#back-end code

[hinamie]

how many hoodies can i give this kid

[dixoterin]

[Do you wish to jump?] >Yes No

[starry-bi-sky]

what if i wrote a “shen yuan transmigrates into a wife” oneshot but the whole premise is based on the song “gone, i’m gone” from hadestown and its overall theme is wanderlust and freedom and it starts out as Shen Yuan settling into life in the palace and trying to avoid harem drama and thinking he can just live with his head down for the rest of his new life, only to be hit with a sudden intense yearning to explore his new world the likes he’s never felt before. What if he was sickly in his last life. What if he spent his entire last life indoors. Trapped between four walls. What if love is not a gilded cage. What if he begins clawing at the walls of his enclosure, desperate to escape because he wants to live, god please let him live. He can’t do this again. What if he spent months preparing for his escape and in that same breath getting the attention of some of the other wives around him because he has changed and it makes them wary. what if he got binghe’s attention as he is wont to do. What if he left. What if Shen Yuan was born with a bottomless pit in his stomach and a gaping maw in his chest. What if he was starving. What if he was starving for the world around him. What if i wrote that. What then

[bamgeut]

daily soobin until he returns [79/?]

[rinisdrawing]

cozy summer afternoons

[jackfuckingtwist]

— Hooters the Owl fixes you with a stare. You heading down there?

[aroaceleovaldez]

What is the PR disaster in question that made Rick announce TSATS? I wasn’t active in the online fandom at that point

Of course! This was awhile ago so it figures people don't remember it/aren't familiar:

Basically a couple years back (2020) the fandom had some posts circulate discussing the ways different characters in the Riordanverse were written poorly or offensively. There was a masterpost that went around tumblr but the two major points people were particularly focusing on were Piper and Samirah (particularly because Piper had featured prominently again in Trials of Apollo recently and the third MCGA book had further emphasized and discussed Samirah being Muslim, since it was supposed to take place during Ramadan). Basically each had multiple posts breaking down the ways they were depicted incorrectly or offensively. The entire fandom for a little bit was VERY intensely discussing this (and it's around this time the "RR crit" tag got very popularized on tumblr - it did exist before, but suddenly was being used VERY frequently - cause it was that wide-spread - though the discussion took over basically every side of Riordaverse social media on different platforms). People really wanted Rick to respond to these criticisms, so he did!

He made two blog posts, one about Piper and one about Samirah. He has since deleted both so the links are to archived versions. The short version: he essentially tried to justify his poor research and double-down that he hadn't written them offensively, actually, people were just being mean to him. The fandom, of course, reacted poorly to this.

[Further elaborated events under the cut since this got a bit lengthy]

(Fun fact, this all happened within a month or so of the time i posted an open letter on aphobic tropes in the Riordanverse that Rick replied to, and then he immediately followed with announcing that Reyna was intended to be ace-coded [which cause a LOT of fandom debate] before Rick dipped for a couple of weeks, and then came back to post the blog posts in response to Piper and Sam stuff. So I like to jokingly refer to this as "The time I imploded the fandom/drove Rick off of twitter." Twas I that set the house ablaze.)

Rick fully left social media after this and the LT Musical social media manager became Rick's social media manager for the time being.

So this all happened June/July of 2020. Tower of Nero would end up being published in October of 2020 and a few months after that Rick would state that he was done with the series and wouldn't be writing any more series installments involving Percy, and also that he wouldn't be writing a Nico quest following Tower of Nero as it "wasn't his place to" and encouraged the community to write their own versions of Nico's story.

