindon to speak with his other kin again. The truth was that in the isolation of Formenos House a curse came upon Fëanor and his children, killing nearly all of them and leaving Formenos widely considered to be haunted. But when the curse abates from Maglor unexpectedly, he and Maedhros discover that they are now the guardians of two very sick children whose parents were lost at sea. Maedhros and Maglor might not be the caretakers Elrond and Elros need, unable to give them the spotless reputations they need to make their way in Society as orphans, but once the twins recover, they refuse to be sent to anyone else. It's up to the last remaining lords of Formenos House to turn the manor into a home.

I'm behind on this but it's Jaz, it's a Victorian AU, it's a kidnap fam. WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE. It's so good.

3. Aemond, First of His Name - @ellrond

Aegon Targaryen was never fit for rule. He begged with his brother to let him disappear, and his brother helped him. Said brother took the burden upon his shoulders to rule as king, and to crush the threat of Rhaenyra Targaryen. Canon divergence, Aemond is king and Aegon, not allowed to disappear for fear of inciting rebellion, has been sworn to his brother’s Kingsguard. Heavy Aemond/Helaena. Chapters with smut will be described as such.

EXCELLENT. STELLAR. OUTSTANDING. Prose, at times, feels just like GRRM's. The characterization is perfect. It's so delicious. I love it so much and the plot bunny is so intriguing!

4. We Will Make This Place Our Home - @leucisticpuffin

Elrond and Elros are sent to live with their distant cousins in a house that is crumbling slowly to pieces. They aren't especially happy about this. For Maedhros and Maglor, the twins are a rare chance to start living again. It will take a lot of work to turn a house full of ghosts into anything resembling a home.

Once again, a kidnap fam AU that I'm terribly behind on but enjoying nonetheless!!!! Excellent characterization and writing. I know I keep saying that, but that's what's really important to me in fics -- so naturally I love this one!

5. Vincarna - morgana-deryn (unsure if author is on Tumblr, if anyone knows lmk so I can tag them!)

When her life went from bad, to worse, to unbearable, she prayed for change. She could never have expected the answer she got. It came in the form of creatures that shouldn't exist, in a city too beautiful for words, in a heart that no longer beat. It should have been impossible, and yet there she was, living a life she wouldn't have been able to dream for herself. Elrond/OFC slowburn friends to lovers

Another one of those fics I picked up while sick and then really, really loved. The OC is a really well fleshed out human, with lots of wants, needs, trauma, and skills - and the Elrond characterization is perfect! I also really enjoyed the language barrier. It's something that gets ignored in a lot of these kinds of fics, but it's handled really well here!

Recommend up to 5 single chapter fics/one-shots (long or short) from 2023 that everyone should read.

Without the Leave of Thee - @jaz-the-bard

Celebrían is hosting a fairy revel, and she's determined to impress Elrond, who's promised to be in attendance. It's hard to hold herself back from stealing him away as the fae do to their lovers, but she knows it'd be a bad idea. But what is she supposed to do, when Elrond goes and eats from the basket of magic pears from her garden?

What can I say? This was a gift for me and it's Celrond + Fae elves it's like a no brainer. Jaz is a genius and the prose is so damn pretty & the characterization is PERFECT.

2. The First Water - @ellrond

“How did we first meet?” “You gave me water.” The first meeting of Galadriel and Elrond as a child is mentioned in Rings of Power. This is an incorporation of the kidnapping of Elrond and Elros by Maedhros and Maglor with that story. Not very happy.

Amazing fic based on one of my favorite moments in the show, and one of the moments I found most intriguing. The prose is really vivid and I just loved the portrayals of both Galadriel and Elwing in this.

3. Stirring - @slightnettles

Just a mostly sappy vignette for Rings of Power Valentine's Week. (Day 1: OTP)

Brimbrond is my other Elrond otp, and @slightnettles writes them perfectly. I adore this fic & come back to it often.

4. I Promise You You're Not Broken (I Promise You There's More) - @maglor-my-beloved

It is late in the evening when Celebrimbor is informed of the Elf who had arrived at the gates of Ost-in-Edhil and yielded to the guards, pleading to be brought to the realm's Lord. A strange Elf comes to Eregion. Celebrimbor meets a long-lost cousin.

