#as a fan of sci fi and fantasy genres this is the constant struggle

[yuripira4e]

“Actually they won’t grow old together cause one character has a longer life sp-“ SHUT UPPPPPKP

[randomnumbers751650]

If you asked me the question “would you prefer a work that is good but it doesn’t me or a work that represents me but it isn’t good?”, I would simply refuse to answer this question. So,, with this in mind, I’m going to give my very personal thoughts on representation in media. Due to matters of space (this essay is 2.5k words long, I could've written more), I’ll just focus on national representation.

Representation has been a hot topic in popular discourse. At first I thought why is does this have to be such a theater for essentially discursive civil wars? But, as I absorbed more ideas, I can see why it’s so important. If I say that I prefer a good work than a representative work, I would be lying the moment I see a character in a not very good work and say “wow, this has just my experiences and issues”.

The biggest problem is that this is issue is so complex – the academic definition of complex, in which it’s not possible to separate an issue and analyze it everything else constant – I mean, in other words, representation isn’t everything that makes a person pay attention to a story. Speaking as a Brazilian, why do I sympathize, judge to be relatable characters with names that sound nothing like the names of people around me?

During all my life, I’ve been fan of stories produced in other countries, that are imported just because it’s successful in central countries, the Global North to use a common academic term. If I go to a bookstore, in the sections of fantasy and sci-fi, I’ll just see American and Western European names and if I see a name outside this, I’m pretty sure it made some success in the central markets. It feels like fantasy and sci-fi aren’t really genres that authors from the Global South really engage or readers want to see.

I exaggerate, obviously. If I search a little, it’s not too hard to find communities of Brazilian fantasy and sci-fi writer. Plus, traditional literary genres and horror seem to be genres resistant to this issue, mostly because (I believe) they are genres that deal directly with issues directly related to the people of a country/region, so they have much greater chances of having the most visible spaces in bookstores than other genres.

Plus, Brazilian stories were fundamental to my formation, especially Turma da Mônica comics (available in English as Monica’s Gang). Especially in the 1990s, Mônica comics had an amazing pacing, much better than anything else written. Recently, I started reading the webcomic Rei de Lata (Scrap King) and it’s one of the best written superhero-inspired, dystopia works that I’ve read recently, but it’s written in Portuguese and it doesn’t have the same distribution network as the big ones. But still, the number of foreign stories is much larger. And I’m part of the problem, as I will explain below – spoiler: I’m writing a webnovel in English instead of Portuguese.

I’m a fan animation and if you read this blog, you might guess that I like anime. I really enjoy how it uses the medium so creatively. It’s funny if you stop to think, because it tells the stories of characters who have nothing to do with Brazil. And yet I can see their struggles being relatable or interesting to others. But I have to admit I’m just interested in Japanese animation, people always say most weebs that enroll in Japanese studies courses abandon after one semester and I think I’d be one of them (to the chagrin of my friend); but “anime”, as a umbrella term, is a weird style, I tried learn how drawing for a while (stopped because I’m too old, anxious and non-innocent enough to be a visual artist) and one of the lessons I learned in practice is how weird anime is, in terms of realism.

And yet, I could mention so many series and characters that I just love. These stories have elements that can transcend the specific cultural references and can be something that’s accessible and enjoyable for people so far from the original geographic and historical context. And it’s not like that: we still see adaptations of legends from the Ancient Greece yearly. The stories of Hercules, Jason, Odysseus still inspire so many adaptations and retellings. We reference them liberally.

Well, now that I have the age I have and the degree I have, I can ask what makes the stories of a country/culture/region more accessible than others, to the point I know more stories from other countries than mine. The answer is simple: these central countries managed to make industries out of it. As much as writers want to produce art, the economy needs to be fed. The paradigm of companies of this economy is that the shareholders are the most important entity, in the sense that companies must serve them first (and only according to more radical adherents). The average shareholder – not the kind that buys 30k worth of Nintendo shares just to ask why they aren’t making a new F-Zero – doesn’t care about art, they care whether their money printer is working or not and will threaten to leave if their money printer isn’t printing money. Think of that next time you see a pointless Disney live-action remake.

So, the creation of cultural industries mean that the talents will simply be concentrated in certain locations. If you watch a Brazilian movie, you will see that, in the intro credits, it’ll take five minutes to go through all sponsors. This concept is completely alien in a Hollywood movie. In addition to the highly competitive environment, they will prioritize stories that are easier to get high budget, that have an acceptable risk-return ratio and so on. One of the current main tenets of marketing is to create a representative consumer and the more narrowed your product is to your representative consumer, the higher the chances of being a success, even if it doesn’t make a lot of money.

Writer, then, have to live close to the industrial centers. Movies, to use the most obvious example, are highly technological products, that move lots of adjacent industries and services. Not just because they’re closer to their bosses, but because they can share experiences and improve each other. And so the newest technologies. There are technical aspects to the writing of anything and the more distance you are from these centers, the chances of you producing a good work become lower. Do not underestimate networking – if there’s a class in my masters’ that messed me up was Social Network Theory because you can prove with data points that no matter how hard you try to a position, chances are you’re going to lose said position to a person who will earn the double, doing half the work, just because they’re better connected than you. So reading the room, dealing with the crew and, especially, who’s funding you is a trait indispensable to get your work done in a way that’s acceptable to you. Living far from these centers will lower your networking. And, because of them concentrating all these traits, they can afford more failures than the rest – failure affordability is something ignored in technological analyses, lots of projects will fail so that one succeeds, piles of garbage to produce one golden product.

Lacking this funding, technology and networking makes a content creator from the Global South cannot compete well with what they have (not just the Global South, central countries such as France have always combat the influx of American media). So, what do they have to do? Either adjust expectations to a (much) smaller market (in which the same issues of the main centers exist, just in smaller scale) or move up to the industrial centers. The second option requires a lot of planning and essentially shoot in the dark, which means there’s a chance of failing, and you’ll still be competing with others.

Representation is also subjugated by this economic logic. Once a writer asked me about representation of Brazilians in media. Brazil has over 200 million inhabitants, which means it’s a massive market to be explored, so they have an incentive to make a character Brazilian because it might attract Brazilian viewers, independent if it’s accurate or not. I recently watched Casually Comics’s video about Yara Flor, a Brazilian Wonder Woman successor, and she’s a half-Native Brazilian, half-Ancient Greek semi-goddess. I enjoyed that Brazilian folklore was represent, but I haven’t seen the comics, but the comment section seems to have some agreement that her characterization resembles more the experience of Hispanic Americans than actual Brazilians, who don’t necessarily have the same experiences (I lived in the US for six months and I have absolutely no plans to ever go there for more than a week ever again; a lot of Hispanic American writers prefer to write about the experiences of living in two cultures because it resonates with them and their audiences, but that doesn’t interest me, so if I’m reading/watching their stuff is for other reasons). I really wish I was in the meeting that decided she’d be a Brazilian character.

And, of course, there’s the issue of what Brazil is being represented. Other Brazilian regions than the Amazon, Rio de Janeiro and, sometimes, São Paulo, are virtually forgotten (especially the Northeast, which is unfortunately subject of prejudice in southern areas) and they have very different cultures that a foreigner might not be aware of. And that’s because Brazil is big. Take a less populous country, like Paraguay or Uruguay, I wonder how much they are asked about representation, like that writer asked me. And this is not something that people can easily deny, we like to see ourselves referenced in other works. A small example of how representation matters (and because it’s small, I feel it has more power) come from a fanfic – I had a friend who was writing a megacrossover between various mecha shows and he referenced Luxembourg being defeated by the fic’s enemies; Luxembourg is a very small country, known for being a fiscal paradise, and yet a Luxembourgian reader was elated to find his country represented.

The question is why do we have to live in such a representation limbo? Why do we have to wait the unlikely chance that a talented foreign writer has a special interest in our culture and present the story based on it to be profitable enough to be produced and distributed? It’s like the ending scene from Cats! I only watched the reviews of that terrible 2019 movie, but I can’t help but to think of that, different cultures are waiting for their name to be called and be allowed in the balloon. I feel the debate of representation is like that. Instead of relying on the cost-benefit analysis of large corporations, why can’t we decentralize the production of stories? Well, their massive distribution and logistics networks is an easy answer to that. But that also create a very uncomfortable problem because everybody wants to be represented, but there’s a limit of what can be done because world-reaching movies/books/comics/series are expensive and risky.

Representation is also good. One of the most admirable things of the Encanto movie is how it’s a magical realist book adapted to the theater. There was some effort put on it. But if it was bad, would it be a valid form of representation? I refuse to answer that.

Another thing that made me write this is my interest in Chinese gacha games, like Arknights and Genshin Impact. I feel the stories of those games have a better sense of the problems the Global South experiences (especially Arknights on the contradictions of economic growth), since China is still technically part of this group, so they offer something that American and Japanese stories kind of lack. But seeing leaks of what Natlan is supposed to be makes me feel it's going to cause a very large representation civil war when it comes, and I think they’ll make a…subpar work in representation. Natlan is supposed to be based on Pre-Columbian America, but, in a world that has nations entering the equivalent of Modern Era, it’s rather questionable, especially because Pre-Columbian America had civilizations and advanced national entities. I care because…I live in this side of the world, even if I have little contact with my country’s native culture (reminder: the Brazilian racial democracy myth is a myth that hides the violence that was the construction of the national identity), I feel a sense of obligation, and I like Genshin, but I’m not part of Genshin’s primary demographic target and I don’t think a lot of people that participate of the discourse knows that, so my opinion doesn’t really matter to MiHoyo. Still, there’s a chance they do something right. I like the channel Accented Cinema because his videos make a point that even if representation is not correct, if it’s made with love and respect, it’ll still be something valid, something that can a mark on someone.

So, the question of “why these stories that have little to do my context influence me so much?” remains unanswered. Due to their logistic structure, they have larger chances of resonating with an international audience. I was going to talk more about politics, but, no, the text is already too big. But I want to talk about how I’m part of the problem here.

I started writing fanfics in English because I started reading them and I said to myself “I could write as good as a native and I could practice my English”. I was kinda full of myself, but I really wanted to train my English because that’s what people to do have an edge in this competitive globalized society. So 15 years later, I’m writing an original novel about a girl in Japan go gets isekai’d to a fantasy world, because I like Japanese animation and other media (like Touhou, this exists because I thought the gag bullet hell videogame series started by a drunk programmer with interest in Japanese mythology was awesome) because I like isekai and I see it as a medium for good storytelling on cultural shock. I am not writing it in Portuguese because I wanted more people to read it, including my international friends. The result is that my novel is a marketing nightmare in its premise and most of my friends aren’t really interested (a friend was so concerned for months and she finally confessed one day she didn’t like it with tears in the DMs, but I said that I noticed that and I was waiting for her confession, because I wouldn’t just tell her in her face, and ended “no worries, nobody does”). Like a Brazilian saying says “you can take a donkey to the river, but you can’t make it drink”. I wonder what would happen if I had written in Portuguese…probably nothing would change.

Culture is made of many influences, sometimes they compete, sometimes they synthetize, but, having a degree in economics, we should remember that economics was called the “dismal science” and I see this dismality every day in the globalization, to the point I’ve asked myself if it’d be better if we never left our swamps and hovels. I know the answer to this question is negative, but seeing all the negative consequences in the history (especially the Atlantic Trade), it makes me weak to answer no…

[rains-inky-mind]

This or That

Writers' Edition

Tagged by @did-i-do-this-write. Thank you for including me!!

1. Historical or Futuristic?

Dystopian future is my go to, but historical vampire horror/romances are also good. If I had to pick, probably futuristic.

2. The Opening or the Closing of a chapter?

I always struggle with beginnings. Closings are more my strong suit. I'm way better at closings and ending with a something strong to foreshadow for something later on in the story or have a hook for the next chapter.

3. Light & Fluffy or Dark & Gritty?

I love Light & Fluffy, but I'm better at writing Dark & Gritty sadly.

4. Animal Companion or Found Family?

I've been writing Found Family since before I had the words to describe it. I'm team Found Family all the way!

5. Horror or Romance?

Why not a bit of both? I guess if I had to choose, I'd say Romance.

