#i am not a historian and i never will be so I'm sure my representation of the coastal South Carolina region is inaccurate but meh

[juniper-clan]

I have two questions if that is okay.

What inspired you to choose 1701 as the time period?

And how far into the game do you get in between posting pages.

Ps i am obsessed with this blog ♡

Thanks!

I'm sure you're well aware from my asks that I am a huge fan of historical reenactment/research/fashion. I originally had this set in 1810, but that was a bit too in my "comfort zone" as I'm inclined to the Regency era / Napoleonic War era.

In the earliest days of the 18th entury, the English had small, sparse settlements around the Eastern Seaboard, and I focused on the "Province of Carolina" that extended from modern day North Carolina to parts of Louisiana/Florida. Since the settlements were so thinly stretched, I would be able to draw Heronstar's interactions with Two Legs without worrying about having a huge, lush colony to draw, and more importantly, worry about them potentially poaching and eating the cats (!!!).

It's also for flavor. I hate drawing cars, so the Thunderpath is replaced with a regular dirt path and horses. Two Leg traps can be replaced with hunting traps. Etc.

All those little things keep it interesting for me and help me get creative.

As for the moons; I finished it already. I already know everything that happens!

[softguarnere]

hello! :) i'm working on a bob fanfiction right now, and i wanted to know if you had any tips for aspiring bob fanfic writers (or if you had talked about this before?) i'm especially curious what you have to say about balancing the historical accuracy of the story vs deviations from history, as well as how to weave an oc into the original plot of the show while still keeping the content fresh and (somewhat) original

oh! and also how you go about doing your research (if you do any)

your writing is a huge inspiration to me, so thanks so much!! i hope you have a good day :D

Hi Anon! I answered something similar here if you want to check that out

Aside from just going for it and having fun with it, I do have some thoughts (everybody act shocked), but I'll try to keep it concise 🤗

Balancing historical accuracy with fiction

First and foremost, I feel like it's helpful to point out that Stephen Ambrose made some mistakes in BOB. Not trying to disparage his name or anything, just to be clear! Several of the men (Speirs, Shifty) pointed out mistakes he made about them in the book.

Why am I mentioning this? Because I'm a historian and I'm annoying about it lol Because the historical narrative we're drawing our inspiration for fics from isn't a narrative that everyone agrees on -- then again, good luck finding one that people do, but I digress -- I think it gives some wiggle room for bending the story a bit to make it work for the narrative that we as writers are trying to create

Similarly, I feel like it's important to invoke the disclaimer that many of us put on our fics: these stories about fictional representations from a show (though it is based on real people and events)

In the end, we're all taking liberties with the narrative for the sake of our writing. Most people in the fandom probably won't bite your head off if you use plotlines that are alternate histories because most of us are doing them, too -- and a lot of writers here have some very cool ideas and plots with alternate histories that are really good reads!

At the end of the day, don't feel pressured to stick directly to the historical narrative. After all, we're writers -- having imagination is what we do

Weaving an OC into a well-known narrative

Oh boy. I'm not sure if there's a great way to answer this. Personally, I knew who my OC was, what her background, wants desires, etc. were, and then I just sort of . . . set her free into the story? There are moments directly from the show where I wove her in and made her a part of that scene, and then there are interactions and plotlines that I came up with myself.

Honestly, it probably depends on your plot and your character. No one really wants to read a re-write of BOB -- after all, that's why we're all out here writing fics with our own ideas and stories. However, if you feel that a certain scene would further your plot/advance your character, and that you can weave them into it, then go for it! It's all about how you write and what feels right to you for your story.

Research

Have I abused some of my historian privileges during my time in this fandom? Perhaps 👀 But if you don't have university archival access, never fear! There are still lots of good ways to research

In terms of background, I found that reading the memoirs and biographies of the Easy Company men was really helpful when figuring out how to write them. It was also good for learning stories and experiences that did not make it into BOB. Watching interviews with them on YouTube and watching interviews with the actors was also extremely helpful for things like speech cadence, mannerisms, etc.

