#i've been so immersed in the other blog

[biiscione]

hello.

[insufferablemod]

Gghgghhhhh

[chiropteracupola]

hm well if you must have the characters in your nineteenth-century novel call each other by their first names, then it is nice when they happen to have first names that are very easily taken for surnames

[fromgoy2joy]

I have been… biting my tongue from saying things. 

Partially because I’m not “really Jewish” (on the way to it via conversion), and because I didn’t want this blog to be political. 

But I realize I want this page to be a safe space. If anyone takes issue with what I’m about to say, I don’t want them on this page. 

I joined the college jewish community very shortly after 10/7 and was immediately welcomed in. There was no separation between me and the girl who had gone to orthodox shul all her life and was the head of the state youth group. I was told explicitly  “you are one of us. And together, we are mourning. We have lost our people and so have you.” 

Still I felt no authority to speak on things as insidious as antisemitism until recently. But how many times do you have to experience an antisemitic incident until you get to stand up? 

Six. The answer is six. 

Since explicitly aligning myself with Jewishness, I have lost friends who told me I have “dual loyalties” in so many words. I’ve been ostracized in events because we were singled out . I’ve been followed back to my dorm room from events by people hurling genocide accusations at me- white girls wearing keffiyahs who don't know anything about the Nakba when I try to connect with them about how awful it was.

My face was used in a local “fight jew hate” campaign” where I’m in a group of people with clearly middle eastern descent. But what circulated around my campus was my blonde hair and blue eyes, with people using laughing emojis.

“This is who we’re supposed to be defending!? Bitch please! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣” 

(Which is perfectly ironic because they singled out the person who wasn't ethnically Jewish and focused on her. )

Campus security and the disciplinary office knows me quite well from all the reports I've filed whether for me or other people.

I leave campus for breaks. Even though I’m returning to my highly Catholic conservative family, I breathe a sigh of relief. I don't have to look over my shoulder constantly or check myself in the surroundings I'm in. I already feel the dread about returning in January.

What hurts is the blindness- the lack of nuance- that is being given. Every single Jewish person at my school is not a self described zionist, other than that they acknowledge Jewish indignity to the land, and that there was a reason for the creation of Israel- not even justification in the current state or the matter it came about.

But they- and we- shouldn't have to prove ourselves. We shouldn't be debating if we should fundraise for Gazans (we are) in case someone accuses us of "lying about our intentions" or if we'd be pointed out as "the good jews!" They shouldn't have to have a tab open on their computer for Israeli passports, even though they desperately don't want to leave the United States. I shouldn't have to wonder whenever I'm at a synagogue "If I get killed here in a terrorist attack before being immersed in the mikvah, will I get a Catholic or Jewish funeral?"

But that never mattered. Our voices never did. Unless the antisemitism came from a high school dropout neo-nazi with a shaved head and swastika jacket, it's never going to matter.

I will never forget- even as I advocate for Palestinians, call for a ceasefire, and donate. Or any other cause where I'll be marching besides these activists I can never call well meaning.

I could go on and on about it. But I won't be able to write it out in this post.

All I know is when the counsel of rabbis ask me if I'm ready to be apart of an unpopular group, I'm going to have to fight myself from laughing at the question

[writingquestionsanswered]

Describing Scene Locations

Anonymous asked: I've been writing for a decade, mostly short stories, and have recently started writing a fantasy set in the 17th century. My setting is a world pretty much like ours, but with made-up names for specific towns and whatnot. The characters are pirates, and a few are non-human. I'm finding it difficult to figure out where certain plot points take place when the story is mostly character-driven. There are parts where they need to be on land, but apart from 'vague port/island', I don't know what else to do with it. (Am I overthinking this?) I suppose my question is: How specific do secondary locations have to be for it to be immersive and realistic (for their world) without it being lackluster or overdone? I don't want it all be "it's a beach with a village," but adding a giant seaside kingdom seems overkill if it's only mentioned in passing once or twice. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these - this whole blog is a gift, really.

