#reading ask

[mimble-sparklepudding]

Reading Preferences - Humble Soapstone.

BOLD genres your character reads. Italicize genres your character occasionally peruses. Strikethrough if they absolutely won’t touch it.

art | biography | business | chick lit | children’s | classics | comics | contemporary | cookbooks | crime | fantasy | fiction | gay and lesbian | graphic novels | historical fiction | history | horror | humor and comedy | memoir | music | mystery | nonfiction | paranormal | philosophy | poetry | psychology | religion | romance | science | science fiction | self help | suspense | spirituality | sports | thriller | travel | young adult | warfare

(Humble is not completely illiterate, but he is still learning to read, which is something about which he is very self-conscious, so these are more things that he would like to read or will try to read for practice)

Tagged by: @naejlas-axe and (I think) @spotofmummery @astrology-bf @stalwart-spirit I can't remember exactly, but a lot of people so thank you everyone who did!

Tagging: @sorren-greystone @musesofawolf @osric-giroux-ffxiv @yloiseconeillants @briar-ffxiv and @johnnylandslide

[okamirayne]

Hello lovely human whom I have loved for… 13 years? Damn. Silly question for you. Since I simply adore your writing, and that includes your answers to asks. I would love to see inside you brain regarding ships I have seen you re-blog about over the years. Like if you were to read a fic for that ship what would you want to see from it, from plot to dynamic etc. I’ve seen you post about Ricky’s, merthur, destiel, sterek—anyways that’s who I can’t think of at the top of my head… any secret ships?? :o anyways you’re amaaazzzinggg tha bessttttest. Patiently waiting for the day I get to finally throw money at you for whatever you publish. I’ll go feral for it. I owe you after 13 years ~ 🐝 (Oooh! Has the UK finally let you watch the new TWD content 😩)

Hello fellow Earthling (Little Bee 🐝) whom I deeply appreciate and am sending all the big love to for taking the time to write me this delightful message. 💖 So wildly happy to hear from you! Thanks for your patience as I get to messages. 💜

I would love to see inside you brain regarding ships I have seen you re-blog about over the years.

Like if you were to read a fic for that ship what would you want to see from it, from plot to dynamic etc. I’ve seen you post about Rickyl’s, merthur, destiel, sterek—anyways that’s who I can’t think of at the top of my head… any secret ships??

Ah, Rickyl...absolutely my OTP of TWD.

What would I want to see from a Rickyl fic? Plot/Dynamic etc? Well. It always depends where in the timeline, you know? I mean, for me TWD sadly lost it way plotwise (which can happen with long-running series) so I would love to just ERASE CHUNKS OF IT 🤦🏻‍♀️. There's what I'd write and then there's what I've read, you know? I tend not to read fanfiction when writing fanfiction, oddly enough. But with these two I'd love to see them navigate a slowburn connection through any given shitshow scenario depending on the timeline of the show (The Farm/The Prison/Govenor/Negan/TOWL)...it really depends on when and who is in the picture (at least regarding Rick, seeing as Daryl shys away from relationships) and what craptacular event the characters are having to survive...to say nothing of what struggle they might be going through mentally/emotionally. Daryl coming to terms that he's got feelings for a dude? Rick straddling the fence between crazy and stable and getting hit with a wave of "wait a second I'm feeling ten kinds of different about my ride or die best friend". 🫶🏼

That season Rick exited held so much potential after that fight 😭👇🏼

For me the relationship aspect is usually set against some backdrop of big story (oh god, you see what I'm like? I can't even manage a one shot - WHY AM I LIKE THIS?) because that fleshes out tension and emotional intimacy. I have various little plot bunnies that hop around at random when I see these two pop up on my dash.

Outside of Rickyl: I have big love for Donnie (Daryl/Connie)

…but that ship never left the harbour despite all the legit wind in its sails...so, so sad and waste of a beautiful character (Connie) 😭.

Oooh! Has the UK finally let you watch the new TWD content 😩

YEESSSS, my dear!!!! FINALLY! I literally just finished watching The Ones Who Live (sadly, i was never sold on the Richonne pairing, but I can appreciate the storyline, even if I don't feel the dynamic between those two at all - despite Andrew Lincoln's absolutely phenomenal acting, he's undoubtedly one of my fav actors). DARYL DIXON airs in a few days time (1st August), so I'm preparing myself and girding my damn loins for what might come bursting out of a burrow in my fangirl brain. If they don't have some kind of Rickyl reunion at some point in TWD-verse, I shall have to generate at least 10 different headcanons for myself. 😏

Merthur...

