#tj fans where you at? I need to find my people

[hollowflight-propaganda]

Just finished Jenna's route, got the good ending and now I see why everyone likes it so much. I literally feel giddy cause of how a lot of the characters got their chance to shine and all the while the plot keeps on track in a way that feels very natural and woven together. Just good writing that feels fulfilling, 10/10

My only complaint is that I want more of TJ. (can you tell who my favorite is?) Honestly, I wish they did with him what they did in Leo's route where you can tell that he's remembered the truth behind Sydney's death if you know the context already. Even if it would've been redundant, I feel it would've been better than him just kinda, standing there, in comparison to everyone else.

[thedeathwitchescats]

If you feel the need to gift your chronically ill friends things for whatever reason, here is my "starter pack/gift guide"

A pack of their favorite gateorade flavor, great for hydration, tastes good, easy and quick. Body armor, prime, etc are also good options if they dont like gateorade

Some of their favorite powder electrolytes. Liquid IV and drip drop are some good options. There are also the generic brand electrolyte packets at Walmart, I think they taste good. There is also bouy if they like the squeezy ones, i dont but if they do bouy has an unflavored one as well as like 30 different options

Kt tape. Regular, extreme strength, cooling, heating, literally any type of kt tape. They can probably find a use for it. Most ((not all but most)) chronically ill people, at least the ones I know, suffer from some type of joint issues and kt tape is a life saver. On this vein, I would stray away from braces unless you know what joints/muscles specifically give them the most trouble, kt tape is a bit more versatile

Compression socks, there are cute ones on Amazon, Walmart, many small business sell some nice ones. I would go for a higher compression, or at least upwards of 15 mmhg, for the best chance of them being worth it

Temperature devices, im putting these in the same bullet point bc it felt unnecessary to put ice packs and heating pads in different points. Ice packs are really nice for swelling and heating pads are really good for pain. Both are a good option ALWAYS. I will say, the reusable ice packs give you a better bang for your buck than the single use crack and use ones.

Their comfort foods. A bit of an ed tw for this bullet point, but i have noticed quite a few of my fellow chronic illness sufferers deal with an ed, and while it isnt all of us, those who do probably find it a bit extra hard to eat on rough days. So comfort foods/snacks

If they have to take their blood sugar for things, lancets. They usually come in like 100 packs for really cheap, like under 5 bucks cheap. Just check to see the brand of their lancing pen before you buy them tho

Batteries, it sounds weird but stay with me. Do you know how many medical devices I have that require batteries?? MANY. My hr monitor, my glucose monitor, my blood pressure monitor- like bro, a pack of triple a batteries will mean more than you think trust

A weighted blanket/stuffie. Stuffies are cute and easy to carry around, blankets are nice when you need some extra weight

If they have a service animal, an accessory for their vest/leash/collar could be nice

One of those reacher things that grab things for you. I want one of those. When your stuck in bed, cant move, ill, in pain and suddenly drop your mother fucking phone cord off the side of your bed and now you have to MOVE and grab it- 10/10 worst experience. One of those grabby things would be amazing

A migraine cap. I got mine from target but I have seen them at Walmart, on Amazon, weirdly one on depop, some on shein, some at places like tj maxx, etc. Migraine caps are especially wonderful for those days where your shut in your room, blinds drawn, fans off, three ice packs on you in constant rotation, barely mobile and for some gods forsaken reason your blinds wont close all the way so the light keeps catching your eyes and making you want to lose your ever loving shit bc you cant move to fuck with them. And more normal experiences Im sure lmao

If your short on funds, just being there with them, listening to them, watching a movie, body doubling so they can get some help with chores, running errands with them, literally anything so they remember their a human person with human feelings that you love and care abt. Who knows, it might help you feel better too

More than anything, listening to what they want and need is a bigger gift than most think

[lumiereswig]

I'm still seeing a lot of angry takes in the tags about how excessive Watcher's current costs are and how all fans really want, apparently, is "just shane and ryan sitting in a basement" back again. While I do think Watcher is probably spending over budget and that's a real issue, a lot of the takes I'm seeing show a fundamental misunderstanding of how video production works and where costs actually lie. So a few quick things that I just keep seeing that are bothering me:

It was never just Shane and Ryan in a basement. BFU did a great job selling that conceit and making sure you never saw anyone beyond them and maybe TJ, but they absolutely had other crew members with them on ghost hunts and they didn't do all the work on BFU themselves. This Q&A from Season 2 lists 36 people on staff for Buzzfeed Unsolved. It's fair to make arguments that Watcher may or may not need 25 people, but those arguments should not be coming from a place of "before it was just Shane and Ryan and nobody else."

If you don't know how many people are needed to make a professional video from a TV/film standpoint, you will not have a reasonable grasp of why Watcher wants to keep 25 people on staff. Sure, some YouTubers get by with a ring light and a contracted editor. The Watcher team have stated repeatedly that they do not want to work as just YouTubers and see themselves more as a production studio—so why do people keep referencing the YouTube model to understand their business? This is like asking the local shake shop why it doesn't function like the kids' lemonade stand down the block. The item category is similar but they're not trying for the same products or process.

The "gold dusted food" is not the big budget sink you think it is. On most TV shows I've worked on it's normal to partner with businesses that are shown onscreen and work out a deal where the price of the product (in this case the gold food) is reduced or eliminated in exchange for the free publicity. Watcher very likely made a deal with every restaurant it worked with to make the Korea trip affordable for the company. The real budget spends are on things you're probably not seeing but that still matter: camera and lighting equipment is expensive, insurance for that equipment is expensive, business overhead and paying your staff are expensive. So again—it's fine to critique Watcher for the streaming plan and the perceived budgetary issues, but go into this knowing the costs might not be coming from the things you see onscreen.

My source is that I work in TV and film and actually have a clue on how the industry functions. Again, 36 people worked on Unsolved (and those were the people mention in Season 2—who knows how big the team blew up past that in later seasons). Entertainment work is real work, and demands decent equipment, competent staff, and the same types of business and budget problems you'd find in any other business (overhead, staffing, etc.). Feel free to critique Watcher's business model, but first try to understand where that model is coming from and what goals it's attempting to serve.

[lazyrezi]

Tj klune books ranked by me based on pure vibes, re-read potential, angst to humor ratio and MY OBJECTIVELY CORRECT OPINION:

Tales of Verania - LISTEN! LISTEN!!! These books are insane and I don't even know if I mean it in a good way tbh. The characters are all on crack. It's both corny (HAH if you know you know) and raunchy. YES the humour is a bit out there and sometimes the sex scenes/jokes are almost too much for my virgin eyes. Are these books "good"? You're asking the wrong question! They're fun and you WILL have fun reading them!!! It's very self-aware, tongue in cheek also sometimes a little too cheesy for my liking.

Oh, also, there are lesbian and emo dragons and magic and monologuing villains and a prophecy because OF COURSE THERE IS. These books will not change your life, but they will make you laugh and maybe cringe and feel. I am thinking about rereading it for the vibes. 10/10 would recommend BUT ONLY if you can get silly with it!!! No doom and gloom!!! (Okay, maybe a little doom and gloom....)

Green creek - ANGST. WEREWOLVES. GAY POSSESIVE WEREWOLVES. FOUND FAMILY

(weird age gap relationships I'm so sorry I hate it too and I hate how easy it would have been to just not do that but oh well)

MORE ANGST.

It's been a minute since I have read these books but oh boy they had me in a chokehold for MONTHS. Full disclaimer I have not read the last book AND STILL I am fully confident in recommending these books.

Ngl there is more weird shit in these books than I care to list. IT DOESN'T MATTER. If the tales of verania characters are on crack then these ones are living in a straight up soap opera. People leave. They hold grudges. THEY HAVE AMNESIA? They have enemies as well. Buildings blow up, people die ohymgod the melodrama never ends and. That is. SO FUN. albeit a different kind of fun but still. Fun times all around. I have finished reading these books and immediately reread them which should tell you everything you need to know. 10000/10

The extraordinaries - imagine you're watching a movie where a scene is coming up that just gives you THE WORST second hand embarrassment - now imagine it isn't a scene in a movie, it's three books and it's every page of all three books. Just sheer unadulterated second hand embarrassment.