[Ask edited for length]

First, thank you... that is very kind of you to say! ♥

So, I think it really helps to think of your story in terms of scenes, and to think of each scene almost like a scene in a play. Your scene's setting is like the stage in the play, and the amount of description is the amount of scenery and props on the stage.

If you've been to plays, you've probably noticed that the scenery can be very minimal or very elaborate, depending on the needs of the show:

With fiction, it works the same way. How little or how much you describe the scenery (setting) depends on the needs of the scene, but you do need to make sure to give the reader a sense of place. Looking at the first image, just with the little bit of scenery that's there, we know this scene is taking place in a home, perhaps a living room. If the two men were just sitting on chairs with no other scenery, we wouldn't have that sense of place.

However, that doesn't mean that any of your scenes need to be set in sprawling seaside kingdoms. There are all sorts of land-based settings for pirates:

-- bustling port town like Port Royal or Tortuga -- coastal village, town, or city -- isolated island or cove -- small fishing village -- seaside castles or estates -- pirate's stronghold on a hidden island/cove/cave/bay -- tropical jungle or rainforest -- remote island -- colonial outpost -- swamps and marshlands -- rural countryside -- ancient ruins

There are all sorts of reasons pirates might go ashore in these places:

-- to resupply (food, water, liquor, gunpowder, ammunition) -- to buy specific items (weapons, clothing, equipment for ship) -- to sell, trade, deliver, hide, or bury loot -- to hunt and gather resources -- to recruit crew -- to maintenance, repair, or refit the ship -- to meet with allies, informants, business partners, etc. -- to visit friends/acquaintances -- to avail themselves of various goods and services -- to drink in a bar, gamble and carouse with friends -- to enjoy some much needed rest and recreation -- to learn or exchange information -- to seek medical treatment/medicine/remedies -- to seek legal assistance or meet to discuss legal matters -- to "case" a potential target for a raid -- to visit family and love interests

Within these settings and potential errands, there are many specific settings you could use:

-- the docks of a bustling port -- the tavern of a coastal village -- a quiet moonlit cove where pirates are laying low -- the great hall of a seaside castle -- a masquerade ball at a country estate -- the crumbled ruins of an ancient civilization in an isolated jungle -- at a freshwater lagoon on a remote island during resource stop -- busy market at a colonial outpost -- fisherman's shanty in a quiet bayou -- an official's luxury town home in a big city -- the coastal farm belonging to a family member

So... having the different locations in mind, how much or how little do you describe them? Once again, all you have to do is create a sense of place for the reader. If your pirates are having a heated argument on the docks of a busy port town, you may at least want to give a vague description of the docks, whether it's night or day, what the weather's like, how crowded it is, and maybe a brief sampling of what the crowd is doing, notable sensory details (sounds, smells, visuals) etc. You can also weave those details into the narrative in a way that serves a dual purpose. For example, maybe in the argument, one pirate gestures to a toothless fish monger and uses them as an example in a point they're trying to make. Not only is this a necessary part of the dialogue, but it also fills in some of the scenery detail. Or, maybe instead, they're perusing spices in a bustling seaside market while they talk/argue quietly. Here are some posts from my description master list that will hopefully help further:

The Right Amount of Description (5 Tips!) The 3 Fundamental Truths of Description Description: Style vs Excess/Deficiency How to Make Your Description More Vivid Adding Description to Your WritingWeaving Details into the Story Guide: Showing vs Telling When “Telling” is Okay

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

♦ Questions that violate my ask policies will be deleted! ♦ Please see my master list of top posts before asking ♦ Learn more about WQA here

[solar-serpent]

🌈Based on your talents, what business should you launch?💰🪙

Hello! I hope everyone is doing great. I'm going through a phase where I started wondering if I wanted to go back to work for an employer, or even if it was worthy after I've acknowledged all my potential and the fact no one would ever pay for the real price of my work. Aquarium era is hitting me harder, and I bet you too are feeling this call to reach financial freedom. We deserve it.

I want to contribute with your awakening.

Please take a deep breath, focus on what's in front of you and pick the picture you feel more attracted to.