Oh god...this one HURTS. It will never NOT hurt. Huge potential for pre-ENDING and post-ENDING (can't even say it). I've enjoyed reading some post-ENDING scenarios in fanfic as well as those that take place before the ...ENDING....either way, there's so much deliciousness surrounding prophecy, Arthur's ignorance of Merlin's magic, Gwen and all that jazz. There's a lot of canon to support the ship, which is great as I like to stay in the canon world as much as possible when writing fanfiction. I'm not a massive AU fan. Ideally I try to get it to read like 'this could legit have happened' - with a lot of creative license, sure. Would definitely enjoy exploring post and pre ENDING. Two whole different worlds, especially a modern era fic. Dynamic? Their banter is awesome. The loyalty. The social challenges standing in the way (to say nothing of the whole 'oh by the way I'm a warlock' issue). Then of course a modern day setting brings with it its own challenges and delights. It's a pairing full of wonderful temptation.

Destiel....

Oh hell, it's a no-brainer with these two. From start to finish. Dynamic-wise? I cannot stand weak Castiel. So a strong, "I am the one who pulled you from hell and I can toss your ass back into it" Castiel rather than the fawning cas-trated Castiel is an absolute MUST for me personally. I can't stand the weak Castiel who takes shit from Dean...I lamented the death of his balls and self-respect. Dean...just a whole bag of angst and complicated homophobic issues. As with most ships I ship, certainly the m/m pairings, I personally need both males on an even keel. That's how I roll and that's what I look for in what I read on the occassions I'm reading fanfic. The Supernatural plot murdered my willingness to suspend my disbelief a few seasons in and totally lost me. But I would personally stick with the Lucifer threat and stay in that mythological playground if exploring a plot with these two. Cas would still be funny, he'd just not be a total wetwipe when it came to dealing with Dean's shit.

Sterek...

Big caveat. Reading/writing these two requires me to look a few good years POST Teen Wolf series -- so basically when Stiles is older and working his big brain badassery in some bureau or the other (FBI or otherwise)...this is the whole 'even keel' coming into play. He has more power (or energy) in the dynamic; same banter, but levelled-up chemistry and a bit rawer. So...older Stiles teaming up with Derek and let's go wandering into that delightful forest of possibility. So many paths the plot bunnies could go bounding down.

Okay...I'm not even sure if any of that properly answered your question about the pairings you mentioned, luv??? 😅 I hope so?? Feel free to let me know if not. I could write essays on my thoughts with these pairings and all the other ones sitting in their respective little burrows, deep in my dastardly brain. So sweet that you'd be interested in my rabid plot bunnies. Just need to teach them how to produce ONE SHOTS.

Patiently waiting for the day I get to finally throw money at you for whatever you publish. I’ll go feral for it. I owe you after 13 years ~ 🐝

I just...right in the heart. I can't formulate a proper response to this but I am prepared to teach an interpretive dance to someone who can masterfully perform it on ice. Because it deserves ice. There's too much nuclear-powered heat coming off my face. Thank you so much. You made my heart do some hardcore base drumming which counts as a cardio workout right now. THANK YOU for the love, fun ask, and support, sweetheart ❤️💜❤️

[clamjams]

2024 reading q&a except no one asked for it

1. How many books did you read this year?

about 125

2. Did you reread anything?

nope

3. What were your top five books of the year?

no particular order bc i just can’t but:

Never Saw Me Coming - Vera Kurian

The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer - Jennifer Lynch

Crush - Richard Siken

Poor Things - Alasdair Gray

Anarchism and Other Essays - Emma Goldman

4. Did you discover any new authors that you love this year?

Eliza Clark, Kathryn Harrison, Anne Carson, Richard Siken

5. What genre did you read the most of?

Romance, Fantasy & Contemporary

6. Was there anything you meant to read, but never got to?

Lots. Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer and Queen of Dreams by Kit Rocha to name a couple.

7. What was your average Goodreads rating? Does it seem accurate?

3.38. Yes.

8. Did you meet any of your reading goals?

Yes, I read much less this year & met my goal of 10 sapphic books (I read 13).

9. Did you get into any new genres?

Poetry & Short Stories! I also truly attempted to read more classics this year.

10. What was your favorite new release of the year?

maybe She’s Always Hungry by Eliza Clark? hard to say

11. What was your favorite book that has been out for a while, but you just now read?

Poor Things - Alasdair Gray & Notes from Underground - Dostoevsky

12. Any books that disappointed you?

plenty. I really wanted to get through Crime & Punishment but wasn’t able to (a me problem i’m sure). Both novels by S.T. Gibson disappointed me, but A Dowry of Blood especially. I expected more from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, as well.