Now if you look inside yourself you might find that your feelings are misplaced. The main guy isn't embarrassed and neither should you be! Life is all about falling on your ass and making an idiot out of yourself in the process and it's okay! It's okay. At least that's what I kept telling myself while reading these books.

No, but in all seriousness. These books are good fun. The greatest thing about tj klune is that he will take ANY theme and make it gay. We have gay superheroes. Gay werewolves. Gay magical beings. Gay ghosts! I as someone who regularly wonders why the media I am consuming isn't more gay, am a fan. I want him to do it all. Gay cowboys! Gay astronauts! GIMME IT.

These books I will not reread because I fear I might just die from the second hand embarrassment. It's so bad. But! It's also good! Educational fun. Wholesome love. Some minimal melodrama. 7/10

Oookay. Time for the stand alone books!

The house in the cerulean sea - okay don't hate me but this ain't my favourite. It's everyone else's tho! So I'm sure there is something to it. I think this is what you think of first when you hear tj klune - everyone knows this one, everyone loves it. It's like the popular kid in school. I, as a stubborn contrarian cannot abide this.

Still there is a lot going for this one. It takes you on a journey in a way a book should. And I personally love old gays being in big gay love so I can't complain.

But I will nonetheless.

So the thing about this book is that it's very innocent. And there isn't much angst just a minor misunderstanding that is pretty much quickly resolved. The big confrontation at the end is also quickly squashed by *checks notes* people talking to each other? I mean. It's nice! I would like it to work like that irl. In stories however.... I like a little more angst and anguish personally. There are also a lot of kid characters in this one which is FINE tj klune is actually pretty good at writing kids realistically (even special magical kids) but it's just not for me. I say that but I will be buying the sequel next month so jokes on me. The whole book was just a little too on the nose for my liking but it's still a very cosy read. Also someone pointed this out but WHY is this book so British? None of his other books are set in Britain and this one is set in a magical world so what's up with that?

Despite all my complaints I have reread this book twice. I don't know either. 8/10

In the lives of puppets - first tj klune book I have ever read and seeing as I have since then read everything written by this man I think you know this one is a good one. IT'S SO GOOD. It has everything!! Robots. Found family (families always find each other in tj klune stories). Asexual main guy. ROAD TRIP. Wholesome fun and existential crises for the price of one! 9/10 docked a point only because I don't think I'll be rereading it again. Also the romance was a bit weird BUT! It did grow on me. Like mould.

Under the whispering door - you would think this one would be an easy 10/10. Doomed love story (also gay 'cause of course it's gay), lessons about redeeming yourself, coffee shop and ghosts and and. Honestly it's been a minute since I've read this one. But what I remember is the ending.

Call me pessimistic but I don't think love should bring you back from the dead SORRY. IMMA SAY IT. Main guy should have stayed dead! Think like "the love was there, it didn't save anyone but it was there" vibes. Expect! Here it did save someone! Ridiculous concept! I buy ghost dogs but I WILL draw the line at being brought back from the dead. (The dog isn't brought back in case you're wondering). And it's such a shame because I really like the themes about death and redeeming yourself and it has such good potential! Unfortunately it suffers a serious case of not-working-for-me. Listen can I explain to you why this book didn't hit the same as the rest? Noo. All I know is that I read this book and immediately forgot about it. And unlike the house in the cerulean sea it looks like so did everyone else. Seriously tho. Anyone a big fan of this one? 6/10.

[mysteriouslybluepirate]

Queer Book Recommendations!!

I haven't really read a book book in years. Due to money problems and a lack of free time, audiobooks and AO3 were a MUCH cheaper option for me. But now that I'm struggling to fully read text posts on Tumblr I realize my attention span is shot. Reading novels is helping me tune out and focus in again. So I'm turning to queer novels written by my 'queer elders'.

For anyone who is struggling to get back into long form content after reading Fic for years, I highly recommend the books of TJ KLUNE (summaries of what I've read under the break).

If you are a fan of the 'escaping a shitty life and being welcomed into a found family' fanworks, this is the writer for you! All his stories center on home and feeling welcomed and loved. Of middle age and finding out who you are. Of finding love for others and yourself. He makes you hunger for that type of romantic and platonic love where people just know the real you. His stories also float by so quickly, there are so many things he does that I want to emulate his writing into my work.

Someone on Tumblr described the romances as: “what if a real life disney prince fell in love with the human equivalent of a wet paper bag?” and I agree 100%. All his protagonists are just like that, and I love them all.

(Also, this man definitely had an office job he hated, and writes office work culture as a death sentence in every one of his novels and I love it).

If you have any queer novels you love, don't be afraid to leave me a recommendation! (Especially WLW that isn't 'One Last Stop')

HAVE READ: The House in the Cerulean Sea : [An amazing love fantastical found family story (with a hint of romance)! I listened to the audiobook on Audible and absolutely loved it! I can't wait for the sequel coming out next year.]

Linus Baker is a lonely case worker for a governmental organization which manages orphaned kids who are magical beings.

One day, he's given a secret assignment to assess a special orphanage on the island of Marsyas, run by a man named Arthur Parnassus, who has secrets of his own. Among the six unique children living there, one of them is Lucy, short for Lucifer, who just happens to be the Antichrist.

Despite his initial reservations, as Linus's days pass in Marsyas, in this idyllic setting among a coterie of magical children, Linus finds himself coming across a little romance, an unlikely family and possibly even a home.

Currently Reading: Under the Whispering Door. [I know this is going to be heartbreaking, but I'm loving it, only on page 50/373. Will likely post something vague about how it made me cry lol]

When a reaper comes to collect Wallace Price from his own funeral, Wallace suspects he really might be dead.

Instead of leading him directly to the afterlife, the reaper takes him to a small village. On the outskirts, off the path through the woods, tucked between mountains, is a particular tea shop, run by a man named Hugo. Hugo is the tea shop's owner to locals and the ferryman to souls who need to cross over.

But Wallace isn't ready to abandon the life he barely lived. With Hugo's help, he finally starts to learn about all the things he missed in life.

When the Manager, a curious and powerful being, arrives at the tea shop and gives Wallace one week to cross over, Wallace sets about living a lifetime in seven days.

Planning on reading: In The Lives of Puppets(The book is on my shelf).

In a strange little home built into the branches of a grove of trees, live three robots—fatherly inventor android Giovanni Lawson, a pleasantly sadistic nurse machine, and a small vacuum desperate for love and attention. Victor Lawson, a human, lives there too. They’re a family, hidden and safe.

The day Vic salvages and repairs an unfamiliar android labelled “HAP,” he learns of a shared dark past between Hap and Gio–a past spent hunting humans.

When Hap unwittingly alerts robots from Gio’s former life to their whereabouts, the family is no longer hidden and safe. Gio is captured and taken back to his old laboratory in the City of Electric Dreams. So together, the rest of Vic’s assembled family must journey across an unforgiving and otherworldly country to rescue Gio from decommission, or worse, reprogramming.

Along the way to save Gio, amid conflicted feelings of betrayal and affection for Hap, Vic must decide for himself: Can he accept love with strings attached?

[locution-youngster-enjoyer]

One person asked for my plot idea for Wordgirl the Musical and that’s enough people for me so let’s go:

Stuff under the cut because long lol

Opening number basically is just an intro to the all the important characters. Yes the Narrator would be an actual character. Maybe there could be a gag where the actor playing the Narrator would sit in a top box area where you could only see their silhouette. Most of the ensemble consists of fan favorite side characters, like lesser villains and civilians like Reginald.

I said this in the other post but the story would follow a similar structure to SpongeBob the Musical: Same vibe as the og show, but darker themes and tones. Plus a lot of fan service

Ok actual plot time: things are all fine and dandy in Fair City, until Mr Big gets an idea. He wants to somehow recreate the Invasion of the Bunny Lovers plan, but with more backup then last time. He recruits the Coalition of Malice crew (+ Tobey) for the plan, and they agree only because they’re sick of Mr Big betraying them and taking everything over.

