#i am just an enid blyton kid at heart

[istj-mbti]

//rant//

[allegra-j-joann]

The Will to Write

My writing life is such a strange concept to try and summarise. My Writing life, my inspiration and will to write, is like a cat, fickle and demanding, it’s always been such an enormous part of everything I did, and yet it was so inconstant. It shone in the starry eyes of a four-year-old, learning in the early morning to read of the lands above the Faraway tree, it mirrored the Cheshire grin of a six-year-old falling in love with the land down the rabbit hole, it pawed at the heart of a fourteen-year-old hiding notebook under her pillow, throwing herself away in favour of a fictional personality, and purred in the arms of a sixteen-year-old with more stories than friends. It was there, warm and soft through some of the worst times of my life, baring its claws as I brought myself to the brink of disaster, yet abandoned me when I wanted it, leaving me with notebooks full of scratched-out lines, scribbles in the margins, and undirectable rage.

My first novel was Enid Blyton’s whimsically beautiful ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’, I remember my copy, bound in gold and blue, almost as big as myself, I remember bouncing on the end of my parents' bed at 7 am on a Saturday, nagging them about the words I didn’t understand, about things, I couldn’t make sense of, I devoured that story, again and again, I read it until its spine gave out until I could near recite it, but it wasn’t enough, not for me. Barely a week after I started primary school, I had decided that I too wanted to visit the land of toys and the kingdom of pots and pans, and so I took to pencil and paper and wrote my first fanfiction. The story was a paragraph long and told the story of a kitten escaping his backyard to befriend the tree fairies and the man in the moon, that was the beginning of Will, the beginning of my life as a writer, but I wouldn’t meet him myself for another year and a half.

Not long before my sixth birthday, I received my mother’s copy of ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ and it was love at first sight, that was the day I met Will, an ink-stained cat with a Cheshire grin, the embodiment of every story I ever had, or ever would write, an imaginary friend, true, but one who represented something very real to me, who I still see today. By this point in my life, I had been diagnosed with Severe Anxiety and Obsessive tendencies, I fixated more than a normal child, I found a single thing, a hobby, a colour, a concept, and devoted myself entirely, before returning to somewhat of a hollow state, I would spend hours, sometimes entire days, ordering and reordering my books, and even with counselling, I found myself unable to make friends, I couldn’t keep up with the other kids, they changed so quickly, but books, characters, they were so constant, I could come back time and time again and always know them, I prefer them to people, I started believing there was something wrong with me, defeated, I stopped trying to communicate with the people around me, it was in this state of radio silence that I came across the most life-changing quote I have ever read, in which the Cheshire Cat quotes “I’m not Mad, you see, My reality just differs from yours”. Enid Blyton may have led me to write my first stories, but it wasn’t until Lewis Carroll’s work that I fell down the Rabbit Hole, I realised that I wasn’t broken, there was nothing wrong with me, in fact, one of the most beloved books of all time was filled with characters just like me, I wanted to be part of that, I wanted to be like Carroll, I became obsessed with creating something that could reassure and inspire others the way Wonderland had for me.

My creative bliss managed to last several years after that, Will and I communicated freely, there was a lot of fanfiction involved, small scenes, and even the first draft of a novel, I even adjusted to being alone. It couldn’t be maintained though, Will abandoned me, I spent weeks being lost, I became angry and destructive, I shut people out, and I burned months' worth of notebooks and sheets. I’ve never quite been sure what possessed me to do it, but One day, when we had the bonfire in the backyard, I took my draft, I took my notebooks and pens, my sketchbooks, my references, and I threw them all in, I stood by, watching everything I loved turn black and disappear. I didn’t forgive myself for months, and I didn’t see Will for almost a full, icy, lonely year. I was about to finish year nine, I’d self-destructed and barely passed, I’d driven away my few friends, I was in a long downward spiral, and there he was, sitting on my arm, purring and grinning, the very next day, my aunt bought me a new notebook and pen, I remember staying up until three in the morning, writing everything I could remember, writing anything and everything that came to mind, I filled the book within a week, then another, soon I had a shelf in my bedside dedicated to notebooks.

Year ten was where things peaked, I stopped completing projects, I stopped doing homework, I stopped talking, I had more notebooks than I could count, none of them filled, none dedicated to a single project, written in fifty different pens, one page could have me in an epic fantasy land, the next I’m a sci-fi rebel on the run, the next I am a detective on a murder case, then nothing, another book abandoned, more cursing at myself at unhealthy hours of the morning, Will became bitter and demanding, he would lie across my shoulders and yowl, he’d fill my head with incomplete ideas until I couldn’t focus, I tried stringing them together, but they faded away, he stayed stubbornly this way for two years, trapping my in an inane routine, I began to wish for the days when he was nowhere to be found, and then, I graduated, suddenly I could be who I wanted, do what I wanted. Looking back on it, I realise how much damage Will caused in the first years of high school, and how much he saved me in the last few, I didn’t see him in the first semester, but then there he was in that first Tutorial, grinning his Cheshire grin anew.

[tilbageidanmark]

Movies I watched this week (#174):

2 old Hungarian films:

🍿 Ferenc Molnár's classic The boys of Paul street is a novel about two honorable gangs of school kids, who are fighting over an empty lot in the center of Budapest of 1902. When I was their age (so early 1960's) it was called "מחניים", and it was one of my favorite books (together with these of Erich Kästner's, Yigal Mossinson's, Enid Blyton's, Karl May's, Jules Verne's, etc).

So it was wonderful to discover that it was made into a well-made drama in 1968. The premise of a syrupy children story from that time, made about a naive world, unaware of any future European world wars, doesn't bode well. But it retained all its earnest truths, honors and morals. It was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film (together with 'The Firemen's Ball', Truffaut's 'Stolen Kisses' and Bondarchuk's winner 'War and Peace'). In a week that was cinematically disappointing, that was my bright spot. 8/10.

🍿 Unrelated to David Cronenberg, The fly won the 1980 Oscars for animated shorts. It tell a story from a pesky fly's point of view.

🍿

I am trying to watch at least 25% movies directed by women. Female Directors (2012) was made by 2 young female graduates of a Beijing film school, who couldn't afford to make a "Real" studio movie, so they make an indie "Home" movie of themselves. Strong early Godard vibes with shaky handheld camera and bad potato sound. Fresh and candid look as they search for themselves via sex, cinema, money. It feels like I've been in all these alleys.... [*Female Director*].

🍿

Short Vacation (2020), a gentle, tiny Korean version of 'Stand by me', but without any histrionics or a dead guy. 4 unremarkable middle school girls, members of the photography club, receive analog cameras from their teacher, who suggest they use the summer break to take of 'the end of the world'. They decide to take the train all the way to the last station, and end up in the "middle of nowhere". 7/10.

🍿

2 with actress Sakura Ando, both from 2023:

🍿 "It's like a prehistoric dinosaur turned monster..."

My second Godzilla (after the 1954 original), Godzilla minus one, the latest in the franchise. The monster stuff was ridiculous, as usual I guess, but the human drama part recreating post-war Tokyo, and especially the cutest 2 year old baby girl got bonus points from me. 5/10.

🍿 In Monster, my 6th film by Hirokazu Kore, she stars as a single mother to a 11 year old son who starts exhibiting strange behavior. For most of the story, it feels like 'The kindergarten teacher' and 'Hunt', and 'The teachers' Lounge', where the accusations of abuse might not be true, but it ends as a beautiful heartbreak, softly told. With a tender score by Ryuichi Sakamoto, his last before his death. 8/10.

🍿

The Sensualist (1991), an erotic Japanese animation, in a traditional Ukiyo-e woodblock style, like the original story of which it is based. Combination Patrick Nagel, Hiroshige and very-adult Disney stories. Ends with a long, artistic 'Coitus'. M'eh.

🍿

Patisserie Coin de rue (2011) is Food porn for imbeciles who love Japanese cake shops. I have a serious sweet tooth myself, but this story was just too dumb. Gorgeous cinematography of beautiful patisseries, and religious reverie for desserts. I could barely last for 42 minutes.

🍿

The Contestant is a new British documentary about aspiring comedian "Nasubi", who participated in a grotesque Japanese Television show in 1998. For 13 months he was placed naked in an empty room and was told that in order to get out, he will need to win 1 million yen in write-in sweepstakes. He didn't know that his every move was being broadcasted and that he'd became a massive hit. A bizarre, real-life 'Truman Show', and possibly the very first 'Reality TV' show ever. It was stupid, and cruel 'Mass Entertainment'. Fortunately, there's a tiny point of redemption at the very end. 2/10. [*Female Director*].

🍿

Cœur fidèle (Faithful Heart) (1923), my first 'poetic realist' melodrama by French Impressionist Jean Epstein. A technical classic with modern editing, dynamic story telling and lots of expressive close ups. He was 26 when he made it on location in the port of Marseille.

🍿

Sleeping beauty is a disturbing erotic art film by an Australian auteur, with a small cameo for Sarah Snook. A pretty student freelancing as a hooker on a 'Story of O' type journey into the deep end of 'Sleep' fetishism. If it was made by a man, I would hate it uncategorically. As it was, I found it prurient and shallow, flat and cold. 2/10. [*Female Director*].