Definitely branch out, though! I was lucky in that I had to do some projects about WW2 around the time that I joined the fandom, so researching different aspects of the period was helpful for me when I started writing. Don't feel like you have to rush out and read every WW2 book or watch every documentary, but it can definitely help with learning different perspectives and experiences, as well as providing context.

If you ever want book recommendations, feel free to reach out! Especially if you need book recs about paratroopers in general, because I have a whole shelf space dedicated to those haha

Lastly, thank you so much for the lovely compliment, Anon -- and thank you for trusting me enough to reach out! 🥹 Feel free to reach out if you ever want to chat, and I look forward to reading what you write in the future 💕

(Other BOB writers feel free to add on!)

[ddagent]

Hiii! I'm so in love with the podcast verse. Can I formally request another bit about them, in case you were planning to continue their shenanigans? Thank you!

Prompt #95, here we go! I hope you enjoy.

B: Today’s episode of The Bear and the Poorly Written Maiden is sponsored by Blackwater Brewery.

J: What have I got to do—

B: —just read that bit out.

J: Who wrote this?

B: Bronn did. Just read it out.

J: We don’t need sponsors.

B: Yes we do, Jay. Your ancestor may have had a golden hand, but you don’t have two gold dragons to rub together and neither do I. Buying all these books costs money, as does the equipment, as does the wine necessary to forget some of the things we’ve read. So just read it.

J: Fine. For you. Today’s episode of The Bear and the Poorly Written Maiden is sponsored by Blackwater Brewery. Made in King’s Landing, this beer is good. Tastes good enough, not that any of the rich...people who live in King’s Landing could tell the difference. Get a free case at blackwaterbrewery.com, using the voucher code golden cunt. Fucking Bronn.

B: Probably should have mentioned that this podcast contains strong language from the outset, literary violence, and explicit sexual content.

(tourney horn plays)

J: Well, listeners, welcome to another episode of The Bear and the Poorly Written Maiden. Last week we began reading a paperback Bee picked up during a visit to Estermont with Papa Bee: The Wedding at Dragonstone. Bee, why don’t you describe the cover.

B: Oh Gods, alright. So it’s a dark blue—

J: —one would almost say Tarth blue—

B: —cover, with what I assume to be Goldenhand and Ser Blue in a passionate embrace. He’s shirtless, and standing behind her. She’s in a white gown, with a red cloak, and there looks to be lions head broaches on her shoulders. 

J: The dress is also gathered up towards her thigh revealing a lot of leg. 

B: She’s got her neck tilted back towards him, as if Ser Blue was ever shorter than Goldenhand. And they both look very...happy. 

J: They’re on the brink of orgasm.

B: Sure.

J: So, The Wedding at Dragonstone is one of the many historical fiction novels set after the Long Night. It features the wedding between Queen Daenerys Stormborn and King Jon of the South. I’ve actually just led a module on Queen Daenerys—

B: —which you received complaints about in the student feedback forms. 

J: It is our duty as historians to question these figures and their decisions. 

B: You argued that if Goldenhand had had breakfast after the Sack of Highgarden, he would have been able to kill one of her dragons. 

J: I truly believe his blood sugar was low that day. 

(Bee laughs)

B: You are utterly ridiculous.

J: And yet, you’re still spending time with me. 

B: (deep sigh) Yes, I am. Back to the book: as we discussed in the last episode, there is no historical basis for this marriage. Whilst there are documented accounts of a relationship between them before the Long Night, Queen Daenerys Stormborn became Queen Daenerys of Valyria and remained across the sea until her death. 

J: So The Wedding at Dragonstone never happened. Our interest, however, is how accurate it is as an alternate history. 

B: Last chapter, Goldenhand and Ser Blue arrived at Dragonstone after—

J: —having sex in the bowels of the ship, as loud as a siren’s song. 

B: Oh, Gods.

J: And now they’ve been taken to their rooms, where they’re alone once again.

B: I read last week, so it’s your turn. 