13. What were your least favorite books of the year?

some that i shan’t even name. but here’s some: When I Was Ten - Fiona Cummins, The Stranger Beside Me - Ann Rule, Electra vs Oedipus: The Drama of the Mother–Daughter Relationship - Hendrika C. Freud…idk i read some random stuff this year

14. What books do you want to finish before the year is over?

Book 1 in The Witcher series (Blood of Elves)! but it’s a slow read for me so i’m not hopeful

15. Did you read any books that were nominated for or won awards this year?

some may have won awards, but not this year. some nominations.

16. What is the most over-hyped book you read this year?

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson 😬 I’m sorry. Perhaps it’s one of the those that was something new and unique when first released but is now…kind of ordinary? like i expected something incredible but it felt very standard and unintentionally predictable.

17. Did any books surprise you with how good they were?

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. My first Stephen King read…I thought that it was very good for what it is and didn’t feel boring like some How To writing books. If only I liked his novels.

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer was very charming and fun which I didn’t expect after seeing it marketed as a booktok romance.

Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant opened my mind to more kinds of horror fiction.

18. How many books did you buy?

too many, mostly poetry books

19. Did you use your library?

once. until very recently i lived somewhere with a very shit library with no libby

20. What was your most anticipated release & Did it meet your expectations?

i’m going to be so real - i can’t remember

21. Did you participate in or watch any booklr, booktube, or book twitter drama?

nope it’s not easy to integrate into booklr like where is everyone let me innnnnn

22. What’s the longest book you read?

Zodiac Academy: Restless Stars. 1,153 pages.

23. What’s the fastest time it took you to read a book?

like 5hrs i think

24. Did you DNF anything? Why?

quite a few. my attention span was SUFFERING this year which meant if i wasn’t into a book then i just couldn’t finish it. most notably I DNF’d Crime & Punishment at about 50%…I WILL finish it one day. Mayhaps i’ll try a different translation.

25. What reading goals do you have for next year?

read no more than 100 books. Read more literary fiction. Read more WLW stories. Read more classics. read more translations.

[authorlaurawinter]

What book are you reading right now?

What novel caused you the worst book hangover? 

How do you pick the next book you want to read? 

What is the book that changed or influenced you the most?

Currently reading: Her Dark Enchantments by Rosalyn Briar, beta read of my dad’s book, Dragon Queens by Kathleen de Plume, and Red white and royal blue by Casey McQuiston

Worst book hangover: Children of Fallen Gods by Carissa Broadbent

Picking next book: I’m a mood reader so it really depends. If my previous read was a bummer or not good, I’ll lean toward a reread or romance. If I’m on a high, I’ll lean toward fantasy, next in series, or a fantasy world I haven’t read yet

Book that changed / influenced me the most: tricky one. I loved Song of the Marked by SM Gaither because it kickstarted my love for reading again and got me curious about writing. SJM was also a big factor in my style

[thynisia-pac-readings]

There's a bit more interaction and following on this page so I decided to do the game soon! I just need to decide on a format, rules, and things like that first.

But I can already say that this reading game/ask will focus on finding out specific countries, cities or geographical areas. Just like I've done in my previous PAC readings, except you will ask your question. This is is a divination I've tried and tested for myself and others... So I'm looking forward to this game!! :)

My intention for this game is mostly to have fun and open up our minds to the possibilities of divination tools. I will not read for anything else apart for the location. Then, if it's helpful to you, I'm happy!

[lunapwrites]

Thank you @greyeyedmonster-18 for the tag!

Hardcover or Paperback?

Honestly I'm a hardcover bitch. The aesthetic does something for me, and I LOVE the art on the sleeves.

Bookstore or Library?

Libraries. Just cozier, less distracting, and I can still have my tea while I read lol.

Bookmark or Receipt?

They're the same picture (both, I use both.)

Standalone or Series?

You know I'm actually a bit torn on this. On one hand, I enjoy reading complete contained works in one volume not me with my 3-in-1 LotR book lmao but I can also appreciate a series. I'm currently reading one of each actually haha. So yeah IDK. Probably standalone just bc it's less daunting I guess?

Nonfiction or Fiction?

I read both, but I tend to prefer Fiction.

Thriller or Fantasy?

Rude of you to make me pick, but fantasy typically gets my vote. I do love thriller novels though. King in particular has informed a lot of my narrative style.

Under 300 Pages or Over?

I am not picky! And honestly it really depends on the book... Some books I wish were 300 pages, others I wish were 300 pages shorter lol. But I can have and will read in excess of 1k pages if the mood strikes me.

Children's or YA?

YA for sheer popcorn factor, though there's some great stuff in children's lit.

Friends to Lovers or Enemies to Lovers?

I like both equally. Which is to say that they're both hit or miss for me. Sometimes I wish the leads wouldn't become romantic. Sometimes I want to smash their faces together. It all depends on the specific chemistry between them, and how the relationship shifts after the overt romantic tension is added. I just want it to make sense and feel like a natural progression either way. But I also don't want a platonic relationship to feel less-than in any way.