🍿

I saw Gifted before, and the ratings I gave it weren't too high. But I'm a sap for tearjerkers about special little girls and their single dad/uncle, so I gave it another go. The Hallmark-style custody battle was mediocre, but all the girl stuff left me in tears nonstop. Add some Cat Stevens to the score, and you get quality Soap. 7/10. (Photo Above). Re-Watch ♻️.

🍿

The rope (1984), my first Sudanese movie. 2 blind nomads stumbles in an empty desert, tied together to a donkey. A cruel, wordless metaphor. Unbearable misery. 1/10.

🍿

Bogart & Bacall X 2:

🍿 Fast film is a 2003 Austrian mash-up art film, composed of 65,000 paper cutouts of Bogart and Cary Grant, and moving through 400 other classic movies. But this type of collage was done better and smoother in the Hungarian 'Final Cut: Ladies and Gentlemen' and Michel Hazanavicius' 'La Classe américaine'.

🍿 Dark passage, my first Film Noir by Delmer Daves. 5'10'' Bogart plays an innocent convict, who escapes from San Quentin, trying to prove his innocence. But wherever he goes, people around him keep falling dead. It was the third of four films real-life couple Bacall and Bogart made together. 1947 San Francisco and surroundings was lovely with so few people and cars on the roads.

🍿

I haven't seen Bob Fosse's acclaimed All that jazz since its premiere 45 years ago, so I was so looking forward for a re-watch. But after 3 days of attempting to go through it, I could muster only 33 minutes, before realizing how much I hated it, and had to stop. The genius Alpha male who kills himself in self-loathing, while abusing everything and everybody around him, is no longer appealing to me. The entitlement, misogyny, idealization of a legendary narcissist "Icon" was unbearable. ♻️.

🍿

3 shorts by British illustrator Elizabeth Hobbs:

🍿 "When I was a debutante, I went to the zoo every day..."

The Debutante (2022) is based on a story by Leonora Carrington. A debutante persuades a hyena from the London Zoo to take her place at a dinner dance held in her honour. [*Female Director*].

🍿 I'm OK (2018) is even better. It is based on the life of Expressionist artist Oskar Kokoschka during WW1. Same frantic, hand-drawn splotchy style. 8/10. [*Female Director*].

🍿The Old, Old, Very Old Man (2007) is still earlier. Created with blue ink on a bathroom tile. The style here is dirtier, more primitive. [*Female Director*].

🍿

Amino ('Shadows'), a dreary award-winning Filipino film from 2000. A poor, hungry man with absolutely nothing to his name but a camera, gets his camera stolen in Manila's most miserable slum.

🍿

"I'm not lying. I saw her! Fuck you!..."

I haven't seen A simple Favor since January 19, but every time I recommend it to somebody, I feel compelled to check it out again. So about every 6 weeks now?! Jesus Christ, it's absurd!

Anyway, Anna Kendrick has the whitest teeth, and the worst taste in ugly shoes, on and off screen. My 10 Minutes Pinch Point Analyses still stands. 10/10. Re-Watch ♻️.

🍿

Surprisingly, I haven't seen any of Stormy Daniels porn work, but I had followed her story "with interest". The new documentary Stormy offers little new information to political junkies, but it details the harrowing path this brave woman had to endure, and the incredible price she had to pay. Unfortunately, it shows many clips of Orange Sphincter talking, something I try to avoid as much as possible. May he lose bigly in his current criminal case in NY, and also may he catch incurable rectal cancer today, and live the rest of his days in painful agony. [*Female Director*].

🍿

(My complete movie list is here.)

[solongllondon]

book asks 6 and 17! 🩵

jess!! thank you!! 🥰

6. what books have you read in the last month: since march is almost over we're doing march lol. I finally, finally forced myself to finish midnight sun which ive been trying to finish since it came out (yes, it's as bad as you would twilight expect to be lol), then I read how to kill your family by bella mackie and it was a fun read but not like...world changing lol, i also re-read my favorite book called hot milk by deborah levy which i highly recommend but you're either gonna hate it or love it, there seems to be no in-between reactions to it lol, i also reread a little life because i like pain, apparently. also re-read giovanni's room by james baldwin and am currently reading good omens again. seems march was the month of re-reads, oops. sometimes when I'm in a bit of a reading slump (i am rn) rereading helps me get out of it :)

17. top 5 children's books: okay so. number 1: is a book i didn't read as a kid (bc it wasn't out yet lol) and i'm not sure i'd even entirely classify it as a kid's book but it's the boy the mole the fox and the horse by charlie mackesy and i ADORE this book beyond measure. number 2: die wilden hühner by cornelia funke which is a german kids book series about 5 girls who form a cute little girl gang and then have german village type adventures lol. also it was published in the late 90s and features lesbian characters which was AMAZING to me as a kid, like, revolutionary i think. number 3: the magic tree house series, i was obsessed with them as a kid, they were just so fun!!! number 4: is another cornelia funke, this time it's the ink heart series. basically anything that cornelia funke wrote, i adored. number 5 goes to the famous five series which i absolutely loved. I know that enid blyton isn't the best person but these books really shaped my childhood a lot. i also had lots of audio books/ story casettes featuring the famous five lol

✨send me book asks ✨

[naerysthelonesome]

Time spent together

Part 3

Library fic

I am very much not okay. Lit and Apollo haven’t seen each other much the past two days, and I’m getting bored!

Golden boy had gone over to Lit’s dorm room once, to loan him one of his favorite books. And Lit had spent all his free time reading it, claiming it was because they were going to be referencing it in their project. But all of us with any kind of sense know better.

And now we’re in this old, rundown public library that looks like it’s been here forever, but what do I know? It’s not even particularly quiet in here. The sounds of drilling from whatever construction work they seem to be doing upstairs, and the unashamed couple violently making out against a bookshelf, are very distracting.

Apollo is staring at them, almost contemplatively, while Lit stoically ignores them gazing intently at his (well, Apollo’s) book. I’m not sure he’s reading.

“You bastard! How dare you?!” he shrieks, causing Apollo to startle and jump. Gah! Lit’s plenty loud when he wants to be.

“Wh- what?” Goldie looks so confused, I’d be laughing if I too wasn’t just as lost.

“You killed him! How could you. Fuck” I’m gonna go ahead and assume this is about the book.

Apollo lets out a short laugh. “You are aware that we aren’t the same Apollo, right?”

“Fuck you. Fuck your horrid namesake. And fuck this book!” That’s a lot of swearing.

Lit makes an unintelligible noise and buries his face in his hands. Who knew he’d get so worked up over a book?

“Surely you knew what was going to happen. It’s a pretty famous Greek myth”

“Of course I did! But Ughhghhnn- Damnit Apollo.”

“You really should finish the book, you know? I think you’d like the ending”, Apollo soothes, smiling slightly.

“This better end well”, Lit replies, wagging a finger at Apollo, as he picks up the book and resumes reading.

Neither of the two seems to care that they aren’t actually getting any work done, which would be fine with me, except I don’t want to deal with the two dummies failing a class. That’s just unnecessary drama.

The couple is still making out. How much could you possibly explore someone else’s mouth?? I think I’d like to find out…

Sometime later, I don’t really know how long; time isn’t real anyway, Lit slams the book shut with a bang, which is impressive as it is a paperback.

“Well! You’ve done it. You’ve broken my heart”, he says with a vacant shrug, then smiles slightly as he adds “So I guess you don’t have to flirt with me anymore, huh?”

Apollo, who looked pleased at him having finished the book, now looks taken aback. I too am taken aback because this means that Lit is more perceptive than I thought!

“That’s not why-” “Heyy I’m just kidding”, Lit cuts him off with a grin. Now why would he do that? You humans are so tedious.

“Besides, the book was great, but we should actually get some work done”.

That’s disappointing, but not wrong. They were only given a week to complete the paper, out of which they’d already wasted three days first flirting, then ignoring each other.

They place their books on the table. Well, Lit places his books on the table, sliding a new notebook toward Apollo, who I suppose he knew would have come unprepared. He was obviously right in his assumption. Oh wait! Apollo has a pen. Surprise surprise, it doesn’t work.

“Okay so I’m not opposed to referencing Madeline Miller’s books in our paper. They’re REALLY good. What others can we use?”

“Don’t you have any suggestions? Some books you read as a child?”

“Look I don’t know what kind of child you were, but the extent of little Lit’s literacy was Ms. Enid Blyton and all the repetitive nonsense she wrote”

Apollo wheezes into his hand at that. To be fair to him, that was the most humorous thing Lit’s said in a while.

“Aren’t those for girls though?”

“Shh don’t unnecessarily gender things”, Lit replied with an easy smile, “But yeah, they were my mom’s and she still had them for whatever reason. I found them, read one, and was hooked”

“Huh. Very cute” Apollo teased, grinning.

“Anyway!” Lit exclaimed, a blush making its way up his face, “I did read a lot about mythology, you know, because of my name, but I haven’t really read any retellings. And it was you who chose this topic so. Suggestions”

“Maybe we should do one about Midas and the Golden touch”

“Oh shut up. Apollo skinning a satyr sounds more interesting, no?”

Apollo shuddered at that. “Always hated that myth. What about Hades and Persephone? There’s a LOT of retellings about them. We could pick our favorite.”

“Sounds cool. Let’s go with the one where she wasn’t kidnapped. I’ve always liked your uncle, and don’t think he’d do something like that”

“Can you not-!” Apollo says with a laugh.