The community continued to circulate the tumblr posts and discuss the topics of Rick's offensive character depictions, and this is also where we see the dramatic shift in how the fandom depicts Piper in fanwork (though in most cases it is admittedly not an improvement 😬) because of all this discussion. This is also around the time when the fandom brought Viria under scrutiny claiming that she was whitewashing Piper as part of the same discussions, through the justification that she was drawing Annabeth as having tan skin (which she does canonically), and if Annabeth has tanner skin then Piper then that's whitewashing Piper? Except they were using completely separate images of not fully rendered Piper art versus Annabeth in dramatic lighting, so it's all very awkward and poor logic, and did actually get kind of racist. A lot of people were calling it "Tannabeth Blackchase" (yeah, i know) or similar and a common sentiment you'd see repeated is "Don't draw Annabeth as having darker skin than Piper, because that's offensive/racist/whitewashing." (Note: it was not phrased "don't draw Piper as having lighter skin than Annabeth" - we also won't get into certain offensive depictions of Native Americans, but I digress). But yeah, the Annabeth stuff in all that did not age well at all.

Anyways, in October of 2021 however Rick would announce that he was co-writing The Sun And The Star - with a lot of heavy emphasis on how Mark Oshiro works as a sensitivity reader, and some false advertising from the official social media that Mark Oshiro was the first time a non-Riordan author would be collaborating on the series (disregarding the ghostwriters completely). One of the big criticisms in the breaking down of issues in Rick's writing was his lack of ever seeking a sensitivity reader, and fans claiming that a sensitivity reader could solve a lot of the problems. This was basically Rick's "look! I totally listened!!!!" (though it did little to actually improve things, based on the book) and in TSATS as well Piper gets a large cameo at the end where the text very directly addresses a lot of points made in criticism of Rick's writing of her.

We also then of course got the CoTG trilogy later, explicitly stated to be for advertising purposes for the show.

So basically, short version: Rick came under scrutiny for a lot of offensive writing within the span of two months, made some bad blog posts doubling down about it, left social media. TOA ends. Rick says he wasn't going to continue the series/write what would become TSATS. Community celebrates the end of of the franchise but also continues to discuss Rick's poor writing and the blog posts at length. Rick suddenly announces TSATS and Mark Oshiro's involvement. Everybody gets distracted from being mad. Show announcement stuff also happens and the discussions peter out.

[definitelynotshouting]

You have synesthesia?? How does that work for you? Is this how you manage to use the word “meat” in a way that makes me go “holy shit that’s good and cool i need to read that sentence four more times” instead of “ew”?????

I do!!! Letters, numbers, and words all have colours and sometimes visual textures for me-- and while numbers and letters on their own are generally only a single colour (7 is a bright, grassy green!!! while "K" is a pale peachy pink, for example :] ), when i put them into words they often take on entirely new colours, some of which even bleed into each other like watercolour paints. Ironically, its why i use the UK spelling of "colour" in the first place-- the "u" turns what looks like a dull, desaturated blue into a smeared blue-and-purple that i find really pretty to look at :]] so when i say i like to paint with words, i kinda mean that literally 😂😂😂😂😂

But yeah, i'd imagine thats why my writing is Like That™ to some degree-- a lot of what im doing behind the scenes involves matching the colours and visual textures of a given word with all of the others in order to evoke a particular vibe or image in my writing. There are a lot of layers to how i write, but this is probably the one that takes both the most time AND is the one i happen to talk about the least WKDJWKSJEJ

[rookflower]

One trait of Mapleshade that I find fascinating is the fact she *wants* to reveal the kittens are half-clan. She states that they will be loyal to both RiverClan and ThunderClan, as well as revealing the truth to the Clans (Not specifically the kittens?) I think Mapleshade is just interesting if you think about her as being this perpetual believer that everything will be okay, because StarClan loves her (She even states StarClan would love her children). She isn't afraid of them being rejected - doesn't even really consider that being a problem, because her children are special. Though I do feel this is a symptom of how the half-clan rule is just an ultimately cruel part of Clan-life, and Mapleshade unfortunately got caught in the midst of it. Especially seeing as her faith is kind of sad, knowing what will happen in the end - even as someone who dislikes Mapleshade.

yeah i think mapleshade's total faith in her own security mostly works to add to the tragedy. it's one of those books where no one really wins and i think serves as worldbuilding towards how fucked the warrior code is as a system but that either isn't intentional to the extent it goes or the writing team don't really want the readers to dwell on it. no matter how hard you try to appeal to the forces of oppression around you they will cut you down as soon as you are vulnerable and othered. they are not there to help you and cannot be won or reasoned with in a way that makes you truly immune unless you just are exactly what they want you to be.