Their plan isn’t 100% like IBL, because they’re much more subtle about it so that Wordgirl can’t pick up on anything. Becky talks to Violet and Scoops (because this would take place after Rhyme and Reason) and is like “guys something sus is happening and I can’t tell what.” But because they go to the same school, Tobey overhears Becky’s convo, and later goes to the other villains like “uh guys she knows-.” Malice crew then decides to create another one of those “city turns against Wordgirl” situations so that Wordgirl is distracted.

Wordgirl is stressed because she lowkey knows somethings going on, but pretty much no one is listening to her. She gets extra upset when she overhears her own family (minus TJ obviously) also have doubts about Wordgirl. Bummed, her original plan is to go ‘defeat’ one of the weaker villains so that she could re-earn the trust of the public. In an attempt to find one of these lower tier villains, she stumbles upon pretty much every single Tier 3 (LRW, Whammer, etc) and Mischief Maker villain just chilling in the Coach’s apartment. Wordgirl is immediately confused, until it’s revealed that they’re all chilling together because they all know that Mr Big is up to something, and they’re just waiting for them to inevitably be put under mind control. Once that’s cleared up, Wordgirl is like “uhhh.. I’m here to fight you all! Yeah 🫵🏻” and the villains are all like “Bro really 😑?” Ok, tbh, this part is one of the like three actual song concepts I have. The style of the song would be very a similar style to Will Wood, and the song would be the villains sort of taunting Wordgirl for trying to get heroism points off of them (it’d probably be called something like Bottom of the Barrel)

Anyways after the bullying session, Wordgirl is just fully prepared to give up, and decides to just sulk outside the Coach’s apartment. Some of the villains come outside to be like “Uh- you good?” After a bit of venting, one of the villains brings up how none of them are actually taking this whole ‘party before the inevitable’ thing seriously. While they are deciding to spend their last moments conscious together, they aren’t being too bittersweet about it because they’re pretty confident that Wordgirl is gonna stop Mr Big eventually. Wordgirl tries to deny that she’ll be able to stop him, but then it’s pointed out that she pretty much has a clean win streak. No matter how bad it gets, she always defeats the villains in the end. While Wordgirl is flattered, she does admit she thinks she’s gonna need some help. The villains admit that they don’t really plan on helping at all, because they don’t see the benefit in helping or in sitting out, but LRW, Ms Question, and Whammer do decide to tag along for shits and giggles.

Act 1 closes out with a dramatic song of Becky on her way to try and confront Mr Big, all while everything looks super grim. Things are starting to spiral because it’s obvious some people are already mind controlled, and the Wordgirl hate is getting worse.

Act 2 focuses more on the Coalition and how despite so far being successful in their plan, it’s clear things are falling apart. No one’s communicating and they’re arguing a majority of the time. The focus is overall more on what each villain wants to do with world domination. This act also has the two other song concepts I have: a Tobey song on his relationship with his mom and how it fits in with the current plan, and a Leslie song focusing on how she’s exclusively the sidekick no matter what. By the time Wordgirl’s in the building, there’s already a swarm of mind controlled people in her way trying to get her mind controlled. Wordgirl desperately fights her way to the top of the building, and on the way the villain trio coming with her get caught, and she’s left alone. Whole alone sad trope, but Narrator and Captain Huggyface gives her an encouraging song. Wordgirl confronts some of the villains one on one, and it’s clear the plan isn’t gonna work because of emotional feelings

Coalition crew’s plan falls a part because of how pissed they are at each other. Mr Big tries to take over completely, but Wordgirl cuts in and interrupts. Chaos ensues, and the villains try to fight both Wordgirl and each other to get control of the Mega Mindcontrol machine thing. Mr Big once again nearly manages to take control once again when everyone else is tangled, but in the end, Leslie is the one who betrays Mr Big, breaking the machine and freeing everyone from the mind control.

Plan is foiled, Wordgirl wins. People learn to not over and underestimate each other, bla bla happy ending

Some gags: Exposition guy of course showing up. Captain Huggyface would probably be a plushy, like how Gary in SpongeBob the Musical is a doll on a skateboard. There’s also a running gag that Leslie would absolutely refuse to sing for a solo because stage fright, and even refuses to sing her own mentioned song at first. Her song starts off with a sort of rap-vibe because of how she speaks the lyrics, before Two Brains is like “stop being a pussy,” and zaps her with the singing ray from Two Brain Quartet; cue the trope that she’s a really good singer. Two Brains also has a gag of having really random rays that he pulls seemingly out of nowhere. There’s a gag that they may throw an F-bomb out at anytime, and they tease it the whole show. Either Wordgirl or Leslie get it in the final fight.

The last song will end with the Narrator doing the whole “tune in next time” thing, just tweaked for a musical. The song also ends with everyone singing the ending ‘wordgirl’ jingle played at the end of every episode

Yeah ok that’s it goodnight Fair City

[reallyhardydraws]

hi !!!! i have been a huge fan of ur art for a long time, esp since i found it via x-men fanart, and it's what introduced me to evo which is now like one of my fave shows ever. i've always LOVED all your kurt/wanda stuff, but since i only rlly have access to the movies & tv shows, and wanda isn't even in the xmcu (💔), i've always wondered if they're involved in the comics or if it's just something you'd wanna see? obvs your earth-number-i-forgot au is yours, but the other stuff? i guess if ur willing i just wanna know what makes you like them so much, since everything you draw for them is so cute, and i don't get to see any of the source material!!

hi!

a lot of my interest in kurtwanda came from my old days of writing as kurt in the xmcu RP fandom here on tumblr :') i had some of my best times writing with my friend who wrote as wanda, we had loads of headcanons and just yeah haha. i think there's something about their visual contrast that's fun obvs the red and blue and then their similar sort of romani upbringings give them common ground, they're both sort of goth too lol.

but there IS also the cartoon wolverine & the x-men. they go on a date and wanda gives him a kiss, and i think this is all sort of a nod to the fact that kurt & wanda are married in the universe that gave us TJ wagner/nocturne

and so yes they ARE in involved in the comics, but it's all entirely offscreen RIP!!! earth-2182 is their home universe - we only learn a little about their relationship via TJ, but she implies that her parents are a) married and b) very much in love:

(click through to view these properly, please excuse the antiromani slur used in the 2nd screenshot) there is also like... one extra panel where we see old man kurt watching wanda saving people on TV and he's like 'atta girl that's my wife' but i can't find it and you're not missing much b/c for whatever reason they said 'this version of wanda is as hot as always but this kurt is decrepitly old, bald, rocking a white goatee, and has an eyepatch.' really a weird turn for our favourite elf.)

but yeah i would recommend the wolverine & the x-men scenes: they appear together in episode 10 - greetings from genosha and episode 15 - hunting grounds i think they may appear in other episodes but it's been a while since i've watched the series, these are the only 2 where they are both main characters and their storylines interact.

anyway tysm for asking! i'm glad u enjoy my drawings of them and tbh i miss them!!! need some more free time to be drawing my faves they're honestly a ship for the ages!!!❤️💙❤️💙

[cleverhottubmiracle]

