#bex-la-get

[choicesfandomappreciation]

Shout out to old OH creators that I miss seeing them and I hope they'll write again someday but they probably won't. 😢

@a-crepusculo @gryffindordaughterofathena @genevievemd @bex-la-get @lsvdw-blog @lucy-268 @mm2305 @utterlyinevitable @lem-20 @terrm9 @perriewinklenerdie @heauxplesslydevoted @writinghereandthere @choiceskatie @usuallyamazinglyaverage

and thanks to the ones keeping it alive because I don't want it to end.

@storyofmychoices @potionsprefect @jerzwriter @cariantha @jamespotterthefirst @liaromancewriter @peonierose @alj4890 @alwaysmychoices @takeharryandgo @trappedinfanfiction

@a-crepusculo, @gryffindordaughterofathena, @genevievemd, @bex-la-get, @lsvdw-blog, @lucy-268, @mm2305, @utterlyinevitable, @lem-20, @terrm9, @perriewinklenerdie, @heauxplesslydevoted, @writinghereandthere, @choiceskatie, @usuallyamazinglyaverage,

@storyofmychoices, @potionsprefect ,@jerzwriter ,@cariantha, @jamespotterthefirst, @liaromancewriter, @peonierose, @alj4890 ,@alwaysmychoices ,@takeharryandgo, @trappedinfanfiction

[lgbtyrus]

Andi Mack Reunion Live Stream Mini Recap:

-Tyrus is still endgame and had the most perfect wedding ever

-Ambi is canon

-Kippen siblings is canon

-Luke did the rap apology that TJ sang to Buffy and still knew 95% of it

-They said there was basically an entire episode that got deleted where Bex went on a date with someone and Andi was NOT okay with it.

-They all said they'd return for a reunion- Asher the first to say yes.

-They watched a Lemon Boy edit together and Asher said it was a "beautiful edit" and Trent said it was made by a genius and he teared up

-Emily said "Amber loves lesbians"

-The cast sang the theme song acapella 🥺❣️

-Asher had originally said "no" to playing Jonah because he wouldn't play frisbee and they auditioned many more guys until they were like "fuck it let's teach him frisbee"

-Emily had auditioned for Andi but since they had locked in on giving Peyton the role of Andi, they wrote in Amber for Emily specifically 😭 It was because her agent called the producers to say, "We know she messed up the audition, but she'd really like to try again." And after this, Terri knew they had to write in Amber for her.

-They also wrote Iris for Molly

-Terri Minski said Luke's hair was a character in itself. They had told Terri that Luke was an Evangelist Christian, so she took Luke and his parents to lunch to talk about it because she was stressed out because TJ was going to be gay. She had told Luke and his parents what was happening and they cried, and she was so nervous, and they told her that they were so honored. Luke said he thought he was going to get fired because he only shot one episode and didn't understand why he was being taken to lunch.

-The guy whose audition video played before Trent's got the part for 20 seconds before Terri saw Trent's audition

-Terri said Lilan wore the weirdest audition outfit ever, and it was her good luck outfit.

-Terri called them "lighting in a bottle" because she's not sure she'll ever get someone as special as this cast together again

-Tyrus was NOT supposed to be canon, but they shot the scenes anyways. They had said, "We gave you one gay character, we're not going to give you TWO." But they fought hard for it, and they found allies that allowed it to happen.

-Disney is still saying that they are looking for the "new Andi Mack" and Terri is adamant that they already have it, and she would love more than anything to bring the cast back together again for a spin off

-Terri had wanted Andi to repeat the cycle LMAO. AKA, teen pregnancy. Disney said, "NO WAY!"

Here is a pic of the stream before Josh and Trent had to leave! Terri left after a few more questions, too.

DJ Fruity Live Performance

-Younger fans would see Emily and scream "Amber alert!" and run

-Luke uses an Andi Mack journal as his personal diary

-Bi Bex Canon. Lilan said something along the lines of: Did you not see the clothes she'd wear? Of course she's bi.

-They played a behind the scenes clip of the Tyrus bench scene. I screen recorded, but THERE IS LAG. I'm sure there is a better video out there, but here is this for now.

-Luke and Josh wrote an episode of Andi Mack where a blackout happens in Shadyside and nobody can use their phone. Everyone is forced to go outside. But they were too scared to pitch it so nothing ever came of it. They also wrote an outline for an Andi Mack movie.

It was an extremely long live stream, and they were entertaining and funny the entire time. They were able to raise $20k for the families affected by the LA fires, and you can still donate here if you'd like it's live for another week as of now, 1/26/25. I missed them and the Andi Mack magic so much. I hope they do this again in the future.

[if-whats-new]

What's New In IF? Halloween edition! Issue 26 (2024)

By Brij, Dion, Bex and Jen

Now Available!

Itch.io - Keep Reading below

If you read the zine, consider liking the post: it helps us see how many people see it! And sharing is caring! <3

~ EDITORIAL ~

Boo! Did you get scared?

Well we hope we didn’t scare you away! Our favourite time of the year is here and with it a Halloween themed Issue! Next to the regular WNIF stuff we included a recommendation section full of the best games to play in this time of the year, so be sure to check it out!

We want some feedback!

As we’re starting to get a hand of things, we would love some feedback from you guys! What you enjoy, want more or less off, how we could improve... Anything goes! We even have a nifty form!

Still looking for members!

Due to the severe changes in the Zine team, we are once again looking for free hands with a couple of hours to kill, and minds, looking to make a little difference in the community!

If you too would like to help us out in a more official capacity, please shoot us a message! You can check out the available positions here, but if you’d like to help in any other way, feel free to contact us as well!

No Small Talk for some time!

We hope you have a terror-ific time reading this issue!

BRIJ, DION, BEX AND JEN

~ BE A PART OF THE ZINE ~

THIS ZINE ONLY HAPPENS WITH YOU!

Want to write 1-2 pages about a neat topic, or deep-dive into a game and review it in details? Share personal experiences or get all academic?

WRITE FOR THE COLUMN!

Prefer to be more low-key but still have something to share? Send us a Zine Letter or share a game title for Highlight on…!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Came across something interesting? Know a release or an update announced? Saw an event happening? Whether it's a game, an article, a podcast… Add any IF-related content to our mini-database!

EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS!

Contact us through Tumblr asks, Forum DMs, or even by email! And thank you for your help!!

~ EVENT SPOTLIGHT : ECTOCOMP 2024 ~

La Petite Mort or Le Grand Guignol? Either way, it’s going to get spooky!

Ever since October 2007 spooky-game enthusiasts all over the world have a chance to participate in ECTOCOMP, an annual competition for interactive fiction celebrating the SPOOKY MONTH OF HALLOWEENTOBER. Whether you celebrate Halloween, Day of the Dead, All Saint's Eve, or just love ghost stories and creeping people out, this is your time to shine!

Previously organized by Jason Guest for ADRIFT games, the jam is now open to all development platforms. Since the beginning of this initiative, there has been a motivation to unite and strengthen ties between international communities in the IF world. Creators can submit games either in one of the four main languages - English, Spanish, French and German or any other!

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Ghostbusters. Named after the Ghostbusters’ car license plate number ECTO 1, this year the jam pays tribute to the film that inspired the title! Some other subthemes and inspiration prompts are: Spooky adventure, Sweet supernatural, Halloween fest, Día de Los Muertos, All Saints', All Souls' Eve and any other festivity or mythology around the world.

As per tradition, Ectocomp has two categories:

La Petite Mort, for those who want to speed-write their game in 4 hours or less.

Le Grand Guignol, for games that, for whatever reason, took longer than 4 hours to write.

When the jam is over, all of the submitted games will be uploaded to the IF Archive.

~ ENDED ~

The voting for IFComp ended and the winners have been announced! Congratulations to the first-place winner, The Bat by Chandler Groover! Check out the complete results for this year's competition.

Another edition of the Bad Art Visual Novel Jam is upon us! Check out the two entries!

~ ONGOING (VOTING) ~

Entries have been submitted for the 6th Spooktober Annual Visual Novel Jam! You can vote for your favourites until October 27th! Every October Friday you can also watch Chizu's sponsored Spooktober Stream where she plays through all submissions!

Find inspiration in dusty old decrepit corners, revivify the forgotten - the Revival Jam 2024 is here! You can now vote for your favourite entries!

