housekonig - Tumblr blog

[housekonig]

AWWWW WILL REBLOG EVERY TIME

"You know me better than almost anyone. Our kids practically grew up together."

Rosalind, Freddy, Chris, Gwen, and Jacques through the years. @housekonig

[housekonig]

Would you rather: start your current project from scratch or do a soft reboot focusing on a different character?

I'd rather start from scratch! I'd remove a lot of the BRF influences -- change some titles, names, culture! I think I was so excited and ready to start that I rushed some stuff and didn't think about other stuff.

[housekonig]

Bringing back a classic mass ask: Truth or Dare? 😈

Ouuuuu Dare?

[housekonig]

this is just proof i'm still here and working on my story -- life & work are just -- *deep sigh* -- but, more stuff coming!

[housekonig]

What is your single best piece of writing advice?

honestly? I don’t think I’m qualified to answer. You know I’m not the biggest fan of my own writing 😅.

so, I’d say the best writing advice to have better writers around you to push, question, and critique. Specifically you, @nexility-sims, and my good friend @vernicksims help improve my craft!

[housekonig]

As the media would describe it, Cordelia and Edward's relationship was "too good to be true." For a commoner marrying into The Family, the years-long relationship was, until her pregnancy, without scandal or complaint. No former lovers, bitter parents, or scorned ex-friends came out with anything negative or salacious about Miss Cordelia Easton. The daughter of a corporate middle manager and a retired government receptionist, Lady Delia, a moniker given by tabloids, was always considered an exceptional and necessary addition to the Royal Family. Palace "insiders" spoke of her closeness with Her Majesty, a stark contrast from her embrace of her daughter-in-law and future Queen Consort, HRH Victoria, Princess of Belen. The public saw her as the perfect pair for their beloved (then) Prince "Eddie" Belen. He was (and arguably still is) dutiful and dull, cliche as it is. And it was clear that when his time came, he'd need a consort capable of anchoring him to Earth, with his "people," the very thing Königs enthusiastically works against. Even during the height of their first and only significant media "scandal," the couple remained steadfast, and Cordelia, as noted in an unofficial account of the couple's courtship, "was utterly unbothered, which only intensified the media's desire to break her, or at least try."

Transcript Below:

[offscreen] jeux d’eau plays

Cordelia: humming

Edward: continues playing

Cordelia: Come on, they’re waiting for us…

Edward: They can wait…music continues

Cordelia: Do you remember our exit plan?

Edward: The cottage in Genera…

Cordelia: I think about it often…

Edward: We weren’t serious, Delia.

Cordelia: Weren’t we…

Edward: Fine. We leave tonight. chuckles

Cordelia: chuckles If only…

Edward: *Yeah, if only…

[housekonig]

KÖNIG CANDIDS | a mini-ish series?

König Candids is a series of posts that are canon but aren't (always) significant to the current story. Some of them are just me playing with character development and backstory. Some posts will be just for fun... I have no actual plans for it at the moment. A lot of them are for world-building. If you don't know, I care more about the small details of my world than my story -- I'm trying to do better, ha! So yeah, this will help with that.

The first post is coming soon!

[housekonig]

to be in this company — I have no words. Really, no positivity for the sake of being positive. I have mad respect for the creators mentioned here and in other posts.

5 royal simblrs I love

There are, of course, WAY more than 5 amazing royal simblrs out there, but I wanted to take a moment to shout out just a few people in my community!

@nexility-sims: the most unique royal simblr on the block

N. is, of course, a very dear friend of mine and I MAY be accused of bios in the matter, but her story is simply the best one out there. In a community prone to retreading the same material over and over again, she is doing something wholly different and wholly original by choosing to focus on a non-western, non-European culture. She's an incredibly engaging writer and the only person whose world-building posts I come back to and read again and again. She puts an incredible level of care into everything she does, and I am so PROUD to be her friend and coexist in the same creative spaces with her.

@funkyllama: colorful, creative sims

One thing I love about Gracie's story is the way that she steps outside of the narrow Royal Simblr box. Her characters (my beloved Elle especially!) have unique, quirky styles and dress in fabulous colors and patterns that you just don't see much of on Simblr. She's coming to the end of one story and beginning to gear up for the sequel, so now is a good time to jump in and start reading.

@wessexroyalfamily: complex family drama, just getting into gear

This is a relatively new story, but it already has a fully formed setting with lots of complex family drama. This story is full of great little world-building details and narrative flourishes, and shit is really starting to pop off. Now is your chance to get in on the ground floor and start reading a wonderful story before it gets huge, so you can say you were there way back when.