If you’ve been on BookTok, Bookstagram or in a book club over the past few years, you’ve likely heard about TJ Klune’s hit cozy fantasy novel, The House in the Cerulean Sea or his Green Creek series. The former, a bestselling story, transported readers to a fantastical island full of magical orphans and found family—and its popularity skyrocketed online. “It’s been tremendously humbling,” Klune tells FIRST. “I never expected that book to do what it has.”  The novel’s audience grew during the pandemic—offering fans a safe, otherworldly and much-needed escape. Now, the New York Times bestselling author is releasing a new edition of his historical fantasy novel, The Bones Beneath My Skin.  (Klune originally self-published this novel in 2018, but it’s since gained a devoted online fanbase so he’s officially releasing it via Tor Books today.) Here, First for Women caught up with Klune, who does so much to showcase the LGBTQA+ experience through his storytelling, to discuss today’s book release, what he hopes readers will take away from the story, how he really feels about his success as an author and more. Keep scrolling to find out all the details. What is ‘The Bones Beneath My Skin’ about? Tor Set in 1955, the story follows journalist Nate Cartwright, who gets fired and moves back home to Roseland, Oregon. Upon his arrival, Nate is shocked to learn that his family’s summer cabin is occupied by a man named Alex and a powerful 10-year-old girl who claims to be Artemis Darth Vader. Soon, it’s clear they are hiding from dangerous forces who want to control her. As Nate battles against time to help Artemis and Alex, he also battles his own heart. Filled with sci-fi thrills, heartwarming moments and unique characters you can root for, The Bones Beneath My Skin is truly Klune at his best.  First for Women: Congratulations on your latest book, ‘The Bones Beneath My Skin!’ Where did you find inspiration for this story and what do you hope readers take away from it? TJ Klune: I thought back to certain films from my childhood: Escape From Witch Mountain, E.T., Fire In the Sky and many others. The sense of danger and adventure those films have are wonderful, and I wanted to try my hand at it in book form. First and foremost, I hope that readers love Nate, Alex and Artemis. They are an extraordinary trio, and I was so lucky to be able to tell their story. And, I hope readers appreciate a different style of my writing. I think it’s important to challenge myself as an author so I don’t fall into a rut. Telling different types/genres of stories helps to keep me on my toes and mostly helps me from getting stuck in a rut. David Livingston/Contributor/Getty FFW: All your books have moving and heartfelt motifs of found family and discovering who you are. What about these tropes is so special to you—and why do you think you tend to gravitate toward them? TJK: It’s the queer experience! So many of us did not—or do not—grow up in homes that appreciated us for who we are. “Found family” comes from the queer community, where we find people who aren’t related to us but build a family regardless. Though my books are for anyone who wants to read them, I always write with my queer community in mind. They deserve to see themselves in all kinds of books. Especially now, in a world where book banning is par for the course. If you look at the list of the usual “banned” books, you’ll see that most are about the queer experience, the trans experience or written by a queer/trans-Black author.  People in power speak so often about “protecting the children” when, in actuality, they are removing materials that can help marginalized groups feel seen. FFW: So many editors here at FIRST love ‘The House in the Cerulean Sea.’ It’s literally like a giant hug. What has that book’s success meant to you, and did you ever expect it to go viral like this? TJK: It’s been tremendously humbling. I never expected that book to do what it has. I’m very lucky in that regard. I think it just goes to show how hungry people are for those kinds of stories—where queer people get to be the heroes, the villains and anything in between. Twenty years ago, finding queer books like mine and many, many others by amazing queer authors would have been an impossibility.  It proves that marginalized stories matter and that there is an audience for them. TJ Klune/Instagram FFW: We’d love to hear a little about your backstory as an author. Did you always want to write novels? TJK: I’ve always wanted to be a writer, ever since I was a kid. I used to carry a notebook with me and filled it with whatever stories came into my head. I’m one of the lucky ones who got to grow up doing what they love most. I didn’t have much support as a kid—my parents were the type to make fun of me for my love of reading and writing—but I did find support in a wonderful place: my seventh-grade English classes. I had two teachers there—Mrs. Bentz and Mrs. Pfieffer—who were the first people in my life to tell me I was good at something. That happened to be writing. Without them, I don’t know if I’d be here.  FFW: What does a typical day look like to you?  TJK: A “writing routine” can be extremely different from person to person. I typically write in the mornings as it’s when I’m feeling the most refreshed. I don’t have a set amount of words to write or a set amount of time. I write until I feel like I’m done. Sometimes, that can be an hour. Other times, it’s all day. FFW: Are you working on anything exciting right now? We’d love to have a sneak peek! TJK: I’m working on something I can’t quite talk about yet, but I think readers will be pleased to see what I’ve been up to this year so far. In addition, I have two projects that haven’t been announced yet, and I can’t wait for readers to get their hands on them. One has my first non-human main character. The other is about an elderly queer couple facing the end of the world. I hope to share more on these projects soon! FFW: Finally, we love hearing about what our favorite authors are reading. What are some books you’ve been loving recently?  TK: Some books I’ve been enjoying lately include:  Source link

[norajworld]

If you’ve been on BookTok, Bookstagram or in a book club over the past few years, you’ve likely heard about TJ Klune’s hit cozy fantasy novel, The House in the Cerulean Sea or his Green Creek series. The former, a bestselling story, transported readers to a fantastical island full of magical orphans and found family—and its popularity skyrocketed online. “It’s been tremendously humbling,” Klune tells FIRST. “I never expected that book to do what it has.”  The novel’s audience grew during the pandemic—offering fans a safe, otherworldly and much-needed escape. Now, the New York Times bestselling author is releasing a new edition of his historical fantasy novel, The Bones Beneath My Skin.  (Klune originally self-published this novel in 2018, but it’s since gained a devoted online fanbase so he’s officially releasing it via Tor Books today.) Here, First for Women caught up with Klune, who does so much to showcase the LGBTQA+ experience through his storytelling, to discuss today’s book release, what he hopes readers will take away from the story, how he really feels about his success as an author and more. Keep scrolling to find out all the details. What is ‘The Bones Beneath My Skin’ about? Tor Set in 1955, the story follows journalist Nate Cartwright, who gets fired and moves back home to Roseland, Oregon. Upon his arrival, Nate is shocked to learn that his family’s summer cabin is occupied by a man named Alex and a powerful 10-year-old girl who claims to be Artemis Darth Vader. Soon, it’s clear they are hiding from dangerous forces who want to control her. As Nate battles against time to help Artemis and Alex, he also battles his own heart. Filled with sci-fi thrills, heartwarming moments and unique characters you can root for, The Bones Beneath My Skin is truly Klune at his best.  First for Women: Congratulations on your latest book, ‘The Bones Beneath My Skin!’ Where did you find inspiration for this story and what do you hope readers take away from it? TJ Klune: I thought back to certain films from my childhood: Escape From Witch Mountain, E.T., Fire In the Sky and many others. The sense of danger and adventure those films have are wonderful, and I wanted to try my hand at it in book form. First and foremost, I hope that readers love Nate, Alex and Artemis. They are an extraordinary trio, and I was so lucky to be able to tell their story. And, I hope readers appreciate a different style of my writing. I think it’s important to challenge myself as an author so I don’t fall into a rut. Telling different types/genres of stories helps to keep me on my toes and mostly helps me from getting stuck in a rut. David Livingston/Contributor/Getty FFW: All your books have moving and heartfelt motifs of found family and discovering who you are. What about these tropes is so special to you—and why do you think you tend to gravitate toward them? TJK: It’s the queer experience! So many of us did not—or do not—grow up in homes that appreciated us for who we are. “Found family” comes from the queer community, where we find people who aren’t related to us but build a family regardless. Though my books are for anyone who wants to read them, I always write with my queer community in mind. They deserve to see themselves in all kinds of books. Especially now, in a world where book banning is par for the course. If you look at the list of the usual “banned” books, you’ll see that most are about the queer experience, the trans experience or written by a queer/trans-Black author.  People in power speak so often about “protecting the children” when, in actuality, they are removing materials that can help marginalized groups feel seen. FFW: So many editors here at FIRST love ‘The House in the Cerulean Sea.’ It’s literally like a giant hug. What has that book’s success meant to you, and did you ever expect it to go viral like this? TJK: It’s been tremendously humbling. I never expected that book to do what it has. I’m very lucky in that regard. I think it just goes to show how hungry people are for those kinds of stories—where queer people get to be the heroes, the villains and anything in between. Twenty years ago, finding queer books like mine and many, many others by amazing queer authors would have been an impossibility.  It proves that marginalized stories matter and that there is an audience for them. TJ Klune/Instagram FFW: We’d love to hear a little about your backstory as an author. Did you always want to write novels? TJK: I’ve always wanted to be a writer, ever since I was a kid. I used to carry a notebook with me and filled it with whatever stories came into my head. I’m one of the lucky ones who got to grow up doing what they love most. I didn’t have much support as a kid—my parents were the type to make fun of me for my love of reading and writing—but I did find support in a wonderful place: my seventh-grade English classes. I had two teachers there—Mrs. Bentz and Mrs. Pfieffer—who were the first people in my life to tell me I was good at something. That happened to be writing. Without them, I don’t know if I’d be here.  FFW: What does a typical day look like to you?  TJK: A “writing routine” can be extremely different from person to person. I typically write in the mornings as it’s when I’m feeling the most refreshed. I don’t have a set amount of words to write or a set amount of time. I write until I feel like I’m done. Sometimes, that can be an hour. Other times, it’s all day. FFW: Are you working on anything exciting right now? We’d love to have a sneak peek! TJK: I’m working on something I can’t quite talk about yet, but I think readers will be pleased to see what I’ve been up to this year so far. In addition, I have two projects that haven’t been announced yet, and I can’t wait for readers to get their hands on them. One has my first non-human main character. The other is about an elderly queer couple facing the end of the world. I hope to share more on these projects soon! FFW: Finally, we love hearing about what our favorite authors are reading. What are some books you’ve been loving recently?  TK: Some books I’ve been enjoying lately include:  Source link