Pile I → Pile II

Pile III → Pile IV

🌱Pile I🌱

OMG, pile 1, you are so kind and empathetic that people want to open up to you and ask for your opinion/advice on topics such as recent breakups, petty fights with mom, best friend betrayal drama and so. Even though that's not the main purpose for them going into your store/business. If you weren't an entrepreneur, you could've been an excellent therapist since your serene demeanor and polite speech would make others believe they are speaking to a good friend. You show you care for what you are being told by providing meaningful replies, and I could swear people go crazy over your attentive gaze. Some of you are natural, others are really good actors (no one is to be judged here). Your patience and warm personality real or not sells, people could purchase anything from your business if you are the one assisting, which can be a boomer if you are aiming for leaving someone else in charge and doing the counts behind the scenes, knowing you are one of the best sellers.

You could own a coffee store given how good you are at building spaces where people will gather and feel safe. Not only that, you can create beautiful settings that will make others immerse in a new world like the tea room from a dollhouse or within a Monet painting. You will succeed at making them distance themselves from real world's problems, thus they could be more open to speak about something that feels so far away. To be honest, I don't think everyone that chose this pile would identify with this business idea. For some serving, cooking and simping chai latte over the daily gossips feels like a waste of their potential. You guys are right, another part of group which's artsy in nature is more aligned with fashion, beauty, and textiles. But I swear you all have the potential to manifest large amounts of money in one sale. I didn't have to crack my head open thinking about what type of business could allow that as designing is your strong suit. You are a master when it comes to making colors, fabrics. and whatnot march. A small part of this group loves sweets and how food can make others happy, therefore you could settle down for having a bakery and specializing on wedding cakes. However, some of you are contemplating the idea of running a drift or wedding dress store. For the ones willing to work with the brides, I assure your business will do well. You have the patience of a Greek hero going against the gods' will, so I see you nailing sales that took plenty of your time and energy.

I hope this reading was to your liking♡. I'm offering paid readings about this topic here. You can find more free content on my blog.

🌱Pile 2🌱

I didn't know "giving a fuck" was a talent until I drew your cards, dear pile 2. You are strong people, you don't care if others start hating you for doing your job. Like 5% of the people who picked this pile dreamed with being a hitman and go ahead guys, you'll do great. Now, a large percent of you have questionable morals, allowing you to work in fields where you can turn corrupted and earn wealth as a politician, lawyer, or even a doctor. I know those are career choices, but the real business for you is owning agencies, institutes, clinics, and funeral homes. I am not even making the latter up. Some of you won't care about the taboo-ish nature of your work. You approach business with level-headedness and practicality, thus if it pays wells as any other job related to humans needs... dealing with the deads is easier than their family but you will still do the job or you will hire someone to do it eventually. Curiously, you are great at making people feel better. You aren't that talkative, but you know how to make others laugh with your silly jokes, pulling weird faces, providing them with food or water and much needed space.

Some of you are radicals and into activism. You have plenty of pent-up anger and aggressiveness inside of you that you will directed at facing opposing forces. You might start a charitable cause and talk people into volunteering. Yeah, I know it won't give you money or not so much, but hear me out! You could own an institute for people with special needs or another for learning languages. There's a high chance you might end up working with foreigners, what gave you that business idea when you thought on how to help them improve their lifestyle. Some of you could be interested in farming or owning a supermarket. You would feel inclined to hire immigrants regardless of the consequences. Actually, what are consequences to you? You don't fucking care. You see people suffering, you help them. There's no other logic in your brain.

I hope this reading was to your liking♡. I'm offering paid readings about this topic here. You can find more free content on my blog.

🌱Pile 3🌱

Ok, guys, I love how unbothered you are when it comes to your line of work and what people have to say about it. Unlike pile 2, you are not interested in top positions that might lead to corruption, dirty money and living a very intense life. You are the complete opposite, you are humble and like to contribute to the community. You have a great intuition and observation skills, so upon checking your town or the place you want to install your business in, you will know what spot in the market needs to be filled right away. You can also tell what the community's needs are; you are not afraid of getting your hands dirty, so you could feel inclined to run a fish or convenience store. I feel like you want to belong, so not only your business won't cover a necessity, but also will turn into something traditional, even "iconic" for your neighbourhood. Is a music store still a thing? I feel like a small part of this group longs to have one.