Lit picks up his phone, then scribbles something into his notebook. He slides it across the table, to Apollo. I was hoping for a cute love letter, but it’s just a list of books. The blond chews on the pencil Lit gave him, and smiles a little as he ticks off some of the names.

“Have you even read these?”

“Nope! But you have”

“And you’re just going to trust whatever I say?”

“It’s a group project, Apollo. I highly doubt you’d sabotage the both of us”

Apollo smirks and jots down some more names, drawing tiny little suns next to some of them.

“We’ve only got a couple more days to complete this paper, but maybe read the ones I’ve marked, after? They’re really good and you’ll find them all here”, he says, gesturing vaguely at the dingy space around them.

Lit takes the book, his fingers not close enough to brush against Apollo’s, and skims it. “Alright. Show me where they are.”

This has nothing to do with the project! What the hell guys?

They stroll between the aisles, Apollo occasionally picking up, and dropping books into Lit’s arms. At one point, they both reach out for the same book and blush furiously. Apollo quickly picks it up and drops it onto the pile in Lit’s arms, turning away swiftly. The brunet stares after him, then follows.

Once Apollo looks over and figures that the pile is big enough, they head to the front desk to check them out. Lit also needs a new library card, so they’re there for a while.

“So what was the point of coming to the library exactly? It’s not like we got much work done.”

“It was supposed to be a nice, quiet place to work, but…”

“But you really didn’t think all the books would be a distraction? This definitely wasn’t your elaborate plan to get me to read your favourite books?”

“No no. Of course not”, Apollo said, glancing at Lit out the corner of his eye, “If you’d have read more books, maybe we’d have gotten more work done”

“I’m sorry I picked the wrong topic… oh wait!”

They both laughed and Apollo reached out to punch the other boy in the arm. His hand lingered on his shoulder for a bit, but I’m not sure Lit noticed.

“You’re going to be doing most of the brunt work, anyway, because I’m the one with all the information, so I don’t mind.”

“And you expect me to believe that that’s a coincidence and not the very reason you picked this topic in the first place. Right.”

Apollo simply smiles brightly, “Yepp!”

“Lazy son of a bitch”, Lit mutters under his breath.

“Hey don’t talk about Leto that way. How rude.”

“I was talking about Zeus, actually”

Apollo snorts, just as the librarian comes back with Lit’s card. They check out the cartload of books, then head back to campus together. I do wish it were hand in hand, but maybe we'll have that some other day.

[notsissannis]

@weestarmeggie17 tagged me. :)

1. How many works in progress do you currently have?

Only 1 ー Damnation of V.

All of my one-shots are written on the spot. I don’t plan. I don’t have the time to. So whenever I got an idea, I write/type them down right away!

2. Do you/would you write fanfiction?

Yes. And I surprisingly am enjoying it!

3. Do you prefer paper books or ebooks?

Read either way. But I so much prefer books. I scribble when I read. So if you see any books that I’ve read, you’d find margins and markings of my thoughts, questions, my fav scene, etc..

4. When did you start writing?

School. I’ve always been a story-teller since I was 7. Until I was 12, I remember clearly my teacher told me how she’d always look forward to mark my paper because I always had a complex storyline for a kid. She was talking bout my story of Eleanor, who just moved in to this small bungalow and found out that behind all those wallpapers were painting of a girl. So she dug into the history and found out that child, Melissa, had cancer at young age and her father painted her all over the house till he died of heart attack.

Then just little poetry until this August, I started writing ー fanfiction!!

5. Do you have someone you trust that you share your work with?

No doubt my fucking brilliant main witches @cece2046 @honeyweeds @synoir

We all have different kind of writing and shockingly vibe well! so the critiques are always fun and open! No hard feeling at all!

6. Where is your favourite place to write?

Wherever whenever we’re meant to be together.

7. Favorite childhood book?

Everything Enid Blyton’s.

8. Writing for fun or publication?

Girl just wanna have fun. But hey, if I got the chance, why not?!

9. Pen and paper or computer?

Both. Poetry always on paper. It’s the sentiment? The romanticism of reading handwritten poems, it’s something that I can’t deliver with computer. I have three books of them.

Drafts, too. My hand has to move when I think. I am more analog kind of person.

10. Have you ever taken any writing classes?

Would love to! Having Weeds as my beta helps me a lot, to be frank. So I guess I am, in a way, taking writing classes from her. Hahahah

11. What inspires you to write?

Honestly everything and nothing.

Everything ー literally. Music, people, a tree, a crying baby, everything.

Nothing ー I hate doing nothing. So I tend to squeeze my brain more to write something.

It helps that I have friends that are always armed with stupid, twisted, sick, fun ideas to feed me. Yes I’m looking at you both, Cece and Weeds!!

Tagging @synoir @cece2046 @honeyweeds @acciovodka @dameesmeralda because I can!

[dorianthekinkymf]

WORLD BOOK DAY TAG

And it’s definitely not world book day anymore hahah and i’m sorry this is super late. I was tagged by the amazing @findserendipity who everyone needs to check out!! 

1. Who is your favourite author - from your country?

I have to say John Flanagan who wrote the Ranger’s Apprentice series (he’s Australian). It’s follows an orphan boy, Will, and his journey as he becomes a legendary Ranger and also the people along the way who become his family. Set in Medieval times and is aimed towards older kids, but like the writing style is definitely not dumbed down or anything - i usually learn knew words when reading it. How i described it sounds cheesy af, but honestly its amazing!!

This series was my first fandom and Will was my first fictional love LOL. It will always hold a special place in my heart <3 

2. Favourite children’s book 

Anything by Enid Blyton. I mean she’s a legend. I adore the Famous Five and i just love being transported back in time and reading a good mystery.

3. A book that changed you life

This is a hard question because I’ve been reading forever haha. I feel like a lot of books i’ve read have left their little mark on me, so reading itself has shaped who i am (sorry for the cop out!)

4. The best book you read this year

A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN. Hands down. It will probably be the best book i read in 2017

5. The worst book you read this year

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. I don’t think i’m going to finish it hahah 

6. Which book is totally overrated

Okay so don’t hate me but Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. I mean it’s good, don’t get me wrong. It’s just ugh okay so everyone who’s read it knows the giant reveal at the end of book 1. I knew it would happen. It was such a typical thing to happen, but i had sooo much hope that it wouldn’t happen and the series would take a different turn, so i was very disappointed when it did happen. 

^^If you haven’t read it that probably makes no sense. It’s definitely one to read, but yeah not obsessed with it mainly because my ship probably won’t sail lol 

7. Randomly recommend a book. For whatever reason 

We were liars by E. Lockhart. Everyone needs to read this. It’s shocking

Sooo i know it’s not world book day anymore hahah but these questions are different and interesting so really want to know people’s answers. I tag: @readinglikewildfire @feysandsmut @cassianandfenrysaremyboyos @a-song-of-stars-and-dreams @ignite-my-love @rowanrhysand and don’t feel any pressure at all <3 

[kawuli]

@thelettersfromnoone tagged me in this books-i’ve-read list: Bold I’ve read all of, italic on my “to-read” list, bold + italic started but did not finish.

For as much as I read as a kid, I’m pretty bad on the “Western Canon” or whatever. Going to engineering school didn’t help with that. But whatever.

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte Harry Potter series - JK Rowling To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee The Bible (er, I’ve read some of it) Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy Catch 22 - Joseph Heller

Complete Works of Shakespeare Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger Middlemarch - George Eliot Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald Bleak House - Charles Dickens War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams (many times) Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck (v. good would recommend) Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy David Copperfield - Charles Dickens Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis Emma - Jane Austen (I also started this at some point and did not finish. I just am not a fan of the 19th c British Ladies genre /hides) Persuasion - Jane Austen The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis (OK but why this AND chronicles of narnia?) The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne Animal Farm - George Orwell The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown (what, i was in peace corps i read anything i could find that was in english) One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery

Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood Lord of the Flies - William Golding Atonement - Ian McEwan Life of Pi - Yann Martel Dune - Frank Herbert Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens Brave New World - Aldous Huxley The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov The Secret History - Donna Tartt The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas On The Road - Jack Kerouac Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie Moby Dick - Herman Melville (on my list actually...a friend looooves it) Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens Dracula - Bram Stoker The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (the first book I ever owned myself) Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson Ulysses - James Joyce The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome Germinal - Emile Zola Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray Possession - AS Byatt. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell The Color Purple - Alice Walker The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry Charlotte’s Web - EB White The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (part) The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad (the first bit, until the unrelenting racist white man’s burden bullshit overpowered me) The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks Watership Down - Richard Adams (apparently I really need to read this) A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas Hamlet - William Shakespeare Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl Les Miserables - Victor Hugo (i had to read this in high school and I haaaated it will you get to the damn point please sir)

I don’t tag people in stuff like this but if you want to please do :)

[msclaritea]