J: With pleasure. Chapter II: The Ties That Bind. After they had been escorted to their chambers for the duration of the wedding, Goldenhand summoned wine and bread to sate his hunger and thirst. His lust would be satisfied with his betrothed, who had placed herself at the window to stare out at the unyielding sea. In two days time, King Jon would take the Dragon Queen’s—right, I’ve just read ahead, and clearly, they haven’t done their research. 

B: She was married to a Khal, wasn’t she.

J: She was, and to someone else in Meereen. King Jon has nothing to take on his wedding night, other than pleasure in his new bride, of course. 

B: Of course. 

J: King Jon would take the Dragon Queen’s innocence (Jay laughs) upon the snow-white sheets. In time, he and Ser Blue would also face a bedding ceremony. Only he had claimed her maidenhead many moons before, and would do so again before they returned to their ship for home. That’s not how biology works. 

B: Do you remember Cee’s module on the prevalence of the virginity myth in ancient Westerosi culture? I really want to send every author we read a copy of her paper. 

J: We really would need sponsors, then. The postage alone...

B: Just keep reading.

J: (adopts a low voice) “Ser Blue, is my lady well?”

B: (laughs) What was that?

J: I’m doing the voices.

B: We’re not babysitting your niece and nephew. 

J: You like my voices when we read Rhaegal the Friendless Dragon.

B: Fine, but if we get complaints from our listeners, that’s on you.

J: Okay. (low voice) “Ser Blue, is my lady well?” (high-pitched voice) “Of course, my golden lion!”

B: (splutters) She does not sound like that!

J: If you want to read this chapter, be my guest. But when I read, I’m doing the voices. (low voice) “Well, then come from the window, my Sweetling. My appetite grows dangerous, and I wish to feast upon your cunt.” 

B: Surely he can wait for the bread and wine. 

J: He’s a hungry man. (high-pitched voice) “I wish to aid you in your feast, my lion. Lie upon the bed, let me bring your plate to you.” What the fuck.

B: I’m really worried what she’s going to do. 

J: Does the potential for cannibalism make this book more or less interesting? (sighs) Goldenhand stripped himself of his tunic and breeches, made with loose stitches so he could remove them himself. Has Jeyne Swann invented velcro centuries earlier than thought?

B: It’s like he’s a stripper. 

J: He then settled himself atop the bed, his golden hand caressing the hand line of his turgid length. Where did this come from, that his golden hand was large enough to fit his penis in?

B: You should do a paper, present it at the conference in two months. 

J: ‘The Inaccurate Representation of Goldenhand the Just’s Metal Appendage’. Can you imagine Doctor Barath—”

B: Jay.

J: Doctor Antlers would burst a blood vessel. 

B: Just keep reading. I’m mildly interested to see if the poor writing continues to allude to Goldenhand actually eating his betrothed. 

J: He’s going to need something to wipe his mouth, whatever happens. 

B: You’re disgusting. 

J: Don’t knock the experience until you’ve tried it, Bee. On either side of the equation. 

(tourney horn plays)

[jonny-versace]

Hey! I kinda stumbled into your post about The Magicians and, as someone who a) is also interested in fandom culture and b) was an active member of The Magicians fandom during its highest (and lowest) points, I thought I'd share some of the context revolving around the shipping controversy.

So, during the first two seasons, the central m/f ship clearly seems like endgame, with no big hints about the main character being anything but straight. Sure, because the protagonist's best friend is a queer man who has a crush on him, and there are the usual queerbaty lines here and there, they were a big ship among the fandom, but nothing more. Until season 3 came along, and had something of a bottle episode, where the two get stranded in the past together and are explicitly in a romantic relationship. After they return, both kinda acknowledge the fact, but The Plot comes knocking. Shippers became more numerous, and some people started speculating that they could be a viable ship, but most of the fandom took it as a nod from the writers and a self-contained story that wouldn't come back.