You have all what it takes to manifest a long-lasting business. You are highly talented at nurturing and you might see your business like a "baby". It's not just your money source, but something to care about and fight for. Some of you might be interested in running an esoteric shop, where people is going to get their cards read or purchase herbs, incienses, candles, and so on. Mostly, this pile wants to have an unique business or for it to be the sole provider of something. E.g, you might own the only bookstore with coffee services at town. Also, I believe some of you will settle for moving out to a town or the countryside and start a business over there.

I hope this reading was to your liking♡. I'm offering paid readings about this topic here. You can find more free content on my blog.

🌱Pile 4🌱

Hello, guys! This pile is slightly different from the rest since I feel like going straight to the point and sparing unnecessary details, but I might annoy you as I'm not leaving nothing unsaid. You are known for being busy and most times you seem to be in a hurry. You are always working on something, even in high school your friends knew you were too invested on your studies and earning money than hanging out with people your age. You probably like technology and travelling, so you could own a business like a travel agency (in your country or another), transport or event planning company. In all honesty, you might end up running all three of them. The term "workaholic" does not make justice to what you are, but I will call you a genius. You were born to steal the spotlight by your innovative style at the moment of giving birth to your ideas into the real world. You can mix all your interests together and create a new business that will leave people gawking, like an app who allows users to match with vacation spots instead of people or something like that?

Some of you will rather work with tourists, renting cars, boats, and properties so their basic needs are covered. I don't know how many of you are sporty but you are adamant about turning one of your interests/hobbies in your business. You might run your own indoor rock climbing centre. If you were to ask me for specifications on what's your talent, I would say you are a natural when it comes to businesses and you hold such control over your emotions. You put your sole focus on work, nothing can distract you from achieving your goals. Not even your family, so I can see you making up to your dear ones with expensive gifts or generous check after you missed an important family event again.

I hope this reading was to your liking♡. I'm offering paid readings about this topic here. You can find more free content on my blog.

[xo-cod]

omg more soft Simon pls😭💗 maybe sth with a highly sensitive reader sfw or nsfw whatever works for u... luv ur blog💖

thank you sm lovie :") this is sfw! sorry i got to this so late 😩🤍

dangerous love

"don't make me say it. i can't say the words"

rolling your eyes, you sit on the lap of your beloved lieutenant. the usual firm and stoic ghost has been left at the door, here he's become so affectionate and clingy, the way you adored it. here, he's simon. his calloused hands are wandering, trying to memorise every part on your skin. even though every nook and cranny is burned into his memory, mapped out exactly where and how to caress your body to get you into a whimpering mess.

"i think that's a lie, i think you can say those words simon riley" accentuating his name elicits a small groan from his lips, how he adores it when you take charge and command him. it brings a side of him he doesn't usually feel safe to show others. but you're so different. so warm and comforting, it just naturally comes out, spilling everywhere before he can even comprehend

you're so close to him, your fingers running though his blonde soft hair scratching gently on his scalp. and he relishes in it, his eyes closing out of habit. he can't help but rock underneath you, hoping you'd forget and immerse yourself in pleasure only he can provide you

but tonight, you were on a mission. and certainly not one to settle for any less so you move back but he grumbles a little, his hold on your waist tightening so that you're back close to him. he can't help but breathe in your sweet smell, practically trembling underneath you. like you're simultaneously not enough but yet overriding his senses.

"iloveyou" he mumbles in your neck, breath tickling your chest. it makes you giggle softly, gently pushing him back. your hands lace with his bigger ones, shaking your head as you gaze down at your half sleepy man

"try again, sir" you whisper, your arms around his neck. his eyes darken with lust at the word, instantly thinking about how many ways he could have you. but you don't relent. he knows what you want and maybe it's the fact that he's so tired that all his walls are down or the fact that he's so in love with you, he can't help but give you what you want

simon leans his forehead against your own, the sweetest of smiles pulling on his lips. his hands come to hold yours, his thumb rubbing comforting circles around your knuckles. he breathes you in a little, not used to being so open and vulnerable about his feelings like this. not used to having someone care for him so deeply, not thinking that he could've ever received such a thing in this painful life.