[ellajme0]

If you’ve been on BookTok, Bookstagram or in a book club over the past few years, you’ve likely heard about TJ Klune’s hit cozy fantasy novel, The House in the Cerulean Sea or his Green Creek series. The former, a bestselling story, transported readers to a fantastical island full of magical orphans and found family—and its popularity skyrocketed online. “It’s been tremendously humbling,” Klune tells FIRST. “I never expected that book to do what it has.”  The novel’s audience grew during the pandemic—offering fans a safe, otherworldly and much-needed escape. Now, the New York Times bestselling author is releasing a new edition of his historical fantasy novel, The Bones Beneath My Skin.  (Klune originally self-published this novel in 2018, but it’s since gained a devoted online fanbase so he’s officially releasing it via Tor Books today.) Here, First for Women caught up with Klune, who does so much to showcase the LGBTQA+ experience through his storytelling, to discuss today’s book release, what he hopes readers will take away from the story, how he really feels about his success as an author and more. Keep scrolling to find out all the details. What is ‘The Bones Beneath My Skin’ about? Tor Set in 1955, the story follows journalist Nate Cartwright, who gets fired and moves back home to Roseland, Oregon. Upon his arrival, Nate is shocked to learn that his family’s summer cabin is occupied by a man named Alex and a powerful 10-year-old girl who claims to be Artemis Darth Vader. Soon, it’s clear they are hiding from dangerous forces who want to control her. As Nate battles against time to help Artemis and Alex, he also battles his own heart. Filled with sci-fi thrills, heartwarming moments and unique characters you can root for, The Bones Beneath My Skin is truly Klune at his best.  First for Women: Congratulations on your latest book, ‘The Bones Beneath My Skin!’ Where did you find inspiration for this story and what do you hope readers take away from it? TJ Klune: I thought back to certain films from my childhood: Escape From Witch Mountain, E.T., Fire In the Sky and many others. The sense of danger and adventure those films have are wonderful, and I wanted to try my hand at it in book form. First and foremost, I hope that readers love Nate, Alex and Artemis. They are an extraordinary trio, and I was so lucky to be able to tell their story. And, I hope readers appreciate a different style of my writing. I think it’s important to challenge myself as an author so I don’t fall into a rut. Telling different types/genres of stories helps to keep me on my toes and mostly helps me from getting stuck in a rut. David Livingston/Contributor/Getty FFW: All your books have moving and heartfelt motifs of found family and discovering who you are. What about these tropes is so special to you—and why do you think you tend to gravitate toward them? TJK: It’s the queer experience! So many of us did not—or do not—grow up in homes that appreciated us for who we are. “Found family” comes from the queer community, where we find people who aren’t related to us but build a family regardless. Though my books are for anyone who wants to read them, I always write with my queer community in mind. They deserve to see themselves in all kinds of books. Especially now, in a world where book banning is par for the course. If you look at the list of the usual “banned” books, you’ll see that most are about the queer experience, the trans experience or written by a queer/trans-Black author.  People in power speak so often about “protecting the children” when, in actuality, they are removing materials that can help marginalized groups feel seen. FFW: So many editors here at FIRST love ‘The House in the Cerulean Sea.’ It’s literally like a giant hug. What has that book’s success meant to you, and did you ever expect it to go viral like this? TJK: It’s been tremendously humbling. I never expected that book to do what it has. I’m very lucky in that regard. I think it just goes to show how hungry people are for those kinds of stories—where queer people get to be the heroes, the villains and anything in between. Twenty years ago, finding queer books like mine and many, many others by amazing queer authors would have been an impossibility.  It proves that marginalized stories matter and that there is an audience for them. TJ Klune/Instagram FFW: We’d love to hear a little about your backstory as an author. Did you always want to write novels? TJK: I’ve always wanted to be a writer, ever since I was a kid. I used to carry a notebook with me and filled it with whatever stories came into my head. I’m one of the lucky ones who got to grow up doing what they love most. I didn’t have much support as a kid—my parents were the type to make fun of me for my love of reading and writing—but I did find support in a wonderful place: my seventh-grade English classes. I had two teachers there—Mrs. Bentz and Mrs. Pfieffer—who were the first people in my life to tell me I was good at something. That happened to be writing. Without them, I don’t know if I’d be here.  FFW: What does a typical day look like to you?  TJK: A “writing routine” can be extremely different from person to person. I typically write in the mornings as it’s when I’m feeling the most refreshed. I don’t have a set amount of words to write or a set amount of time. I write until I feel like I’m done. Sometimes, that can be an hour. Other times, it’s all day. FFW: Are you working on anything exciting right now? We’d love to have a sneak peek! TJK: I’m working on something I can’t quite talk about yet, but I think readers will be pleased to see what I’ve been up to this year so far. In addition, I have two projects that haven’t been announced yet, and I can’t wait for readers to get their hands on them. One has my first non-human main character. The other is about an elderly queer couple facing the end of the world. I hope to share more on these projects soon! FFW: Finally, we love hearing about what our favorite authors are reading. What are some books you’ve been loving recently?  TK: Some books I’ve been enjoying lately include:  Source link

[chilimili212]