So many pretty turns of phrase!!! So many incredible descriptions!!! I am just obsessed with the idea of Celebrimbor taking Maeglin in. AAA.

5. Braided - @glorf1ndel

Artanis and Celeborn are fascinated by each other's braids.

Hair customs among the elves!!!!!!!! Celeborn x Galadriel!!!! EVERYTHING I LOVE. Plus it is so well written!!!!

6. (I know, I'm cheating. I love this fic though!) A Million Miles Apart (I hold you close) - @raointean

"Elrond took a sharp breath in surprise. Eärendil’s fëa was not white-hot and blindingly bright like he had imagined the soul of a star to be. It was instead vibrantly colorful and full of life." OR Elrond speaks to his father for the first time since he left.

Listen. If you've followed me for some time you know I'm very iffy on my feelings about Eärendil. This fic made me like him.

Recommend up to 5 fics NOT from 2023 that everyone should read (oldies but goodies.)

Sugar and Diamonds - @nocompromise-noregrets

Celebrían, visiting Imladris for Midwinter with her mother, has a very important conversation with Elrond.

This was a gift for me and I'm obsessed with it. Celrond getting together!!!!! <3 <3 <3

2. bijebtorv’afâh - @arofili

Fíli comes to terms with his identity.

When I say this fic lives RENT FREE in my brain!!! The worldbuilding, the bead-making, Fili...everything is so good. Read it read it read it.

3. All The Ways to Love - @thatfeanorian

When Fingon is forced into an arranged marriage with a cousin he has never met before, he expects the worst. Soon, however, he will realize that Maedhros is not at all what he expected and might in fact be exactly what he has been looking for his whole life. featuring Mae's terrible mental health, Fingon's stubborn determination to make Mae love himself, and Feanor who naturally tries to ruin everything.

I know I recommend this fic regularly but it just hits all my buttons, okay? It's formative Russingon for me. I love it to death & reread whenever I'm sad!

4. All That Is Left - @tuuliii

When Nerdanel has finished the face of Fëanor she looks him in the eye, satisfied. "Some of my best work", she says and strokes his cheek. A tear glides down her own and falls to the while marble floor. "You left me. You left me and now all that is left of you are statues…” A story about Nerdanel and her family in five parts.

My favorite Nerdanel character study. It's so fucking good.

5. Under Strange Stars - @idrilsscribe

Barely a long-year after the Last Alliance all is not well in Imladris. Elrond's household has been dealt a crippling blow: a very young Elrohir has disappeared. After decades of false leads he is found in the Far South of Middle-Earth. Can Glorfindel rescue the House of Earendil once more? His task is not an easy one: Elrohir has no memory of who he was, and little interest in leaving his people's fight against the Black Númenóreans of Umbar ...

One of the first LOTR fics I ever read, and it's a favorite. I recommend this one a lot, too, but for good reason!!! The whole series is excellent and honestly just peerless.

Recommend up to 5 of your own fics (completed or WIP) from 2023 that everyone should read.

I actually haven't done a lot this year. Here's what I've been working on:

Beneath a Boundless Sky (WIP)

Set directly after the events of And the Stars Shine the Same -- Elrond’s two new wards both struggle to feel at home in Rivendell. The wounds from their slavery in King Frumgar’s court are still fresh, and the scars are deep -- and they’re not the only ones. Maglor is home at last, but each day he lives he is haunted by guilt and grief. Elrond is nothing if not patient, and he is certain that given enough time in Rivendell, all three will heal. Meanwhile, the twins set out to join Legolas and investigate the source of the mysterious Shadow which attacked Rivendell, but are held up in Rhovanion. In Greenwood, something evil festers beneath the trees. Only Lothlorien, protected by Nenya, seems to be safe...but for how long? Rhovanion stands on the brink of political catastrophe. Sickness spreads through the Misty Mountains, and to make matters worse...something is wrong with the children. A story about dysfunction and trauma, healing, the breaking of trust and of regaining it, and also the birth of the Kingdom of Rohan, redemption, and hope...if I can pull it off. No graphic depictions, some dark content ahead, mature themes.

This one is a continuation of the And the Stars Shine the Same series! Elrond centric, focusing mostly on the Peredhil fam -- but there are a lot of OCs and sideplots, too :)

To Partake (WIP, rated E.)