@housekonig: thoughtful, fascinating royal intrigue

I know firsthand just how much effort and thought Jamal puts into every single one of his posts. His builds are amazing and all of his posts are so polished and full of great details. He's got more passion for worldbuilding in his little finger than I do in my entire body and his posts definitely reflect that effort and attention to detail!

@the-lancasters: the most royal royal story out there

Jennifer's story has been one of my favorites for a long time, simply because she includes so many little details about the working lives of senior royals that a lot of stories (mine included!) gloss over. She has a deep knowledge of how royal families actually function and works that knowledge into her story. My favorite arc in her story (other than her current one, which happens to feature one of my characters in a starring role!) is definitely Marcus and Sarah's romance, which turns the royal setting on its head and focuses almost entirely on the private secretaries instead of the royals themselves.

[housekonig]

thoughts on simblr gratitude day...

creation & ideation

thank you, @armoricaroyalty for creating space for kindness in the community. It's needed and appreciated more than you realize.

the people

in so many ways, my goal was to build community this year. oddly enough, i limited that experience to just in-person, forgetting (and sometimes neglecting) the community built here. community that cares for and contributes to my story and my person. so, thank you to those people, you know who you are.

i want to give a special shoutout to @armoricaroyalty again for affirming for me that community comes in many forms and has many tethers. time spent on discord has made life and my story better. thank you.

our stories

wow. so many amazing artists out there. some shedding light on stories all too familiar and authentic (@cinamun, @rebouks). some building worlds so well-planned, they feel lived in; the lots, the looks, all feel uniquely yours, thank you (@nexility-sims, @funkyllama, @trentonsimblr, @empiredesimparte), @warwickroyals), @theroyalthrones, @theroyalsims, @theroyalthornoliachronicles) many of you also have and continue to inspire me to work harder and want more for my story and my characters -- thank you, @plumbobtv, @warwickroyals, @armoricaroyalty, @bridgeportbritt.

(THERE'S MORE I WANT TO SAY BUT IM TRYING TO KEEP IT CUTE & CONCISE SO YOU ACTUALLY READ IT :D)

i KNOW there are MANY people i am forgetting, especially some who aren't as active anymore (@batsfromwesteros, @simoviacourt , @thesimpireblr, @royaltysimblr, @threethousandplumbobs, @valennciaroyals). so as i often say,

judge my head & not my heart.

[housekonig]

𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲.

i, frankly, haven't had the energy or positive mindset to sit down and write anything extensive out for this gratitude day, which is is a shame. however, i wanted to post something, with promises to outpour more love next year !

at this moment, i believe it's fair to say i'm most grateful for the folks in my simblr writing group. i've told you all multiple times how happy being in a group together makes me but, damn it, everyone else needs to know, too !!!! it's only been two months, but it feels like so much longer because everyone has been so enthusiastic and earnest—in general, but also with embracing each other's stories, getting to know one another, providing support and assistance. that was all i wanted. this little community's establishment has coincided with a terrible loss and truly awful time in my life, and i just can't adequately express how appreciative i am for everyone. i want to shoutout @300yearschallenge, @bridgeportbritt, @crownsofesha, @daniigh0ul, @greensleeves101066, @lynzishell, @madebysimblr, @rebouks, @simming-in-the-rain, @simstrashkingdom, @sirianasims, @saerelia, and @hannahssimblr in particular for so many insightful, instructive, funny conversations. it's so wild to me that i just met most of you and yet am excited every day to see what you've got to say. that's to say nothing of the storytelling itself !!!!! i'm grateful as well for @digital-deluxe @earthmoonz @funkyllama @housekonig @igglemouse @moonfromearth @simabloom @simeaz @simmysunset @stillgotme @the-lancasters @theroyalthornoliachronicles @trentonsimblr @warwickroyals @saerelia @xldkx i still have lots of catching up to do, but i'm happy to say i've started and am enjoying several, finally. i'm taking notes, whether it's on family dynamics or compelling prose or friendship or the importance of backgrounds and settings or whatever else. lastly, perhaps predictably: i haven’t kept up with too many stories this year for various reasons, but i have been @armoricaroyalty's biggest fan for the last two years. i’m grateful that gabe and i had such a truly epic, ridiculously fun collaborative project this year (almost entirely gabe’s doing, which makes me even more determined to repay the favor). i’m also so proud and happy that gabe’s story has really hit its stride and garnered a lot of well-deserved praise this year.