For Steven Moffat, lead writer and showrunner of the sci-fi blockbuster for eight years, however, it’s a question he is more than happy to leave to his successor. “The new Doctor has to be written by Chris Chibnall, not me. Whatever he does is just fine by me,” says the screenwriter, who hands over the reins of one of the BBC’s most valuable franchises after Capaldi’s final appearance in this year’s Christmas special. “Just choose the best person for the job and any other agenda, however worthy, should be ignored. It has to be the best person for the Doctor Chris Chibnall is writing for” As the guiding force behind Doctor Who and Sherlock, two television mega-brands whose every plot twist is debated by an army of social media obsessives, it’s understandable if the Scottish writer might feel some relief at stepping back from one of the shows which has consumed every moment of his working life. “Doctor Who and Sherlock is a lot of telly to create in a year and none of it is easy. It’s been a tough run. There’s going to be a big hole in my diary. I am one script from oblivion,” he jokes. But Moffat does offer a little advice on casting for Chibnall, the Broadchurch creator and another life-long Doctor Who fan, who takes over as executive producer in 2018. “Just choose the best person for the job and any other agenda, however worthy, should be ignored. It has to be the best person for the Doctor Chris is writing for,” he says. Like the Time Lord and his travelling companion, the writer and his new Doctor will be tied together, explains Moffat, who eased Matt Smith into the role after David Tennant’s departure. Steven Moffat appears at the BFI & Radio Times Television Festival on 9 April. Click here for more details, and for other Doctor Who and Sherlock events at the Festival “Chris is going to be working with the actor for quite a few years and it is a pressure cooker. It can be tough, so you need to choose your friend wisely. So long as it works for the good of the show, that’s fine.” The handover will occur in a Christmas special regeneration scene, with Moffat inviting Chibnall to script the new Doctor’s first moments. “We had a laugh about it – I said to Chris he would get a minute at the end of the episode.” Moffat is too immersed in the tenth series of Doctor Who, which launches on 15 April on BBC1, to feel nostalgic at the end of his tenure. “We’re still working absolutely flat out on it, so there isn’t anything to feel yet. We’re shooting the finale and we’re working out how to relocate the final scenes indoors because of the weather. So it’s business as normal. Then it’s the Christmas special and a few weeks off.” Pearl Mackie, pictured with Peter Capaldi, was announced as the Doctor’s new companion, Bill in April 2016 Photo: Ray Burmiston/ BBC Fans will get a sneak preview of the series and of the Doctor’s new companion Pearl Mackie at the BFI & Radio Times Television Festival next weekend. Moffat will also be inducted into the Radio Times’ Hall of Fame at the festival for “pushing boundaries and altering the landscape of British television.” “The viewer doesn’t care that I’m leaving,” Moffat insists. “It’s far more important that it’s Peter’s last series, that’s a big deal. One beloved Doctor is going so that’s hugely exciting as a writer.” Mackie’s Bill Potts is “quite different, more grounded and earthy. She’s terrific, very charming and engaging, she owns the show, she is sensational.” The alien assistant Nardole, played by Matt Lucas, “was initially in it for a few episodes but he’s in all of them now, one way or another.” The Doctor is set to renew acquaintance with old enemies the Cybermen and the Ice Warriors too. “We have a smaller budget than other shows that look cheaper. I want more than three monsters on screen at a time” Moffat has worked consistently on Doctor Who since penning episodes for its 2005 relaunch and he hasn’t lost any of his enthusiasm for the character’s possibilities. “He’d rather be larking around and meeting Enid Blyton. But whenever he sees somebody in trouble he has to try and help. He’s eccentric and immensely resourceful. But he’s also a man who’s blown up planets and wiped out whole armies.”  A vital money-spinner for BBC Worldwide, along with Sherlock, Doctor Who’s global audience has expanded to some 80m during Moffat’s stewardship – yet BBC budgetary restrictions make the challenge of representing the show’s ambitions on screen even harder. “There’s a cultural sense sometimes that Doctor Who is the little engine that could, it’s this plucky little British show. But it’s actually one of the giants. It’s one of the least well-funded of the giants but it’s operating at that level. Why? It’s a massive show,” Moffat asks. “We have a pretty good budget. But we have a smaller budget than other shows that look cheaper. We don’t have the top budget, not by the standards of a colossus of the TV world. I don’t think it’s as good as it could be. I want more than three monsters on screen at a time.” “Overnight ratings are meaningless. But that won’t stop people saying ‘Sherlock’s ratings are in trouble’” Perhaps Doctor Who’s future lies with a funding partnership between the BBC and a deep-pocketed streaming service like Netflix, giving viewers the opportunity to watch new episodes without waiting for Saturday night to roll around? Measuring its popularity by overnight ratings is already irrelevant.“I’m walking on my stumps trying to work out how to tell people to stop looking at overnight ratings. I know the ‘overnights’ are going to be bad,” Moffat sighs. “The more popular a show is, the more people watch on streaming after the first showing. But that won’t stop people saying ‘Sherlock’s ratings are in trouble’. Overnight ratings are meaningless. People are watching across the week. Some people save up a whole Doctor Who series and they watch all the episodes at once. You don’t read a book a chapter a week.” “The way people are watching TV is in the process of the most radical change and you can’t stop binge watching. My kids don’t understand the concept of linear scheduled TV. Even BBC1 as a channel doesn’t mean anything, things have changed so radically.” Steven Moffat and his wife, the producer Sue Vertue at a screening of the Sherlock 2016 Christmas Special. Photo: Jeff Spicer/Getty A prominent Saturday schedule slot is still important to “cut through” however. “My worry over the last year was launching during the Rugby World Cup. When Doctor Who launches it needs to be the event of that moment and I thought it got swamped. We should make it our business to make sure it is in a place where it will be the focus of attention.” Hollywood surely beckons for Moffat, who was asked by Steven Spielberg to write the screenplay for his 2011 Tintin adaptation until he had to step back due to his Doctor Who commitments. “I might do something next that’s a little out of everybody’s focus,” suggests the writer, who was frustrated by accusations by some on social media that the death of Mary Watson in the last Sherlock run meant female characters were getting short shrift. “Sherlock is the story of two blokes – what am I supposed to do with that? Make one of them a woman? We chose not to do that” “I massively expanded the role of Mrs Hudson in Sherlock. Mary Watson dies in the end because she always did (her death is inferred in the Conan Doyle stories). With Molly Hooper we gave Sherlock more of a female voice than ever,” he says. Hartswood Films, where Moffat’s wife Sue Vertue produces Sherlock, is a “feminist studio run by women.” Ultimately, Sherlock is “the story of two blokes – what am I supposed to do with that? Make one of them a woman? We chose not to do that.”  Unsurprisingly, Moffat disagrees with critics who have suggested that Sherlock and Doctor Who have become too “tricksy” or convoluted under his watch. “The last Sherlock episode (“The Final Problem”) was a massive hit on any viewing metric scale. You can’t take a few commentators to be the voice of the audience. “I’ve never met anyone who finds Doctor Who ‘difficult’. Hand on heart, if you think Doctor Who is difficult, then Breaking Bad is really going to confuse you.” For all Moffat’s protestations, Doctor Who viewers who have revelled in the show’s reinvention are likely to miss his guiding hand. “It will feel like an ending when I finally stop,” Moffat acknowledges. “Normally I’d been planning the next series by now or Sherlock (currently on hiatus) and I’m not doing that. I’m just trying to make a really good, action-packed, exciting series of Doctor Who.” He will restrain himself from submitting story ideas to Chibnall. “In the short term, at least, I have to get out of the way and let Chris get on with it. You don’t want the previous boss hanging around when you start a new job. I’ll take him out for a drink when he’s feeling miserable.

Molly gave Sherlock a female voice? Hartswood is feminist? TFP was a MASSIVE HIT?! What the devil is he smoking, cause I want some.

@teaandqueerbaiting @skulls-and-tea @monikakrasnorada @cosmicgoat @tjlcisthenewsexy @may-shepard @madzither @gosherlocked

[authenticaussie]

Q, R, and U?

Q: How do you feel about collaborations?

I love them!!!! I’m not super good at them ‘cause sometimes I’m off the grid for a While but ??? they’re so much fun?? I love seeing what ideas other people have??? And I mean technically All of my fics are collaborations haha, I pitch them at lolles before they ever get written down/posted, and she helps prompt ideas when I’m stuck xD

and I mean atm I have the dragon/knight roleplay atm with @rboooks that’s ??? so interesting??? bc there’s no plot??? I super love it?? Im used to having some semblance of plot and this one is just!!! well let’s see!! and it makes me laugh at some of the things that’ve happened so far ;u;  And I had Insatiable too, which was a zoro+luffy tokyo ghoul au/rp that I wrote with nez that was !!! hella!!! I rlly like rps, can you tell??????

And then also one of my big bangs is being written alongside @minister-of-silly-walks​ and that’s really fun!!

Speaking of the big bang????? It’s like !!!! ???? my favourite event?????!!!!??? I get to pair up!!! with an artist!!! and throw ideas at them!!! and they get to throw stuff at me!!! and we get to talk abt ideas we have and scenes they want to draw and !!! The Coolest TM. (the reverse bang is also super cool bc of the fact that I get to write smth based off Super Cool Art/ideas but I digress) 

Collaborations are Hella^2 fun ;u; (and like i Know i mainly did the writing collaborations ((mainly bc there’s More of them)) but lik e,,,, if an artist was ever like Hey want to collaborate I would. Fucking Die. o m f g )

R: Are there any writers (fanfic or otherwise) you consider an influence?

h hhhhhh these next two questions are Hard cries

I super hella humoungus love Tamora Pierce, she writes the most amazing female characters, and her stories are so interesting and like??? her fantasy worlds?? are so cool?? I really want to be a writer that does that in my books, and creates such vivid characters for people to look up to and adore. Holly Black & the writing partner of hers that I can’t remember the name of got me so interested in the fae as a kid,,,,I love writing stories that have faeries bc of like,,,all of their books and they way they portrayed the fae….