~ ONGOING (SUBMITTING) ~

Strip IF to it’s bare bones and all it become beautiful text. That’s what The Bare-Bones Jam is about.

It’s spooky month and with it comes the annual ECTOCOMP 2024. If it’s spooky or supernatural why not submit it?

Running until Halloween, the Phantasia Jam is a three months game jam to create a fantasy narrative game, with the theme of “Hidden Magic”. It accepts both VN and IF.

On the CoG Forum, Halloween is already there! Until Oct 31st, you can submit your projects to the Halloween Jam - but don't forget the theme! VAMPIRE, Murder, 70’s Disco!

Disabled Rep VN Jam has a very simple premise but a very important message.

Once upon a time, a game jam was held to create stories around the theme of fairy tales… and that game jam is the Once Upon A Time VN Jam. It’s running from October 1st to January 31st.

Concours de Fiction Interactive Francophone 2025 is for all French-speaking enthusiasts. Submissions are accepted until March 3rd 2025.

Are you perhaps a fan of more somber, melancholic themes? Then check out the Dying Year - Visual Novel Jam! You have until the end of the year to participate.

The Black Visual Novel Jam is all about working with creative professional developers who work in visual novels to bring more Black stories to life. The goal is to create a space where Black creators can show their unique storytelling through visual novels.

Bare your teeth and sharpen your claws because the Monstrous Desires 2024 Visual Novel Jam is here! Dedicated to the love of entities, horrors, and monstrosities, this jam will be full of romantic Visual Novels (VN) that heavily focus on a monster may it be original or from classics, folklore, modern media, etc.

~ OTHER ~

Jams are a great way to find new games! Don’t be afraid to check out submissions from previous years as well. There might be some gems hiding between them!

~ NEW RELEASE ~

Heavens’ Revolution: A Lion Among the Cypress (CScript) is a flintlock space fantasy inspired by eighteenth-century Iran.

Love and Death in the Shadow of the Demiurge (Twine) is an interactive tale of self-love and self-hate, beauty and the lack of it. @infimace-blog

As the Eye Can See (Twine) is a short story about the day before Halloween. @skyshard13

Larut (Ren’Py) is a fictional work retelling of the Indonesian folklore and mythological figure, Nyi Roro Kidul.

As always, don't forget to check out the submitted entries to the events mentioned in the previous pages. They deserve some love too!

~ NEW RELEASE (WIP) ~

You're only 20 when suddenly your life goes bam! Throwing you into a whole new city, a different country even. Can you find your place in the world and restart or lose yourself in temptation? Time to find out in Paved in Ashes (CScript)! @pavedinashes-if

Spotlight (CScript), navigate the red carpet, bloodthirsty paparazzi, cut-throat tabloids and complicated relationship dynamics with A-list celebrities (who may or may not be completely unhinged.)

Exit Through The Gift Shop (CScript) is about the arc of your life, from beginning to end, as experienced through the lens of trips to the museum, with each chapter moving forward one decade.

Blood of the Living (CScript), the first public demo for Blood of the Living, sequel to Fields of Asphodel is here! @chrysanthemumgames

Bridge Ices Before Road (CScript) Finding your place again in your old hometown might sound tough, but nothing is tougher than being an Olympic athlete. You have to juggle training along with all that, but you try not to let it get you down. After all, skating is your passion! @bridgeicesbeforeroadif

Fortuna Favours the Bold (CScript) is a low fantasy, high stakes, romance forward tale about self-discovery and hidden secrets. @fortunafavours

Being the only homicide detective around for miles, it’s up to you now to find out what exactly happened to your brother, why it happened, and who did it in A Bouquet of Chrysantemums (Twine). @abouquetofchrysanthemums

it's been a long, long time (CScript), a group of three find themselves reunited through their shared past, grappling with the haunting memories of a tragedy that shattered their bond. @haynahkho

In Spices of the Heart (CScript) you step into the shoes of an ambitious chef who has landed a job at a prestigious restaurant known for its innovation and artistry. @when-life-gives-you-lemons-if

Love to be Forgotten (RPG Maker MV) is a visual novel inspired by historical figures like Lucrezia Borgia and eerie vampire folklore, such as the tale of Jure Grando.

~ UPDATES ~

Keyframes (Ren’Py) released a patch update. @blankhouse

Shepherds of Haven (CScript) alpha preview has been updated. @shepherds-of-haven

One Knight Stand (CScript) released Chapter 2 Part 3. @oneknightstand-if

Weeping Gods (CScript) added new content to Chapter 2. @jcollinswrites

The In-Between (CScript) released Chapter 10. @dalekowrites

Space Captain (CScript) released updated their demo.

Hunter's Requiem (CScript) added new content to their demo. @huntersrequiem-if

The Inn Between (Ren’Py) released an extended demo. @catslilypad

When Stars Collide (Ren’Py) released Episode 1. @steamberrystudio

Made Marion released Will’s route. @velvet-cupcake-games

Wasteland Pony Express updated their Patreon demo. @katieaki

~ OTHER ~

The Halloween Sale 2024 on Itch.io is here!

Are you a Girls! Girls! Girls!? fan? You can now pre-order an artbook!

The Retro Adventurers podcast released Episode 9, where they have a conversation with Robin Raymond about the project Kingdom of the Seven Stones, a sprawling text/graphic adventure.

Studio Mansoon Games is hiring! Are you a Programmer or a Game artist? This is your chance! @allieebobo

~

As always, we apologize in advance for missing any update or release from the past week. We are only volunteers using their limited free time to find as much as we can - but sometimes things pass through the cracks.

If you think something should have been included in this week's zine but did not appear, please shoot us a message! We'll do our best to add it next week! And if you know oncoming news, add it here!

~ MAYBE YOU NEXT? ~

We did not get a submission this week. But if you have an idea for a short essay, or would like a special space to share your thoughts about IF and the community...

Shoot us an email!

~ HIGHLIGHT ON ~

A couple of games that we thought were cool.

Viatica by @fir-fireweed (Twine)

Wonderful prose, interesting worldbuilding, lovable characters! Chapter 10 was recently updated and it tore my heart out 10/10.

//submitted by Silly//

Do you have SALT? by BRXKEVN (Steam)

I wanted to tell you about the salt.

//submitted by Oreolek//

Your favourite game here?

Do you have a favourite game that deserves some highlighting?

An old or recent game that wowed you so much you spam it to everyone?

Tell us about it! And it might appear here!

H/T = Horror/Thriller H = Halloween themes S = Supernatural C = Creepy

~ RECOMMENDATIONS (COMPLETE) ~

It gets so lonely here (H/T) by ebi-hime (Ren’Py)

Yuri yandere visual novel, what else needs to be said? //submitted by Remm//

Deepest Grievances (H/T) by 17 confused villains (Ren’Py)

Equal parts murder mystery, eldritch horror, and office satire. This is a great adventure-style VN with a puzzle that made me gasp when I figured out the solution. //submitted by Natasha//

Hanna, We're Going to School (S) by Kastel (Twine)

You and your ghost friend go to school and everything goes sideways. My favorite piece on queerness and rage. //submitted by Emerson//

Last seen online (H/T + S) by qwook/sochinstudio (Three.js)

It is a very great and short game. It includes puzzles that are both satisfying and sad to solve. //submitted by anon//

Escape from Hell (S) by Nils Fagerburg (???)

Switch between monsters and use their abilities to help you escape! Elegant design with fun puzzles. //submitted by Sera//

Neighbourhood Necromancer (H/T) by Gavin Inglis (CScript)

Command the undead to take revenge on the suburbs! Perhaps you’ll start by taking over a convenience store.

Yûrei Station (H/T) by Atelier Sentô (Unity)

A girl takes a night train heading to an unknown destination…

Everyday Horrors (H) by Jacob Aberdevine (Bitsy)

A short Halloween game about fear and uncertainty.

Ghosterington Night (H/T) by Wade Clarke (Inform 7)

Danger-filled Ghosterington Manor appears atop the same cliff each year on Samhain night. It’s hidding four poems that are worth a fortune, and you, famous adventurer Jubilee Grief, are determined to find them.

Forever and Ever (H/T + H) by @PetricakeGames-IF (Ink)

Halloween night comes to a close and you're just settling in to get a good night's sleep when your son Lucas lets you know there are monsters in his room.

First Bite (S) by firstbitegames (???)