All the while, the show's social media accounts hyped up this pairing more than any other, and made frequent remarks suggesting more canon recognition. Virtually every week you'd find a tweet, a poster, and so on, that egged people on. And by this point, the showrunners had the audience's trust due to their handling of other topics. There were more POC than usual for TV, the main character's chronic depression was an ongoing struggle, things like addiction and trauma were handled in believable ways. By having a self-described "depressed supernerd", who is comfortable with being bi/ pan, and storylines that catered to a queer neurodivergent audience, during three years they grew and grew in popularity and as a safe space for exactly these groups. I was one of those: I'm a historian, and pretty used to consuming media critically; I wasn't a teenager who's never seen herself represented, but an adult who got used to looking for good representation when I want to find it, or just watching things with no expectations for the fun of it, and at most dissecting the "what ifs". This show stroke me as the former, and became the relaxing and understanding queer space I ran into after a very long week. And there were A LOT of people in a similar situation.

Then came Season 4, and that's when things got tricky. Because you see, for three years they told us this show was clever, and it turned out to actually be; that this was a subversive and complex story being told in an absurdist way, and all that came to fruition. So when, with this season, there was both a flashback confirming that the main character wanted to persue a romantic relationship with his best friend, like in the past, but got turned down, and a very final break up between him and the girl who seemed like endgame for the first seasons, shipping went from "cool but unlikely pairing" to "damn, that's a great subversion of queerbaiting!". And their social media, trailers, released images and so on confirmed that to the audience (the tweet I recall better had the main m/f pairing, with a closed book, and was captioned with something on the lines of "a chapter ends so that another can begin"). The protagonist spent the entire season trying to rescue the guy he'd confessed feelings for. In a moment where they'd have to establish his identity, the frase said by said guy was the same reference used to talk about the bottle episode multiple times before. The nature of their relationship having changed is acknowledged by another character. At the end of the day, it seemed like a clearly confirmed fact.

And that's when the protagonist dies. There's a lot more ugliness around his death and how it was handled by the script, or how the showrunners pat themselves in the back. But it suffices to say that when an audience is mostly composed of "queer depressed supernerds", killing off the person who represented how someone like this could not only survive, but thrive, is more than a little traumatic. And doing so without ever giving the oh-so-central amd hyped up m/m relationship any ending, good or bad, makes it all seem both pointless and mean spirited.

Sorry about the gigantic text; this was such a unique fandom response and situation that I'm still quite fascinated by it (something like the near perfect creation and corruption of a vulnerable community's safe space). I don't know if you care about it, but just in case this interests you as well, now you have a summary.

hi hello! first, thanks for the extremely thoughtful post, it was interesting (I don't explicitly remember what I said in my post but I very much do remember being fascinated by the fall out of what the show did at the time) (I swear I'll finish pick it from S2 one day, though I'll admit I personally found season one a bit of a slog).

I remember reading enough posts from people on here and articles on sites like io9 to agree that what they did re killing off the bipolar I believe? lead and framing it as a noble sacrifice or something was in extremely poor taste, and I sympathise(d) with all the people who could relate to him and their grief coz like you said, even from my outsider perspective it seemed very ugly on the part of the show.

as far as the ship part of the conversation goes, I'm still largely ignorant of that from a first hand experience pov. but generally speaking, for me, I was and still am fascinated by what these (often lower budget, American CW/syfy etc) shows do to kinda stoke or fan fandom expectations/wants vs what fandoms do to themselves to set themselves up for a fall (canon vs fanon basically). in other words, how much a show queerbaits its audience vs how much the audience queerbaits itself, if that makes sense. not at all saying that's what happened in your fandom, again I haven't yet seen enough of the show to form an opinion on the ship aspect, but really just generally with those kind of shows (Supernatural being the big one recently, that Roswell show, even Teen Wolf going way back).

I usually find myself coming to the conclusion that like most things it's not a black and white issue, and that there's a certain amount of "blame" for lack of a better word on both sides. but again that's usually an observation from me as like a satellite to these shows and fandoms, not really valid in many senses, just something that eases the itchy part of my brain that's super intrigued when these fandom dramas explode as they're prone to do.

but no, I deffo do care in a larger sense so thanks so much! I'll deffo save this in case I ever get around to finishing the show for myself