"i love you, with everything in me. i never thought i could feel this way, that it was even bloody possible..." he breaks off, gently chuckling at the predicament he was in. how for years he swore of love, swore off from ever pursuing a relationship in this life. he didn't grow up with adoring parents that showed him what love meant, he couldn't possibly drag someone else deep down in the depths of his pain and misery of his past. the same thing he was running from.

how nobody could hold a candle to him but you managed to light a whole fire deep in his soul. the embers burning more bright and intense than he could've ever imagined. you truly tilted his world on its axis but he didn't care. for once in his life, he was reckless. and he loved it, for it landed him you.

"but there you were, you little minx. and i've fallen for you y/n l/n, more than you think. more than i even bloody know" his voice is soft as he nears the end of his confession, kissing the tip of your nose. there's really nothing more he could think of, he was a man of few words so action was always his number one thing. no words could do it justice. but he'd show you, again and again. so that even if you had a sliver of doubt all of was expelled, he'd make sure of that

"i love you too si..." you whisper, tenderly holding his stubbled face between your palms. your thumbs rub soft circles on the apples of his cheeks, giving into him. you couldn't help it, he was so addicting. your arms go behind his neck, pulling him towards you desperately. and he did the same, his arms tightening around your waist as if you'd disappear right before him. like he couldn't handle the fact that there could possibly be any sort of distance between you both, he pulls you with his strong arms close to his front.

as you got lost in the feeling of him, a surety had rose, lodged deep in his throat. his hands hold you as if you'll slip through his fingers, deepening the kiss as though your lips were the sweetest of drugs. that it'll be you always, for as long as you will let him. for as long as you'll have him

[spoiledblogif]

This is the development blog for the interactive fiction called "The Second Sight", which you can find on itch.io at the link above!

This is my first IF project, although I've been writing original stories and fanfiction for years.

I've included the story description and character profiles from the itch page below the cut.

This blog will be a combination of development info, images and music that I associate with the story, and other musings.

Fair warning, there might be spoilers from the latest chapters here, so I recommend catching up before reading too far.

Asks and submissions are always open.

You’re an urban legend in a county full of them.  When you were thirteen, you were found passed out in the road by one of the local cops. No missing persons report. No fingerprints on file. No memories. Just a name.

Oh, and some bizarre psychic powers.  You're content with simplicity. You like your isolated cabin and helping Carter track down missing persons.  You know that in theory there are more people like you out there, but you've never wanted to look behind the curtain to find out.

However, with the disappearance of a local teen named Casey Powell and a recent attempt on your foster father's life, your serene, isolated life comes abruptly to its end and a new chapter begins.

✤✤✤

The Second Sight is an urban fantasy story, where you step into the role of a psychic whose strange powers have always separated them from others. Those same powers will drag you down the rabbit hole and into a world that is both the familiar and foreign to everything you know. A world filled with magic, witches, fae, demons, and the unknown.

You can immerse yourself in the story by customizing your protagonist's general appearance, choosing how they interact with others, and whether you lean on logic or intuition to problem solve. There are three love interests planned (more may be added depending on player reception and feedback), the genders of which will be selected by the player upon meeting them.

Characters

Jacob Carter

Age: Late forties

Race: Human. Definitely.

Gender: Male

Temperament: Carter radiates grizzled, old bastard energy and despite being the least paternal person in the world, he is your adoptive father. While harsh and aloof on the surface, he is also fiercely protective of you and has bent over backwards to give a decent life to a kid that isn't even his. He doesn't talk about his life before coming to Herman County and you haven't asked him, though that might change soon enough...

✤✤✤

Zander/Zora

Age: Late twenties.

Race: Human.

Appearance: Umber brown skin, black locs, grey eyes

Temperament: Gentle and resolute, Z isn't what you imagine when you think of an agent of the mysterious Magic and Anomalies Bureau. Kind, soft-spoken, and exceedingly polite, Z is Carter's former apprentice and something about them puts the old man on edge.