One night. Three (very hot) vampires. Make a deal with Death or die trying… (Alejandro Saab is in it so you know it’s good. Also very 18+.) //recommended by Dion [team]//

Well Tended (C) by danielle taphanel (Bitsy)

A short storybook simulator about wandering through death's shade-filled garden, following the spiraling path of poisonous plants to the center.

Witches x Warlocks (H + S) by Nifty Visuals (Unreal Engine)

Seven days until Halloween! Seven days until Fay Nightshade gets booted out of school for being the only witch unable to cast a single spell.

Eat me (C) by Chandler Grooverr (Inform 7)

In this castle, you'll eat or be eaten. May contain dairy, carnage, puzzles, nuts.

~ RECOMMENDATIONS (WIP) ~

We Wretched Creatures (H/T) by @darkfictionjude (Twine)

Who can you trust? What’s the truth behind your family? What are things that you see in the dark?

Sentience (H/T + S) by @sentience-if (Twine)

After a near-death experience at the hands of a crazed angel, you're suddenly thrust into a conspiracy surrounding a corpse-worshiping cult, divinely mad saints, and something buried far, far beneath the earth.

Fervency (H/T) by @fervency-if (CScript)

After getting cured from a vicious plague, you begin to feel some strange and unfamiliar cravings - namely a fervent desire for flesh or blood.

The Story of Sin (H/T + S) by @devilishmango (Twine)

You are the spawn of Satan and The Devil. You decide to defy them once again, and just like always… they aren’t exactly too happy about that. This leads them to decide to punish you one last time- only, this time, the punishment is deadly.

Reanimated Heart (H/T + S) by @doubledeadstudio (???)

Figure out how to build a life from scratch in a strange dimension where the sun never rises and supernatural creatures live freely.

Van Helsing (S) by @vanhelsing-if (Twine)

You are the last of a family of elite slayers. When you get tasked with slaying an ancient Entity in four months, will you remain the indomitable Van Helsing of legends or will this finally be your breaking point?

SLAUGHTER☆SQUAD (H/T) by @harlequinoccult (Twine)

For the most part, you’re a pretty normal mid-20-something year old who lives in a shitty apartment in the city. Well, except for one thing. Your ”Associate” Carter “Dollface” Abernathy. Who is a murderer.

Did we miss your favourite game? Don’t worry, there’s still a chance! Fill out this form and we will include it in our next Halloween issue.

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL! WHETHER IT'S GOOD OR BAD, OR EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN...

Have something to say? Send us a message titled: Zine Letter!

As we end this issue, we would like to thank: Silly, Oreolek, Remm, Natasha, Emerson, Sera and the awesome anon!

For sending us their game recommendations and highlights!

And as always, huge thanks to all you readers who liked, shared, and commented on last week's issue! What might be tiny actions are huge support and motivators to us!

Thank you for cheering us on this journey!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We now have a Linktree! Accessing all of our links has never been easier.

And see you again next week, even more spooky!

BRIJ, DION, BEX, JEN

WHAT'S NEW IN IF? 2024-ISSUE 26

[artistactorathens]

Guys I’m still thinking about that reunion livestream it made me so emotional I miss Andi Mack so so much

Apart from all of the confirmed theories (Kippen siblings? Tyrus wedding?? Bisexual Bex??? Lesbian Amber???? AMBI?????), getting to hear from Terri Minski herself about all of the shit she had to go through and how much she had to fight for the queer rep we got genuinely made me cry. The fact that they WERENT SUPPOSED TO GO THROUGH WITH TYRUS. “We already gave you one gay character, we’re not giving you two.” AND THEY DID IT ANYWAY. Also all of the audition stories were so wholesome, I can’t believe they wrote Amber’s part especially for Emily!

It’s so corny but I think my favorite moment was everyone singing Tomorrow Starts Today. It was so laggy and so out of tune and I love it with all of my heart. I felt like I was thirteen again. Thank you to everyone who worked to put the livestream together and raising over $20K for the families in LA, it was truly amazing and it meant so so much to me. I hope my donation helped even if it wasn’t much. So much love for everyone :)

[coffeeheartaddict2]

Forbidden Fruits

Book: Open Heart

Characters: Ethan Ramsey, F!MC Casey Valentine

Word count: 549

Category: smut

Rating: Mature

Warnings: alcohol consumption, sexual content (masturbation)

Summary: It is the end of the first day for the new batch of interns and one in particular catches the eye of Ethan.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Authors note: Welcome to smuttember. Thank you @rafasgirl23415-2 for the prompt. Prompt appears in bold

🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃

It had been an interesting day as much as it was infuriating. A new intern class always made him feel this way but there was one intern that had piqued his interest…somehow.

He met her that morning, in an emergent situation and chewed her out. He knew he was being harsh but the sensation in his arm when he helped her with the incision had thrown him. “It was just a stressful situation” he had told himself but he had been in more stressful situations and had no such reaction. She did later redeem herself by figuring out what was wrong with her first patient.

He went to Donahue’s, in need of a drink. As soon as he entered he knew he should have gone home. The bar was full with all the new interns blowing off some steam after a long shift. He knew that the quiet drink he craved was not going to happen but his regular spot was free and Reggie was getting his normal drink when he saw him. He took a sip and did what he did best and observe. Then he spotted her. Dr Valentine. She had been in scrubs all day and he did find her attractive but he was not prepared for how she looked in that sinful outfit.

“She is an intern!” He mentally told himself. “Forbidden, by your own principles” the inner monologue continued.

While he was putting the thoughts of impropriety out of his mind, she came out.

They shared a scotch with each other, he was duly impressed that she knew why he liked scotch neat. She then asked if there was someone waiting for him at home. The internal monologue was playing so he was able to state that there was no one waiting for him, despite other parts of him wishing that he was taking her home.

After enjoying a second drink, Reggie’s special, he took his leave and went back to his empty apartment. Even though the weather was mild his apartment felt cold. He craved the company of Dr Valentine. His thoughts went to the outfit she wore. How it showed off her curves, accentuated her breasts. The thoughts of impropriety again forced their way forward. He decided it was a losing battle.

He went into his shower. He was already painfully hard. He started stroking himself, imagining that Dr Valentine was in the shower with him, her naked body quivering at his touch, he imagined her going down on him, taking him fully in her mouth.l, swirling her tongue along his length as he entered her mouth again and again. He then imagined taking her from behind, the water cascading over both of them, her moans as he entered her and thrust deep. He could feel himself get close and he pumped harder, wishing it was Dr Valentine he was pounding into. At last he succumbed to his release. It felt empty, given how vivid the fantasy was. He told him self again that she was forbidden as he got ready to go into a restful sleep.

He awoke the next morning, a small amount of guilt at the night before. He put it out of his mind. “She is an intern” he told himself as he got ready for work.

——-

Authors note: Short but not too sweet. In my world the guilt at masturbaitng to the thoughts get worse and worse as book one goes on. He did not know her that well professionally or personally at this point so the guilt was easier to be assaunged. Thanks for the ask again.

Tagging: @cariantha @rafasgirl23415-2 @jerzwriter @jamespotterthefirst @genevievemd @liaromancewriter @potionsprefect @bex-la-get @crazy-loca-blog @a-crepusculo @youlookappropriate @snoopdogcone @trappedinfanfiction @alj4890 @schnitzelbutterfingers @binny1985 @tessa-liam @openheartfanfics @choicesficwriterscreations

[1mnobodywhoareyou]

Wrath of Venus

idea credit to @floating-in-the-blue courtesy of this reblog (I also recall some back and forth in the tags but i can't be bothered to find them). Title/band name credit to @legolasghosty. And motivation credit to every single person who sent a rose. This happened exclusively because I didn't want to give Bex snippets to people who don't read Bex 😅. It'll hit ao3 eventually. When i can think of tags. May or may not become a proper AU. Hope y'all enjoy.

JatP | 1404 words | G | ambiguous/pre-Juke | alive AU

Julie’s thoughts are interrupted by an unexpected voice to her left. “Hey, you come here often?” 

Julie turns toward him, eyes narrowed as she takes him in from head to toe. Brown shaggy hair, captivating smile, broad shoulders… She grimaces as she notices the cut off tee but continues her inspection anyway, taking note of his black pants - surprisingly absent of tears or holes, the countless chains hanging from his waist complete with dangling folded wallet…

“How does anything stay in that?” she asks, pointing to the offending accessory.