the big reason why i love gabe’s story is because there are so many interesting characters, all doing something, all woven together in ways that feel realistic and suspenseful and dramatic and hilarious and romantic … it takes a little bit of talent, a lot of skill, and a boatload of discipline to pull that off. gabe has all of it, and i’m so grateful to have been allowed to join in—whether as an enthusiastic sounding board, a partner in plotting, or just someone to agree heartily that, yes, that freddy poll had one (1) correct answer. i'm so excited to see the story continue now that this phenomenal chapter is ending, i have and will continue to learn a lot about the craft from gabe, and my own storytelling has improved immensely just by association (you know, plus the fact that my current project wouldn’t exist without him). oh, and: simblr is also about making friends, and our friendship is hands-down the best thing i've gotten out of this whole endeavor.

all of this makes me believe, in conclusion, that 2024 is going to be full of more delightful conversation, more delightful stories to read, and more friendship ♥️

[housekonig]

R4 CONFERENCE WRAPS UP with a STATE DINNER HOSTED by the QUEEN AT VERNICK PALACE

The R4 Conference came to a grand conclusion with a state dinner held at the Vernick Palace, hosted by Her Majesty The Queen. Delegates and Heads of State who attended the conference were able to indulged in a delicious meals while commemorating the agreements made and the progress accomplished. In a display of cultural solidarity, the night's menu featured a diverse array of meals and ingredients native to each of the represented member-nations.

This conclusion to the R4 Conference solidified the importance of inter-regional collaboration and the goals of the member-nations, leaving a lasting impression that will be remembered for years to come, impacting generations.

(OOC: Thanks to everyone who allowed their sims to visit. Thanks for your patience and collaboration. Also, thanks for allowing me to procrastinate my own story and tie this in, lol)

I didn't like the lighting but sharing since this is the end!

The Kingdom of Vernick (@housekonig)

United States of Simerica (NPC Nation Version)

The Kingdom of SimDonia (@bridgeportbritt_

The Empire of Pierreland (@officalroyalsofpierreland)

The Trentallia Union (@trentonsimblr)

The Kingdom of Uspana (@nexility-sims)

The Ionian Union (@funkyllama)

Empire of Francesim (@empiredesimparte)

The Kingdom of Illyria (@the-lancasters)

[housekonig]

R4 CONFERENCE SHARES TRADITIONAL "FAMILY PHOTO"

Towards the conclusion of the R4 Conference, the body's official website shared the traditional "family photo" taken every convening since the conference's founding in the 1970s (photos to come). For the photo, member-nation's Heads of State posed on the banks of the famous Queensbay Bridge, with Belen City in the background.

The Kingdom of Vernick (@housekonig)

United States of Simerica (NPC Nation Version)

The Kingdom of SimDonia (@bridgeportbritt_

The Empire of Pierreland (@officalroyalsofpierreland)

The Trentallia Union (@trentonsimblr)

The Kingdom of Uspana (@nexility-sims)

The Ionian Union (@funkyllama)

Empire of Francesim (@empiredesimparte)

The Kingdom of Illyria (@the-lancasters)

[housekonig]

WORLD LEADERS VISIT MEMORIAL OF THE UNNAMED WARRIOR

This morning, world leaders from the R4 Conference gathered to pay a solemn visit to the Memorial of the Unnamed Warrior east of Belen City. The visit not only served as a sign of unity among member-nations, but also to honor the brave individuals who have fought tirelessly for their countries. With a symbolic backdrop, these leaders posed on the steps near the Fountain of Peace. The heads of state also took part in a deeply significant ceremony, each laying a wreath in tribute to the fallen soldiers. This intimate and emotional session was conducted in private, closed off to photographers.

As the R4 conference draws to a close today, one of the final activities on the agenda will be the customary R4 "family photo," capturing a memorable moment among the key figures present at the event. To conclude the conference, Her Majesty The Queen will host a state dinner at Vernick Palace this evening, honoring the leaders for their efforts in collaborative discussions and diplomacy. The unforgettable evening is set to mark not only the end of a successful conference, but also to celebrate the hopeful impact of decisions made for the betterment of the regional community.

The Kingdom of Vernick (@housekonig)

United States of Simerica (NPC Nation Version)

The Kingdom of SimDonia (@bridgeportbritt_

The Empire of Pierreland (@officalroyalsofpierreland)

The Trentallia Union (@trentonsimblr)

The Kingdom of Uspana (@nexility-sims)

The Ionian Union (@funkyllama)

Empire of Francesim (@empiredesimparte)

The Kingdom of Illyria (@the-lancasters)

[housekonig]

Regional Resurgence: Education and Economic Growth at the Forefront of State of the Region Dinner Talks

The R4 Conference's traditional State of the Region dinner served as a platform for shared vision for economic growth and regional stability for member-nations. Elected officials from each member-nation delivered keynotes, sharing their national commitments and plans for fast-speed rail systems, increased intra-regional trade, and enhanced opportunities in education - all of which are set to turn the tides for the region's future.