Read in Bed or Read on the Couch?

Where's the option for "read at my desk?" Lol anyway I will read anywhere I'm comfortable. I do enjoy reading in bed the most, but I'm also most liable to fall asleep mid page there.

Read at Night or Read in the Morning?

I feel like I have the easiest time in the morning. It's the quietest time, and I can curl up with the dogs.

Keep Pristine or Markup?

I envy people who can annotate their books but I Cannot make myself do it. I've got a mental block there lol. No marks.

Cracked Spine or Dogear?

Probably cracked spine more out of necessity, but I really do try to baby my books.

Tagging @allalrightagain @broomsticks @mkaugust @inmyownlittlecorner5 and @turanga4 !

[catmask]

i dont consider myself a 'fashion guru' by any means but one thing i will say is guys you dont need to know the specific brand an item you like is - you need to know what the item is called. very rarely does a brand matter, but knowing that pair of pants is called 'cargo' vs 'boot cut' or the names of dress styles is going to help you find clothes you like WAAAYYYY faster than brand shopping

[amartworks]

had a fun experience on the subway the other day

[a-random-fandom-friend]

Because of Re: Carmilla, I thought you all would enjoy my edition of Carmilla :

The holes go all the way through, the sides of the book are red, and on some pages the text is colored red just under the holes !

I was so happy when I found it in a little french bookshop specialized in queer texts ❤️

[what-eats-owls]

So there's something I want to say re: intentionally withholding your vote, and I want to do it without coming across as condescending or dismissive.

I've worked as a field organizer in two campaigns, 2010 and 2012, and my job was to help turnout the vote for Democratic candidates up and down the ticket. Technology may have changed, but people are still knocking on doors for specific voters the way they were 12 years ago.

If you say you're not voting/voting 3rd party, the campaign volunteer is supposed to mark that and move on. Their job, in the final month of the election, is to make sure the campaign's supporters have all the information and resources they need to cast a vote.

They aren't collecting data on why you're withholding your vote. They aren't submitting opinion polling results to the campaign. Something like 155 million people voted in the 2020 election, and if you say you're not voting, the campaign is not going to waste a volunteer's time and morale begging you to vote when there are literally millions of other voters to turn out.

Let me repeat that: The campaign does not track why you're not voting. They simply note your vote is not a priority for turnout and move on.

I say this because I see a lot of promotion of non-voting like that's a boycott, when the function is not the same. A boycott is a coordinated mass refusal to engage with an institution—which sounds similar if you see a vote as a good or service to withhold. Unfortunately, it's not.

A vote is a choice you're making as part of a community hiring committee. Your abstention doesn't prevent someone from being hired. It just lowers the threshold for the worst candidate to succeed.

All this to say: In my direct experience as an organizer, abstaining from the vote sends a message. That message is not "You need to try harder to win my vote." It's "Don't waste time on me."

[mimimar]

(open pages for better image quality)

the moment I heard elphaba's delivery of "there's a girl i know..." in i'm not that girl i knew i had to draw this comic, i strongly recommend listening to it while you read for the full experience!

this comic is a companion to this piece (which was inspired by glinda's delivery of the same line in the i'm not that girl reprise).

pages 1-4 are from elphie's pov, pages 5-8 are from glinda's.

prints of individual pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

flower meanings in order of appearance:

[lovertm]

pins by Abprallen

[humming-fly]

They seem like the kind of guys who would keep count

Bonus:

[authorlaurawinter]

9 and 20!

9. Can you name a book that kept you up at night? 

Oh, it’s been a while since I am now a responsible adult(TM) and I legit put myself to bed at 8pm. I used to stay up reading all the time, but I guess nowadays it’s mostly: what book kept me from doing normal activities during the day and finding excuses to read. So here’s my list:

Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent

Beneath Black Sails by Clare Sager

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Heartstopper by Alice oseman

Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Pucking Around by Emily Rath

The right Move by Liz Tomforde

20. Who’s your favorite author?

I don’t have a singular favorite, but I do have authors that I will either “auto buy” or give their new books a shot even if it doesn’t sound like my cup of tea

Clare Sager

Ali Hazelwood

Sarah J Maas

Jennifer L Armentrout

RK Ashwick ( @ashen-crest )

[atlas-affogato]

22 and 23 for the book ask:)

22. What's the longest book you read?

Babel by R. F. Kuang, which capped out at 544 pages. 🙏 thank you Babel for changing my life

23. Whats the fastest time it took you to read a book?

Hmm I think it was Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, which I read in like two or three hours. But to be fair, that's a graphic novel