He scoops it up and flips it open. “Little secret I have,” he responds with a sly grin. “If you keep it empty, you don’t need to worry about it.”

Julie rolls her eyes. “Broadcasting your poverty isn’t as cute as you seem to think it is.”

He offers a resigned shrug in response. A pause and then, “I’m Luke, by the way.”

“Julie.”

“Julie.” He repeats, saying it slowly like he’s feeling her name out in his mouth. She does everything in her power to keep from rolling her eyes. This is one of the worst parts of being involved with the music scene in LA. Men who feel like they’re entitled to her because she exists. Them and the men who feel like she’s an interloper who doesn’t belong there. If she’s really lucky, she’ll encounter a two in one. She’s trying to figure out which this Luke guy is when-

“What’s a girl like you doing in a place like this?” 

Sure, the dingy bar isn’t a great place to hang out or be found, but it’s unfortunately one of the few places for some of the best acts to get their start. And if she wants to keep her edge over her competition, this is where she needs to be. But he doesn’t need to know that.

“Could ask the same of you,” she counters. 

He sputters for a moment and Julie hides a proud smile behind her glass as she takes a sip of her drink. 

She waits patiently for him to recover. 

“My band’s playing tonight,” he finally says. 

Great. He’s one of those. 

She nods politely, choosing to keep her thoughts about guitarists and lead singers to herself. He gives off lead singer energy. 

She starts to spin herself back toward the bar when she feels him slide onto the stool beside her. His energy seems to have shifted from that of casual bar patron looking for a hookup to overly excited puppy desperate for attention. She eyes him curiously.

He immediately takes the opening she’s inadvertently offered. “We heard this is the best place to get noticed by this killer agent. Took us weeks to even get booked. And everyone’s so good! Can’t wait for our set.” He looks out toward the floor, scanning the small crowd that’s gathering. “Hope she’s here tonight.”

Julie looks up at the bartender who’s trying their hardest not to laugh. She sends them an amused wink. Julie knows that the staff here are discreet, she’s built a solid relationship with all of them over the last several years and they’ve always got her back when needed. Willie’s been a constant through the ups and downs of her wading her way through this world.

Julie hums in acknowledgement as she tries to decide if she wants to brush this guy off or find out more about him. You know, for work. Obviously.

Curiosity wins out. 

“Have I heard of you?”

This time it’s Luke’s turn to consider her carefully. 

“I don’t know. We’re still pretty small and-”

“Try me.” Julie can’t help but be amused by how quickly this guy’s energy seems to shift.

“Well, uh…” he stammers.

“Unless you’re lying to pick up women in the bar?”

His eyes widen comically. “What?! No! I promise I’m in a real band that’s playing a real show tonight. Well, set. A small set.”

“Okay,” she gestures toward Willie, silently asking for a copy of tonight’s event poster. They’re not even hiding their eavesdropping at this point and immediately hand her one. She reads through the list, glancing back up at Luke once she’s done. 

“Well you’d be cutting it too close to be the next act. I know for a fact that you’re not Midnight Madness or Whisper Cats. And you said it’s your first time playing here so I doubt you’re the headliner. Which means you must be Sunset Curve?”

He sputters at her again. This time she doesn’t bother hiding her grin. 

“How did you do that?!” he asks once he’s recovered.

Julie shrugs. “I know things.”

This is, apparently, the wrong thing to say. He eyes her carefully and oh, Julie knows that look. That’s the dude in any male-dominated space’s “I’m about to test you” look. She loathes that look. 

He glances up at the bartender, as if he’s considering ordering a drink to fully settle in next to Julie, then back at the stage, then back at Julie. 

She raises an eyebrow, part curiosity, part challenge. She’s been here before. Her part in the game never changes, she just needs to wait for them to make their move.

“So who’s your favourite band, then?”

And there it is. She narrows her eyes at him. His tone is just slightly different than most of the guys she encounters but she can’t quite figure out how or why.

“You wouldn’t know them.”

He scoffs. Julie suppresses an eye roll. 

“Try me,” he challenges. 

“Fine.” She leans forward, into his space, and stares at him. “Wrath of Venus.”

He hums consideringly and takes a long moment to think. Julie waits for the inevitable response of his made up opinion, usually negative, of her completely made up band. 

“I don’t think I’ve heard of them,” he finally answers, far too earnestly. “What kind of music do they make?”

This time it’s Julie’s turn to sputter as she’s completely caught off guard. She glances back at Willie who offers her a sympathetic shrug and smile but no actual aid. She glares at them before turning back to face Luke.

“They’re a hard rock girl group,” she finally blurts out.

Luke hums thoughtfully. “That makes sense. I still don’t know enough women-fronted groups. I’m working on it though.” He shimmies his phone out of his pocket. Or tries. From the look of things, his pockets are deeper and tighter than is ideal. 

He lets out a small, victorious shout once he finally succeeds. He unlocks it and taps around. “Can you tell me their name again? I want to look into them later!”

“Uhhhhh…” Julie stalls, trying to come up with literally anything to cover her ass. “They’re not on any streaming services yet. Still really new. Up and coming.”

“Oh,” Luke says, dismay clear in his voice, as he pockets his phone again. “I guess I’ll have to keep an eye out for some shows. They’re from here?”

“Uh, no. They, uh… They just come through town once in a while. When they can afford it, you know?”

Luke nods. “Yeah, I do. I’m so glad we actually live here.”

Julie notices the current act finishing up from over his shoulder. She nods toward the stage. “You’re almost up.”

Luke turns toward the stage in a panic. He scrambles off his barstool. “Nice to meet you, Julie!” he calls as he darts off. 

She breathes out a sigh of relief. Willie sets a refill of her drink down next to her. 

“Say. Nothing,” she warns them. 

They mime zipping their lips shut but don’t bother trying to hide the amused grin. 

“Watch them actually be good,” she grumbles as she lifts her glass to her lips. 

And they were. Really good. Enough so that Julie had to go and properly introduce herself after their set. Thankfully, there wasn’t any real opportunity for Julie’s fake band to come up again as she was introduced to the other band members and they exchanged contact information. She gave herself a mental pat on the back for managing to maintain a professional front through it all. 

And after getting over his shock that she was indeed the Ms. Molina from Dahlia Records he’d been hoping for, a downright giddy energy overtook Luke. It would take much longer than is reasonable for Julie to admit how endearing she found it. And would continue to. For better or worse.

[jerzwriter]

Life has been lifing, Zoloft ain't doing what it's supposed to do, and this place (normally an escape) has been way too full of negativity and hate... personally, I need something to uplift me, and I hope this will help uplift others too.

Musical Seratonin

Reblog this with three of your go-to songs when you need cheering up. Songs that make it hard to be sad when they're playing. Pass it on to others; let's make the list long. If the response is good, I'll make/share a playlist.

I know we prob all have very different musical tastes - but that's just fine! Who knows what we could discover?

Here are three of mine:

... and going back to my roots!

Tagging some people I think may want to contribute (DO NOT feel obligated), but ANYONE can participate!

@annoyingmillenialnewbie @crazy-loca-blog @storyofmychoices @jamespotterthefirst @mydemonsdrivealimo @aallotarenunelma @angelasscribbles @inlocusmads @genevievemd @icecoffee90 @trappedinfanfiction @dr-colossal-pita @liaromancewriter @lucy-268 @potionsprefect @bex-la-get @starsarewithinme @brycesgirl

[countrymusiclover]

60 - Missing What We Had

Part 61

Family is More than Blood

@melvia-ito @vavafaure1994 @kmc1989 @tallrock35

Missy’s pov

Ethan parked his truck outside of the lake house before I vamped behind opening the tailgate and taking out our suitcases. It had been five years since we had graduated high school. And we were doing our best to work in our small town. But most free weekends we were spending our time out here with our friends. “Landon just texted and said they’re almost here.”

“That’s good to know. We can set up the bonfire after the sun sets. My aunt Caroline said that they’d always start the school year off with a bonfire in the woods. And I think we should make that a tradition here, what do you think?” Grabbing the fireplace lighter stuffed inside one of the kitchen drawers I turned back to face my boyfriend.

My boyfriend smiled back at me. “That sounds fun. Let’s get everything set up before they get here.”

A few hours later we stood in the yard and down by the edge of the lake water with a burning pile of firewood at our feet. It was our whole little group of family and some friends gathered together which included me, Hope, Ethan, Landon and Andrea. Josie and Lizzie were back at Mystic Falls catching up with each other. “So what exactly are we doing with a fire? Are we going to be camping outside?”