6. Hard or Soft Magic System?

Well, in my current WIP, ALW, the way that the magic works is that it flows through the planet—it's in all things. Of course there are certain people who weild magic but most just kind of live with the magic in them not using it but letting it influence them when it needs to (healing, slowing their aging, causing things to be luminescent). So, idk you tell me if this is a Hard or a Soft Magic System?

7. Standalone or Series?

I'm definitely more of a series writer (if I could get that far). As I'm writing chapter one for a book, I'm already thinking about a small detail that plays out later in the series lol. Plus, I'm a sucker for a good cliffhanger.

8. One Project at a Time or Always Juggling 2+?

Most of the time I'm switching between WIPs, but that just makes me lose focus on all of them and I end up abandoning them. Right now, I'm hyperfocused on ALW, refusing to even think about starting a new WIP, and this has caused me to write a lot more a lot faster. One Project at a Time is definitely working out better for me personally.

9. Fantasy or Sci-fi?

I'm a big fan of Sci-fi shows, but I love writing Fantasy. Fantasy is more boundless and fun for me.

10. Character or Setting Description?

Setting 100%. When I do Character Descriptions I feel like I'm infodumping, it doesn't feel fluid. When I do Setting Description I can go about it a lot slower and cut it up more which makes it feel smoother to me.

11. First or Final Draft?

For me, First Draft! By the Final there's not much actual writing left to be done. I enjoy the newness of the First and the endless possibilities! I like writing the First Draft and seeing what my character throw at me.

12. Literary or "Commercial" Genre?

(Tbh, I felt like I bad writer for having to look this up.) The description that I found and loved for this is that Literary is art and Commercial is more for enjoyment of the ride. And honestly, my writing is just a dumpster fire meant for my own enjoyment, so commercial. 😂

13. Love Triangle in Everything or No Romantic Arcs?

Do you mean Love Triangle (all three persons wanting each other but having to choose) or do you actually mean Love Corner (Charaters B and C both wanting to win over Character A)? Either way, if these are my only choices, I choose No Romantic Arc. I hate Love Corners/Triangles. I prefer A&B falling for each other in a very slow burn, angsty way or getting together quickly and being spoon-fed fluff.

14. Constant Sandstorm or Rainstorm?

Rainstorm all the way. I love the rain! That may or may not having to do with my being allergic to the sun. Also, I'm afraid of thunder and lightening, so??? Still, love the rain though.

Tagging: @dragon-swords-prophecies and @lysiswriting and anyone else who wants to join.

[starry-sky-stuff]

Would you rather: writing edition

Thanks for the tag @sleepy-night-child

1. historical or futuristic

All of my wips have a historical setting. Futuristic would take way too much thinking on my part about future technology and I am not technologically literate enough for that

2. the opening or closing chapter

I'm yet to write a closing chapter, but I struggle so much with openings that I usually just skip them and have to go back and write them once I have a better idea of where the story's going

3. light+fluffy or dark+gritty

As fun as it is do put your characters through the ringer, I find it much easier and more enjoyable to write the happier scenes

4. animal companion or found family

Always a fan of a good found family

5. horror or romance

Romance, obviously, considering one of my wips is an historical romance novel

6. hard or soft magic system

I much prefer the clear rules of a hard system to the vaguer soft system

7. standalone or series

I could not possible plan out a series and stick to it

8. one project at a time or always juggling 2+

I always need more than one wip at a time so that I can switch between them when I get bored with one

9. one award winner or one bestseller

I don't really know anything about book awards, so I definitely have to go with the bestseller

10. fantasy or sci-fi

Not much of a sci-fi fan myself

11. character or setting description

I definitely prefer setting descriptions to characters. I really struggle with describing characters

12. first or final draft

Haven't written a final draft yet

13. literary or 'commercial' genre

Not much of a fan of the literary genre reading wise so I can't imagine I'd want to write in it

14. love triangle in everything or no romantic arcs

As much as I enjoy romance, I couldn't out a love triangle in everything

15. constant sandstorm or rainstorm

As Anakin Skywalker perfectly put it, sand sucks

Tagging: @drippingmoon, @laufire-writes, @nectargrapes, @missbrunettebarbie-writer,

[somegirlsnerdywords2]

Anime i’ve Watched

That begin with a O (Part 1)!

Yep this is how i’m going to bring over all the anime and manga i’ve watched and posted about on the old blog. It’s not so detailed but it will have to do. Anything new I watch or read from this point on will have their own posts.

Ojisan to Marshmallow:

Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, Romance, TV Short

Synopsis: Habahiro Hige is a simple-minded older man who works an office job and is an enthusiast of Tabekko Marshmallows. His days often consist of being teased by his 24-year-old colleague Iori Wakabayashi, who uses his obsession to her advantage: from eating them in front of his face, to buying out his favorite brand from the convenience store, and even embarrassing him in front of their boss. Although her friends cannot fathom what she sees in him, she just cannot get over his marshmallow-like, fluffy frame. No matter the lengths it takes, Iori will find a way to get his attention. Little does Habahiro know that she is trying to seduce him into a romantic relationship with her. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, right? At least this is what Iori would honestly like to believe. With a bag in hand, Iori continues to make him chase after her day after day, hoping that he will finally see through her attempts. Will he ever realize that their relationship can become s'more? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

My Rating: 9/10

Finished airing in 2016 with a total of 12, 3 minute long episodes. 

My Thoughts: A cute, bite sized anime with feeling. Something light and short to watch on a bad day. 

Omoide Poroporo (Only Yesterday):

Genres: Slice of Life, Drama, Romance, Film

Synopsis:  Taeko Okajima is a 27-year-old, independent woman who spent her entire life in Tokyo. Looking to unwind from the rush of the big city, she decides to visit her family in the country to help out during the harvest. On the train there, Taeko vividly recalls her memories as a schoolgirl in the initial stages of puberty, as if she is on a trip with her childhood self. A young farmer named Toshio picks her up at the station, and they quickly develop a friendship. During her stay, Taeko forms strong bonds with family and friends, learning the contrasts between urban and rural life, as well as the struggles and joys of farming. Nostalgic and bittersweet, Omoide Poroporo takes on Taeko's journey as an adult woman coming to terms with her childhood dreams compared to the person she is today.

My Rating: 9/10

A film released in 1991. 

My Thoughts: One of the lesser known films by Studio Ghibli and well it didn’t leave that big of an impact on me it was still an experience to watch and one i’m thankful for. 

Onigiri: 

Genres: Comedy, Supernatural, Fantasy, TV Short

Synopsis:  Ancient Japan is under attack by powerful beings called "Kamikui," and it is up to the "Oni" and his band of eight beautiful female warriors to stop them. Each of these girls have unique skills, abilities, and personalities. They partner themselves with the Oni, Jin, to stop the miasma of darkness sweeping across Japan. Onigiri follows the escapades of Jin and his merry companions as they strengthen their bonds and fend off the demonic invasion. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

(Couldn’t find a gif, the one above is not from the anime.)

My Rating: 7/10

Finished airing in 2016 with a total of 13, 4 minute long episodes.

My Thoughts: Meh. Can’t remember a thing. 

Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki (Wolf Children):

Genres: Fantasy, Slice of Life, Film

Synopsis: Hana, a hard-working college student, falls in love with a mysterious man who attends one of her classes though he is not an actual student. As it turns out, he is not truly human either. On a full moon night, he transforms, revealing that he is the last werewolf alive. Despite this, Hana's love remains strong, and the two ultimately decide to start a family. Hana gives birth to two healthy children—Ame, born during rainfall, and Yuki, born during snowfall—both possessing the ability to turn into wolves, a trait inherited from their father. All too soon, however, the sudden death of her lover devastates Hana's life, leaving her to raise a peculiar family completely on her own. The stress of raising her wild-natured children in a densely populated city, all while keeping their identity a secret, culminates in a decision to move to the countryside, where she hopes Ame and Yuki can live a life free from the judgments of society. Wolf Children is the heartwarming story about the challenges of being a single mother in an unforgiving modern world. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

My Rating: 9/10

A film released in 2012.

My Thoughts: Like movies that make you cry and have a bit of an odd concept? This film may in fact be for you! Nice art and a touching story.

Orange:

Genres: Sci-fi, Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo

Synopsis:  Naho Takamiya's first day of her sophomore year of high school is off to an uneasy start. After waking up late, she receives a strange letter addressed to her. However, the letter is from herself—10 years in the future! At first, Naho is skeptical of the note; yet, after witnessing several events described to take place, she realizes the letter really is from her 26-year-old self. The note details that Naho's future life is filled with regrets, and she hopes that her younger self can correct the mistakes that were made in the past. The letter also warns her to keep a close eye on the new transfer student, Kakeru Naruse. Naho must be especially careful in making decisions involving him, as Kakeru is not around in the future. With the letter as her guide, Naho now has the power to protect Kakeru before she comes to regret it once more. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

My Rating: 8/10

Finished airing in 2016 with a total of 13 episodes. 

My Thoughts: I loved the manga... I honestly have no idea why I only gave the anime an 8... Maybe the story just had less impact the 2nd time around? Not a clue. 

Ore Monogatari!! (My Love Story):

Genres: Comedy, Romance, Shoujo

Synopsis: With his muscular build and tall stature, Takeo Gouda is not exactly your average high school freshman. However, behind his intimidating appearance hides a heart of gold, and he is considered a hero by the boys for his courage and chivalry. Unfortunately, these traits do not help much with his love life. As if his looks are not enough to scare the opposite sex away, Takeo's cool and handsome best friend and constant companion Makoto Sunakawa easily steals the hearts of the female students—including every girl Takeo has ever liked. When Takeo gallantly saves cute and angelic Rinko Yamato from being molested, he falls in love with her instantly, but suspects that she might be interested in Sunakawa. With his own love for Yamato continuing to bloom, Takeo unselfishly decides to act as her cupid, even as he yearns for his own love story. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

My Rating: 9.5/10

Finished airing in 2015 with a total of 24 episodes. 

My Thoughts: I freaking loved this anime!! The male lead wasn’t your typical pretty boy, all of the characters were wonderful in their own ways and the relationship between the two leads was painfully adorable. Big fan of this title!

[grenade-maid]

Something I really find interesting about Yoko Taro games is that they are all infected with some degree of Shitty Fantasy Lore Disease, but seemingly only as a prank to get overly literal fans riled up trying to map out every nook and cranny of worlds whose fine details literally do not matter at all towards the goal of telling meaningful stories. Like, I've been trying to find analyses of Drakengard 3, and so far the only thing I'm finding are people going full pepe silvia mode over the exact mechanics by which Accord may have traveled through time, or arguing over whether God made the flower or if it's its own thing. And I'm just like. Fellas. None of that has any relevance to what the game is actually *about*. Accord isn't meant to be literally understood as a time traveling robot whose origin we have to piece together, we're meant to understand her by the symbolic role that she plays in observing and intervening in Zero's constant cycle of self destruction. Similarly, we don't actually have to know anything about all the thousands of years of battles in Nier: Automata or worry about what's going on in the dark half of the planet because the story isn't actually *about* intergalactic robot battles, it's actually about struggling to find purpose and identity within a hostile environment (among other things).

If you look at these stories entirely literally they're barely coherent messes of half-hearted genre tropes expounded on with all the enthusiasm of a bored middle schooler doodling in the margins of their history test. And this drives fans NUTS because they're so used to fantasy and sci fi stories having nothing going for them symbolically and relying entirely on having volumes upon volumes of lore answering every inane question anyone might have about the history and mechanics of this fake world. And in that sense, Drakengard and Nier blow the whole fantasy genre out of the water because they prove the point that fantastical elements of a story can and should exist to be used to interrogate people and ideas through lenses not available in a conventional realistic narrative. In other words, they are testimony to what happens when the world exists to serve the narrative, instead of the narrative existing to justify the world.

[yourwannabekpopidol]

Project 15

Apprenticeship Program Name: Radio Campbuzz Project Name: RJ for Rangdhonu and script writer for shows Program Date: Fall 2017 – Fall 2018 Program Description: I joined this program when Kashfia Ma’am was the advisor for the program. She assigned me to a RJ position for a weekly show called, “Rangdhonu”. And I had to write the script for the show as well. What I had to do was be a host for the show and the show is about pop culture and entertainment. So we had to talk about any new update on Hollywood and Bollywood. Program Justification: What the show provided was to let the students know about any pop culture and to let them enjoy some entertainment before going back to class. There were other shows but this show made me realize how fun it is to be a RJ. Due to this show, I was even awarded the best RJ in Radio Campbuzz of Spring 2018. Program Name: Rangdhonu. Program Time: Every Wednesday from 12 pm to 1 pm.