✤✤✤ Renard/Rowan

Age: Appears to be in their late twenties or early thirties

Race: Human. Maybe.

Appearance: Tall and slender, white-blonde hair, and gold eyes.

Temperament: Playful and flirtatious, talking to R always feels like a game of cat and mouse and you can never be sure which role is yours. Part sad clown, part trickster, and always maddening to work with, the only things you can be certain of with R is that they probably know what they're doing. Everything else is up in the air.

✤✤✤

Unknown aka "The Kestrel"

Age: ???

Race: Definitely not human.

Appearance: Tall, beautiful, elegant, with black hair and black eyes.

Temperament: The Kestrel is a complete unknown. It's impossible to say whether they are a lethal ally or deadly enemy, but either way they are a powerful dreamwalker. You don't know how long they've been watching you, but you're willing to bet that it's been longer than you're comfortable with.

[lockefanfic]

*waves*

As of July 21st, 2023, I will no longer be updating this blog.

I saw Twice in-person finally earlier this month, and honestly it was one of the best day/night of my life. But while I thought it might reignite my desire to write, it actually had the opposite effect - it was almost like the end of a journey, a capstone of sorts.

I still love writing, always will - but I think I've done all I've wanted to do in this community. There are better writers out there that have carried on the torch, and I suggest that everyone go out and immerse yourselves in the wealth of talent out there. Or if you have been thinking of writing yourself, go do it! I started writing on a whim in 2016 thinking no one would ever read the filth I put out. I am so thankful to have taken the plunge, and hopefully you will too.

I want to thank all the friends I've made on this blog and elsewhere in the community - you all know who you are, and I'll remember my time with you fondly.

Above all, I want to thank the readers, no matter how much of my work you read, for letting it be a part of your life. I have always been and always will be in awe at the idea that someone out there might enjoy my writing.

And finally:

be excellent to yourselves and to each other.

-locke

[evilwickedme]

I'm going to preface this with you absolutely don't have to answer if you don't want to/don't have the emotional energy - but I was wondering if you had sources for JVP being "not really Jewish"? I ask because as someone who usually says I'm Jewish for simplicity's sake despite my conversion being still in progress, I've definitely been told I'm "not really Jewish" (I recognize that halachically I'm not til I immerse in the mikveh, that isn't what I mean here, I hope it makes sense.) I also have a lot of friends who have been told they "aren't really Jewish" by other Jews because they converted or are patrilineal Jews or follow a different observance level or even because they're anti-Zionists. And since I happen to have a lot of friends and local community members who I know are JVP members and I also know are Jewish, I'm always really confused when I see claims the organization isn't Jewish - bc the folks I know in it are. Like, I personally know 5 members of their rabbinical council, one of the members is even my advising rabbi for my conversion. So I'm trying to determine if my local JVP is just *vastly* different from the rest of the org or if I'm right to immediately be on edge by "not really Jewish" claims and wonder if the person making them will start questioning the sincerity of my desire to convert (or once complete, validity of my conversion) next.

I hope that all makes sense? I'm operating on very little sleep this morning so I apologize if anything isn't clear or something. (Also, I would be happy to talk about my experience with my local JVP, which is rather limited beyond knowing they exist and knowing a lot of members, but I do have some knowledge of the work beyond JVP folks in this area who are members are doing.)

They're not Jewish cause they're run by goyim lmao

Here's a doc on their antisemitic history which has lots and lots of sources in it for every claim

Also, this:

A quick search for jvp or Jewish voices for peace in my blog should come up with half a dozen other sources

I feel like I've been pretty clear in my pro-convert stance, and that I think converts are real Jews (I once made a post making fun of that saying "reblog if you think born Jews are real Jews" that unfortunately didn't land or gain traction, but I maintain hilarity). That doesn't mean that everyone who claims to be Jewish is in fact Jewish or that every org that claims to represent Jewish people does in fact represent Jewish people. Jvp is about as Jewish as messianics are - there's certainly some real Jews working with them, but nobody in charge seems to be, and overall they do lots of antisemitic shit.