“Not this time, Landon. This is actually a Mikaelson family tradition.”

Ethan made a confused face. “What kind of tradition?”

“Our auntie Bex said that we would write down our wishes and then burn them for luck.” Hope explained sitting on a log with Andrea and Landon seated on either side of her.

Landon smiled, scribbling down something and throwing it in the fire before anyone else could see it. “Sounds like fun.”

“Dang Landon, I guess we don’t get to know what you’re writing over there.” Andrea was the first to notice what he had just done.

The rest of us paused our wish writing focusing on the former supernatural boy. “What don’t you want us to know, Landon. I mean I thought we were all friends here.”

“He doesn’t have to answer if he doesn’t want to.” Hope defended.

Landon nervously rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s just embarrassing. I wished for some more muscles - like a certain Avenger.”

“The Hulk, Captain America or Thor?” I asked him with a cheeky grin.

Ethan pointed his index finger at him. “It’d be hard to pick between Thor and Steve Rogers.”

“Nah it wouldn’t be hard for me. God of Thunder, all the way.” Ethan and Landon shifted their gazes at me. Ethan gave me a weak smile until I responded back to him. “He’s a hot God. Oh don’t worry, E. You’re the only guy for me.”

Andrea slightly rolled her eyes, chuckling. “You guys are such cute nerds.”

The laughter in the room began to fade with my sister seeing some sadness welling in my eyes. “Missy, what’s wrong?”

“I wish Alina and Jackson were here. Along with the rest of our family.”

My sister nodded her head yes in agreement looking up at the stars above our heads. “Yeah, me too. I wonder if Alina is happy back in New Orleans.”

Raelyn’s pov

“Alina Mikaelson, you open the door this instant!” Vamping inside the cabin I heard my husband’s voice shouting down at the end of the tight hallway.

Striding up to him I grabbed him gently by the shoulder. “Klaus, yelling at her isn’t going to help us any faster.”

“She shouldn't have done what she did. She lied to us for five years. She didn't tell her son, our own grandson, about us. Oh and now to top it off she has another offspring that will probably know nothing about us!” He shouted back at me throwing his hands up in the air.

Running my hands down my face I sighed heavily knowing he had every right to be furious with her. I know I was but what would that anger solve, absolutely nothing. “I'm angry with her too. But if we don't have her on our side then I can’t do the spell to help my brother have another baby.”

“So that's what this trip was all about. My idiot brother in law can't wrap his head around the fact that he can't have any more children. Oh I feel so sorry for him.”

Glaring at my husband I remarked. “Niklaus, be nice. Remember he is my brother and I care about him just as much as I do you.”

“If he really cared about you he would have told you what Alina had done.” He turned his head back towards the door shouting again. “We're still your parents regardless of you legally being an adult now!”

Slapping my hand over his mouth I shut him up, turning his face with my other hand. “That’s not going to get us anywhere. Besides you can't dagger her for this, Nik.”

“Freya - could use - a boundary - spell.” He muffled against my palm.

Shaking my head he knew I was right. “And she'll break it in a second because she's half siphon witch in case you've forgotten.”

“What do you suggest we do then, Raelyn?” He removed my hand from his mouth holding it in his larger one.

Leading him over to the living room coach with our hands still together I dragged him down to sit with me. “We just wait for her to come talk to us.”

“You can't be serious, Rae?” He knitted his brows at me.

Nodding my head I laid down on my back on the coach staring at him. “I am 100% serious, Nik. She's old enough to make her own decisions even if we don't agree with them. We have to listen to what she has to say. Now can we please cuddle while we wait?”

“I have a better idea, we could go have sex on your brother's bed.” He smirked down at me.

Covering my mouth with my hands I attempted to hold back the fit of laughter that escaped my lips. “Nik, no!”

“Why not?” He pressed on leaning down to connect our lips together, his body hovering over mine.

Breaking the kiss I held his face in my hands I lightly smiled. “Because with our luck we'd get me knocked up and be on our way to child number 7.”

“What’s wrong with that? We both love our children don't we?” He questioned with a tilt of his head.

Lazily running my fingers through his dirty blonde locks I replied hoping he would understand. “I adore them with all my heart. It's just - we never have time to ourselves anymore. Like we used to when my cousins were alive and -”

“And you were always horrified you'd die and kill your entire coven.”

Rolling my eyes it all seemed so foreign now for me to be afraid of death. Looking back now I was born to be a vampire. I was born to be a heretic. “Yes, that too. But my point is I want us to go back to those moments. The moments where it was just you and me against the world. Where we aren't responsible for other people, just you and me.”

“I'll find a way to make that happen, my heretic Queen. You have my word on that because I love you.” Nik closed the gap between us, connecting our lips in a heated kiss.

Threading my fingers deeply into his curls I let myself get lost in the passionate kiss. “I love you too.”

[potionsprefect]

Birthday As A Mom

Victoria celebrates her first birthday as a mother

Who agrees with Kyra? 🙋🏼‍♀️

Tag list: @ohchoices @swiftiexstarwarssimp @queencarb @genevievemd @choicesaddict5 @schnitzelbutterfingers @gryffindordaughterofathena @sophxwithers @romewritingshop @coffeeheartaddict2 @mm2305 @nikki-2406 @maurine07 @nishas-paradise @replayfootsteps @mainstreetreader @lsvdw-blog @kiara-36 @quixoticdreamer16 @headoverheelsforramsey @shanzay44 @itsjustamesshonestly @josiesopenheart @mysticalgalaxysstuff @custaroonie @ireneadlerisseggsy @takemyopenheart @kachrisberry @rookiemartin @jamespotterthefirst @a-crepusculo @natureblooms24 @jerzwriter @wanderingamongthewildflowers @rosebudde @lucy-268 @liaromancewriter @bex-la-get @writer-ish @toadfrog26 @tessa-liam @peonierose @cariantha @kyra75

[choicesficwriterscreations]

CFWC CREATOR OF THE MONTH MASTERLIST

Every month, CFWC selects one creator to be highlighted as Creator of the Month. For information and to see how you could be selected, please visit here.

2024

December 2024: @coffeeheartaddict2

November 2024: @belencha77

October 2024: @tessa-liam

September 2024: @tveitertotwrites

August 2024: @mavidraws

July 2024: @eadanga

June 2024: @thosehallowedhalls

May 2024: @saibug1022

April 2024: @aallotarenunelma

March 2024: @bayleedraws-sometimesx

February 2024: @rosesnink (formerly noesapphic)

January 2024: @jerzwriter

2023

December 2023: @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

November 2023: @lizzybeth1986

October 2023: @peonierose

September 2023: @lilyoffandoms

August 2023: @ao719

July 2023: @alwaysmychoices

June 2023: @peonyblossom

May 2023: @the-pale-goddess

April 2023: @genevievemd

March 2023: @lucy-268

February 2023: @princess-geek

January 2023: @jamespotterthefirst

2022

December 2022: @liaromancewriter

November 2022: @missameliep

October 2022: @takeharryandgo

September 2022: @angelasscribbles

August 2022: @inlocusmads (deactivated)

July 2022: @utterlyinevitable

June 2022: @gryffindordaughterofathena

May 2022: @bebepac

April 2022: @headoverheelsforramsey

March 2022: @lovealexhunt

February 2022: @issabees

January 2022: @bex-la-get

[blogger360ncislarules]

This chilling new crime drama gets major kudos for casting. As star Melissa Roxburgh confesses, the first time she faced off against an actor hired to play a psychotic mass murderer in a tense interrogation scene, she told him, “Ooh, if I met you on the street, I would run!”

When The Hunting Party returns February 10 with its second episode — the first is available to stream now on Peacock — viewers can look forward to plenty of running (and shooting and outsmarting) for Roxburgh, who plays Bex Henderson, a former FBI profiler now leading a team tracking down serial killers who escaped when a top-secret prison was destroyed in a mysterious explosion.

David Astorga / NBC

Nicknamed “the Pit,” the facility, which goes boom in the series premiere, was in a converted nuclear missile silo in Wyoming and housed hundreds whose supposed executions had been faked. The series launches with 10 episodes, each of which covers the search for a different killer. In the opening hour, the hunt is on for a maniac who blinds women as revenge on his mother, who locked him in a dark basement. There’s a government cover-up after the explosion, of course, and the inmates must be nabbed fast.