If you’ve been on BookTok, Bookstagram or in a book club over the past few years, you’ve likely heard about TJ Klune’s hit cozy fantasy novel, The House in the Cerulean Sea or his Green Creek series. The former, a bestselling story, transported readers to a fantastical island full of magical orphans and found family—and its popularity skyrocketed online. “It’s been tremendously humbling,” Klune tells FIRST. “I never expected that book to do what it has.”  The novel’s audience grew during the pandemic—offering fans a safe, otherworldly and much-needed escape. Now, the New York Times bestselling author is releasing a new edition of his historical fantasy novel, The Bones Beneath My Skin.  (Klune originally self-published this novel in 2018, but it’s since gained a devoted online fanbase so he’s officially releasing it via Tor Books today.) Here, First for Women caught up with Klune, who does so much to showcase the LGBTQA+ experience through his storytelling, to discuss today’s book release, what he hopes readers will take away from the story, how he really feels about his success as an author and more. Keep scrolling to find out all the details. What is ‘The Bones Beneath My Skin’ about? Tor Set in 1955, the story follows journalist Nate Cartwright, who gets fired and moves back home to Roseland, Oregon. Upon his arrival, Nate is shocked to learn that his family’s summer cabin is occupied by a man named Alex and a powerful 10-year-old girl who claims to be Artemis Darth Vader. Soon, it’s clear they are hiding from dangerous forces who want to control her. As Nate battles against time to help Artemis and Alex, he also battles his own heart. Filled with sci-fi thrills, heartwarming moments and unique characters you can root for, The Bones Beneath My Skin is truly Klune at his best.  First for Women: Congratulations on your latest book, ‘The Bones Beneath My Skin!’ Where did you find inspiration for this story and what do you hope readers take away from it? TJ Klune: I thought back to certain films from my childhood: Escape From Witch Mountain, E.T., Fire In the Sky and many others. The sense of danger and adventure those films have are wonderful, and I wanted to try my hand at it in book form. First and foremost, I hope that readers love Nate, Alex and Artemis. They are an extraordinary trio, and I was so lucky to be able to tell their story. And, I hope readers appreciate a different style of my writing. I think it’s important to challenge myself as an author so I don’t fall into a rut. Telling different types/genres of stories helps to keep me on my toes and mostly helps me from getting stuck in a rut. David Livingston/Contributor/Getty FFW: All your books have moving and heartfelt motifs of found family and discovering who you are. What about these tropes is so special to you—and why do you think you tend to gravitate toward them? TJK: It’s the queer experience! So many of us did not—or do not—grow up in homes that appreciated us for who we are. “Found family” comes from the queer community, where we find people who aren’t related to us but build a family regardless. Though my books are for anyone who wants to read them, I always write with my queer community in mind. They deserve to see themselves in all kinds of books. Especially now, in a world where book banning is par for the course. If you look at the list of the usual “banned” books, you’ll see that most are about the queer experience, the trans experience or written by a queer/trans-Black author.  People in power speak so often about “protecting the children” when, in actuality, they are removing materials that can help marginalized groups feel seen. FFW: So many editors here at FIRST love ‘The House in the Cerulean Sea.’ It’s literally like a giant hug. What has that book’s success meant to you, and did you ever expect it to go viral like this? TJK: It’s been tremendously humbling. I never expected that book to do what it has. I’m very lucky in that regard. I think it just goes to show how hungry people are for those kinds of stories—where queer people get to be the heroes, the villains and anything in between. Twenty years ago, finding queer books like mine and many, many others by amazing queer authors would have been an impossibility.  It proves that marginalized stories matter and that there is an audience for them. TJ Klune/Instagram FFW: We’d love to hear a little about your backstory as an author. Did you always want to write novels? TJK: I’ve always wanted to be a writer, ever since I was a kid. I used to carry a notebook with me and filled it with whatever stories came into my head. I’m one of the lucky ones who got to grow up doing what they love most. I didn’t have much support as a kid—my parents were the type to make fun of me for my love of reading and writing—but I did find support in a wonderful place: my seventh-grade English classes. I had two teachers there—Mrs. Bentz and Mrs. Pfieffer—who were the first people in my life to tell me I was good at something. That happened to be writing. Without them, I don’t know if I’d be here.  FFW: What does a typical day look like to you?  TJK: A “writing routine” can be extremely different from person to person. I typically write in the mornings as it’s when I’m feeling the most refreshed. I don’t have a set amount of words to write or a set amount of time. I write until I feel like I’m done. Sometimes, that can be an hour. Other times, it’s all day. FFW: Are you working on anything exciting right now? We’d love to have a sneak peek! TJK: I’m working on something I can’t quite talk about yet, but I think readers will be pleased to see what I’ve been up to this year so far. In addition, I have two projects that haven’t been announced yet, and I can’t wait for readers to get their hands on them. One has my first non-human main character. The other is about an elderly queer couple facing the end of the world. I hope to share more on these projects soon! FFW: Finally, we love hearing about what our favorite authors are reading. What are some books you’ve been loving recently?  TK: Some books I’ve been enjoying lately include:  Source link

[oliviajoyice21]

If you’ve been on BookTok, Bookstagram or in a book club over the past few years, you’ve likely heard about TJ Klune’s hit cozy fantasy novel, The House in the Cerulean Sea or his Green Creek series. The former, a bestselling story, transported readers to a fantastical island full of magical orphans and found family—and its popularity skyrocketed online. “It’s been tremendously humbling,” Klune tells FIRST. “I never expected that book to do what it has.”  The novel’s audience grew during the pandemic—offering fans a safe, otherworldly and much-needed escape. Now, the New York Times bestselling author is releasing a new edition of his historical fantasy novel, The Bones Beneath My Skin.  (Klune originally self-published this novel in 2018, but it’s since gained a devoted online fanbase so he’s officially releasing it via Tor Books today.) Here, First for Women caught up with Klune, who does so much to showcase the LGBTQA+ experience through his storytelling, to discuss today’s book release, what he hopes readers will take away from the story, how he really feels about his success as an author and more. Keep scrolling to find out all the details. What is ‘The Bones Beneath My Skin’ about? Tor Set in 1955, the story follows journalist Nate Cartwright, who gets fired and moves back home to Roseland, Oregon. Upon his arrival, Nate is shocked to learn that his family’s summer cabin is occupied by a man named Alex and a powerful 10-year-old girl who claims to be Artemis Darth Vader. Soon, it’s clear they are hiding from dangerous forces who want to control her. As Nate battles against time to help Artemis and Alex, he also battles his own heart. Filled with sci-fi thrills, heartwarming moments and unique characters you can root for, The Bones Beneath My Skin is truly Klune at his best.  First for Women: Congratulations on your latest book, ‘The Bones Beneath My Skin!’ Where did you find inspiration for this story and what do you hope readers take away from it? TJ Klune: I thought back to certain films from my childhood: Escape From Witch Mountain, E.T., Fire In the Sky and many others. The sense of danger and adventure those films have are wonderful, and I wanted to try my hand at it in book form. First and foremost, I hope that readers love Nate, Alex and Artemis. They are an extraordinary trio, and I was so lucky to be able to tell their story. And, I hope readers appreciate a different style of my writing. I think it’s important to challenge myself as an author so I don’t fall into a rut. Telling different types/genres of stories helps to keep me on my toes and mostly helps me from getting stuck in a rut. David Livingston/Contributor/Getty FFW: All your books have moving and heartfelt motifs of found family and discovering who you are. What about these tropes is so special to you—and why do you think you tend to gravitate toward them? TJK: It’s the queer experience! So many of us did not—or do not—grow up in homes that appreciated us for who we are. “Found family” comes from the queer community, where we find people who aren’t related to us but build a family regardless. Though my books are for anyone who wants to read them, I always write with my queer community in mind. They deserve to see themselves in all kinds of books. Especially now, in a world where book banning is par for the course. If you look at the list of the usual “banned” books, you’ll see that most are about the queer experience, the trans experience or written by a queer/trans-Black author.  People in power speak so often about “protecting the children” when, in actuality, they are removing materials that can help marginalized groups feel seen. FFW: So many editors here at FIRST love ‘The House in the Cerulean Sea.’ It’s literally like a giant hug. What has that book’s success meant to you, and did you ever expect it to go viral like this? TJK: It’s been tremendously humbling. I never expected that book to do what it has. I’m very lucky in that regard. I think it just goes to show how hungry people are for those kinds of stories—where queer people get to be the heroes, the villains and anything in between. Twenty years ago, finding queer books like mine and many, many others by amazing queer authors would have been an impossibility.  It proves that marginalized stories matter and that there is an audience for them. TJ Klune/Instagram FFW: We’d love to hear a little about your backstory as an author. Did you always want to write novels? TJK: I’ve always wanted to be a writer, ever since I was a kid. I used to carry a notebook with me and filled it with whatever stories came into my head. I’m one of the lucky ones who got to grow up doing what they love most. I didn’t have much support as a kid—my parents were the type to make fun of me for my love of reading and writing—but I did find support in a wonderful place: my seventh-grade English classes. I had two teachers there—Mrs. Bentz and Mrs. Pfieffer—who were the first people in my life to tell me I was good at something. That happened to be writing. Without them, I don’t know if I’d be here.  FFW: What does a typical day look like to you?  TJK: A “writing routine” can be extremely different from person to person. I typically write in the mornings as it’s when I’m feeling the most refreshed. I don’t have a set amount of words to write or a set amount of time. I write until I feel like I’m done. Sometimes, that can be an hour. Other times, it’s all day. FFW: Are you working on anything exciting right now? We’d love to have a sneak peek! TJK: I’m working on something I can’t quite talk about yet, but I think readers will be pleased to see what I’ve been up to this year so far. In addition, I have two projects that haven’t been announced yet, and I can’t wait for readers to get their hands on them. One has my first non-human main character. The other is about an elderly queer couple facing the end of the world. I hope to share more on these projects soon! FFW: Finally, we love hearing about what our favorite authors are reading. What are some books you’ve been loving recently?  TK: Some books I’ve been enjoying lately include:  Source link

[gotham-fan-shit]

Intel gone wrong

Pairing: Tim Drake x Vigilante!GN Reader

Request: can i ask for tim drake x vigilante reader? irs cool if not

Warnings: Brief allusion to drugs/drug dealing

Word Count: 613

A/N: i’m actually quite a big tim fan surprisingly. always willing to write something for my tj drake nation. had quite a bit of fun w this one so enjoy!!