Enid Blyton and the author of deltora quest + rowan of rin for adventures and characters who could be afraid and ?? hot damn!!! seven books of fucking plot twist in deltora quest!! basically!!

But like…idk man. I’ve never really…..like. Had people that influence me ??? in those sorts of ways??? When i read books I get ideas and it makes me want to write, and different books give me different inspirations and sometimes fics give me inspirations and I just !!! idk!!! I find it hard to just point at someone and go Yes that person Influenced Me because!! a lot of the time that’s not really!! how it works for me I guess //GESTURES USELESSLY IDK HOW TO EXPLAIN IT.

U: Share three of your favorite fic writers and why you like them so much.

hahah Why would you Do This, Im,,,,,,,,,,,,,like!! i can give you my opinions on ppl you send in but i could never!! pick a favourite!!! especially not three!!! favourites!!!! that’s too little!!!!! mhdgfjh my pain,,,

taisi has beautiful works!! they’re so well-written and they feel so in character in a way that doesn’t??? diminish their strengths in the story line??? I haven’t read Many but their fics are so nice. Like. idk. reading really really nice hot chocolate. 

and a favourite series of mine is !! He is beauty, he is grace, (that’s a lie, please save this man from himself) like honestly omfg this is,,,some of the only sanji fic I ever read, it’s always hilarious and well written bUT THEN LIKE?? ANGST??? AND YOURE LIKE WOW. THANK YOU. SO MUCH. UM. HOW DARE YOU??? i havent read All of them (just the ones posted on tumblr) but I Love it. Also i think like…my favourite line is (paraphrased) just, 

Girls? Hugging them, kissing them?

“I’d die,” he says.

Like #SAME sanji, s a m e.

and uhh I started reading this just to see if I would like it (because I am picky as fuck and I know I’ve mentioned this before BUT IT BEARS REPEATING) but i haven’t even read all of the chapters properly, omfg, but tides of light and cold (fucking superhero au!??!?!? holy shit?!?!?! y essss) and thicker than forget by @wordsdrippinginink are both so!!! awesome!!! I need to clear time in my schedule to actually read them and review them, but from the tiny scraps i have Snuck while Weak, they’ve been soooo interesting. (ALSO . FUCKING. MISSING: ONE DRAGON. I LOVE IT. I LOVE IT. HOT DAMN. A++ Every time i read it i get the teeny pang in my heart for ace and i Love that pang it’s The Best Pang aksdgf omfg)

also lik e,,,,,,,,,,anyone who writes mas,,,,,,,,,,,,has my heart,,,,,,,,,like,,,,,,,,,,there are no Lies here,,,,,,,,,,im such a Weak Ass Sucker,,,,,sobs ((my favourites are like,,,How to Live because i KNOW what’s fuckin comin but!!!!!! every time!!!!!!! it wrecks me!!!! my heart is!!!!!! in agony! it’s the besssst. and then ahHHH i love!!! uhhh it doesnt have a title but there’s a cinderella au w/ marco as cinderella by,,,words I Think and that’s such a good time and they have a royalty one ??? which i LOVE ??? ))

honestly Look I could talk about mas fics all day omfg

[sally-annehuang]

Why I let the Year 7s tell me what to read.

I was interested to read in the Sunday Times this weekend of the move by Andrew Halls, Head of King’s College School Wimbledon, to veto certain books from his school library.  In a well-intentioned bid to generate better reading habits, Halls has jettisoned popular modern texts such as ‘Skulduggery Pleasant’ and ‘Eragon’ and sought to promote more ‘worthy’ novels such as ‘Goodnight Mister Tom’ or classics like ‘Moonfleet’ and ‘Just William.’

I have to say, much as I like and admire Andrew Halls and respect all the good he has done at KCS, I do disagree with this move.  Not only does the idea of dictating any type of reading matter to anyone in any circumstances feel rather uncomfortable, but, even if you dodge the censorship bullet, I don’t actually think his plan is going to work.  No doubt parents choosing schools will remember with fondness books from their own school days over those written since they grew up – a kind of nostalgia trap into which teachers can fall too.  And some will be impressed by the scholarly aspect a public move such as this will lend to an institution.  However, I’d be surprised if many 11 year olds would feel the same way.

Personally, I have come at modern children’s literature from a different angle.  And I love it.  Over a period of 20 years of teaching English, I have moved from telling children what they should read, to asking them what they enjoy reading.  I have learnt over time that this is more productive in a number of ways.  Firstly, reading should be enjoyable.  Once it becomes a chore, you have lost.  Secondly, if you can find out what they enjoy, you can guide them to the next level more naturally.  If they love Percy Jackson, for example, then Homer is an obvious next step.  ‘Eragon’ slips into Tolkien, ‘Twilight’ into Austen.  But my final reason for asking them what they enjoy is now totally selfish but also totally sincere; I might want to read it too.

Learning is not a one way street.  Yes, it is a major part of my role to recommend books to young people but I have also benefitted enormously from having them recommend things to me.  Without my pupils, I would not have come across ‘A Monster Calls’ by Patrick Ness (heart-wrenching reality meets psychological fantasy) or ‘Maggot Moon’ by Sally Gardner (dystopian political conspiracy thriller) or anything by Marcus Sedgwick.  The latter in particular is guilty of all the YA tricks Andrew Halls might be wishing to eschew – vampires, witches and page-turning plots.  But he also has a way with timelines and character development that places him right at the top of my favourite living authors.  I would challenge any adult reading this to go to ‘Midwinter Blood’ or ‘The Ghosts of Heaven’ and not get something from those texts.

In particular, without the encouragement of my pupils, I would point blank have refused to read ‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins.  In my adult brain, I had dismissed the latter as a cheap copy of the Japanese cult movie, ‘Battle Royale’, until I was pushed into reading it by pupils at my last school.  I soon learnt that it has more to do with Roman Culture and modern politics than I could ever have imagined; ‘bread and circuses’ seems especially resonant right now.  I have also used Katniss Everdeen time and again as a shining example of a powerful young woman when speaking in assemblies or class discussions.  I used to hold her up as a contrast to Bella Swan, the swooning protagonist of ‘Twilight’ (and I do confess to not liking those novels – although that’s not the same as telling people that they can’t read them). However, I myself was pulled up by the wonderful Juno Dawson, another Young Adult author.  She came to talk about gender at JAGS and described Katniss as a typical version of a young woman behaving like a man in order to lead.  Why shouldn’t Bella choose to be a wife and mother if that’s what she wants?  And surely debate and discussion of this nature is at the heart of the study of literature.  Nothing is totally ‘bad’ just as nothing is totally ‘good’. If we are talking about books, we are winning.

When I was a child, I used to love ‘The Famous Five’ and ‘The Faraway Tree.’  A teacher at my primary school once told my mum that Enid Blyton would shrink my brain as her vocabulary was so limited.  My mum cheerfully ignored her advice and, two masters degrees in literature later, you could either say that she was right to do so or side with the teacher as I am still, patently, reading kids’ books for pleasure now!

Personally, I think we are living in a golden age of children’s and teen fiction.  Sadly, too many of those who want to condemn it have never actually read it.  And, if you haven’t read something, why should you tell a child it’s no good for them?  If you have read something,  then why was it ok for you to sample it first hand and not for them?  Not long ago, I enjoyed a Twitter debate on the merit of David Walliams’ work, ‘Gangsta Granny’.  Some on-line worthy was dismissing it as a silly and pointless novel.  Now, if any of you have read ‘Gangsta Granny’ to the end, you would know that this was far from the case.

As far as children’s reading is concerned, I would conclude with a summary which fits with much of our handling of the younger generation.  Don’t seek to dictate –  take the time to understand.