Bex is up to the task. Roxburgh compares her to Michaela Stone, the cop she portrayed on NBC/Netflix’s Manifest (2018–23). “Bex is tenacious, stubborn, strong-willed. I carry a bit of stubbornness, so I can relate.” The actress also connects to the role thanks to college studies in criminology, including a seminar analyzing the likes of Ed Gein and Ted Bundy.

Still, these are more than your average repeat slashers. The inmates have been subjected to experiments that have further twisted their already creepy minds. (The plot point was inspired by MKUltra, a CIA program that tested psychological torture techniques, in use from 1953 to 1973.) And Bex fears that among the escapees is Eli Johnson (Mark Moses), a killer she helped catch as a teen by listening in on her sheriff dad’s phone calls for clues.

“The prison is a lab that was used [through] many decades by the pharmaceutical industries, the defense industries, the military,” says executive producer Jake Coburn, who runs the show with series creator JJ Bailey. “It’s a government conspiracy that just keeps unfolding.”

Even the president is in the dark, so it’s no surprise that Bex must deal with false information, says Roxburgh: “One thing that drives the mystery is that no one really knows who’s in charge.” Also, the brilliant special agent can’t even be sure who among her squad colleagues to trust.

NBC

Take the prison warden, Oliver Odell (Nick Wechsler, Revenge), who’s put on the team due to his experience with the escapees. He was Bex’s FBI mentor, but his unethical treatment of a suspect drove them apart. “It’s been [five] years since they’ve seen each other and nothing’s been resolved,” Roxburgh says. “Who is he as a person having done what he did?” Flashbacks during the first episode piece together that fateful past operation, which also brought Bex together with her adopted, now-college-age daughter Sam (Kyra Leroux).

No matter how terribly things ended with Odell, “they shared a lot of love prior,” Roxburgh says. And yes, there was romantic tension, which returns. Plus, “everyone loves a good triangle, so we see snippets of that,” Roxburgh reveals. The third side is a prison guard/former military man, Shane Florence (Josh McKenzie, La Brea). He and Bex bond quickly after sharing stories of past traumas. “Shane becomes Bex’s safe place, someone she can trust completely. But he’s got his own bag of secrets,” Roxburgh says.

The team’s de facto manager is the CIA’s Jacob Hassani (Patrick Sabongui, Homeland), who has long hunted terrorists and traffickers. He reports directly to the attorney general, Elizabeth Mallory (Zabryna Guevara). “Hassani is running the day-to-day operations from the CIA perspective. He’s brought in to clean this up,” Bailey says.

Whoever’s in charge has provided a big budget. The hunters’ massive plane doubles as a war room, so they can quickly fly to destinations nationwide where the escaped killers have been spotted. 

They also get a hand from military intelligence officer Jennifer Morales (Sara Garcia, The Flash). Once an ace student in Bex’s officer candidate course in behavioral science at Quantico, “she’s a drop of sunshine in a dark world,” Bailey says.

That world comes through in the series’ big-picture mystery as the team gets clues on who was behind the prison break and why. We’ll learn, says Roxburgh, “how international this goes.” But the more pressing issues come each week as the hunting party does its job. In each episode, says Roxburgh, we’re left to “wonder who’s going to get hurt. And is everyone going to make it out alive?”

[youreobsessedwithtoomanyfandoms]

putting this one here because i wanna put it here instead of my oc account:

but the way that so many of my oc's would be so fucking pissed at the state of the US right now and the fact that once again, people fucking voted for a rapist instead of a woman. as well as the fact that we are literally in a fucking obvious as shit oligarchy and this shit is fucking stupid because why the fuck did some of the fucking people in america decide this was what we needed?

why the fuck was my first fucking election against the motherfucker that even at age 11 in 2016, i knew was a fucking rapist and terrible guy who NEVER should have been president in the first fucking place?

anyways, here's a list of my oc's that would very much be possibly committing a crime over this and why (only for my american oc's that would be alive if they were real):

Elizabeth "Lizzy" Rogers: literally was living during WW2, dealt with actual fucking n@zi's, is literally the fucking older sister to Steven fucking Rogers aka Captain America and was one of biggest people in support of Sam becoming Cap because "who else makes sense?"

Anora: is, to an extent, an illegal alien herself if we wanna get into it (i will if wanted), lived with Natasha and Steve during those five years (Nat for more), while she is over 300 years old, she also really is a (currently in 2025) 19 year old in college and is tired of the way everything is

Annabeth Nelson: is a lawyer from Hells Kitchen and was a DA in LA, specifically dealing with crimes and saw how badly people with less were treated (hence why she does so many pro-bono cases)

Maria Peterson: she's a mutant, her father-in-law is literally a survivor of the holocaust

Rebecca "Bex" Evans: grew up in DOWNTOWN Gotham, knows how shittily people with less are treated, knows EXACTLY what its like to have less, raised by a single mother, knows EXACTLY what people with money can do, forces Bruce to spend even more money on help programs, also underlying health issues that made her be denied insurance as a fucking baby

Lydia Swan: she literally hires anyone who needs a job, doesn't look at background (just makes sure they are not CURRENTLY an active henchman), pays everyone a living wage starting out with anything else they need (insurance and housing), opens her manor up to the homeless during the winter and summer so they don't freeze to death or overheat

Ashlea Moore: a journalist and (to quote Clark in Smallville) is married to an illegal alien, plus her entire family is military

Doctor Abigail "Abby" Brown: FBI agent

Tiffany Miller: government agent, underlying health issues and used to be denied insurance because of it, daughter had underlying health issues, knows just what the government could do because her husband was in Racoon City

Evelyn Allen: former member of the US Army, government agent, underlying health issues that led to insurance being denied, daughter also has health issues and was denied insurance at one month because of it after insurance needed to be renewed so was on state insurance until the affordable care act, was raised by a VERY VERY democratic father that was literally known by democrats so much that the election after he died, she would be asked abt him (not that important but thought it would be nice to add), husband basically raised his younger sister by himself as a teen after the death of their parents, literally knows EXACTLY what the government can do because she was IN Racoon City (and the fucking Arklay Mountains) (there's more but ima stop here)

Charlotte "CJ" Redfield: father is literally Chris Redfield, a journalist (well, studying), is gay, underlying health problems, perpetual anger issues

[if-whats-new]

What's New In IF? Issue 25 (2024)

By Brij, Dion, Bex and Jen

Now Available!

Itch.io - Keep Reading below

If you read the zine, consider liking the post: it helps us see how many people see it! And sharing is caring! <3

~ EDITORIAL ~

Wow what’s that? So many jams!

Game jams are a great way to bring together all kinds of game enthusiasts and make exciting new things. It’s also a great way for us readers to find new stuff. And this issue just broke its record in featured jams! So check them all out.

We want some feedback!

As we’re starting to get a hand of things, we would love some feedback from you guys! What you enjoy, want more or less off, how we could improve... Anything goes! We even have a nifty form!

Still looking for members!

Due to the severe changes in the Zine team, we are once again looking for free hands with a couple of hours to kill, and minds, looking to make a little difference in the community!

If you too would like to help us out in a more official capacity, please shoot us a message! You can check out the available positions here, but if you’d like to help in any other way, feel free to contact us as well!

No Small Talk for some time!

We hope you enjoy this new issue!

BRIJ, DION, BEX AND JEN

~ BE A PART OF THE ZINE ~

THIS ZINE ONLY HAPPENS WITH YOU!

Want to write 1-2 pages about a neat topic, or deep-dive into a game and review it in details? Share personal experiences or get all academic?

WRITE FOR THE COLUMN!

Prefer to be more low-key but still have something to share? Send us a Zine Letter or share a game title for Highlight on…!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Excited as we are about next week's interview and have questions for our guest? Or want to see a certain author answer questions next? Message us!

SMALL TALK... IS WAITING!

Came across something interesting? Know a release or an update announced? Saw an event happening? Whether it's a game, an article, a podcast… Add any IF-related content to our mini-database!

EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS!

Contact us through Tumblr asks, Forum DMs, or even by email! And thank you for your help!!

~ EVENT SPOTLIGHT : ECTOCOMP 2024 ~

La Petite Mort or Le Grand Guignol? Either way, it’s going to get spooky!