mapleshade certainly has flaws pre-exile- she's self centred, rash, judgmental- but none of these make her an ontologically bad person or remotely justify what happens to her, it just makes it more of a gut punch for her when that sense of security and certainty is pulled out from under her feet. while a character like leafpool or bluestar is fully aware and fearful of the consequences for their transgression and will suffer in guilt and hiding until they are inevitably or resultingly punished for it, mapleshade does not have that understanding or sense of self preservation and is also, more immediately and directly, punished for it. no winning the starclan game!!

[brokenheartwithheartbreak]

Watched the 9 Years Later reunion zoom video today and ishfjs. Cody saying he believes Theo’s still trying to make some friends and find a pack, “maybe thinking about texting Scott, probably doesn’t” just fuel to my headcanon Theo never really ‘makes up’ with the McCall pack more than is necessary to coexist around the same people - read: Liam - and kind of just. Idk tries to find himself outside of the DDs and the horror and everything he was once he got a second chance

[catzz089]

Helloooo there!!!!

I'm bored and would really love to read some Lestappen fics-preferably full of angst and sadness. Any recommendations?

Do you have any favorite Lestappen fics? If you do, what's the name of the fic?

Anyway, I love your stories and can't wait for the next chapter!

~🥔

Well well well…

You came to the right place.

Me and my 506 bookmarks have been WAITING for this

First off, my own fics!! Read them all!! I can’t live without angst, any kestappen fic of mine has some form of pain

Angst:

Basically most of IsunstreakerI’s fics, I would say ESPECIALLY Search History

Oh simple thing, where have you gone by fallingprincess (I LOVE this one, is a little bit smutty tho)

Cats emoji, question mark by loyeism (magical au, I love it, it’s part of a series but you don’t need to read the first brocedes installment to understand it)

the prophecy by saltychips16 (if you want some GOOD angst, this is exactly your place I PROMISE)

glitch by nyoomfruits (OH YEAH OH YEAH, C F1 driver/ M web designer but Max doesn’t like publicity)

Never could be sweeter than with you by lestappentrain16_33

The Lasting Effect of A Word by Wolves_lover (like OUCH)

The ENTIRE ‘Made in the A.M’ series by Chandelier_s_Notebook (SOOO good, luv luv luv)

Picture You by MackMackMack (the entire trilogy actually, a lot of angst in here)

After the Crash by Shadow_Reads (I will ALWAYS love a crash fic. Always.)

Asking nicely by Astr_alone123 (I haven’t read this one in a while, but I’m fairly sure there’s a lot of angst in there)

safe by bumblewyn (YESS LAWDDDDD IT HIRTS SO GOOOOD)

And Everything’s easier Way Out West by AvusCircuit (OH YESSSS)

Bedside Manner by WeaglesandBrobeans (probably one of, if not my fav sickfix)

you make me want to cry(in a good way) by revushe (Jos…)

(where’s the trophy?) he just comes running over to me by Lady_Something (jealousy and FEELINGS)

Tap the Rhythm by prompt_fills (I honestly wasn’t sure if I should put this under the angst section, because it doesn’t quite wrench your heart out but it’s a near thing)

Winter’s Wrath by WeaglesAndBrobeans (this one WILL wrench your heart out, lestappen vacation gone VERY wrong)

An irrelevance (in the face of the eternity of the love of those who love eachother) by sunflwrs (poor/rich and the issues that ensue)

I Know Places by Tazza1993 (cat cafe owner (guess who)/ F1 driver, love it)

it’s always roses by mariahcarreyyy (HANNAHAKI DIESEE!!! I GI CRAZY FOR HANNAHHAKI)

slowly fading away by weegreenbean(ayebydan) (LOOK! It’s not even lestappen okay!! It’s Esteban/Lance but it’s SOOO good and SOO angsty it needed a mention)

The Nights Are Long (But It’s Easier Together) by f1writingbyme (Max’s apartment burns down and he has to move in w Charles, goes deep)

Pit-Stop Heartbreak & Healing by rb19lefttire (Jos and abuse!!!)