Even if it takes until the breaking of the world, Celebrimbor is determined to help Elrond feel comfortable in his own bones. He is too precious a creature to hate himself so much. (Or, the one where shortly before the scheduled mission to Khazad-dûm, Gil-Galad offers Celebrimbor a taste of his herald. Celebrimbor accepts, and regrets it.)

Based on the characterizations in Rings of Power, because I wanted to put the relationship between Elrond and Gil-Galad in the first season of the show under a microscope, but it isn't necessary to have seen the show to read this fic. I veer completely off of the canon events of the show after episode 5, and simply never return to the show's plot -- sticking a lot closer to the Silm.

There are several really difficult scenes in the fic, but I have tried to be very thorough in warning readers at the start of the associated chapters. If you really love Gil though this might not be a fic for you. He is uhhhhh--- well I am trying to fix him, but he remains a very large looming antagonist so far.

Really, it's an Elrond character study (exploring how his childhood trauma affects his current relationships with everyone in the second age, and how he grows into the strong leader we all know and love) disguised as shipfic porn. It's got me in an absolute vice rn. I've had such a blast working on it.

[dangerpronebuddie]

Truth or Dare Tag Game

Tagged by @tizniz 🩵

Which friends/ mutuals would you call to hide a body?

Tanis, Saturn, Nolan, Ro, Bazza, and Anna

How many user subscriptions do you have on ao3?

129. It's shocking. Thanks y'all 🥰

Do you have a crush on someone? OR if you're with someone, tell us one thing you love about them.

I do not. Not anymore (that ship sailed and sank thanks). If fandom crushes count, then Eddie Diaz (whatta man).

What does the last DM/ text you sent say?

Are we wrong? Most likely

Do we care? Not a bit

Is Tommy so far back on the back burner he's ice cold? Most definitely

List the three friends/ mutuals with the best takes.

@lover-of-mine metas are ALWAYS worth a read. Her brain is incredible.

@steadfastsaturnsrings thoughts are amazing as well.

@loveyourownsmiilee's speculations are fantastic too.

Share one of your favorite fics of all time.

Oh damn. Just one??? No. I'll share 3:

The Hunter vs Prey series by @tizniz 😘

We didn't happen the way we were supposed to (where do we go now?) by @lover-of-mine 🩷

stuck now so long, we just got the start wrong by @daffi-990 💚

List three of your favorite content creators.

@lover-of-mine's content is OUTSTANDING (and I'll link my favorite video here)

@ronordmann's covers are always SO beautiful 😍😍😍

@loveyouanyway's edits are gorgeous!!! (Guilty As Sin edit my most beloved)

Write one thing you love about yourself.

Do I gotta? Eh, fine. I do love my creativity. I look at my fics or my art projects and I think "damn, I made that?"

Which fandom of yours (past or present) has the best fics?

9-1-1 hands down.

Which creation of your own are you most proud of?

My Danger Prone Diaz series 🥰 I love every fic in the series, but I have to say The Pain Is UnBEARable is a favorite.

Apart from that series though, Oh What A Way To Die has some of my favorite lines in it and I adore it.

Have you ever read RPF?

Nope.

Tag the mutual(s)/ friend(s) most likely to get away with murder.

Pretty much any of y'all that write whump. I feel like we'd all have a good chance lol.

Tag the mutual(s)/ friend(s) who know(s) the most about you.

@13shadesofanni 🩷🩷🩷

Now tag some friends to play!

@13shadesofanni @lover-of-mine @monsterrae1 @tizniz @loveyouanyway

@ronordmann @steadfastsaturnsrings @daffi-990 @wikiangela @kitteneddiediaz

@inell @exhuastedpigeon @theotherbuckley @hippolotamus @diazsdimples @thekristen999 @loveyourownsmiilee and anyone who wants to 🥰🩷

[yorknewauction]

YORKNEW AUCTION 2023 MASTER POST PART 3

Artist 10: @mysandwichranaway

Writer: @shalnarkonice

Artist 11: @extratt413

Writer: @chubsonthemoon

Artist 12: @oolongtea-fluff

Writer: @clood

Writer: @mangetsuame

Artist 13: @ribreadloaf

Writer: @storybookprincess

[fandom-friday]

Greetings oh Glorious Karrde!