Picture 1: This is me before the show of Rangdhonu at the station.

Picture 2: This is the poster that declared that Nabeela apu and I were the host of the show, Rangdhonu, on social media.

Picture 3: This was the award and the certificate of me winning the best RJ.

Script for the 5th Rangdhonu show: Written by: Wangkhem Thonglen

Link 1

Sonam Kapoor ties the knot! Celebrity marriages are always the talk of the town, especially when it is the much-awaited wedding of one of Bollywood's most beloved stars, Sonam Kapoor. In an event of grand celebrations, Sonam Kapoor has finally tied the knot last Tuesday, May 8, with her long-time boyfriend Anand Ahuja. For those who don't know, Anand Ahuja is a businessman who has founded his own fashion brand named Bhane. His Delhi-based business has made him quite successful despite his young age, and fans know him well for always being addressed fondly in Sonam's online posts. The couple is active on social media, and has never failed to win hearts through their messages of adoration and love. Radio Cambuzz wishes the couple a happy conjugal life!

SaRa May 12 marked the grand opening of SaRa's first showroom in Mirpur. The fashion house made a huge statement with endorsements from stars like Sara Zaker, Oyshee, Shahtaj, Pritom, Xefer, Azim, Doyel and many others. They were present during the opening, along with the owner S.M Khaled.

RABINDRA FESTIVALS AROUND THE COUNTRY The celebration of 157th birth anniversary of Tagore in Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka. Artistes performed in a programme by Jayita Rabindra Sangeet Shomillon Porishod in Mymensingh. Artistes did a cultural show in Rabindra Mela, Channel i premises, Dhaka. Artistes from Bangladesh and India performed in Rabindra Festival in Shelaidah Kuthibari, Kushtia. Also Sirajganj.

30 years of BAMBA - More than just bands After a break of almost four years, Bangladesh Musical Bands Association, better known as BAMBA, recently arranged a mega concert, 'BAMBA Live Chapter 1', in Dhaka. The turnout was huge, with the spacious hall room of the International Convention Centre, Bashundhara, filled to the brim with fans eager to get a glimpse of their favorite bands and listen to their all-time hits. 11 of the 27 bands under the umbrella of BAMBA, including Warfaze, Miles, Shunno, Aurthohin, Nemesis, Vikings, Feedback, Dalchhut, Maq O' Dhaka, Pentagon and Arbovirus performed at the concert. Star Showbiz recently invited BAMBA to participate at a roundtable discussion at The Daily Star Centre. Hamin Ahmed, President of BAMBA; Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, General Secretary; Fuad Naser Babu, Vice President; Maqsoodul Haque (Mac), Executive Committee Member; Mohammad Ali Shumon, Treasurer; and Doza Alan, CEO, SkyTracker Limited, took part in the roundtable discussion. It was facilitated by Star Showbiz Editor Rafi Hossain. The discussion focused on BAMBA's current activities and the way forward in the face of the challenges confronting our music industry.

Link 2

Zoe Saldana on the Hollywood Walk of Fame After smashing success as the alien warrior Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy films and more recently, Avengers: Infinity War, Zoe Saldana is on a path to eternal stardom, literally. She joins the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and her co-actor Chris Pratt, by receiving her very own star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Zoe Saldana took to Instagram to express her gratitude, saying she is blessed and honored to be a part of the history of Hollywood. “May this open more doors for Latinx and all other under-represented community!” she further stated. Zoe Saldana has also appeared in James Cameron's 2009 film Avatar and the recent Star Trek trilogy. Being a constant presence in blockbuster sci-fi and fantasy films, Zoe Saldana is expected to become a top name in this specific genre quite soon. 2018 71st Cannes Film Festival From Tuesday May 8th til Saturday May 19th. Australian actress Cate Blanchett has been named as the President of the Jury. Asghar Farhadi's psychological thriller Everybody Knows, starring Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz and Ricardo Darín, opened the festival and competes in the Main Competition section The Han Solo spinoff Solo: A Star Wars Story touched down Tuesday at the Cannes Film Festival, bringing its cast and a full-sized Chewbacca to the French Riviera extravaganza. Director Ron Howard, wearing a hat that read “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away,” introduced his cast before the film’s international premiere at Cannes. Sonam Kapoor wows at the red carpet of Cannes Film Festival 2018. Bollywood superstar Aishwarya Rai Bachchan once again stole the show as she walked the prestigious red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, this time in a stunning ultra-violet, blue and red gown that reflected the metamorphosis of a butterfly. History was made at this year's 71st  Cannes Film Festival on Saturday as 82 women, representing the limited number of women filmmakers selected over its more than seven-decade history, made a symbolic walk up the red carpet. The stars, filmmakers and other professionals ascended the steps of the Palais des Festivals at the Cannes Film Festival, protesting for the solidarity of the women in the industry who are struggling for a voice, equal pay, as well as a safer work place. The five female members of this year's Cannes jury-- Cate Blanchett, Kristen Stewart, Ava DuVernay, Lea Seydoux and Burundian singer Khadja Nin, along with Jane Fonda, Salma Hayek and Marion Cotillard were among the group of women.

Link 3 Mim Mantasha Superstar in the making Winning the country's biggest pageant is not an ordinary feat. Mim Mantasha has won not just a crown, but also the hearts of millions. Awaiting a new journey, the Lux Channel i Superstar 2018 winner shares her story with The Daily Star. A final year student of Fine Arts at Jahangirnagar University, Mim has always been a creative and curious soul. She was an avid follower of the contest for a long time. This year, she finally took the decision to compete. Taking part in the competition was certainly not a cakewalk. “We went through vigorous training sessions. We did yoga in the mornings,” explains Mim.  Before the task rounds, the contestants went through fifteen days of training for ramp walk, acting, dancing, and many other skills. The photo shoots, acting, and improvisation rounds were Mim's favourite tasks in the competition. “I was nervous but in a scene, I got to convince people through my acting that my child was lost. I enjoyed it,” Mim smiles, adding that the competition was an overall memorable experience. Although she is highly enthusiastic about working in the media, she wants to take more preparations before doing so. She is now Lux Bangladesh's brand ambassador and has also won the opportunity to work on television and feature film projects of Impress Telefilm. Before hitting the silver screen, Mim wants to explore the world of television. Being a painter at heart, Mim also wants to continue painting and have her own exhibition in the future. Further to this, she intends to work for children who need special care. “I am in a fortunate position and it is our duty to take care of those in need.” says Mim. With great intentions, we hope Mim Mantasha excels at every step of her future endevours.

Link 4

Avengers Infinity War Review The plot itself is pretty simple. There are six stones that possess mystic powers and he/she who possesses all the stones is by default the most powerful being in the universe. Our Marvel superheroes must forget their own conflicts and join forces against Thanos to restore the fate of the universe and its inhabitants. Of course, watch the movie to know how things pan out. Avengers: Infinity War is the movie of movies, and let me tell you why. Most, if not all, the characters of the MCU are present in this film and bring their own flavour into the mix. Thor is mourning the loss of his home and hammer, Stark feels he needs to take a break from saving the world, Captain America is still out to bring justice the right way, and Hulk has no control over himself. I don't know what formula the Russo brothers have applied in their direction but I watched in awe how all the characters blended to deliver multiple storylines within a movie. Yes, I have also compared this movie to a mega three-hour episode of your daily soap opera. Avengers: Infinity War is the comprehensive Marvel movie; it is the beginning of an end. It lifts you, it hits you, and leaves you with a cliffhanger extraordinaire. See it to believe it and it'll still be unbelievable. By next weekend, Infinity War will top $1.78 billion and could sit around $1.8 billion, ensuring Marvel's year-to-date tally exceeds $3.1 billion by next Sunday.

Deadpool 2 Marketing Right off the bat, you see how Deadpool has scratched out the 20th Century Fox logo and put “TBD,” which is a sly allusion to the ongoing Disney/Fox (and Comcast?) merger drama. The content of the letter is exactly what you might expect from the Merc with a Mouth. Pop culture references, silly puns, bad language, and Ryan Reynolds bashing. Then, at the bottom, instead of the #ThanosDemandsYourSilence, we get #WadeWilsonDemandsYourSisterSorryStupidAutoCorrectSilence. See, you guys, it’s funny! And not at all trying too hard. Kidding aside, the marketing for “Deadpool 2” has been pretty top notch, but perhaps not as great as the first film. Recently, the film premiered a music video for the soundtrack featuring Celine Dion singing an over-the-top ballad while a high-heel-wearing Deadpool does an interpretive dance around the diva. It’s ridiculous and fun. And also, the most recent trailer seems to have struck a chord with fans, who are coming down off their ‘Infinity War’ high.

Link 5

Top 10 Hollywood Box Office Weekend 1. Avengers: Infinity War - $62,078,047 (Total Grossing – $548,090,150) 2. Life of the Party - $17,886,075 (New) 3. Breaking In - $17,630,285 (New) 4. Overboard - $9,864,415 5. A Quiet Place - $6,455,396 (Total Grossing - $169,608,030) 6. I Feel Pretty - $3,805,437 7. Rampage - $3,462,442 (Total Grossing - $89,827,105) 8. Tully - $2,248,945 9. Black Panther -  $2,077,207 (Total Grossing - $696,331,818) 10. RBG - $1,188,186

Billboard’s top 10 Hits 1. This Is America – Childish Gambino (New) 2. Nice For What – Drake (Last Week: 1) 3. God’s Plan – Drake 4. Psycho – Post Malone Featuring Ty Dolla $ign (Last Week: 2) 5. Meant To Be – Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line 6. The Middle – Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey 7. Look Alive – BlocBoy JB Featuring Drake 8. Never Be The Same – Camila Cabello 9. Perfect – Ed Sheeran (Last Week: 12) 10. No Tears Left To Cry – Ariana Grande Learning and reflections: This program made me realize the inner potential I had to be so extrovert and be a good host. I learned what to do or say after getting stuck during a live session. I have improved my speaking skills and the flow of a RJ host on how to talk and say because they have a different tone when it comes to a live session. I have taken all these skills from this program and I even got selected and did a short commercial video for Spice FM Radio. I also learned how to write a script for a radio show.

[she-who-fights-and-writes]

She-who-fights-and-writes Coronacation Book Rec List

I know that a lot of people are stuck at home right now in dire need of entertainment, so I decided I’d put out a book recommendations list of all the books I’m currently reading and all of my must-reads!

(Just a note that a lot of these are Fantasy because I’m a fantasy nerd haha)

Books/Series I am currently reading

1. The Folk of the Air Trilogy by Holly Black (Currently on #2, The Wicked King)

Genre: High Fantasy

Setting: The land of Faerie which is kind of historical, but in the human world it is modern day

Main cast :

Jude Duarte (white, human, cutthroat, if I saw her in a Denny’s Parking Lot at 3am I would RUN)

Cardan Greenbriar (white, faerie, the true embodiment of Bastard)

Vivienne (Jude’s half-sister, lesbian with canon gf, half-human half-faerie, I would totally try to be her friend)

Taryn Duarte (Jude’s twin sister, queen doormat, still, I would take a bullet for her she’s jUST TRYING TO FIT IN)

Rating: 5/5 Stars

These books have been on my “To Read” list for so long now and for some reason I just never got around to reading them! Hands-down, these are some of the best high fantasy books that I’ve read in a long, long while.

I finished the first book, The Cruel Prince, in just two days and rated it 5/5 stars! Even though these books are high fantasy and focus on the traditions and ways of life of faeries, somehow all of the characters seem like I could meet them in real life!

The main character actually has genuine flaws and not just “””“flaws”””” and is a Bad Bitch down with murder, and the plot had me on the edge of my seat from page one!

The summary makes it sound like it’s going to be about their romance, but it’s really mostly about a power struggle and Jude being a badass.

Goodreads summary for The Cruel Prince:

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King. To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences. As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

2. The Raven Cycle Series by Maggie Stiefvater (Currently on #1, The Raven Boys)

Genre: Present-Day/Realistic Fantasy (?)