  © Sally-Anne Huang 2017

[visualssometimesetc]

Film Review: Moana

"Mulan! Wait… I like Ariel too, urgh I’m torn between the two!” would be my usual reply whenever the once-in-a-while discussion about Disney princesses arise. I hope I don’t sound too backward, what do people even talk about these days? *shrugs* Once upon a time, I was young too, living my childhood chasing boys (just kidding)- what I meant was, conquering playgrounds, reading Enid Blyton, Nancy Drew, Cam Jensen (I could go on forever), and well, watching a ton of cartoons. Now the question I posted at the top would get tougher should it ever be asked again. Because MOANA just won my heart. "Moana, Moana, Moana. You’re so amazing~” I chant. This being the 56th feature animated film released by Disney just a few months shy of Zootopia, it is the first “Disney Princess” (DP) movie that does not involve a “Prince Charming,” an atypical, given in any DP film. Of course, there was a cliche or two that it could not really deviate from, like the singing of songs at just a snap of the finger. Sure, Disney did make a joke about its predecessor-Princess animations. “If you wear a dress and have an animal sidekick, you are a princess.” Jasmine had her tiger Rajah, Belle had slightly-broken teacup Chip and Moana had dumb chick Hei-hei. I am increasingly aware of the thought that runs through your head now, “This girl does know a lot about Princesses.” I told you it’s been part of my childhood. Flippantly admitting it. Moana is the daughter of a village chief in Motunui, Polynesia. Having had a strange but enchanting encounter with the sea once, she has been dreaming to head back offshore. “It calls me,” she says. However, bummed by family pressures to take over her father’s role as the new Leader, she tries to set sail one day, only to find herself terribly lost and defeated by the sea. As she makes up her mind about settling to fulfil her parent’s wishes, her grandma, who always have been supportive of Moana’s passion for the sea, lets her in on a forgotten trait of her people. At the same time, Moana also becomes increadingly aware of the needs of Motunui. Coconuts and fishes, the main livelihood of the island, are threatened as darkness manifests and spreads its long tendrils further throughout the seas and islands. The film follows the protagonist as she sets sail once more, in search of a demigod Maui, who according to legend, stole the heart of Te Fiti, a goddess who brought much life and vibrancy to lands around her, and thus causing much calamity and dangers to humans and lifeforms surrounding Polynesia. By restoring the heart, lands would be healed and resources would not brink low. The film is centred around “Finding Your Identity”, which can be seen as we follow its linear storyline. Characters like Moana, Maui and even the film’s antagonist, Te Kā find themselves, with the former two gaining a deeper insight of who they truly are over and over through conflict with each other, and themselves, which is pretty much like what happens in life. Situations change and out of problems caused by people or self, we gather a new understanding about life, and decide how to move on from there. In the movie, Maui, who did not have a happy childhood, sought to do all he could to please people with his demigod powers brought on by his hook, only to bring ruin at the end of it all. ‘Moana’ felt relatable as it brought about a humanistic approach to its characters; though doubts may cloud certain perspectives, it is always important to stay true to yourself and bring oneself back, with support, of course.  I particularly love the soundtrack of the film. Thanks to the beautiful tribal music and songs that accompanied the scenes with rhythm, especially the voyage ones, it paved a huge contribution to the great impression I had of the movie. Several scenes caught me on edge and excited, with the sounds brandished by them, and I silently motivated Moana to go on. I particularly loved the deep, booming voice of Rachel House, who voiced Moana’s grandmother and narrated the movie’s opening. It enhanced the animation greatly, setting the mood and tugging at the severity of the film’s main conflict at the very start. The artstyle of the movie was also beautiful, with many asymmetrical and symmetrical patterns that suited the happy-go-lucky, carefree people of Polynesia and its exotic culture. Just check out Maui’s tattoos. I kid you not, they were painstakingly animated traditionally, hand-drawn frame by frame. Well done indeed. Much research had also gone into drawing up the setting of the movie, story and even studying of mythology. The end result was nothing short of production enjoyed by many alike. There is also nothing not to adore about the main character herself. Confident, smart and fiercely independent, she is an inspiration to many. She is the main reason, amongst many, why this movie deserves a 4.5/5 rating for me. How far would you go to pursue your dreams? I guess the only way to know, is to explore the reef, and always, always seek guidance from a been-there-done-that person who is willing to walk with you every step of the journey. It’s never easy, but at least you know that at the end of the day, regrets were only written in the sand, washed away by adventures of the water.

[incorrectclassroom]

favvvv author/s(writer/s).

This post is a bit late but it’s here now.

As you all can guess from my previous posts, I’m not a fan of non-fictions. The only non-fiction that I liked was my Biology textbook. Sis, let me tell you,,,,, mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell and cells,,,, are interesting as heck. What I do get on board with is fictions. I read a lot of Enid Blyton when I was a child. Only I thought her name was Gnid Buton and that she was a dude. Aaaaahh, being a child. I particularly like her Amelia Jane series. Home-made doll who isn’t store bought, thus, lacks manners. That series was nice. Can’t believe there’s only 4 books in that series. Growing up, I read a lot, like a lot lot of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It’s funny and it gets me to read so mom just went with it. The series is still ongoing and I still read it till this day cus its what get my little brothers to read too so mom keeps buying ‘em.   I particularly like To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before series by Jenny Han. Lara Jean Song Covey has like 5 crushes throughout her life and she acts on none of ‘em because she’s shy???? and awkward??? and have issues??? Honestly,,, mood. I got the third installation of the series on a travelling day and guess who read it from start to finish on a 7-hour car ride back to her hometown? Yea it’s this girl. Also the books makes me feel all giddy inside I hate it lol. The Alchemist was nice. Short read but very insightful. Oufff and that book that the dying doctor wrote. When Breath Becomes Air!!!!!!! Halfway through the end and I can’t put it down and tears won’t stop flowing lolololl.  I just thank God I was alone. Can you imagine,,, crying, in front of other people? ಥ ͜ʖಥ  Other than that we have The Time Keeper, My Heart and other Black Holes, It Ends With Us, The Roanoke Girls(disturbing read I’ll tell you that), Three Dark Crowns,,,, also,,, I have now realised that I absolutely cannot choose favourites. The books I’ve read was entertaining and for most of it, I looked up the reviews beforehand lololol this girl reads 3 stars and above only sisters. You might ask “Hm,,,, why isn’t Harry Potter in the list??? Is she not a fan of Harry Potter???? People her age like Harry Potter. They read Harry Potter don’t they?” To answer that question, yes, I am a fan and yes, I did read Harry Potter. Actually, I read the first two books and then the movie came out and I’m like,,,,,,, “You know what, I’m just gonna watch the movies.” But since the movies left most parts out and I had to ask mom(since she read the books) to fill the inconsistency in for me, I am now rethinking my decision and is probably going to pick up the book again somewhere in the future. Unimportant, but I’m a Slytherin hehehehehe hiss hiss amigos.

You know what else counts as writing??? Songwriting. It is a form of writing too so I’m just gonna go ahead and mention my fav songwriter/storyteller which is Miss Taylor Allison Swift. Her songs?? Bops. What are feelings you might ask?? Listen to her and you might have an idea. Love Story? An evergreen bop. Ours? I’m not in love but I sure am now. All Too Well? Sis,,, you already know I cried listening to it. Its been 6 years since its release and I’m still crying. The rawness of it, the love, the loss, the pain that she felt. It’s like she picked up a pen when the wound was still raw, still fresh, still bleeding, and girl just went ahead and used the blood as ink. Sis,,,, I just,,,,,,😭😭😭.  💯 would recommend. Beautifully written and painfully honest, a true masterpiece by a legend. And I absolutely CANNOT believe she stashed away the 10-minute version of this song in a drawer ‘somewhere'. I want to be that drawer. I want to be the drawer that safekeeps the extension of an already perfect song. And the live performance at the 2014 Grammys???? THAT WAS EVERYTHING!! “Maybe we got lost in translation, maybe I ask for too much but maybe this thing was a masterpiece till you tore it all up, running scared, I was there, I remember it, all too well. Yeah, you called me up again just to break me like a promise, so casually cruel in the name of being honest, I’m a crumpled up piece of paper lying here, cause I remember it all too well,” YES only the GREATEST BRIDGE EVER!!!! The Golden Gate Bridge is no match to this one and can suck it!(kidding of course, I exaggerate stuff, that bridge is impressive btw) Now let me just,,, slip in a quote from the songstress herself on this song,,,

"I think that happens most when you're missing someone, or you've lost someone, or you're trying to forget someone... And you just don't know how you feel about it. This happened to me one time and I knew that in order to get past it, I needed to write about it, so instead of trying to write what I felt about it, it might be better to just write what happened... because I remembered everything." -Taylor Swift on All Too Well 

You have got nothing against Miss Swift, the lyrical genius™ . I know this Tumblr is for class but it is now her stan account too.

p/s: click the underlined words to be redirected to the music video of said song. 

[bedgremlin]

Can you recommend a shit ton of books to get me out of this god awful slump????

Yo dude slumps are Not Fun™ so personally I’d recommend reading something light-hearted! Most of the books I’ve read are part of a series but I will try and include some single books too :D also you said a shit tonne so I am gonna give you a shit tonne 😅 Also these are in no particular order I was just scrolling through my goodreads bookshelf. 

Some of my favourite series is Percy Jackson and the Olympians then The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan. I haven’t read any of his other books but I’ve heard they’re amazing and as you continue throughout his series the representation gets better and better.

I still stand by this /amazing/ post I made when I was like 14 about the Gone series by Michael Grant and CHERUB by Robert Muchamore. Gone is about a small town called Perdido Beach and what happens when everyone 15 and over disappears and all the kids start developing powers.CHERUB is a great series about a kid version of the British Intelligence, with the logic that no one expects a kid to be a spy.

If you’re into surrealist dreamlike short stories where nothing really makes sense Peter Carey’s Collected Stories is an interesting read.