Ever since October 2007 spooky-game enthusiasts all over the world have a chance to participate in ECTOCOMP, an annual competition for interactive fiction celebrating the SPOOKY MONTH OF HALLOWEENTOBER. Whether you celebrate Halloween, Day of the Dead, All Saint's Eve, or just love ghost stories and creeping people out, this is your time to shine!

Previously organized by Jason Guest for ADRIFT games, the jam is now open to all development platforms. Since the beginning of this initiative, there has been a motivation to unite and strengthen ties between international communities in the IF world. Creators can submit games either in one of the four main languages - English, Spanish, French and German or any other!

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Ghostbusters. Named after the Ghostbusters’ car license plate number ECTO 1, this year the jam pays tribute to the film that inspired the title! Some other subthemes and inspiration prompts are: Spooky adventure, Sweet supernatural, Halloween fest, Día de Los Muertos, All Saints', All Souls' Eve and any other festivity or mythology around the world.

As per tradition, Ectocomp has two categories:

La Petite Mort, for those who want to speed-write their game in 4 hours or less.

Le Grand Guignol, for games that, for whatever reason, took longer than 4 hours to write.

When the jam is over, all of the submitted games will be uploaded to the IF Archive.

~ ENDED ~

The voting for IFComp ended, the votes are boing counted and the results will be announced on October 19th! You can tune in for the Awards Ceremony stream. (October 19 at 4pm Eastern)

~ ONGOING (VOTING) ~

Entries have been submitted for the 6th Spooktober Annual Visual Novel Jam! You can vote for your favourites until October 27th! Every October Friday you can also watch Chizu's sponsored Spooktober Stream where she plays through all submissions!

~ ONGOING (SUBMITTING) ~

Another edition of the Bad Art Visual Novel Jam is upon us! The submissions are open until October 19th for anything following the theme Super Hero/Super Villain. Just remember: No good art!

Find inspiration in dusty old decrepit corners, revivify the forgotten - the Revival Jam 2024 is here! You can submit anything you want until the 20th of October.

Strip IF to it’s bare bones and all it become beautiful text. That’s what The Bare-Bones Jam is about.

It’s spooky month and with it comes the annual ECTOCOMP 2024. If it’s spooky or supernatural why not submit it?

Running until Halloween, the Phantasia Jam is a three months game jam to create a fantasy narrative game, with the theme of “Hidden Magic”. It accepts both VN and IF.

On the CoG Forum, Halloween is already there! Until Oct 31st, you can submit your projects to the Halloween Jam - but don't forget the theme! VAMPIRE, Murder, 70’s Disco!

Disabled Rep VN Jam has a very simple premise but a very important message.

Once upon a time, a game jam was held to create stories around the theme of fairy tales… and that game jam is the Once Upon A Time VN Jam. It’s running from October 1st to January 31st.

Concours de Fiction Interactive Francophone 2025 is for all French-speaking enthusiasts. Submissions are accepted March 3rd 2025.

Are you perhaps a fan of more somber, melancholic themes? Then check out the Dying Year - Visual Novel Jam! You have until the end of the year to participate.

The Black Visual Novel Jam is all about working with creative professional developers who work in visual novels to bring more Black stories to life. The goal is to create a space where Black creators can show their unique storytelling through visual novels.

Bare your teeth and sharpen your claws because the Monstrous Desires 2024 Visual Novel Jam is here! Dedicated to the love of entities, horrors, and monstrosities, this jam will be full of romantic Visual Novels (VN) that heavily focus on a monster may it be original or from classics, folklore, modern media, etc.

~ OTHER ~

The Interactive Fiction Showcase is still running! If you have completed an IF piece this year, consider submitting it! It is happening only on itch!

~ NEW RELEASE ~

Ink and Intrigue (CScript) is an interactive erotic fantasy novel about finding love on a lush tropical island among immortal warrior-mages as you explore ancient mysteries, craft dragon-rune tattoos, and discover your true loyalties. @leiatalon

Locked Out (Ren'Py) is a short kinetic visual novel about a young women that gets locked out of her own apartment.

Are you a The Sims lover? Then check out Buck and Jill's Trick-Or-Treat Adventure. @emperorofthedark

Daemonologie (Unreal Engine) is a short folk horror story influenced by the Scottish witch trials of the late 17th century.

Playing the game is letting it exist. (Decker) is a narrative game structured as an interview for a day trader position.

Oblivious Melodies (Twine) Volume I. is now available to play. @oblivious-melodies

As always, don't forget to check out the submitted entries to the events mentioned in the previous pages. They deserve some love too!

~ NEW RELEASE (WIP) ~

Blood of the Living (CScript), the Field’s of Asphodel sequel is here! The demo is now available for Patreon supporters. @chrysanthemumgames

In Enderbane (CScript) you’ll get to travel back in time from the London of the 1800s to a lush medieval era in Normandy. @enderinthebane

The Beast of Glenkildove has stalked Ireland for centuries. Now, you must hunt it. The Hunter: The Reckoning — The Beast of Glenkildove (CScript) demo is now available.

The Shadow Whisperer (Ren’py) is a visual novel where you get to attend what would have been just another uneventful ball, if only you had not piqued the interest of the mysterious Lord Helderon.

The Soulforge Order (Twine) is a sci-fi fantasy text-based game about becoming an elite warrior that helps to protect the world of Azish. @thesoulforgeorder

In The Empire (CScript) you’re the sole heiress to the great Empire of Ethrean whose expected to be the next ruler. But that is not a title that comes lightly; with assassins, possible backstabbers and increasingly daring rebels, your future is in jeopardy.

So you have a stalker, but he's your type, so what now? Find out by playing Marry My Stalker.

~ UPDATES ~

A Shriek of Ash and Fire (CScript) added extra content to their demo. @krogpile

After Dark (CScript) added the second part of the fifth day of the journey to the demo.

College Tennis: Origin Story (CScript) released Chapter 5 to the public. @collegetennisoriginstory

Grey Swan - Birds of a Rose (CScript) added content to their re-written demo. @reinekes-fox

Incubus (Twine) released Chapter 5. @sonnet009games

Meteoric (CScript) finished Chapter 4.

Misplaced (CScript) released Chapter 8. @calliopefiction

Parasitical (CScript) added new content to the demo. @parasitical-if

The Mighty Shifter (CScript) updated the demo. @miss-briar-novels

The Unbeheaded (CScript) released Chapter 2.

Thicker Than (CScript) released their monthly update. @barbwritesstuff

Virtue's End (CScript) updated the public demo with a part of Chapter 2. @virtues-end

Drink Your Villain Juice (CScript) added new content to their demo. @drinkyourvillainjuice

DEERBOURNE (CScript) added Chapter 2 to their demo. @daisychainfiction

Seven's Deadly (Twine) finished Chapter 3. @sevensdeadly-if

Love the Guard, Be the King (Ren’Py) added new content to their demo. @ligiawrites

Our Life: Now and Forever (Ren’Py) added Patreon beta update that completes the trick or treating adventures of Step 1. @gb-patch

Weeping Gods (CScript) added extra content to Chapter 2. @jcollinswrites

~ OTHER ~

Werewolves 3: Evolution’s End is in need of beta testers.

The VNture podcast is back with another episode! This time talking about festivals in VNs.

~

As always, we apologize in advance for missing any update or release from the past week. We are only volunteers using their limited free time to find as much as we can - but sometimes things pass through the cracks.

If you think something should have been included in this week's zine but did not appear, please shoot us a message! We'll do our best to add it next week! And if you know oncoming news, add it here!

~ MAYBE YOU NEXT? ~

We did not get a submission this week. But if you have an idea for a short essay, or would like a special space to share your thoughts about IF and the community...

Shoot us an email!

~ HIGHLIGHT ON ~

A couple of games that we thought were cool.

Your favourite game here?

Do you have a favourite game that deserves some highlighting?

An old or recent game that wowed you so much you spam it to everyone?

Tell us about it! And it might appear here!

Thank you for the issue! 💗 I found out so many ifs thanks to you guys

- @lacewing707

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL! WHETHER IT'S GOOD OR BAD, OR EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN...

Have something to say? Send us a message titled: Zine Letter!

Everyone’s favourite holiday is upon us, and as a celebration, we in the WNIF team decided to make the next two issues HALLOWEEN THEMED! What does that mean? Aside from a slight graphic change, we will be adding a recommendation section - something of a larger version of the Highlight on... section you’re already used to.