Setting: The fictional town of Henrietta, Virginia

I haven’t gotten around to much of the book, so there’s not much I can tell you about the characters and I can’t properly give it a rating yet.

These books were also on my “To Read” list for a while; I was a huge fan of her book The Scorpio Races and have also been looking for something to quench my thirst for “private school/ghosts/magic” that I’ve been dealing with ever since I read The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo.

I’ve only JUST started The Raven Cycle yesterday, but so far I am hooked! I’m super worried because I’m TERRIBLE at juggling two series at a time but both of these are just so interesting! 

Goodreads Summary for The Raven Boys:

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.” It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive. Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble. But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little. For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

MY MUST-READ BOOK LIST

1. The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Genre: Historical Fiction

Setting: 1700s Europe (England, Paris, Barcelona, Marseilles, Venice)

Main cast (I’ll try my best not to spoil anything because you find out a LOT of different stuff about these characters throughout the book):

Henry “Monty” Montague (white, bi/pansexual, attitude problem)

Percy Newton (mixed race, gay, very sweet boy, definitely got “most likely to bring home to mom” in the yearbook)

Felicity Montague (white, Monty’s little sister, headcanoned as asexual, I love her to death)

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Daring adventure, gay representation, historical setting, hilarious characters!

This book literally has it all! I would consider it one of my favorite books of all time, yet for some reason I’ve never gotten around to reading any of the sequel books! The ending is very satisfying and ties everything together, which I feel is part of the reason why I haven’t gotten around to them yet. 

Therefore, it can serve as a one-shot read or a full series if you want to dive into something good!

The humor made me laugh out loud at points and all of the characters are very real and very, very relatable, not to mention the vivid settings of 1700s Europe!

Goodreads summary:

Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men. But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy. Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

2. The Ninth House By Leigh Bardugo

Genre: Horror, Fantasy 

Setting: Yale University and the town of New Haven, Present Day

Main cast:

Galaxy “Alex” Stern (Hispanic, sees dead people, very scary)

Daniel Arlington “Darlington” (white, rich, an angel who can sometimes be a dick)

Pamela Dawes (tbh I honestly don’t remember what she looks like, only that she’s a tired grad student with big nerd energy)

Detective Alan Turner (Black, takes shit from nobody, husband material)

Rating: 4/5 Stars

(NOTE: THIS IS VERY DARK ADULT FICTION AND CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT MAY BE TRIGGERING FOR SOME PEOPLE, WOULD NOT RECOMMEND FOR PEOPLE UNDER 16)

This book is a great read for someone who’s looking for a disturbing, gritty book with layers upon layers of secrets that you have to peel away as the mystery unfolds. I love the secret societies and the intricate magic systems that the book introduces, and it actually made me hungry for more books like it!

 Alex is a three-dimensional, very real character who also serves as an unreliable narrator who witholds or warps the information that she’s telling you, making the narrative all the more riveting.

The only issues that I have with it are the fact that Leigh Bardugo kind of just dumps you in the middle of it without explaining stuff first, to the point where it kind of feels like you’re reading the second installment of a series rather than the first one, so things can get a bit confusing at first.

The book also can drag and draw things out for a bit too long, but once the plot fully kicks into gear, you will not be able to put it down!

Goodreads summary:

Galaxy “Alex” Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale’s freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. By age twenty, in fact, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she’s thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world’s most elite universities on a full ride. What’s the catch, and why her? Still searching for answers to this herself, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale’s secret societies. These eight windowless “tombs” are well-known to be haunts of the future rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street and Hollywood’s biggest players. But their occult activities are revealed to be more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive.

3. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Setting: Earth, Space, The Moon

Main cast :

Linh Cinder (Chinese, based on Cinderella, cyborg, certified badass)

Scarlet Benoit (French, based on Little Red Riding Hood, farmer who is not afraid to shoot you)

Cress Darnel (White, based on Rapunzel, nerd, I will protect her with my life if I have to)

Kaito “Kai” (Chinese, based on Prince Charming, kind of has to run a whole country, a very kind soul, deserves a nap)

Carswell Thorne (White, based off of Rapunzel’s Prince, bastard)

Winter Hayle (Black, based off of Snow White, royalty, has super special powers)

Wolf (Race unspecified, based off of the Big Bad Wolf, charming killing machine, furry????) 

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Do you like fairy tales?

Have you ever wanted to know what fairy tales would be like if they took place in the FUTURE instead of the PAST? 

Do you like an amazing, hilarious cast paired with a super interesting plot? 

These are the books for you!

I haven’t read them in so long, but I remember how much joy I felt while devouring these pages. Definitely something you will not able to put down!

Goodreads Summary for Book #1: Cinder: 

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

4. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Genre: Fantasy

Setting: Ancient Greece

Main cast:

Patroclus (Greek, Gay, quiet pining) 

Achilles (Greek, gay, very strong, student athlete energy)

Brisies (Anatolian, clever, literally the only one in this story who has a brain cell)

Rating: 100000/5 stars

This is basically the Iliad but if historians hadn’t completely erased Patroclus and Achilles’ relationship. “Haha yeah these guys were totally bros” they say, even though I have read the Iliad and their relationship isn’t even subtle.

This book made me cry at least ten times. It’s just so beautifully written and has such a distinct vibe to it that whenever I crack it open for another time, it takes me straight back to the vacation that I read it on. (Needless to say, sobbing your eyes out can be less than helpful when you’re on the beach)

If you can only read one book on this list, it should be this one. I could talk all day about it and write novels on just how much of an incredible writer Madeline Miller is, but I feel like you’d get my drift a bit better if you actually read the book.

Goodreads Summary:

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. By all rights their paths should never cross, but Achilles takes the shamed prince as his friend, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles' mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. But then word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus journeys with Achilles to Troy, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear. Profoundly moving and breathtakingly original, this rendering of the epic Trojan War is a dazzling feat of the imagination, a devastating love story, and an almighty battle between gods and kings, peace and glory, immortal fame and the human heart.

Hope this list helps you through your coronacation, and please don’t be afraid to reblog or message me to tell me if you’ve read/will read any of these!

[merakiaes]

Can I get a Criminal Minds and Marvel matchup? I’m female/straight. I’m 5’1, athletic build, with long black wavy hair, brown eyes, tanned skin, and cat eye glasses. Im a Slytherin, Leo and chaotic neutral. I’m quite the lone wolf and extremely independent but I can be outgoing with very close friends. I’m creative, independent, confident in my own skin, and quite laid back. However, if someone tries to control my thoughts and actions I can be very stubborn. I have a sarcastic and witty sense of humor and love banter. I love digital art, digital design, fashion design/cosplay, and 3D design. I also love kickboxing and strength training. I love playing video games and watching all sorts of movies (fantasy, sci fi, and espionage being my favorite genres). I don’t physically read much but I love audiobooks. I also love conspiracy theory podcasts. Thank you!

CRIMINAL MINDS

I ship you with Derek Morgan!

You are definitely Derek Morgan’s type on paper both appearance-wise and personality-wise.

Derek is, too, somewhat of an independent lone wolf so I feel like you’d be great together in the way that you wouldn’t be clingy or overly time-consuming to each other. You’d both be totally cool if the other just wanted to do other stuff on their own or in the company of other people. You would be okay with not always being attached at the hip which would really make your relationship stronger because you know then that it would be real.

You say that you’re confident in your skin and you just sound very laidback in general, both of which are qualities Derek appreciates in his women. He doesn’t want them to be over-the-top enthusiastic (the only exception being Penelope), nor does he want them to be too laid-back, you know? He likes a women who can read the room; be outgoing with loved ones, but also be serious when the moment calls for it. Just generally genuine. 

Derek isn’t the type to try to control his partner. With him, you’d be free to do completely as you wanted. If someone else tried to decide over you and you’d respond to it with a stubborn attitude, he’d most likely take your side, call the other person out for their bullshit and tell them to stop trying to tell you what to do, rather than telling you to “calm down” like so many others instinctively would. He would be very respective of your boundaries and validate and justify them rather than try to quiet your reactions down.

Your mutual love for witty and sarcastic banter would probably be what he’d be attracted to before anything else. He’d absolutely love bantering with you and you just know that you’d put on the most hilarious of shows for your friends and family. Your constant banter would definitely be the behavior in which everyone first and foremost sees how much you care about each other. 

Other than your humor and way of expressing it, you also have your interest of working out in common. He’s obviously a very muscular guy and he loves combat sports, so he’d absolutely adore working out with you, whether it be at home or in the gym, and he’d gladly practice kickboxing with you. He’d treasure these moments so much that he’d probably even go as far as to let you beat his ass while training. His ego wouldn’t even be hurt in the slightest, because being beaten by you would just be amazing for him - he’d be so proud and amazed with you.

When it comes to your other interests, the more artistic and cultural ones, he’d really be relieved that you have such safe and harmless interests. If you get shot, it’s more likely to be at home, in a game, than in real life.

Because of the inner peace he feels from knowing you’re not out getting yourself in danger, he’d always be encouraging you to take your interests a step further, giving you constructive criticism as well as praise for your art pieces, keeping an eye out for jobs and contacts that’ll take you further in your career. 

The only downside to a relationship between you and Derek would be that you’d also, without a doubt, be Penelope’s ideal friend. Both of you love video games and your favourite movie genres are just the same as hers.

Chances are high that Derek would been left out while you and Penelope nerd out over nerd-things, and be left butthurt and offended when he comes home on several occasions to see that you’re hosting a video game/movie-night that he has most definitely not been invited to, even if you at some point share a home.

At the end of the day, though, the fact that you’re so much like Penelope and that the two of you would get along so well, would only make him love you even more. Especially when he sees the costumes the two of you wear when going to different cosplay conventions together.

  MARVEL

I ship you with Tony Stark!

Tony isn’t a lone wolf, per se, but he is independent. Even in a committed relationship, he doesn’t like being held back and tied down. He likes to hold on to at least a small amount of his freedom and I get the feeling that that’s the case for you, as well. Like you don’t want to be attached at the hip 24/7 because getting to miss each other is a really important part of a strong, long-lasting relationship and both of you give me the vibe that you need to do things on your own sometimes.

Of course, Tony is also a very big fan of radiating confidence and since he’s the literal sass-master, your banters would just be unbeatable. No one would be able to keep up and watching you interact would be like watching an intense match of table tennis, with a little cheeky twists seeing as Tony would never miss an opportunity to get a suggestive joke into a conversation if given the chance. 

Tony wouldn’t try to control you, either. Probably not even if you were in the wrong, because he just always sticks up for the people he’s personally biased for, no matter what the issue at hand is.

However, if your patience when being told what to do is so bad that you in stressful and frustrating situations can’t even handle getting instructions (I’m like that so I mean absolutely no offense), he’d probably have a great time seeing you struggling because, well, he’s Tony. 

“Not that screw, honey. That screw goes in the left part.”

“I don’t need you to point that out for me, Tony. I can handle this on my own.”

“Whatever you say, sweetheart.” 

You know, that kind of struggle😂 

Digital art, digital design and 3D design are all, although a little bit different, a big part of his daily life, too, and I can imagine that he’s not very big on reading either, when he doesn’t absolutely have to. Instead, he would prefer listening to audiobooks like you so that he can work while he listens, so I can picture the two of you sitting together, working on your separate projects while listening to audiobooks that suit both of your preferences in knowledge.

Like Derek, Tony would definitely encourage you to pursue your interests and make a career out of them. He’d help you by introducing you to his contacts in your areas of expertise and get you all of the supplies you’d need. If you ever got to design a clothing line, he’d definitely buy one of everything from the entire collection.

Unlike Derek, however, he would not want to work out with you. Why? Because he just wouldn’t want to be humiliated by being Black Widowed by you. You’d probably really intimidate him and he wouldn’t be afraid to admit it. He’d rather just watch you do your thing with a mixture of pride and attraction from afar.

He’d love to watch movies with you, though. But only because he’d be able to flaunt his big brain by pointing out all of the incorrect science details. I don’t know if you’d enjoy it as much as he would, but it would certainly still be a memorable way for the two of you to spend time together.