Some other good series:

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy 

The Mortal Instruments and the Infernal Devices

The Maze Runner (The books are way better than the movies, trust me)

Guardians of Ga’Hoole

Lorien Legacies (The I Am Number Four series)

His Dark Materials (Otherwise known as The Golden Compass)

Deltora Quest, Deltora Shadowlands and Dragons of Deltora

Some good individual books:

Peter Pan

Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass

Because of Winn-Dixie

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (I haven’t read this but I’ve heard it’s really good ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ )

Thora and the Incredible Crystals (I’m pretty sure there’s other books about this character but this is the only book I’ve read about her)

Holes

The Little Prince

Anything by Enid Blyton

Anything by Eva Ibbotson

Anything by Melina Marchetta (An Australian author, maybe wait til you’re out of the slump to read these, because they seem light but they can get quite heavy)

Anything by Roald Dahl

I hope you’re ok! Let me know how everything goes ❤❤

[jenmedsbookreviews]

Yes … believe it or not, it is getting to that point in the year that we both welcome and dread. Christmas. You may have missed it, but I’ve started posting a few festive reads on the blog over the past few days, just something Mandie and I thought (back in July/August) was a really good idea. Possibly not as we’re about as enthusiastic about Christmas as the Grinch, but hey ho (ho ho), it’s not all bad. I think. Do stop by for a few festive reading tips won’t you? Hopefully there’s a little something for everyone from the cosy and the kiddie, right through to the dark and the deadly. Always room for a little festive crime right?

Well, I had a busy old week last week achieving not a lot whilst seemingly doing loads. The week started perfectly – I was only at work for half a day before I was heading off down to London for November’s First Monday Crime panel. This month saw Barry Forshaw interview Stuart MacBride, Elodie Harper, Vaseem Khan and Simon Booker. An interesting debate was had by all regarding the idea of crime fiction v ‘literary fiction’, biggest mistakes made by newbie writers and whether there should be limits on how far you take your crime fiction.

A fantastic panel and I can heartily recommend both their books and First Monday Crime and if you want to find out more about next months panel, you can do so at their website here. December’s panel promises to be a doozy with Chris Whitaker, Louise Jensen, Mel McGrath and Susi Holliday alongside chair Claire McGowan. On top of that you’ll get to witness ‘Pitch the Audience’ where MC Howard Linskey will try to corral Rod Reynolds, Abir Mukherjee, Cass Green, Leye Adenle, Susi Holliday, Derek Farrell, Lisa Cutts, Chris Whitaker, Mason Cross, and James Carol as they bid to become ‘Pitch the Audience’ Champions for 2017. And books and pub visits. What more could you want? I’m booked. Maybe see you there?

And speaking of books, couldn’t resist the opportunity of getting a couple of signed books while I was there. Well … I went all that way. 😉

Book post wise, it’s been quite a quiet week for me. Nowt new there then lol. Just the one, a copy of Sai-Ko from author Gabriela Harding. Can’t wait to take a trip to the dark side with these short stories.

Other purchase wise, I’ve been good. At least if you own Amazon lol. I purchased the Killer Women Crime Club Book 2, Give Me The Child by Mel McGrath (also on audio); Little Liar by Clare Boyd and The Death Knock by Elodie Harper. From Netgalley, just the one, Know Me Now by CJ Carver. Also on audible was WhiteOut by Ragnar Jonasson. Well a girl needs to have the whole set.

Reading wise it’s been a bit of a mixed bag as my head is all over the place with work. I have managed 3.4 books though – one of them being a collection of short stories.

Books I have read

A Christmas Wish by Erin Green

Flora Phillips has an excuse for every disaster in her life; she was abandoned as a new-born on a doorstep one cold autumn night, wrapped in nothing but a towel. Her philosophy is simple: if your mother doesn’t want you – who will?

Now a thirty-year-old, without a boyfriend, a career or home she figures she might as well tackle the biggest question of them all – who is she? So, whilst everyone else enjoys their Christmas Eve traditions, Flora escapes the masses and drives to the village of Pooley to seek a specific doorstep. Her doorstep.

But in Pooley she finds more than her life story. She finds friends, laughter, and perhaps even a love to last a lifetime. Because once you know where you come from, it’s so much easier to know where you’re going.

A story of redemption and love, romance and Christmas dreams-come-true, the perfect novel to snuggle up with this festive season.

A wonderfully uplifting and heart warming tale of Flora, a woman who is in search of her birth mother having been left on a doorstep as a baby. Great for Christmas, my review of this book will be on the blog this week. In the meantime you can buy a copy of the book here.

…

The Advent Killer by Alastair Gunn

Christmas is coming. One body at a time. 

Three weeks before Christmas: Sunday, one a.m. A woman is drowned in her bathtub.

One week later: Sunday, one a.m. A woman is beaten savagely to death, every bone in her body broken.

Another week brings another victim.

As panic spreads across London, DCI Antonia Hawkins, leading her first murder investigation, must stop a cold, careful killer whose twisted motives can only be guessed at, before the next body is found. On Sunday.

When the clock strikes one . . .

A terrifying British debut thriller, The Advent Killer introduces DCI Antonia Hawkins, with the second in the series coming from Penguin in 2014. Fans of Chris Carter and Richard Montanari should be paying attention.

Now Christmas and murder … finally something I can identify with. Not literally of course and not in quite so gruesome a fashion as is presented in Alastair Gunn’s debut novel  I’ll be sharing my thoughts on this one very soon as one of my ‘festive reads’. You can buy a copy of the book here.

…

Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost

When Holly White’s fiancé cancels their Christmas Eve wedding with less than two weeks to go, Holly heads home with a broken heart. Lucky for her, home in historic Mistletoe, Maine is magical during Christmastime—exactly what the doctor prescribed. Except her plan to drown her troubles in peppermints and snickerdoodles is upended when local grouch and president of the Mistletoe Historical Society Margaret Fenwick is bludgeoned and left in the sleigh display at Reindeer Games, Holly’s family tree farm.

When the murder weapon is revealed as one of the wooden stakes used to identify trees on the farm, Sheriff Evan Grey turns to Holly’s father, Bud, and the Reindeer Games staff. And it doesn’t help that Bud and the reindeer keeper were each seen arguing with Margaret just before her death. But Holly knows her father, and is determined to exonerate him.The jingle bells are ringing, the clock is ticking, and if Holly doesn’t watch out, she’ll end up on Santa’s naughty list in Twelve Slays of Christmas, Jacqueline Frost’s jolly series debut.

After a bit of a gruesome murder, it was time to go all cosy. This is a beautiful book, full of all the festive spirit a lover of the season could want. Give or take the odd murder … I’ll be reviewing this very soon but you can buy yourself a copy right here.

…

CWA Anthology of Short Stories: Mystery Tour

Crime spreads across the globe in this new collection of short stories from the Crime Writer’s Association, as a conspiracy of prominent crime authors take you on a world mystery tour. Highlights of the trip include a treacherous cruise to French Polynesia, a horrifying trek in South Africa, a murderous train-ride across Ukraine and a vengeful killing in Mumbai. But back home in the UK, life isn’t so easy either. Dead bodies turn up on the backstreets of Glasgow, crime writers turn words into deeds at literary events, and Lady Luck seems to guide the fate of a Twickenham hood. Showcasing the range, breadth and vitality of the contemporary crime-fiction genre, these twenty-eight chilling and unputdownable stories will take you on a trip you’ll never forget.

Contributions from: Ann Cleeves, C.L. Taylor, Susi Holliday, Martin Edwards, Anna Mazzola, Carol Anne Davis, Cath Staincliffe, Chris Simms, Christine Poulson, Ed James, Gordon Brown, J.M. Hewitt, Judith Cutler, Julia Crouch, Kate Ellis, Kate Rhodes, Martine Bailey, Michael Stanley, Maxim Jakubowski, Paul Charles, Paul Gitsham, Peter Lovesey, Ragnar Jónasson, Sarah Rayne, Shawn Reilly Simmons, Vaseem Khan, William Ryan and William Burton McCormick

A brilliant collection of short stories and perfect for dipping in and out of, which is exactly what I’m doing ahead of my stop on the blog tour next week. Featuring some of the best crime writers around, you’d be mad to miss it. I’ve already powered through 34% of the book without even realising it. You can preorder a copy here.

…

Blogging wise, not quite as traumatic as last week, i.e. you haven’t had to suffer any more videos of me, but still busy none-the-less.

#BlogTour: Whiteout by Ragnar Jonasson

#Review: Zenka by Alison Brodie

Festive Reads: Mr Men & Little Miss at Christmas

Festive Reads: This Way To Christmas by Anita Bijsterbosh and Christmas Stories for Kids by Uncle Amon

Festive Reads: Enid Blyton’s Christmas Tales

Festive Reads: Santa, Please Bring Me A Gnome by An Swerts

#BlogTour: #IntoTheValley by Chris Clement-Green

#BookLove: Tracy Fenton

Review: Mr Men & Little Miss for Grown UpsFestive Reads: A Christmas Flower by Bryan Mooneyffiths163

#BlogTour: Bad Sister by Sam Carrington

Review: Elephant and Sheep and other stories by Patricia Furstenberg

The week ahead is another full one – are there any other kind. Personally, I am off to the UK launch of The Man Who Died by Antti Tuomainen on Wednesday and I can’t wait. It’s in the running to be my book of the year! Then the weekend sees the long awaited arrival of Hull Noir. Looking forward to lots of brilliant panels and getting to catch up with some amazing blogger friends.

In the meantime, I’ve a mixture of the usual reviews and blog tours to keep you all amused, starting today when I’ll be reviewing The Puppet Master by Abigail Osborne. Wednesday is the tour for The Future Can’t Wait by Angelena Boden and Saturday it’s Dying Day by Stephen Edger. And there will be some sharing of the #booklove with blogger Victoria Goldman.