I am neck deep in the Mom/Work life but I had to toss a few rec's in for the week. unfortunately my reading time is relegated to my lunch 30 so fear not, I'll have a bunch of those for next time too... hopefully. mean time here's what I got!

@pinkiemme has been getting us all ready for valentines day, but this one of our amazing Capt. Rex is just... hmmm. PS- go check out the Patreon!

@spicyclones79s broke my heart with this drawing of Fives and Echo

@comradewolfe gave us our Seelos boys! Gregor, Wolffe, and Rex

@ladykagewaki 's latest with the Bebo's and the Cootie Angel had my heart melting. (The cuteness was overwhelming and Mama TI!!!!)

@rexxdjarin Also recently shared a Spicy drawing of Rex and Mari ...I live for these two I swear! Also for all the new Homies on the Page go read the Unwritten and Captain's Log series! I haven't had a chance to read the latest with Wolffe but I'll let ya know!

@the-rain-on-kamino Has been at it again, drawing those Clone commandos! The latest, In the Meadow is.... Oh my! Also Part two of Invisible Barriers has posted and EEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! Read it read it read it!!!!

I finally got through the latest chapter of One Step at a Time and MA'AM!?!!? Why must you break my heart in two!!! Oh but please please is Bolts gonna find Chuckles? (I know you probably cant say but I have to ask)

I will meekly and humbly submit my latest chapter for Of Light and Darkness- The Rising Darkness. This section gets a lil rough with the whole fight scenes, Dooku doing Sith things, etc. Angsty...

Thank You as always for organizing this! I can't wait to see what this weeks rec's are.

ANOTHER FANTASTIC AND EXTENSIVE LIST WITH A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING FOR CLONE WARS FANS! You've got sweet and spicy art, adorable comics, and some absolutely outstanding fics! (Thank you for the very kind words about OSaaT by the way! It broke my heart to break everything, but here we are hehe... and you're right, I'm keeping that one close to the vest ;) ). Thank you so much for taking all the time to put such a comprehensive list together and sharing all of these awesome works!

Participate in Fandom Friday to show your favorite creators from this week some love! :)

[mamashenanigans]

AFO Bad Ending Event Winners!!!

@possiblycringe and I are happy to announce our winners for writing and art! This was INCREDIBLY difficult and I can honestly say that the differences between any rank is “by a hair”!

Everyone’s work was outstanding and I’m honored to have so many talented people interested in this event!

Writing

So, let me reiterate how incredibly difficult this was! Everyone’s work was SO DAMN GOOD! This meant, I had to go with my gut and what endings satiated my AFO loving self! I also took into account how the story worked with the inevitable bad ending.

1st: Katydid’s Erase These Scars @aimportantdragoncollector

Katydid submitted three works for the event for each type of bad ending. This work, however, hit me differently. I’m a sucker for whump and following Yoichi’s struggle with trauma and how his brother evolves to understand him(the best AFO can) was a very interesting read. AFO won in the end, but Yoichi won’t ever be the same, as is true for anyone living with trauma.

2nd: Ginko’s Learned Helplessness @ginkotracks

This was a hard read and I couldn’t help but tear up throughout this story of reconditioning and helplessness. I like how the ending can be taken as AFO finally winning…or a nobody wins scenario thanks to the reveal of a certain “savior”. I’ve never read a fic that tackles this type of very believable canon divergent plot!

3rd: Space-Cryptid’s if the devil don’t take me, hell will @space--cryptid

Not going to lie, I had Coffeeandtoastforbreakfast’s submission in my head reading this, but most importantly, the horrific AFO in the OFA vestige world sketch they did as a follow up! I loved how AFO was so sure of himself in his win here, but Yoichi turned the tables and pulled a fast one resulting in a heartbreaking ‘nobody wins’ ending! Cryptid also did an alternative bad ending for their collab fic with Katydid, “Perennial Bloom” which was also very “bad”! Check that out too!

Honorable Mention: Silver’s Lost Treasures

I love a good alternate universe and this one was very interesting with the initial setting of an old boat taking AFO back home after finding an important treasure in the deep jungle. The relationship between Yagi and his son, in this AU, Izuku, was very well done. AFO being a maddening, manipulative, rich creep was amazing. What’s more…I just couldn’t help but have flashbacks to my youth loving the movie ‘Anaconda’, especially when Yagi is almost drowned by what I tell myself was most definitely an Anaconda! The end is frustrating for the reader, but in a good way! You can really feel Izuku’s sorrow!