And don’t even get me started on the conspiracy theories. Tony Stark’s entire persona relies on science. If he can’t prove it in his lab, then it’s not even worth a second of his time. It’s just not realistic. So he’d definitely make fun of you for listening to those theories, but it would all be in good fun and you’d only get some good banter out of it.

At the end of the day, the two of you would look great together because underneath all of the jokes and banter, he’d really care about you.

[far-off-flower-fields]

Weird Questions that say a lot

1. coffee mugs, teacups, wine glasses, water bottles, or soda cans? Teacups!

2. chocolate bars or lollipops? Lollipops

3. bubblegum or cotton candy? Cotton candy

4. how did your elementary school teachers describe you? We call elementary school primary school. It depended which teachers you asked, my favourites always said I was “conscientious, kind, and a pleasure to have in class”.

5. do you prefer to drink soda from soda cans, soda bottles, plastic cups or glass cups? Glass cups or bottles.

6. pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal or sportswear? I have like 4 looks, pastel, boho, and goth/witchy/grunge, also vintage-inspired which wasn’t mentioned but I love it.

7. earbuds or headphones? Depends on the shape, I love my Razr headset because it doesn’t squash my ears, and I like galaxy bud shaped earbuds, the ones with the little rubber doo-dads that fit actually in your ear. Apple or a lot of older flat earbuds cause me a lot of pain.

8. movies or tv shows? TV shows. Movies are getting longer and longer and my focus is getting shorter and shorter

9. favorite smell in the summer? Rainy days!

10. game you were best at in p.e.? The game of queue-ducking (where you go to the back of the queue to avoid your turn), or dance, or the less strength intensive parts of gymnastics. Or crying, always been great at that xD

11. what you have for breakfast on an average day? Muesli, or nothing.

12. name of your favorite playlist? I prefer to listen to full albums rather than playlists, but I have a few favourites on Spotify. Born to Run 150BPM, Infinite Indie Folk, Irish Folk: Jigs and Reels, All Out 80s/90s/00s. I also love scene/pop-punk playlists.

13. lanyard or key ring? Key Ring

14. favorite non-chocolate candy? Message Hearts (or anything with that texture), the red pack of starbursts (the UK version is vegan). Does Turkish Delight count because if so then that is my fave. I also like gummies if they’re vegan.

15. favorite book you read as a school assignment? To Kill a Mockingbird (high school), or The Bloody Chamber (uni), or Hamlet (uni)

16. most comfortable position to sit in? One foot under me, the other foot out to the other side, but both in the same position (if the surface is flat), or knees up.

17. most frequently worn pair of shoes? I own a lot of shoes so there isn’t really a single pair I wear the most. Recently my Air Force 1s, I’m trying to wear them in because the previous owner didn’t so the cause blisters.

18. ideal weather? Cold, overcast, rainy, still. Or without the rain. or snow (as long as I’m not going in the car and I can go crunch my shoes in it xD

19. sleeping position? Either side, but my body is kinda rotated towards the bed so it’s like half way between on my stomach and on my side. 

20. preferred place to write (i.e., in a note book, on your laptop, sketchpad, post-it notes, etc.)? Notebooks

21. obsession from childhood? Animals, dinosaurs, goddesses, magic, crystals, neopets, sims. I still love all of these things, I am a rotating door of obsessions, usually a bunch of the same obsessions on repeat.

22. role model? I don’t have one particular role model, I do have tons of people that I love and respect.

23. strange habits? I have so many strange habits that I have become one myself. Nothing actually stands out though because 99% of it is because of my brain.

24. favorite crystal? rose quartz or moonstone.

25. first song you remember hearing? Maybe Dancing Queen by ABBA, definitely the first I remember dancing to, but my dad loves music so I grew up with a constant stream of it.

26. favorite activity to do in warm weather? Suffer xD when I’m able to do so comfortably I’d love to go out looking for pretty stones, and nice sticks with my fiance, also would like to go on picnics with him, or a friend if I had one.

27. favorite activity to do in cold weather? Baking, drawing, crafts, standing in the rain. Everything.

28. five songs to describe you? 6/10 - Dodie Robert Frost - Mal Blum Caught in the Middle - Paramore Side Effects - Jade Bird Snitches Get Stitches - Onsind  Bonus track: The Seed - Aurora I wish I still had the playlist I made of songs I relate to, several of these were on it though.

29. best way to bond with you? Oversharing, or telling me about things you’re into.

30. places that you find sacred? Nature. My favourite spots are little creeks/rivers in wooded areas, but just like, all of it is special and should be treated as such. Also bedrooms.

31. what outfit do you wear to kick ass and take names? I think maybe I’m not gutsy or whatever enough, but also unpredictable. I wear whatever I like, and I’m just as likely to cry in all of them as I am to accidentally get in a fight.

32. top favorite vines? I feel so basic because I never really did the vine thing.  There was one that nearly killed me because I literally started to choke that was in some kind of office and the bit like can you run this past me again, and they just fucking legged it past them holding a folder up, Saw it once, never saw it again. Road work ahead. Why you can’t lift a house (might be a tok?) Brass dad and oven kid Look at this graaaaph Never learned how to read I can’t sit I have hemorrhoids The one with the people in blankets bobbing the nana nanana song Fr esh avo ca do Look at all these chickens

33. most used phrase in your phone? I love you - if I had to guess

34. advertisements you have stuck in your head? right now, nothing. I often get the old Super Liquor jingle lodged in there though.

35. average time you fall asleep? 6am?

36. what is the first meme you remember ever seeing? Charlie the unicorn or that one Noodles video by Cyanide and Happiness. Are those even memes?

37. suitcase or duffel bag? Depends. I mostly use a bag though since I never go anywhere for long.

38. lemonade or tea? Tea? Usually if you ask for lemonade here you get Sprite which is not lemonade.

39. lemon cake or lemon meringue pie? I had a vegan lemon meringue pie once, so good. Cake is easier to make though, and I can eat more in one sitting without getting sick xD

40. weirdest thing to ever happen at your school? Um, the principal in my last year of school got caught for being a peeping tom a few years after I left.

41. last person you texted? My Fiance.

42. jacket pockets or pants pockets? Jacket pockets

43. hoodie, leather jacket, cardigan, jean jacket or bomber jacket? Depends on the rest of the outfit and the weather. I wear Jean jackets most though.

44. favorite scent for soap? I love lavender, or vanilla/candy/fruity/baked goods type scents. I still have a bottle of Sugar Fairy spray from lush from a year ago and I love the smell of that.

45. which genre: sci-fi, fantasy or superhero? Fantasy I think.

46. most comfortable outfit to sleep in? Nekkid?

47. favorite type of cheese? As a kid it was feta. Now I only eat vegan cheese. I was never a huge cheese fan tbh.

48. if you were a fruit, what kind would you be? Rotten xD um probably a cranberry or something because I’m small, and I’m not a fan of cranberry.

49. what saying or quote do you live by? An it harm none do what you will. Or treat others as you wish to be treated.

50. what made you laugh the hardest you ever have? Probably one of the vines I listed above, either “run it past” or “can’t lift a house” because both of those resulted in crying and choking.

51. current stresses? My cat has been throwing up and having diarrhoea the past week or so, she’s been to the vet, it got better for a bit, but tonight suddenly got worse. Living with my parents who I have a very toxic relationship with. Living in a single very overfilled room. Trying to not spend money so that I can save up to move next year. Nightmares about my trauma. Either the house is haunted or there’s a build up of negative energy (probably that).

52. favorite font? I always liked the look of all of the script style fonts (freestyle, french, lucida, lucida calligraphy, Edwardian, Palace) but they’re not accessible so for anything people will actually see (which is literally nothing) I always go with arial.

53. what is the current state of your hands? Slight rash on one finger because I’m sensitive to what is in a lot of hand washing products apparently (never an issue until the pandemic), one broken finger nail that is a bit shorter than the rest. Not painted nails because energy. I always wear my engagement ring, usually I wear several other rings but with how my skin is being I thought I’d better not for a while.

54. what did you learn from your first job? Bakeries are hell, my circadian rhythm will not adjust to anything besides its natural state for longer than a couple of days at a time no matter how long or hard I try. I can absolutely fall asleep standing up.

55. favorite fairy tale? Ugly Duckling

56. favorite tradition? I don’t have anyway... Yet? Hopefully when I move this can become a thing.

57. the three biggest struggles you’ve overcome? I’m interpretting overcome loosely here, meaning “I have not died from this” - Suicide of my first love - Bullying - 3 different jobs that all nearly killed me

58. four talents you’re proud of having? Literally can’t think of one. I’m not talented. I’m passable at a couple of things, but I worked for those things and I’m still not good enough for anyone to confuse me for being talented xD Those things I care about that I’ve worked on a lot are singing, art, languages, crafts? I still struggled to come up with 4. My bad.

59. if you were a video game character, what would your catchphrase be? Aw jeez xD

60. if you were a character in an anime, what kind of anime would you want it to be? Magical Girl! This is an easy one, give me the powers and the clothes yessss.

61. favorite line you heard from a book/movie/tv show/etc.? Literally sitting here drawing a blank, so instead of favourite here is the first one that came into my head “eyes are the genitals of the head” (may have that wrong, I’m watching the Office for the first time rn)

62. seven characters you relate to? Clementine from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Amelie from Amelie Matilda from Matilda Quasimodo from the Hunchback of Notredame (also my favourite plush as a kid) Iris - The Holiday Jess - New Girl Amelia Shepherd - Grey’s Anatomy Struggled with this because suddenly I drew a blank and also couldn’t remember who my Fiance was talking about every time he’s watched a character and said “that’s you” repeatedly.

63. five songs that would play in your club? Starlight - Superman Lovers Pump It - Black Eyed Peas I Bet that You Look Good on the Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys All the Things She Said - tATu Doctor Jones - Aqua Bonus: Push Up - Freestylers These are ones  I have memories of dancing to when I was younger so that’s how I picked, but I’d absolutely be a themed night club with different music on different nights.

64. favorite website from your childhood? Neopets, which I still play daily. The first I played was MaMaMedia, then Bubblegum Club.

65. any permanent scars? That’s a SORE subject heh get it heh

66. favorite flower(s)? Lavender, rose, peony

67. good luck charms? I usually carry gemstones if I’m needing to be particularly lucky, or sigils.

68. worst flavor of any food or drink you’ve ever tried? I hate anything spicy. I had rootbeer candy that tasted like literal dirt. I can’t eat banana stuff without gagging and getting a headache. I hate anything that is artificial blackberry or blackcurrant, tastes like shitty cough syrup.

69. a fun fact that you don’t know how you learned? Sea Monkeys breathe through their feet, but I remember where I learned that.

70. left or right handed? right

71. least favorite pattern? depends entirely on the colours, I like patterns. but certain stripes do make my eyes feel funny.

72. worst subject? If PE counts, then that. If not, math.

73. favorite weird flavor combo? I love pineapple on pizza but that’s not weird. Iused to eat cheese and jam sandwiches as a kid though.

74. at what pain level out of ten (1 through 10) do you have to be at before you take an advil or ibuprofen? I operate on how long it has lasted instead of how bad it is, essentially I get so desperate so I’ll try it even though it probably won’t help. I have the resistance of a rhino to most meds.

75. when did you lose your first tooth? No idea, like 4 I think? I did keep them in a weird little box for no reason though because they never got taken away from under my pillow.

76. what’s your favorite potato food (i.e. tater tots, baked potatoes, fries, chips, etc.)? I’m a fan of a good mash if it has lots of flavour (like gravy). Otherwise, crisps or fries.

77. best plant to grow on a windowsill? I grew a radish once! Something cat safe though these days, also maybe something heavy, and hard to knock over?

78. coffee from a gas station or sushi from a grocery store? Grocery Store sushi, if it’s just veg.

79. which looks better, your school id photo or your driver’s license photo? My only ID is my passport, and it is BAD.

80. earth tones or jewel tones? Both.

81. fireflies or lightning bugs? Fireflies (ten million of them to be precise)

82. pc or console? Grew up with PC. Now play my switch mostly.

83. writing or drawing? Both. Wrote more as a kid, draw more now.

84. podcasts or talk radio? Podcasts.

84. barbie or polly pocket? Both. But I prefered pollies as a kid

85. fairy tales or mythology? mythology

86. cookies or cupcakes? cupcakes

87. your greatest fear? Based on my nightmares, stairs.