Gotham City is dark, as it has always been. It is as though the macabre and melancholy gloom of its people have seeped into its very climate, perpetuating its weather with an atmosphere of a constant foggy grey. Dimly lit buildings, broken electrics and expensive skyscrapers illuminate its pitch black sky with flashes of light, casting brightness onto the odd alleyway, or building top. But the shadows are in abundance, and shrouded in shadow is how you and your boyfriend sit now, perched on the edge of some roof.

Tim is looking through binoculars, his sights fixated on some criminals, a product of the case you’re both working. His other hand is in yours, your fingers clasped tightly together. His brows are knitted together, his lips ever so slightly parted.

After a moment, the wind rustling his hair into a tousled mess, he shakes his head and brings the binoculars to his side. “Nothing’s happening. There’s no deal.” You frown, and take the binoculars from him, trying to get a view. His hand drops from yours as you take it to adjust the focus.

Sure enough, he’s right; nothing. A couple goons are scattered about, wandering around. But that’s typical of the city, and though the location and gang symbols appear correct, the deal you were told about doesn’t seem to be happening. “Batman's intel isn’t usually wrong,” you say. “Do you think it was a cover? A distraction from something bigger?” Tim shakes his head. “I doubt it. They’d aim for something larger as a distraction.” You hum in agreement.

The night air is cool and bitter, thick with the onset of the coming seasons and littered with pollution. You both check and recheck, but to no avail. The deal isn’t happening.

Eventually, you sit down properly, leaning back. “What should we do now?” Tim shrugs, then laughs, his head dropping slightly, covering his eyes with his hair. “I’m not sure. This doesn’t usually happen, much less when I’m on my own case.” You poke him. “Our case.” He holds his hands up in a mock surrender and mutters about your being correct. He joins you in sitting, and his arm finds its way on your shoulders, snaking across and resting his hand on your arm, pulling you close to him. He’s warm, much warmer than the city night. You lean into him and rest your head. You suppose you should inform Batman, maybe head back to the cave for a briefing. But being vigilantes and students often means the two of you don’t get moments like this together; not moments alone, where there’s no atmosphere of study or tension or work.

A siren wails in the distance. The wind makes audible swooshes as it whips around buildings and flutters under capes. You sit with Tim, with Red Robin, under stars that light pollution makes you unable to see. You nestle into the warmth of his chest, and silently celebrate a moment of intimacy that isn’t caused by some injury or illness. His cape his been pushed around you by the air, and you still note that it’s softer than it looks. Next week, there’ll be a villain to fight. Some poison to rapidly cure or a world to save. But that will be a problem for next week. For the future. Right now, all your problems seem to dissipate, and you stay content, letting the soft locks of Tim’s hair tickle your face and pretending that the breeze does not bite at your face, and that you are not cold. Coldness, again, is a problem for the future. You don’t need to think about that, not right now. Not right now.

[levyfiles]

I honestly think it would do Watcher a lot of good to hire a professional Social Media Manager and Marketing Manager. They all have a lot riding on this company.

They also need to work on getting actual sponsorship opportunities. We have Pretty Historic, why not reach out to some make up brands to partner with? For Worth a Shot you telling me no alcohol brand would have wanted to slap some branding in there. I know they want so badly to be above BF but they need to realize that if you want to run a corporation and entertainment company you NEED to diversify and sometimes do some more grown up corporate stuff. And you can do that without losing soul and heart.

They’ve also really dropped the ball on the merch for some reason? Like why didn’t Worth a Shot, the newest AYS and TMS get any merch drops? Why release the Camp Watcher shirts WEEKS after the episode?

Also I’d really like to see them actually bring light to the folks behind the scenes. Let me see more TJ, Mark, Brittany, Kate, Katie, etc. Hell they should be on the website with a little profile. Do some social media spots of those who make the magic which would be a big middle finger to Buzzfeed. Which I think is another reason that they need maybe a more seasoned social media person to be honest. Because like…we’re getting memes, jokes about Stranger Things and the Professor’s Death weird TikToks that feel like Shipping fancams.

I think that maybe they should be consulting with maybe the Try Guys who have been running a successful solo company for a while now. Because honestly I think if Watcher doesn’t shape up it might not last a decade.

I agree with a lot of this especially about the merch situation. I don't want to get into my depth of disappointment regarding that because it's a whole other kettle of fish

BUT

I think that the current work on Watcher's socials does effectively speak to an audience and it's deeply necessary to give Watcher a lasting campaign of influence online because Youths are gonna Youth. The Stranger Things thing was a bad look imo but that's beside my point. My issue is that there needs to be balance. Putting someone who is already working their butt off to make their in-jokes happen and succeeding into the position of all-around fan engagement management is going to let a lot of stuff fall through the cracks. The merch issue, the Patreon issue and the lack of perks for higher tiers notwithstanding. All of this stuff sours your relationship with fans and it should be apparent by the slow decline of their patrons since they appeared to have peaked at 4k before dropping again.

I was recently reading a rant from another fan in a private space saying they want to share Watcher stuff with friends but being a bit older, the socials are not for anyone older than 25 to follow. This is not a failing on the part of their social media manager because she's doing what they hired her to do but they need to hire someone to work next to her to do something that diversifies the reach via marketing. And mostly, both people need to be in LA. Their social media game wasn't anywhere as hot as it was when Simone was in LA, I can't even lie. Having someone around who just knows when to pull out their camera and document boosts fan engagement so much, I'm surprised they haven't buckled down to make that a normal thing.

The Try Guys actually had a trypod episode where they interviewed their social media manager. If you can find it and give it a watch, you'll understand very very quickly why marketing is non issue for them and the Try Guys barely have to lift a finger to plan that stuff. It's almost all her direction. It's a lot of work but she has a team as well.

Idk, I think it just aggravates me more because it's become apparent they are doing really well and they're making huge strides better than any company that started the way they did but I don't want them to waste it acting like they need to keep plates spinning with a small team. You've got the resources! Use them!

[nothums-from-tj]

I’ve got this in my blog intro too however now I’m advertising a little more bc I sorta need it, if not now then at least by March

Opening writing commissions!!!! $1 per 100 words or (depending) $10 a chapter

My sister and I are currently looking for a place to live as we have a limited time where we’re at. As for right now, my hours are cut at work, so I’m gonna need some extra help for a bit.

Obviously, the longer you want it, the longer it’ll take to complete. I will show you drafts and when I hit certain “checkpoints” I’ll show you what I have as well. While I’m doing these, I’m also going to do my best to keep up my personal projects. I will have limited slots open at a time, and the rest will get put in a queue. I will also take half upfront and half at completion, and I’m flexible to payment plans :]

I take CashApp preferably, can also do PayPal and Venmo!!

WILL DO: fan fiction, OCs/self inserts, IRL (only with permission of the person/people you want to include), softcore NSFW, a certain amount of gore, romance, platonic relationships, this list is long tbh I could be here all day

WON’T DO: major gore, any NSFW for or about minors (17 and under, I don’t care what the age of consent is in your area) including aged up characters (though I will do aged-up minors in a PG setting), proships (ab/se, inc//t, p//ophilia, shit like that), hate against large groups of people (racism, misogyny, homo/transphobia, things like that), certain k!nks (feel free to ask!)

WILL TRY: horror, murder, hardcore NSFW (I can’t promise any of these topics will be good, I’ll be checking in most often if you commission any of these)

You can find any writing examples under my tag “#tj writes” and/or on my TH (in my linktree in my pinned post). Thank you for reading!