As an honorable mention, I will write a 500 word snippet if you decide to do that!

Art

I know @possiblycringe was definitely a mess trying to figure out who should get #1 and, just as with the writing submissions, entries won by “a hair”!

1st: Coffeeandtoastforbreakfast’s AFO destroying all the OFA holders except his brother within the OFA mindscape! @coffeeandtoastforbreakfast

Possiblycringe says that this is a MASTERPIECE of color!

2nd:FDBlaize and their comic about AFO hoarding “parts” of each wielder @fdblaize

Possiblycringe loved the pacing and amazing shading!

3rd:Redoaktree’s AFO and his minions @redoaktreehill

Possiblycringe just loves these snippets given life through redoak’s art!!

Obtaining Your Prize

Prizes are on a first come, first serve basis! As soon as you see this post, please contact ME to tell me if you want an art piece or a written prize! I will contact possiblycringe to let them know if you want an art prize!

For both: please state what you want (written or art) and then give a prompt! We’ll both get started as soon as we can!

Please note, we are both very busy people and will definitely get your prize done, but do give us time!

Thanks again, everyone, for partaking in the first ever AFO Bad Ending Event! I hope to do this again next year….unless Horikoshi REALLY pisses me off. Lol!

[ronwestbreeze]

i cannot explain to you on a measurable scale how much i adore your “you’re gonna go far.” fic. i’ve read every chapter greedily, every chapter immerses me, it is not often that i find a piece of work that it so outstanding. but the way you write, is so engaging and interesting, and i just enjoy reading whatever you come up with. you’ve inspired me to start on a poly avatar fic of my own (a completely different plot don’t worry.). i never knew that i was lacking in polyamorous avatar fics until i read yours, which is so detailed and incredibly addicting. Each character is so complex and putting them together with an additional self created character is so exciting to see, im so glad you decided to write this piece of work. i think of it often, and do genuinely look forward to your next post/update. i hope you are well and taking care, kind regards

-an anon called Rem

(side note, if you are ever curious, i do have art for my planned out fic which i would gladly show)

hi rem!! thank you so much for this message! I too was inspired by many poly avatar fics and I’m so honored my fic has inspired you to write your own! Please do send me your art whenever you can! Would love to read your story when you post it if you decide to! ❤️

[hoicacti]

Chuuya in chapter eight of White, black, and gray

I decided to turn the joke in the end notes of chapter eight into the meme

Also I love White, black, and gray sm it's insane

Go show read the fic because it's amazing and outstanding and I adore it djdjdjjeje /nf

https://archiveofourown.org/works/57424006/chapters/146089882

Also I am drawing fanart for the fic. I will be fistfighting artblock. Artblock is my worst enemy. It is making drawing the art taking much longer than it should

[jestiamy]

just finished reading @twstyuna's fic blood and bone and heart of stone and felt the need to highlight the fact ace's initial assumption of. yeah this is definite nepotism. was not that much of a jump actually spoilers for chapter 19 and appropriate levels of gore mentions for it below cut

I typically don't really do fanart for more rural and specific stuff like fanfictions over fandoms because it's like. my art is really. static. not really outstanding or anything. and it's easier to get lost in the crowd of "tons of art for popular game" vs "one of the like twenty total art pieces for super specific fanfiction I like" but the leona scene where golem!yuu rips out their molar and presents it to him as a gift really just stuck out to me. I did make a sketch of that but I was like. you know for someone really bad at gore this somehow ends up the topic of a lot of my art. I should go find something else. so after getting a drawing ref of golem!yuu I was like !!!! oh wow yeah they really do look like crowley huh. so I went for this instead

[searchingforserendipity25]

Moodboard Treats | @tolkienrsb

When first I saw @melestasflight's beautiful art piece from slide #107, Maedhros' Hands: From Valinor to Beleriand, I went straight into moodbaording mode.

The lovely first version in turn lead to this incredible final version, developed in collaboration with @zealouswerewolfcollector's outstanding fic Now a Quill, Now a Sword. Go read it, it will rock your world!