And in other news – with the notable and excusable exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day, today marks a whole year of posting every day, at least once, sometimes more. I set myself the challenge to see how long I could keep it up and I have to admit I am fluffing knackered now, but hey. Quite an achievement for a moderately busy gal like me I think. Go me. May have to celebrate.

Have a brilliant week all. See you on the other side

Jen

Rewind, recap: Weekly update w/e 12/11/17 Yes ... believe it or not, it is getting to that point in the year that we both welcome and dread.

[20thcentutygeek]

Dr Strange or: How I stopped worrying and learned to love the Mouse

Last night, while talking about the new Star Wars film a friend of mine mentioned that she hadn’t seen and wouldn’t watch The Force Awakens or the Last Jedi. I can understand this if her reasoning was that she wasn’t a fan of Star Wars or Sci-fi but when I asked why she stated “I hate Disney.” Now that is a pretty strong statement. To hate something, anything is a definitive position so I wanted to know more about how she had gotten to this point.

When I asked, she explained that Disney was a cynical money making machine that takes any property it can get its hands on an rape it for every penny. The properties she was most update about and used as examples were Winnie the Pooh and Robin Hood. Getting to the core of it she felt that Disney was responsible for taking elements of British Culture and repackaging it or Americanising it and then selling it back to the younger generation.

During the discussion, she asked, why can’t anything be kept sacred and just have the purest form be given to each generation? I have my own opinions on this and as I drove home I thought about it more and why I’m actually ok with Disney and how they treat properties. I am a fan of the Marvel movies and have enjoyed all of them, to varying degrees. However, despite some missteps one of the things that I think Disney has always been spot on is the characterisations and adaptations of the main characters. They have evolved the characters but kept their soul.

As I do with most things I broke it down into different elements, which I have highlighted below. These are probably commons sense but they are worth repeating.

Evolve or die, but keep the essence

When my friend mentioned the fact that Disney had ‘raped’ the Winnie the Pooh books and that the A.A. Milne estate should not have sold the books, something very important struck me. I haven’t read the Winnie the pooh books since I was a kid. Also, that I am more familiar with the Disney version than the original, not that I think they are that different. Is this a bad thing? No, the fact is that is if the Disney version did not exist then the original would probably be lost to time apart from the few that pass the stories or books down the generations. However, that would not last forever.

The fact that several generations have had newer, glossier versions has meant that they have been introduced to the characters old and new from Hundred-acre wood. Each iteration a slightly updated version, keeping it relevant. The Key however, and this is what Disney have cracked, is keeping the essence of the character. Pooh Bear is not the only character that has survived through evolution.

To provide an example of both sides of the coin let’s look at a couple of other characters. The best one I can think of in recent years is Sherlock Holmes. I don’t think any other character has benefitted from evolution. The original stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are great and worth being read, more on that later, but a stuffy Victorian detective is not an easy sell to a modern audience. So over time you have had different versions, each providing something new to the mythos while bringing the old to a new audience. In the 80’s we had Spielberg’s ‘Young Sherlock Holmes’ and Disney’s ‘Basil the great mouse detective’, I’m a fan of each and it was the former that introduced me to the original stories.

However, the most successful evolution of the character has come more recently with the BBC series Sherlock. The essence of the character has been maintained but they have moved the setting to modern London. This has stood head and shoulders over the American versions (Sherlock Holmes movies and the Holmes TV series) not because its British but because it has better writing and acting. This version has reignited interest in the character and the concept of the great detective.

Let’s look at the other side of the coin and a character born in the same period, Tarzan. The film released in 2016, The Legend of Tarzan looked glossy and well-made but it was a flop. Having seen it I can understand why. While the special effects and acting were all good, the story was so A to B simple that it may have engrossed an audience in the 1930’s but something more needs to be done for a modern audience. I would even go so far as to state that the Disney version (1999) is a better version and story. So, the character of Tarzan is little known by younger people and if is at risk being considered an anachronism and being cast aside. This is tragic as the character and concept are fantastic and in the hands a good writer and director I can imagine a modern telling making an interesting social commentary on nature vs. nurture, what it is to have mixed heritage and / or how the modern social class structure treats people.

The point is, that without these modern versions the character of Sherlock Holmes would become irrelevant, just as Tarzan is at risk of being. In this fickle world if you’re not relevant then you get taken over by other characters that are. This means that some amazing parts of culture past get lost and forgotten. I could add in a list here of so many great characters that have fallen by the wayside because they either failed to adapt or evolve (think The Shadow vs Batman or Alan Quartermaine vs. Indiana Jones). 

Grant Morrison provided a Limbo world for such characters in the DC universe. Introduced in Animal Man #25 and then expanded upon in Final Crisis. This concept is further explored in Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. These forgotten characters are all in there, waiting to be rediscovered and given a new glossy coat, ready for a brand-new audience.

Gateway drugs

With new iterations of characters not only do we get more relevant versions, more people are made aware of the original source material. The newer versions are a gateway and that is a good thing. In all cases the original and / or the best iterations of things do not go away, they are always there. However, if they are presented to you directly then you need to be given a map.

Consider Winnie the Pooh and Sherlock Holmes again. The original stories for each are really good and should be visited again and again by old and new audiences. Yet, do you think sales of the books of these stories would be as high-without BBC’s Sherlock or Disney’s Winnie the Pooh? Of course not.

As I mentioned above I was introduced to the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories after seeing ‘Young Sherlock Holmes’. I now have a wonderful Hardback collection that I dip into now and then. As a kid I don’t think I could have been sold on Sherlock and his detecting solely on someone telling me about them. In order for me to get through the older language and story structure I needed to already be invested in the character. My first taste was free, I had to work to get more and it was worth it.

The same can be said of Winnie the Pooh. The books are great but in the market of so many children’s books why pick up one book about a little bear over another? Well, if your child has seen the Disney version then they will choose Pooh Bear, probably the better choice. If they love those books then hopefully they will pass them on.

More than that it will hopefully open the doors to other literature that they may not have thought about otherwise, as they get older. A.A. Milne might lead to Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl. Or Conan Doyle might lead to Raymond Chandler and Ian Fleming. I am willing to bet that more people reach these other authors and stories via modern films and comics than picking them up directly.

As a final note, regardless of what you think about the 2001 – 2003 Lord of the Rings films it cannot be denied that those films opened a door to both Tolkien and Fantasy Fiction for a whole new generation. Book sales soared and people got hooked. There is a knock-on effect. Without those films, we would not have ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘The Shannara Chronicles’. You can enjoy these both as books and TV shows.

Selective selection

A further point that my friend made was the absolute glut of merchandise that Disney produce to sell to kids. As well as all the half-hearted cash-in tie ins and spin-offs. Now as a comic book geek, I am very used to this mentality and how to deal with it. While I completely understand her point, there is a truth that must be accepted, Disney is a business and it is supposed to make money. It will produce whatever it can to make money it is up to us as consumers to vote with our money.

I know that I can go into almost any supermarket in the western world and buy some form of Disney merchandise. Does that mean that it’s all top quality and worth having? Not at all. It is therefore up to me to select what I buy and what I buy for my kids. Buy quality and what matters to you. If you want a bath towel with Cinderella or Yoda on, you can. If you don’t want to dilute your version of a character then simply walk on by.

There is no point getting upset about merchandise or add on products, they will always exist. However, you can use them to enhance your pleasure or ignore them. That is up to you.

Change is coming

Before we finish I want to acknowledge that I understand that not all versions of a character are very good or in some cases even appropriate. I have used English and Western characters for my examples because that is what I grew up with and relate to. However, I am very aware that Hollywood and Disney have butchered and converted characters form other cultures into western versions. This has been and still is a weakness of character evolution and adaption in almost all formats.

However, change is coming. There is a wave of young creators that understand that diversity is a part of adaptation and evolution. Several cases of white washing have occurred and been called out by audiences in the last few years. The loudest being for 2017’s adaptation of Ghost in the Shell. A weak adaptation was affected further by western casting over obvious Asian choices.

We live in a much more diverse and varied world and audiences have started to make their preference known. We are about to enter an era of new diverse characters or old characters evolving to remain relevant. The next version of Sherlock might not be your Dads Sherlock but that doesn’t mean either version is incorrect, just that they are part of an ongoing story of evolution.

The question is who will be at the forefront of this next era of diversity in character evolution or truer adaptation? Time will tell, but lets come back to Disney. In 2018 we have Black Panther (which I am so excited for) with a majority black cast and African setting. Not something we would have got even 10 years ago. Beyond that we have got the live action Aladdin which is casting Middle Eastern and Asian actors to tell this story of Arabian Nights. That’s not to say that we are there yet there is lots of work to be done and it needs to be handled with quality and sincere productions.

I hope for a world in which my 4-year-old daughter has access to the Winnie the Pooh books and the Holmes stories. Yet she also has exciting new characters and new iterations of old characters that have been evolved to meet the desires of future audiences and say something interesting about the world they now inhabit.

Summary

The great thing about fiction is that it’s like water. It can be poured into any container, mixed with other things, even change form to fit what you want it to do but you can always take it back to its essence. Disney have poured water into many different containers and diluted it with all kinds of things. In some cases it’s become something amazing other times a stodgy mess – but the pure water will always be there for anyone that wants to take a drink.