I have the right to refuse any commission for any reason

[fbfh]

magnus chase relationship and intimacy hcs

I genuinely found zero magnus hcs and it made me really sad

Also might not be as in character as my hoo posts cause I haven’t finished the series my library is closed don’t come for me-

As with all steamy/nsfw works, all characters are aged up to 18+

Warnings: moderate descriptions of ptsd symptoms and emotional recovery,, also like boinking and dicks obvs

1.6k words uwu

‘,:)

So he absolutely definitely has ptsd 

I don’t remember norse demigods being mentioned as having adhd and dyslexia so correct me if I’m wrong lol

I mean his mom was brutally murdered, he was fucking homeless, then he was killed and taken to valhalla

So yeah

Ptsd

He’s really defensive and jumpy at physical contact for a while

But he’s also incredibly touch starved

He’s super whipped for you

So it makes him really frustrated when he wants to be affectionate and vulnerable with you but he just,,, can’t

He has a lot of emotional walls up too for obvious reasons

You have to have really clear communication with him 

Which you do,, and he appreciates it a lot

You baby step into affection and intimacy

And let him take the lead a lot

It takes a while

But after a bit he gets these bursts of affection where he’ll cuddle and make out with you for like

Five minutes or less

Then it starts to feel weird again

You try to do small stuff like hand holding or blowing him a kiss or putting your head on his shoulder to help melt that ice

And it works

It goes from feeling weird, to weird but nice, to nice but kind of weird, to nice enough to ignore the weird part

As soon as he can be,,, he is an affectionate fiend

He likes to bear hug you a lot

He keeps a hand on your cheek or jaw line or the back of your neck when you kiss a lot

He still gets a little weird about his back or stomach or neck being touched which you totally understand 

So you kiss his shoulders and collarbones and run your hands over his chest and arms a lot

Once he had a really bad dream and couldn’t sleep cause he didn’t feel safe bc

~‧₊˚; *‧.₊˚ flashbacks fucking suuuuuuck ~‧₊˚; *‧.₊˚

So you played some home renovation show and spooned him and whispered

“It’s okay, I’ve got your back”

He didn’t have anymore nightmares that night

He really likes back hugs after that, as long as he knows it’s you behind him

He gives really nice kisses

It’s like a big full kiss

Idk how else to describe it but it’s very unique to him

He’s super protective over you still in a healthy way

He’s super fuckin pansexual and you can pry that from my cold dead hands

So he has a lot of hoodies and denim jackets

And bracelet stacks and weird dad thrift store shirts

And you can get him more of these things no matter how many he has and he will love it an equal amount 

Which is a lot

He gets kind of insecure and feels bad about all his weird symptoms bc he minimizes what he’s been through a lot

It’s kind of a why can’t I just get over it and be normal feeling

You remind him a lot that it’s okay and his feelings and experiences are valid and he’s safe now

He needs to hear that a lot

Once a lot of that ice has been broken he gets really touchy really fast

You two were just like

Chilling on the couch watching a movie or something

And he nuzzles into your side to cuddle

So you lay down a little more and he rests his head on your chest

You keep watching the movie like that for a while 

He props himself up and just kind of looks at you for a minute

He can’t remember feeling this warm before he met you

And now he feels really really warm 

And tingly

You’re about to look over and ask if he’s alright when he just 

Presses his face into your neck and starts kissing you

You let out this breathy flustred little laugh he’s never heard before and he wants to make you make that sound again

He kisses up to your face and his hair is all in his eyes

So you brush it out of the way and tuck it behind his ear and his face nuzzles into your hand

He bites back a moan

You end up making out a lot

Which leads to,, other things

You don’t question it or ask where that came from

You just give him a lot of love and reassurance

Once he feels comfortable,,,, I hope you’re ready bitch

Cause you’ll be under him

And on top of him

A lot

Like a lot lot

He doesn’t have a lot of experience so he likes it when you take the lead

Big fan of showering together

I almost fucking forgot

He thinks you look hot in everthing obvs

But if you wear his boxers 

He goes apeshit

If you wear bras he likes the unlined sheer ones best on you

He also thinks you look really nice in boyshorts and cheekies

Esp the invisible microfiber ones

He likes how soft they are and how they just kind of seamlessly glide over your hips

If you play with his hair he practically starts purring

If you tug it really gently he moans

Just thought you should know that

Things get really intense in a good way with him

He gets very caught up in the heat of the moment

Has broken the bed before

And would do it again

Blitz and hearth almost walked in on you two cause they heard a loud crack and thought someone broke in

It was a very very close call

You laughed about it a lot later

He also likes things to be really soft and fluffy

So sleepy morning sex is definitely in his vocabulary

When he gets more comfortable he loves when you rest your head on his tummy and he can play with your hair and touch your shoulders

He also likes when you have your hand resting on his lower back

He finds it really grounding

Gives a lot of back hugs

Sometimes his head is resting on your head or shoulders

Sometimes he’s sucking on your neck

Just kinda depends yk

Really really likes it when you straddle him

Esp when you play with the hem of his clothes

You really really like to straddle him too

It’s a nice seat if you get what I’m sayin

Kind of wants to have shower sex with you but is also really scared of slipping and getting hurt

Settles for romantic bubble baths instead

Kind of stubbly, esp in the morning

It’s really cute

But kind of ouchie on more,,, sensitive areas

He’s usually fine staying a little stubbly, unless he’s planning to surprise you

You get a little excited when you see him shaving extra carefully

He sees you staring and just kind of looks you up and down and winks

Alksdjafskfja 

He likes having his hair longer

So do you

So you show him different ways to do little buns and stuff to keep it out of his face and stop it from getting tangled when he sleeps

Ngl you haven’t lived until you’ve seen magnus hard in his boxers kneeling over you hastily throwing up his hair so you can have some fun

That image is thankfully burned into your retinas for all eternity 

You get palpitations thinking about it

You’re the only one allowed to play with his hair or call him maggie/mags

He sometimes borrows your scrunchies and it’s really really cute

You end up with this little routine of swapping them when they stop smelling like the other person

If you don’t wear scrunchies you get him some and he thinks it’s adorable

You also steal them and swap them out when they don’t smell like him anymore

He loves having picnics outside with you

Especially to go stargazing

Yeah rooftop picnics are a thing

Plus people can’t really see what you’re doing and no one really goes up there so uh

As long as you can stay quiet you’re never bored

Sometimes when you’re stargazing his hand will just kind of gradually go from resting on your hip to wrapping his arms around you and having you lean against his chest

You sometimes raid the fridge together in the middle of the night

You took him to mcdonalds at like 2am once

It was not the last time that happened

Totally the type to love getting matching pj bottoms with you

Really loves it when you hold his hand with both of yours

It makes him feel really loved and masculine in a good healthy way and generally good

On days when he just Needs a Distraction you try any hobby or activity you can get your hands on

His favorites so far are painting each others nails, random online flash games like papa’s, finding the best climbing trees (weather permitting), and binge watching and reviewing the weirdest shows and movies you can find

Including but not limited to flava of love, josie and the pussycats in outer space, lightning point, and clone high

The movies are usually really low budget, or questionable teen romance movies like twilight, sierra burgess is a loser, the kissing booth etc. 

You still quote clone high to this day

He’s very excited for the reboot me too, magnus, me too

Doesn’t stop clowning on TJ bc of it

TJ has no fucking idea what he’s talking about 

“For the last time Magnus, I’m just named after him. I’m not a clone. I don’t know John Kennedy or Abraham Lincoln, and how could I possibly know Cleopatra??? Where are you getting this from, you understood this like a week ago-”

He really likes just kind of hugging you from behind and smooching wherever he can and swaying back and forth

Tells you he loves you a lot

Really really grateful you’re in his life

Does everything he possibly can to be the best boyfriend

Cause you deserve it

Did i mention he loves you a lot lot lot

Cause he really does

Treat him right, give him a lot of love 

He also blushes really easily shhh