88. your greatest wish? To live in a comfy house, in the country, with my Fiance, I have travelled the world, we have pets, I can function, we are free.

89. who would you put before everyone else? My Fiance and out animals.

90. luckiest mistake? Can’t think of any, most of my mistakes have been more like bad choices, also never turned out well for me.

91. boxes or bags? Depends what it’s for?

92. lamps, overhead lights, sunlight or fairy lights? lamps, or fairy lights. Unless I’m particularly anxious, then overheads.

93. nicknames? None.

94. favorite season? Winter

95. favorite app on your phone? LINE, it has my fiance, and animated stickers.

96. desktop background? Little Twin Stars

97. how many phone numbers do you have memorized? My own.

I never get asks and needed to distract myself so I’m going to just answer these anyway, like a survey or something. Original post by tr33-g1rl 

[takerfoxx]

Okay, so how do you rationalize enjoying the works of H.P. Lovecraft? Does 'death of the author' play a factor in your decision?

Good question, and one with a very...complicated answer. So I would say...yes and no.

Look, you can’t get rid of Lovecraft. The man’s fingerprints are all over modern fiction. The Cthulhu mythos and associated works are just too damned big and widespread, and even if society collectively decided to jettison everything Lovecraft wrote and forget about it entirely (which they won’t), he still practically invented the cosmic horror genre and remains its gold standard, and his influence is all over horror, sci-fi, and various flavors of fantasy. His stuff is too baked in at this point. It’s not going anywhere.

Well, okay. Then let’s get rid of the man himself. Death of the author and all that. It’s not like Orson Scott Card where purchasing his work will put money into the pocket of someone with terrible views and allow him to use that money to further his despicable causes. Lovecraft is dead and buried, his work is public domain, so it belongs to everyone now! Besides, the man was a notoriously bad businessman who couldn’t keep control of his own intellectual property even in life, so he never profited off his works and died early in massive poverty from a disease likely caused by his inability to purchase healthy foods! So we agree that he was a scumbag but still enjoy his works without guilt because we won’t be supporting his abhorrent views, right?

Well, no. Because he differs from Orson Scott Card in another respect, in that at the very least Card’s views are separate from his works, whereas with Lovecraft they’re baked into the very marrow. There are so many of his stories where the big terrible twist is that someone turns out to be black or part black or something like that, which he saw as being bad enough to act as a horror twist, and even the stories that don’t directly incorporate his racism, there’s ample evidence that his fascination with cosmic horror, with the whole “Something so alien that simply beholding it will cause insanity!” was directly caused by his demented fear of the other. One directly informed the other, there is no getting around that.

So what’s the answer? Well, for me the answer is simply to be wise about it, and make your own choice. For me, I can acknowledge that the man was an appalling bigot even by the standards of his day, to the point where other appalling bigots were embarrassed to associate with him because of how far he took it. I can also acknowledge that he was a fabulously talented writer who created an amazingly detailed mythology. I can agree that the whole Old Gods and their like is a super cool concept and even incorporate it into my own work while also being fully aware of how much of it was informed by some really fucked up views. I take the whole plate, make use of the great stuff while refusing to turn a blind eye to the shitty parts, because there is still something to be learned from it. But by the same token, there’s many who are so disgusted by Lovecraft that they’d rather have nothing to do with him at all, and that’s perfectly valid as well. 

There’s a quote I like from the TV show Firefly, where a jackass mercenary discovers that some entirely selfish actions of his from the past had accidentally turned him to a folk hero at a backwater town, and he’s all confused by it. And his captain tells him something to the effect of, “Everyone who’s ever had a statue made of them was one kind of sumbitch or another.” And the guy who created Firefly turned out to be a serial cheater, with a lot of his own...problematic views still popping up his works. Basically, we have to come to terms with the idea that talent is no respecter of decency, and so many of our “heroes” did pretty rotten things. Thomas Jefferson was a pretty nasty guy, MLK was also a serial cheater, and Ghandi...man, what a weirdo. And let’s not even get into the hot mess that was Mother Theresa! Hell, I’m a wrestling fan, and do you know how many times we have to come to terms with these things? Chris Benoit, Hulk Hogan, Vince McMahon, the list goes on. But this also doesn’t erase the great things that these people did, and how much it shaped our history. So yes, I can watch and enjoy a Chris Benoit match while still keeping in mind that the deep-seated issues that eventually drove him to murder his family also played a part of why he was such a great wrestler while also acknowledging the many traumas, concussions, and lack of sorely needed help that caused those issues to spiral out of control while also not justifying the things he did. I can enjoy Hulk Hogan’s work and appreciate what he did for the business while also acknowledging his racism and the shitty way he treated other people. I can enjoy many of the things Vince McMahon did and created while also pointing out and condemning all the terrible things he’s done and continues to do, even if I do currently refuse to put money into WWE’s pocket. I can say that the Ultimate Warrior’s final promo was a masterpiece while also agreeing that he was a deranged, bigoted asshole. But I wouldn’t hold it against anyone that couldn’t.

So basically, it comes down to personal choice, but I feel that the best way to enjoy great work by terrible people is to NOT turn a blind eye to their terribleness, to openly acknowledge and condemn it, while also being mindful of our own flaws and also learning to not be surprised when yet another one of our heroes lets us down. Hell, I myself was raised in a deeply conservative household and thus struggled for years with the inherent prejudices that came with that before I was able to break free, and I’m still coming to terms with everything I’ve learned about people I used to hold in high esteem. 

So acknowledge, but neither erase nor excuse. Condemn those terrible qualities, while also try to learn from them to help keep others and yourself from falling into the same trap. Celebrate greatness, but also keep the bad stuff in the conversation so as to learn from it. Accept that your heroes will let you down, while also being mindful of your own flaws, messy history, and inherent prejudices to further better yourself. And also keep an open mind about others that are also trying to come to terms with themselves while refusing to tolerate openly embraced bigotry and keep it from targeting those who are vulnerable. Make up your own mind about what you’re comfortable with. But above all, agree that no matter what it’s going to be messy and requires constant critical thought.

[professorbellarke]

Honestly a bit disappointed in the “traitor you love” moment. Am I crazy for wising it had been a quieter character moment instead? I love soft bellarke so much. Please convince me I’m wrong! im begging you, I don’t want to be a negative Nancy :(

OHHHH. Oh sweet honey baby, you have come to the right person! And I hope you have some time to relax and pull up a chair as the dining room proudly presents the thesis you didn’t ask for! This is going to be a long one.

Because I loved everything about that scene. Honestly, I loved the entire episode top to bottom, and I’ll tell you why. Because this story is a genre story. It is science fiction. And while good genre stories have intimate character moments and connections as the…I don’t know, the flesh and blood of a story, the BONES of genre fiction must be plot. And sometimes, it feels like The 100 carves away too much of that flesh and blood to focus on the bones, when the blood is what makes us care about the bones (this metaphor went cannibal places, oh no). BUT THAT MOMENT! Ohh, that moment, sweet anonymous, was the perfect fusion of flesh and bone. Heart and head. Plot and character. In other words it was our beloved Bellamy’s favorite thing:

!!!!!!HIGH DRAMA!!!!!!!!!!

One of the things I love best about genre fic is that everything—even and especially emotional revelations and turning points—must be done in the most dramatic way possible. It’s ingrained in the dna of the genre, and I’m always disappointed when sci fi and plots take the easy way out. No, I don’t want a magical amulet that’ll just fix everything! YAWN AND SNOOZE AND OO. The 100 never does this, which means it always pushes its characters into impossible corners, forcing them to make unthinkable choices, and that is what I love. If there’s an easy way out, like say, a space station that can shelter Skaikru from the radiation, THE 100 BLOWS IT UP. I LOVE WHEN SHOWS BLOW THINGS UP! I want the drama so explosive that my nose is three inches from the screen because I’m so eager for what’s next that I’m trying to physically leap into the story. I like the stakes SO HIGH that I’m in a constant state of tension. It’s why I’m obsessed with this show. It’s why it’s also not for everyone.

But like I said, this show is at its best when it has the character stakes and the plot stakes working in harmony. 5x08 was a masterclass in that.

For an example in how stakes make a story, Clarke’s radio could have worked (ignore science, I don’t know her, I know only story.) So Spacekru could have known she was alive the whole time, she and Bellamy could have had merry chats across space, she could have told them about her berries, they could have laughed together about that time Murphy slid into a coma, lol, classic Murphy. Then Spacekru could have come bback down when the five years were up, because of course they had enough fuel, and then Clarke would be waiting for them and yay! Good times.

Good snooze.

I have read really good fics that are about this exact thing. They’re cozy, dreamy, romantic, and beautiful. They fill a crack in my heart formed by the agony of Praimfaya. They are also NOT MARKETABLE GENRE STORIES BEING EXPLORED ON THE SCREEN. There are certain expectations there. You need obstacles before you earn the payoff. Bellamy must think Clarke is DEAD!!! And learn to move on without her! And Clarke must talk to him EVERY DAY because the thing that keeps her going is that he’ll come BACK TO HER! BUT THEY CAN’T GET BACK BECAUSE NO FUEL!!!! BUT CLARKE IS IN TROUBLE AND NEEDS THEM NOW!!! Ahhh! The stakes raise with every plot twist. And we’re personally invested to boot.

Bellamy could have learned Clarke was alive in a million ways, by stepping out of the dropship and seeing her waiting, by hearing her on the radio, on and on. But it’s so much better that they reunited in the climactic scene of the WHOLE EPISODE. That the first time Clarke sees him in six years is through a haze of pain, when all hope is lost, and then there is hope. Her drama bae. Dramatically saving her life like no time at all has passed. The whole plot of 5x03 was Bellarke reuniting! That’s what the stakes were. Will Bellamy get to Clarke in time? First he must overcome the fact that he’s stuck in space, and then that he thinks she’s dead, and that Diyoza will kill him, and ack it’s getting harder because Clarke is getting in deeper water by the second!

I LIVE FOR THIS. Those are the moments I watch over and over and over again.

So Octavia could have thrown out that “lol, you love Clarke, you’re so lame, sick burn Blodreina well done have a humansnack ration” at any time in the episode to try to get a rise out of him. But they saved it. For when it counted most. For when it would have the most impact for us and for them.

Bellamy (and the writers) didn’t just not deny that Bellamy loves Clarke. No, Bellamy’s love for Clarke was declared by the narrative while he was POISONING HIS SISTER to SAVE CLARKE’S LIFE as the FATE OF ENTIRE SOCIETIES AND THE LAST LIVABLE PLACE IN THE WORLD HANG IN THE BALANCE. BUT NONE OF THAT MATTERS AS MUCH AS HIS LOVE FOR CLARKE! HIS LOVE FOR CLARKE WAS THE FINAL PLOT TWIST, THE TURNING POINT, THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE BELLAMY’S BACK! BELLARKE WAS THE PLOT!!! THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PLOT!!!!!!

That is my ABSOLUTE JAM RIGHT THERE oh my god. Oh my god I can’t even word about it. Yes, I love quiet character moments. I love them so much. And this show could use more of them. Honestly, this episode was so strong because it not only HAD them, but it let us feel them: Bellarke in the tent, Monty and Harper planning their happy farmlives, Emori and Murphy having a very sad second breakup in the woods while McCreary cursed his entire existence, Raven and Echo holding hands, Raven breaking down with Zeke at the end. From a character point of view, this episode was a gift.

But one of the things I’ve always loved best about Bellarke is that their emotional beats are TIED DIRECTLY INTO THE PLOT IN THE BIGGEST WAY. The stakes in their relationship are literally world-changing, life or death, apocalypses and war and, well, epic, in the Logan Echolls sense. What’s the first time the word love is used in connection to Clarke’s feelings for Bellamy? WHEN SHE’S SENDING HIM TO SACRIFICE HIMSELF IN MT WEATHER. When is the first time Clarke realizes how much losing Bellamy will hurt her? When she closes the dropship door on him and believes she has just killed him herself. Who is the one person on earth Clarke cannot sacrifice, even if THE ENTIRE HUMAN RACE HANGS IN THE BALANCE? Bellamy freaking Blake, that’s who. Your OTP could never.