The R4's governing body laid out plans for a speed rail network connecting the countries, designed to increase trade and commerce, while minimizing transit times and ecological footprint. Officials also highlighted measures to boost educational exchanges and university opportunities within the region, hoping to foster the intellectual potential of the region.Other topics covered include internet access, climate change, and shared other shared goals and initiatives.

The State of the Region dinner yet again showed that cooperative efforts amongst the R4 member-nations plays a fundamental role in building a more prosperous and well-connected region.

The conference continues with a museum visit, wreath placement, and will end with a state dinner hosted by Her Majesty and other senior members of the royal family.

The Kingdom of Vernick (@housekonig)

United States of Simerica (NPC Nation Version)

The Kingdom of SimDonia (@bridgeportbritt_

The Empire of Pierreland (@officalroyalsofpierreland)

The Trentallia Union (@trentonsimblr)

The Kingdom of Uspana (@nexility-sims)

The Ionian Union (@funkyllama)

Empire of Francesim (@empiredesimparte)

The Kingdom of Illyria (@the-lancasters)

[housekonig]

TOUR OF THE PALACE! TOUR OF THE PALACE! TOUR OF THE PALACE !🙏🥹

It’s coming! I promise. I’m trying to think of the best way since some parts are just rooms built and used as sets for the story. I aim to put together a booklet or pdf and try to use videos where I can. I want it to do it well AND have history to present.

[housekonig]

Her Majesty's Garden Party a Delight at the R4 Conference

World leaders took a break from their normal briefings, meetings, and seminars to attend a Her Majesty's Garden Party, hosted in honor of the R4 Conference. The former palace at Chandler Park in City-Center provided the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of laughter and conversations. Delegates and leaders were seen chatting away, sharing lighthearted banter, and discussing initiatives for a better and stronger region.

[Heads of State and world leaders pose in front of their respective national flags]

The palace even released a photos, via the Royal Circulate and SiennaImages.

The party was not just an opportunity for world leaders to come together—it was also an occasion to appreciate the arts, with live music and performances that kept guests entertained. However, their day isn't over since the conference continues this evening, where leaders will attend a "State of the Region" dinner, set to engage in further discussions on the most pressing regional challenges and opportunities.

Bonus photos:

The Kingdom of Vernick (@housekonig)

United States of Simerica (NPC Nation Version)

The Kingdom of SimDonia (@bridgeportbritt_

The Empire of Pierreland (@officalroyalsofpierreland)

The Trentallia Union (@trentonsimblr)

The Kingdom of Uspana (@nexility-sims)

The Ionian Union (@funkyllama)

Empire of Francesim (@empiredesimparte)

The Kingdom of Illyria (@the-lancasters)

[housekonig]

Vernick Palace Shares R4 Welcome Reception Photos

Stunning images have emerged from Vernick Palace, candidly capturing the Vernack charm and hospitalityon display at Her Majesty's Welcome Reception. The diplomatic corps, Heads of State, and other key figures congregated in the Ambassadors' Gallery of the palace's west wing for the event. The gallery was a 1788 addition and is renowned for its intricate frescoes and moldings. It was the perfect setting for regional diplomacy. Regional and world leaders were seen deeply immersed in a number of conversations, mixed with laughter, small talk, and catching-up with old acquaintances.

The royal rendezvous will extend its boundaries to Belen City tomorrow for Her Majesty's garden party. Described by palace officials as a "delightful afternoon blend of tradition and soft diplomacy," the event is will take place at The Chandler Park, in the City-Center Park. The day will end with the State of the Region dinner, providing an intimate forum for leaders to address regional concerns while savouring the culinary indulgences from each member-nation.

Also, photos of the room built for the occasion

The Kingdom of Vernick (@housekonig)

United States of Simerica (NPC Nation Version)

The Kingdom of SimDonia (@bridgeportbritt_

The Empire of Pierreland (@officalroyalsofpierreland)

The Trentallia Union (@trentonsimblr)

The Kingdom of Uspana (@nexility-sims)

The Ionian Union (@funkyllama)

Empire of Francesim (@empiredesimparte)

The Kingdom of Illyria (@the-lancasters)