But for that, we will need your help! Is there a game that you love that just screeches "Halloween!" at you? Share it with us and we will include it in one of our Halloween double-issues so all our other readers can check it out as well.

We even have a form for it!

As always, huge thanks to all you readers who liked, shared, and commented on the last issue!

What might be tiny actions are huge support and motivators to us!

Thank you for cheering us on this journey

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We now have a Linktree! Accessing all of our links has never been easier.

And see you again next week, this time more spooky! (So bring a costume.)

BRIJ, DION, BEX, JEN

WHAT'S NEW IN IF? 2024-ISSUE 25

[cfcurscdsouls]

☆ﾟ.*・ ◞ madelyn cline / female / caucasian / she/her ——— is that bexleigh mikaelson on bourbon street ? the 21 year old witch, wolf gene, vampire gene  who stays in the french quarter? i heard their biological parents are caroline forbes and klaus mikaelson. they are notoriously known for being determined and compassionate  but also rebellious and blunt. which is probably why they are considered the spitfire around town.  i wonder if they had their tarot cards reading, yet? either way, the cards on the table will reveal their fate soon enough // s, 28, she/her, est

🔍 Overview 🔎

Full Name: Bexleigh Willow Mikaelson Nickname(s): Bex, Bexy, Leigh Preferred Name: Bex Age: 21 Sexuality: Heterosexual Pronouns: She/Her Height:  5'6" Weight/Build: 135 lbs, toned, muscular Scars/Birthmarks/Distinguishing Markings: N/A

🗣️ Personality & Morals ⚖️

Are they…(bold which term applies to the character):

introvert / extrovert / ambivert

risk-taker / cautious

organized / disorganized

close-minded / open-minded

calm / anxious / restless

disagreeable / agreeable / in-between

patient / impatient

outspoken / reserved

leader / follower / flexible

empathetic / un-empathetic

optimistic / pessimistic / realistic

traditional / modern / in-between

hard-working / lazy

Moral alignment (chaotic good, lawful neutral, etc): Chaotic Neutral

Guilty Pleasure(s): TBD

👍 Strengths & Weaknesses 👎

Strengths/Skills (Mental/Physical): multilingual (English, Creole, French, Latin) piano and guitar (acoustic) ukelele spells photography painting and sketching Weaknesses (Mental/Physical): Sympathetic Sensitive but Guarded TBD Biggest Advantage: Self-Restraint Ability to perform silent spells Biggest Vulnerability: Her family Mental Ailments: Perfectionist, Minor OCD Physical Ailments: N/A Addictions/Bad Habits: Whiskey Phobias: TBD

🏠 Lifestyle 🏠

Birthplace: New Orleans, LA Current Residence: New Orleans, LA Education: Studying Marine Biology Religion: N/A Philosophy/Outlook on Life: TBD Job: Works at Audubon Aquarium in the Maya Snorkel Adventure Exhibit Hobbies: Photography, Painting, Sketching, Studying Marine Life

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Relationships 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Status (Single/Dating…/Married to…): Single Family: Klaus Mikaelson (Father) Caroline Forbes (Mother) Lizzie Saltzman (Older Sister) Josie Saltzman (Older Sister) Hope Mikaelson (Older Sister) Nikolas Mikaelson (Older Brother) Henrik Mikaelson (Younger Brother) Friends: TBD Enemies: TBD Other notable relationships (If any): Literally every Mikaelson lol

📚 Backstory 📚

From a very young age Bexleigh has always expressed an interest in just about anything artsy that you could imagine and as she got older she leaned towards photography, painting, and piano mostly.

While her love for art was strong, Beleigh was always adamant that it was nothing but an outlet and joy in her life. Her real life has always been in the water and any chance she got she would find herself in a body of water somewhat be it a pool, lake, or the ocean. She had always been intrigued by the unknown and the creatures of the ocean that are rarely seen on a regular basis, envying the peace and freedom that they have.

She's just recently gotten out of a relationship after she discovered that her boyfriend had cheated on her. Between that and all of the fighting that had been going on between the pair, Bexleigh decided to call it off and has since closed herself off to the idea of love so good luck to anyone that finds themselves crushing on her cause changing her mind will not be easy.

Healthy mix of both her parents; like Caroline, she’s quick witted, self-aware, fiercely loyal, competitive, and can sometimes be aggressive and like Klaus, she’s confident, sarcastic, compassionate, sensitive, outspoken, adventurous, and really loves the arts (painting is her biggest pastime). She has always been a free-spirit, rebellious in nature and as such she was constantly getting herself in trouble as a kid, sneaking out and going to parties without her parents knowledge.

More to come as I plot.

[coffeeheartaddict2]

Here's a potential little prompt for Casey! Use as you see fit, or delete if you don't see fit! lol :)

Who am I?

Book: Open Heart (post series)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC Casey Ramsey

Category: fluffy angst

Rating: PG

Word count: 401

Warnings: mentions of mental health

Summary: Casey is due to have baby Hudson in about six weeks and she is already starting to feel some of the loss of identity that occurs when a child is born. As a pre baby Mother’s Day present, Ethan tries to ease some of Casey’s concerns

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Author’s note: thank you to @jerzwriter for not only sending me this prompt but for also hosting a Mother’s Day event for which this is a submission for.

The identity change that happens when we welcome a young one and the changes around that are real and it affects people differently.

☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

Mothers Day 2025

It was six weeks until they were due to meet baby Hudson. The pregnancy was a wanted surprise and thankfully, aside from some morning sickness, the pregnancy had been relatively trouble free. Casey had clearance to work up until 36 weeks gestation. Casey had already begun handing over some of her duties to Aurora Emery, who was going to be the team leader whilst she was on leave. Tobias was also helping out where he could also.

Despite everything going well, Casey could not help but start to feel the gravity of the changes that baby Hudson was going to bring to their lives, especially hers. It was humbling that she soon there was going to be this tiny human who will be completely dependant on her. She was looking forward to being a mum but the thoughts of the loss of identity that came with that were starting to haunt her. Despite reassurances from her friends, the team, Harper and Ethan, she could not help but feel that who she was now, Dr Casey Ramsey would be lost.

Ethan was already at a lost with what to say or do, at least without coming off as condescending. So he got to searching. Even though Hudson was not born yet, he still wanted to do something, to celebrate the upcoming milestone for them. He was looking at coffee mugs, he did not know fully why, they both had several anyway but one caught his eye.

“It’s Miss, Ms. Mrs

Dr.

Actually”

Written on the side. He ordered it thinking that it would be a cute and useful reminder that she will always be Dr Casey Ramsey.

Mother’s Day came and Ethan made her breakfast. He brought it to her in bed. He then gave her the box with the mug inside. Casey opened it, having no idea what it was and she the mug, chuckled and then hugged Ethan.

“No one can take away the title of Doctor, not even our son. You will soon be a mother but you will never stop being a Doctor.” Says Ethan.

Casey kisses him sweetly.

“Thank you Ethan, I am sure I will need reminding of this but thank you.”

They spent a lazy morning in bed before heading out to lunch and both were excited that this time next year they would have someone else to celebrate Mother’s Day with.

Authors note: hooray I was able to keep it to Drabble length for the Mother’s Day Drabble event.

Casey did need to be reminded several times in the first year of Hudson’s life that she was still a doctor, not just a mum.

Tagging: @jerzwriter @jamespotterthefirst @genevievemd @cariantha @potionsprefect @liaromancewriter @bex-la-get @crazy-loca-blog @a-crepusculo @alj4890 @zealouscanonindeer @youlookappropriate @tessa-liam @schnitzelbutterfingers @binny1985 @lucy-268 @openheartfanfics @choicesficwriterscreations

[headoverheelsforramsey]

Newborn Love

A/N : Thank you to @peonierose for these two prompts, that inspired this. Hope you guys like it.

Tags under the cut

Perma : @starrystarrytrouble @quixoticdreamer16 @coffeeheartaddict2 @liaromancewriter @tessa-liam @gryffindordaughterofathena @crazy-loca-blog @zahrachoices @bex-la-get @potionsprefect @schnitzelbutterfingers @a-crepusculo @custaroonie @aishwariya26 @jamespotterthefirst @rookiemartin

Ethan x Meera : @jerzwriter @wanderingamongthewildflowers @takemyopenheart @mvalentine @cariantha

+ @choicesficwriterscreations & @openheartfanfics

Please let me know if you want to be added or removed. 💜