I love quiet, subtle, low drama Bellarke in my fan fiction, so very much. They deserve to have a break and so do we. But there’s a reason that never happens on screen—because that’s not Story, in the classic way of sci fi and fantasy, where the stakes are magnified. I had a writing professor who liked to use the common writing adage Twist the knife. You stab them right where it hurts, but you don’t just leave it there. You twist it. You milk it for everything its got.

Everything in genre fiction must be bigger. It takes the themes of our world and blows them up by adding bloodier stakes. It’s the same interpersonal struggles, but instead of you losing a job or a friend, you lose a kingdom. You lose a planet. Genre stakes are both personal and external, and the really good genre stories manage to fuse them—which is what they’ve done with Bellarke since day one. The fate of the hundred, of skaikru, of spacekru, of humanity, rested on Bellamy and Clarke being able to forge a working partnership.

And, spoiler alert, they did. And now they have to fucking kiss, hopefully in a moment of high plot-related drama as well.

I know fiction is objective and you super don’t have to agree with me. But I’m a high stakes ho, and 5x08 gave me my high stakes fix. Thank you for coming to the TED talk you only a little bit asked for.

[booksandtea]

Author Interview | Rhiannon Frater For the month of October I’m hosting Spooks and Tea where we aim to consume as much horror, or spooky, books as possible.

I also wanted to do something a little different and fun this year so I reached out to a few authors to see if any would be interested in taking part, most of them agreed to do a Q&A with the Book Club! I have never felt more blessed.

If you’re a member of Books and Tea you’ll have been given the chance to ask these authors questions, as well as getting to see their answers early.

It is now time for me to share the second one which is the amazing Rhiannon Frater! I was introduced to her work in my early blogging years and I think she’s a staple to the horror world tbh, and I love the fact she’ll sell personalised signed copies of her work on her etsy which makes us international bookworms very happy! Keep reading to see what we asked her.

Rhiannon Frater

Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of the As the World Dies zombie trilogy (Tor) as well as independent works such as The Last Bastion of the Living (declared the #1 Zombie Release of 2012 by Explorations Fantasy Blog and the #1 Zombie Novel of the Decade by B&N Book Blog).

She was born and raised in Texas where she currently resides with her husband and furry children (a.k.a pets).

She loves scary movies, sci-fi and horror shows, playing video games, cooking, dyeing her hair weird colors, and shopping for Betsey Johnson purses and shoes.

Find her at: Instagram | Twitter | GoodReads | Website | Pinterest

What are your hopes for Z Nation season 5? (I picked this series back up thanks to you and I screamed about it so much a few of my friends did too!) I’m thrilled you started watching because of me! SHARE THE ZOMBIE LOVE!

To answer your question, I would love to see the return of all our missing favs: Sun Mei, Red, 5k, and Addy. It looks like I’m getting my wish! Of course, Karl Schaeffer, the showrunner, has to evilly tease us by saying (paraphrasing) “They’re back, but how long until they die!” He loves his hashtag #donttrustznation.

I would also LOVE it if the show was able to book Steven Yuen or Chandler Riggs. The showrunners promised the actors they won’t kill them if they guest star.

Which character from Z Nation would you most want to be watching your back in a Zombie Apocalypse? Roberta Warren. She’s an amazing leader and I would follow her to the ends of the earth.

In a typical horror movie setting, how long do you see yourself surviving? I’m not certain what typical is anymore. If it’s World War Z, I’m toast instantly. I do know how to shoot and I drive like a stunt driver (so I’m told), so I could probably last a reasonable amount of time against a regular monster if I have a gun and fast car. If I don’t have those things, I’m probably dead meat.

What horror monsters could you see yourself beating a fight? Traditional vampires. I know better than to invite them into my house. I win automatically.

Which horror monsters do you fear the most? Slasher monsters like Jason and Freddie. I don’t watch slashers at all.

If you could write a horror book with any author, living or dead, who would you pick and why? Jane Austen. It would be so subversive and fun.

What media influenced you the most? (i.e movies, tv shows, books) I love books. I always have. But when it comes to my love of horror, definitely films. I follow in my grandfather’s love of the horror film genre.

What video games do you find yourself returning ot the most, and what aspect do you find most important? (For me its definitely character customisation, but also the ability to reload should I make the wrong decision) I play Guild Wars 2 religiously. Every damn day. I love it so much. The setting is just so imaginative and fun. Plus, I love the “fashion wars” aspect of the game, too. I’m a big fan of Fallout New Vegas and Mass Effect, too. I enjoy games that allow me to play women who kick ass.

What was your first main struggle on becoming a writer? The main struggle was figuring out how to get published. In 2008, my husband approached me with the idea of self-publishing. We self-published As The World Dies and it was later picked up by Tor. It was very rewarding to take things into my own hands and have the end result be a traditional publishing contract with a genre powerhouse like Tor.

You’re currently writing two serials on two different platforms (Patreon and Radish), what has your experience been like with these? It’s fun, but can be mentally exhausting when I have to keep switching back and forth between very different stories. I’ve grown as a writer by doing the serials, so I’m glad I’m doing them.

Can you tell new readers a bit more about your serials? The serial on Patreon was revised and published as The Unblessed Dead and The Accused Dead. It’s now a new post-apocalyptic book series. It’s origin was actually a short story called The Necromancer (you can read it here for free) originally published in Zombie Tales From Dead Worlds.

The Radish serial, The Impaled Bride, is a sequel/prequel to The Vampire Bride Dark Rebirth trilogy. By the time I’m done, it will be a whole new trilogy that I will most likely self-publish.

If you could be in any of your characters shoes, which would it by any why? That’s tough because all my characters are in really difficult situations and dealing with stuff I definitely don’t want to deal with. I think I’ll have to take a pass on this question!

Why Zombies, Vampires, and Necromancers of all creatures? What makes them so unique and compelling that you write about them? Well, zombies always make a great background for a post-apocalyptic tale. Their constant threat and the dread that comes with it really adds to any tale of survival. I have always loved vampires thanks to Bela Lugosi and Hammer Films. Necromancers are intriguing because they bridge the gap between the living and dead. They add a new dynamic to any story because of their abilities. I love all monsters, of course. I just haven’t written about all of them yet.

Oh and lastly this is more just for me than anything, I think you’re still blonde with a bit of very light pink? How difficult has it been for you to not return to a more intense bright colour? Im currently in the same position but a bit of very light blue and I feel like I lost a bit of me in this change. I’ve wanted to do rose gold for a while. It’s a very hard color to maintain. I’m trying to figure out how to make it work at least for a few more months before I switch it out again. The platinum blonde look before the rose gold has been tough to keep up, too, but it’s been fun to experiment.

I hope you enjoyed reading this, I had so much fun talking to Rhiannon and I’m super excited to dive back into Z Nation and seeing her tweets about it weekly! I have her As She Dies trilogy on my TBR for this month so *fingers crossed* I have time for that with all the travelling I have coming up.

Thank you so much for reading this! What did you think about Rhiannon’s answers?

If you enjoyed this post consider supporting Northern Plunder Ko-fi | Twitter | Book Club | RedBubble

Spooky Q+A: @RhiannonFrater #blogoween #BooksandTeaBC Author Interview | Rhiannon Frater For the month of October I'm hosting Spooks and Tea where we aim to consume as much horror, or spooky, books as possible.

[wazafam]

The quirky relationship between the geeky Raj Koothrapalli and Howard Wolowitz was the second most important friendship in the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory (after Sheldon and Leonard). Although the characters start out as profoundly immature, with time, Howard gradually becomes a caring and loving father, while Raj becomes more confident and considerate.

RELATED: The Big Bang Theory: 10 Fan-Ship Relationships We Wish We Real

They may have had an almost unhealthy, codependent relationship, but most fans would say their friendship stands the course of time, especially once Bernadette enters the picture and they become an integral part of each other's family. Like all friends, Howard and Raj bicker all the time. But, at the end of the day, they would always be there for each other, supporting their dreams and celebrating their successes.

12 Season 1: Their Introduction

The first season introduces Howard and Raj as one of Leonard and Sheldon's closest friends, who spend most of the time watching movies or playing video games with. It is during this season that fans discover how Raj and Howard are a couple of socially awkward young men, who are both talented and respected scientists (or in Howard's case, a respected engineer).

While Howard appears to take the lead most of the time, it is Raj who is more liked by fans due to Howard's off-putting personality and inappropriate behavior that makes a lot of people feel uncomfortable.

11 Season 2: Exploring Their Characters

Raj finds out that his selective mutism improves when he downs a drink or two. Unfortunately, it also makes him say inappropriate things to everyone and several women.

Howard is already disgustingly creepy when it comes to women so the two form quite the duo, especially since they also appear deeply co-dependent.

10 Season 3: Attachment & Abandonment

The writers start scratching beyond the surface of Howard and Raj’s relationship. Their genuine attachment for each other comes through when Howard shows his concern at the possibility that Raj might lose his work permit.

RELATED: The Big Bang Theory: 10 Most Overdone Storylines

However, the viewers do see a few cracks appear in their friendship when Raj starts getting annoyed at Howard continuously abandoning him or their plans at the last minute so he can pursue other women. While the pair do make up, there is still some lingering tension between them.

9 Season 4: Careers, Relationships & Fantasies

Both Howard and Raj focus on their careers a bit more, but they also start dabbling with more serious relationships. Howard gets into an on-again-off-again relationship with Bernadette from the Cheesecake Factory, which puts a slight strain on Raj and Howard's friendship.

Raj, unfortunately, doesn’t have anyone he could turn to and develops feelings for Bernadette about whom he starts daydreaming. His love for Howard doesn’t stop him from hoping he might get a chance with Bernadette if Howard wasn’t around. However, when the time comes, it is Raj's brilliant brainwave that allows the couple to get married on a rooftop so that their wedding could be captured by a satellite from space.

8 Season 5: Friendship & Feuds

The friendship goes through ups and downs as Howard finds out that Bernie doesn't want kids and also that Raj had been fantasizing about her. Tension also increases when Raj messes up at Howard's bachelor party and his viral video causes Bernie to find out some rather questionable stuff about Howard's past.

Yet, for all their little feuds, the two would still spend an inordinate amount of time together, whether it be them trying to figure out where Sheldon would mysteriously disappear to at work every day or helping with the International Space Station expedition.

7 Season 6: Getting On With Life

Howard has a vital breakthrough in life as he gets married and then goes off to the International Space Station. He finds it hard to keep both his wife and mother happy at the same time, especially when Bernie wants him to move out of his mother's place.

RELATED: The Big Bang Theory: The 5 Most Annoying Things Raj Ever Did (& The 5 Sweetest)

Raj, in the meantime, has found a sort of replacement for Howard as he hangs out with the goofy Stuart Bloom while Howard is away. He also feels exasperated when Howard can't stop bragging about his journey to the ISS.

6 Season 7: Blundering On

Howard's mom falls sick and has to be taken care of 24/7. But that doesn't stop his friendship with Raj from going from strength to strength. Over the course of the season, the viewers see the bond between the two grow stronger as Howard confides in Raj in some of his insecurities and health concerns (like the time he starts feeling the side effects of his mother's ointment).

Raj also starts dating the dermatologist called Emily, who ends up being one of his more long-term relationships. He seeks Howard's help to prepare for a gory horror movie that he is due to be watching with Emily, and the two discuss his relationship with Emily.

5 Season 8: Working Together, Or Not

Raj and Howard, along with Leonard, work together on the cleanroom project with disastrous consequences. Howard tries to be there for Raj, even accompanying him to a Hindu temple as he spends his day restlessly worrying about a space probe he had helped design that would send information about Pluto.

Unfortunately, this is also the time when Howard and Sheldon do their best to take over and dominate Raj in a project he is working on, without having much respect for his wishes. As a result, viewers see some distance form between the two.

4 Season 9: Bonding Over The Band

In season 9, the viewers see Raj and Howard form a band, which they name 'Footprints On The Moon.' Their muse was inspired by the sci-fi genre and they would only play in bar mitzvahs (although they were originally formed to play in the comic book store).

RELATED: The Big Bang Theory: The Characters' 10 Most Impractical Outfit Choices, Ranked

The duo also spends time panicking over the possibility that the American government is spying on them for an innovative new project they had worked on together. It's nice to see how their friendship has still continued on years later (at this point).