Not a sore loser by chibyL (crash fic, Charles is stupid)

All the stars We Cannot See by WanderingBlindly (oh it hurts so bad, literal heartburn)

But I’ll know by vigilanthey(oreob1tch) (Max’s trauma!)

Speak Now (Or Hold Your Words Forever) by What_Is_Deltraz_Doing(MysticMusings) (OHHHH YEAHHHH, basically everyone is kind of judging the relationship and Max spirals bc everyone is acting like he’s evil)

You’re also free enough to hide from me by morisco (they’re soulmates, but Charles has another partner so they want to get their soulmarks removed)

the wisdom of a fool won’t set you free by Doctor_whom (stranded, life or death and nobodies feeling good)

I loved you before I knew I was supposed to by 3_33 (soulmate fic where Max doesn’t know they’re soulmates but Charles does and Rivals to lovers)

I’m a fire and I’ll keep your brittle heart warm by multi21 (like actually painful, mostly bc I love Max and he’s hurting and then being MEAN bc of it but happy in the end)

Other favs: (most of these will have angst, bc I’m just like that, but they will be more sweet than anything)

I hope you know (I will carry you home) by Liraelearil

All those good times, baby, baby, I’ve been misusin’ by youngnbeutifluv (a bit of angst, but it won’t rip your heart out, mostly quite sweet)

Will o’ the Wisps by autumnapricot (quite a bit of angst packed in there, buts it’s also long so it all balances out)

loquarocoeur’s entire page (I’m so serious, if you don’t know her CHECK HER OUT!!! She got me into writing AND my lestappen dynamics)

Cheating at Bingo and Other Christmas Traditions by WanderingBlindly (super duper lovely with angst sprinkled in)

you hold me hypnotized, i’m mesmerized by cryystal_mOOn (Lezstappen!!! With Max being scared)

four espressos (and a lifetime) by makeamends (defo some angst, super fun)

there’s nothing sweeter than my baby by lecmilton1644 (light angst, Max starts a fan account for Charles)

I bet you think about me by dalsy (GP’s POV of their relationship ship)

Misunderstanding for three (can be angsty if you look at it correctly, mostly it’s just fun and sweet)

sweet nothing by foggystars (CUTEEE)

I Can See You (being my addiction) by sucka4love (LEZSTAPPENNNN and JEALOUSY)

I Was Lighting (Before the Thunder) by f1writingbyme (angsty, not too much tho but defo there, jealousy)

You can stay one more hour, can you stay one more hour by beensinning (Charles has a toddler (Oscar) and it’s a sick fic, I don’t even LIKE kiddies but this is SUCH a banger)

you look so perfect standing there by shybear_styles (short and sweet)

no one likes to lose, know that I’ve got this by bluejay141519 (angsty, but not too much, fun and stupid)

not very subtle by bananasong (angsty, not too much)

Since we were 18. Or 16. Or whatever. By MsReyland (cute cute cute, fake dating)

[little-flame-prince]

Of course he watches Buffy. With the whole "I can't let my parents know I sneak out to save the world every night" thing he's probably constantly going "she's just like me for real 😭"

[en-chi-la-da]

"We're pals, aren't we?" ☔😊

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

So, I started watching Link Click...

[captainuranium543]

So I'm rewatching fairy tail season 1 (best season btw) and Im at the part in the phantom lord arc where natsu has a flashback to his childhood where everyone's on his ass cuz he can't read

I KNOW the joke of this scene is that erza tries to help him but ends up freaking him out because she's scary BUT LISTEN!!!

While everyone else is making fun of him for it Erza is the only one who is sympathetic. She assures him it's not a big deal and, while shes way too intense about it, she really is just trying to help.

And that makes a lot of sense considering THE SAME SHIT PROBABLY HAPPENED TO HER.

[ryrolie]

Dr. Isinglass and Glubot 525