3 Season 10: Being There

Raj proves he is a gem of a friend when he spends a lot of time being there for Howard and Bernadette as the two struggle with their pregnancy, and then as new parents to baby Halley.

However, Howard and Bernie show their appreciation by naming Raj the godfather to their child. Raj is now very close to Bernadette too, who is happy to have him around as he offers her a lot of helpful advice.

2 Season 11: Ups & Downs

This season sees one of the biggest developments in the Raj-Howard storyline as Raj finally realizes that Howard's constant ridiculing of him has eroded his confidence over the years. He now tries to start afresh, getting a rather glamorous new job at the planetarium. Howard does appear a tad taken aback at first but then goes back to being 'Howard.' The two then make up during Halley's first birthday party where they each let out their hurt sentiments that have been building up over the years.

Overall, Raj is now much more than just a friend to Howard and Bernadette as he once again looks out for the couple, who are pregnant with their second child. However, even after all his support, Howard doesn't seem to care much as he does his best not to have Raj live with him and Bernie when he needs a place to live in. For all his immaturity, Raj comes through as the better friend here.

1 Season 12: The Culmination

In the series finale, the viewers see a culmination of their relationship. Raj thinks he has finally found his significant other but Howard finds the idea of the romantic Raj settling down with someone he has nothing in common with to be far from ideal.

RELATED: The Big Bang Theory: The 5 Most Annoying Things Howard Ever Did (& The 5 Sweetest)

Raj decides he has little left for him in the States as Howard and Bernadette have a full family, often leaving him lonely. He is at the airport, ready to head to London to propose to Anu when Howie rushes to stop him from going. Both friends are overwhelmed and Raj stays back to be with his friend and his family. The culmination ties together both the themes of friendship and Raj continuing to look for his life partner.

NEXT: The Big Bang Theory: What Are The Main Characters' Jobs?

The Big Bang Theory: Raj & Howard's Friendship Timeline, Season By Season from https://ift.tt/3eQ1IAz

[clarasghosts]

i was tagged by @ulfoghrafn​ thanks! i’m really not good at binary questions, so this should be fun.

Coke or pepsi: coke

Disney or dreamworks: disney?

Coffee or tea: tea

Books or movies: they both have their place and are different types of art. books do have a quiet intimacy to them, though.

Windows or mac: i actually really like windows 10

Dc or marvel: dark horse

Xbox or playstation: i don’t play video games

Dragon age or Mass Effect: see above answer

Night owl or early riser: neither? i don’t enjoy waking up in the morning, though i’ve trained myself to be better at it. i get tired at like 7 pm. i’m always tired. my life is one of the kind of headaches you get when you need to sleep, except i do sleep and it never seems to have a good effect.

Cards or chess: i’m really not good at either of these.

Chocolate or vanilla: chocolate

Vans or converse: doc martens

Lavellan, trevelyan, cadah, or adaar: i have absolutely no idea what this means.

Fluff or angst: fluff. i used to be more of an angst person, but now i just want all the comforting fluff in the world. give me joy.

Beach or forest: Both for sure.

Dogs or cats: Cats, though i love dogs to.

Clear skies or rain: rain

Cooking or eating out: Cooking?

Spicy food or mild food: i love spicy food, but it also makes me sick.

Halloween/samhain or solstice/yule/christmas: halloween/samhain all the way.

Would you rather forever be a little too cold or a little too hot: neither? i’d rather not choose between two different types of discomfort. at least too cold allows you to put on layers though, there’s only so much you can take off if it’s too hot. i’m really not a fan of the heat.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be: time travel. i love everything about it, but first i’d take like a four day nap and then travel back in time so i didn’t miss anything.

Animation or live action: live action. i respect animation and think it’s beautiful, but i struggle to connect with it.

Paragon or renegade: i feel like i’m missing necessary info for this question??

Baths or showers: baths

Team cap or Team ironman: they’re both flawed arguments. i’m team vision all the way. i’d follow that peaceful and logical synthetic human to the ends of the earth.

Fantasy or sci-fi: the divide between them is more imposed than it is natural. personally, i’d say i love scifi type premises with fantasy elements. like i long for a ds9 where the station is haunted and there’s a mysterious fortune teller in the promenade who always gets your fortune right. no technological or alien explanations, that’s just the way it is.

Do you have three or four favourite quotes? If so what are they?:

“I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.” - D.H. Lawrence

“Last year I abstained. This year I devour without guilt, which is also an art.” - Margaret Atwood

“Those little points of light out there, the great unknown, beckoning to us. I wish I could visit every one.” - Julian Bashir, DS9 “The Quickening”

“All the better to eat you with.The girl burst out laughing; she knew she was nobody's meat. She laughed at him full in the face, she ripped off his shirt for him and flung it into the fire, in the fiery wake of her own discarded clothing. The flames danced like dead souls on Walpurgisnacht and the old bones under the bed set up a terrible clattering but she did not pay them any heed.” - Angela Carter, Company of Wolves

Youtube or netflix: what a strange question, they both have such different content.

Harry potter or percy jackson: harry potter

When do you feel accomplished: i never feel accomplished. i live in a constant cycle of self-loathing.

Star wars or star trek: i love them both. right now though, i do live with a ds9 obsession. i’m literally writing a paper on jake sisko (which i’m procrastinating by answering these questions).

Paperback books or hardback books: Hardback

Horror or rom-com? tough question. i love practical magic, which kind of mixes elements of both genres. not really, but kind of. i’m not really a rom-com person, but i’m not really a horror person either.

To live in a world without literature or music: yeah, sure, let’s just make life sad for me.

Pastel colors or dark colors: pastels? i’m really just a fan of like neutral, earthy tones.

Tv shows or movies: they both have different potentials. tv is good for long-form character development, movies are good for a specific idea or emotion.

City or countryside: both? like live in the country with easy access to the ciy.

If any other zodiac sign could describe you, what would it be: i mean, i’m a cancer and that’s fine??

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life what would it be? romantic works by keaton henson?

Cinema or theatre? seriously, they do different things.

If you could be any fictional character’s best friend, who’d you be? oh man, i don’t know. mr. tumnus is cool as hell.

Smiling or smirking? what a bizarre question

Are you an ‘all or nothing’ type or are you more consistent? all or nothing? 

Playlists or your whole library on shuffle? playlists. i like constructing narratives or specific concepts through music.

Travelling or staying at home? travelling. i get restless when i stay in one place too long.

If you could have a meal with three people, alive and dead, who would you choose? um, john keats, mary shelley, and anton yelchin. hopefully anton’s cool with hanging out with two 19th century british writers.

Favourite sports team? i know nothing about sports

[thelowercasegimmick]

YA Review, 8/22/16: The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

I can’t describe my love for Patrick Ness.  If I had to pick one YA writer whose books I would take to a desert island with me, it would probably be him - Suzanne Collins is the only other author who might make me hesitate.  He’s consistently shown himself to be one of the most innovative, intelligent, and powerful writers in YA.  And I’m not the only one who feels this way - while he’s a little too weird to be broadly popular, he’s developed a cult following over the years that love him as much as I do.  Because of that, I feel like he suffers the burden of very high expectations.  For pretty much every book he’s written since A Monster Calls (2011), the general consensus seems to be that it’s pretty good, but underwhelming compared to Ness’ potential.  And I will concede that A Monster Calls was a tough act to follow - it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read, and it will almost certainly go down as Ness’ opus.  Still, I hope that this doesn’t make too many people overlook how good his follow-up novels were.  Was this novel a bit underwhelming compared to A Monster Calls and Chaos Walking?  Undeniably.  But I still think it’s an exceptionally inventive and honest YA novel, and I don’t think it deserves to be ignored.

One of the best things about Ness is how willing he is to experiment and try new things.  He doesn’t have any set genre or style - no one of his novels fits particularly well with the others.  That’s no less true of this novel than anything else he’s written.  The novel focuses on Mikey, a relatively normal guy surrounded by people more interesting than him.  He lives in what seems to be a generic urban fantasy world, where there are lots of intense fights between ‘indie kids’, or Regular High School Students with magical powers, and evil forces bent on destroying the world.  But Mikey isn’t an indie kid - he’s someone genuinely normal, simply going about his life.  We only see the activities of the indie kids from a distance, as their collateral damage tangentially affects Mikey’s life.  The closest we get to their story is the brief summaries of their activity at the beginning of each chapter.  Instead, the story focuses on Mikey doing relatively normal things, like trying to connect with his distant politician mother, taking care of his alcoholic dad, and working up the courage to ask out his longtime crush.

Basically, this is a novel about being a regular student at Sunnydale High School, watching Buffy fighting vampires from a distance without much investment in the income, because such supernatural fights are pretty much normal at this point.  Ness asked what it was like to live in an urban fantasy world, but instead of writing something dark and intense, he came close to writing a typical contemporary novel.  In the days of everything being dark and edgy, it’s an interesting twist to see something painted so light.  Learning that an indie kid has died and interacting with his spirit isn’t disturbing or bad, because it’s just how life is, and it isn’t hard to just accept it and move on with life.  And that’s played totally unironically - it isn’t just some lie the characters tell themselves to get through the day.  Ness paints it in a genuinely convincing way.

So what we get is something that challenges the idea of ‘normal’.  Most of Mikey’s attention isn’t on being killed by demons, it’s on his OCD and his protective instincts toward his little sister.  Mikey’s panic attacks don’t feel normal to him - he wants those to go away as soon as possible.  His mom’s distant nature doesn’t feel normal to him - he’s consistently resentful and dissatisfied.  But a war for the fate of the universe?  Eh.  No big deal.  The only time he ever shows serious concern about it is when an explosion at a concert endangers his siblings, and once he realizes they’re safe, he doesn’t particularly care about what caused it and how to prevent it from happening again.  The main consequence of that event turns out to be a blow to his mom’s political career when his sister assaults a reporter.

In short, this is a validation of the everyday struggles that we all face.  This is a reminder that, in a big world full of events that are far beyond us, we still matter.  You don’t have to change the world to be important, to your friends if not to anyone else.  I think a lot of fantasy and sci-fi fans are under the impression that contemporary stories are forgettable and unimportant.  But there’s nothing forgettable about Mikey and his friends.  Without any extraordinary superpowers, or really, even any extraordinary life circumstances, they’re so relatable and real that you can’t forget them.  Ness writes characters that most contemporary Americans can see themselves in, at least to an extent, and he makes them matter to us.

I also have to give credit to Ness for the fact that his conception of what a ‘normal’ person is doesn’t involve the standard middle class ideal of a white nuclear family with good parents and no serious traumas.  Jared is Jewish; Hanna is mixed race; Mikey has OCD; Mel has an eating disorder; Jared is gay; Mikey and Mel’s mother is a politician and their father is an alcoholic.  These aren’t normal by Hollywood standards - any one of the aforementioned would be enough for some directors to make an entire movie around.  But it’s remarkable how light Ness is in his handling of all this.  He’s not careless, or insensitive to the fact that some of these things cause a lot of pain and difficulty.  But at the same time, they never dominate the story or any of the characters.  It reminds me a lot of The Boyfriend List (2005), where the protagonist’s anxiety disorder was a distinct factor in the novel, but not a defining one.  At first, I was disappointed in how low-key the story was.  And while that is a bit of a problem, I understand why Ness made that decision.  He wanted to emphasize that despite the fact that these things do make the characters’ lives harder, the characters aren’t in constant crisis.  And at the end of the day, they don’t make them particularly abnormal.  And that makes sense.  Being a POC, being gay, being mentally ill... these are all fairly normal aspects of being a contemporary American in the real world.  Ness understands that, and doesn’t have much interest in pretending otherwise.  In the process, he gives excellent representation to people of those categories, and I appreciate it a lot.

Is this Ness’ best novel?  No.  The story is a bit unfocused at times, and this is easily the blandest prose of any Ness novel I’ve ever read.  But it’s not exactly a crushing insult to say that a novel isn’t as good as A Monster Calls or Chaos Walking - a novel of this quality would still be a hell of an accomplishment for basically anyone other than Ness.  Maybe he’ll never write anything as good as A Monster Calls again, but if he can keep up this level of quality, I don’t see any reason to be dissatisfied.