[sutorus]

im new to jjk tumblr do you have any blog recs 😊

I AM SO GLAD YOU ASKED THIS ANON I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS! ! ! !

✩ @hannzai — hannah my beloved read her jjk stuff neow she deserves sm hype + lots of sfw works too if u ever want to just yk. chill with ur jjk faves. but do urself a favor and read this one (smut) rn it went platinum in my brain

✩ @itadorey — inez hiii <3 very active which i love <3 these ones i'm about to rec are not smut if u follow me ur prolly a horny fiend like me but please read them they're so immersive and the characters r so well written here aaand here mwah

✩ @fxshigurosbae — kristen! ooomigod so many flavors of ur jjk faves like please go through her masterlist i guarantee ur gonna fall in love with every version of every man in there so yummy

✩ @nanamibeloved — rylie aka nanami's sweetheart all her works r amaze much more polished and clever than mine sobsob but. best flavor of nanami bc she knows him intimately frfr

✩ @todorosie — FIRST OF ALL LOOK AT THE THEME. it's too good and FITTING bc sorin COOKS please go through her masterlist and enjoy mwah

UPDATING in november with more amazing blogs i’ve found mwah

♡ @todorokies

♡ @sachiyoh

♡ @rinniessance

♡ @satocidal

+ MORE

✩ @satoruhour — surely u know i'm a gojo hoe so here u go have some more recs hehe BTW INCREDIBLE THEME i'm obsessed anyway her gojo stuff is sooo yum

✩ @saetoru — her rich boy gojo series has truly awakened so many of us so start with those works but i recommend everything ugh so good. one of the blogs that made me start my own akshually :p

✩ @prettyboykatsuki — has a lot more than jjk and everything is so delicious i've been following for years from other blogs i couldn't recommend them enough!!

✩ @iwaasfairy — DARK CONTENT! another one i've always lurk-read since like 2020 prolly LMAO i love her haikyuu stuff so much just like fyi but the jjk stuff too is just. yum. dark content warning for u again in case that's not ur vibe!

[charmedreincarnation]

Hey lovely charm!

I haven’t sent an ask to any blog all this time I’m here because I’m trying to avoid negativity and victim mentality, however I’d like to ask this one thing (of course you can ignore this ask if it’s been answered before or you just don’t want to respond, also I’ll throw a TW but there’s nothing really bad on here)

I read the latest success story which actually almost brought tears to my eyes, I’m proud of this person and everyone that managed to get out of their awful and undeserved circumstances!! My question though is that one thing that drives me crazy all this time and it might sound stupid: how do we actually surrender to our imagination?

Is it just believing everything is going to change? Because I think I might be doing something wrong and I don’t know what it is, I’m just tired of waking up and seeing the same awful and dreadful reality. I’m tired crying every night because I’m being “forgotten” even by friends like I don’t exist sometimes. I’m tired “trying” for the void. Every night before I sleep and every morning, even for the whole day, I’m just thinking as if I got it all already, I’m walking to my dreadful 7-3 work but I’m imagining walking in London going to my actual dream job, wearing my dream clothes and having my dream appearance. The problem is that I feel I’m living on a loop, keep doing the things I did before but kind of “dressing them up” with my mind, in my mind. Any advice you have, I hope it’s going to also help out any other kind soul on here that needs it.

Thank you in advance lovely, I follow your blog with devotion and one of these days I’ll send you my success! xx

Hiii 💓I can only speak for myself, but surrendering to imagination for me looked like letting go of the how and the when my desires would appear. And you know it seems kind of stupid at first, I get that. When people used to say that it made me mad,but that was before I actually understood what it meant. I used to think well “If I wanted it in my imagination I’d just daydream” which isn’t even correct because if you’re imagining of your desires instead of from them, it’s the reason you don’t feel fulfilled anyways. But it’s actually a great thing.

When I stopped trying to change the 3D and stopped trying figure out how/why/when my desired would appear and instead remembered I already had them, it got a little easier. I stopped worrying about if my crying would stop my desires from coming to fruition, bc if I already have it in my imagination why would that matter? just because you’re wealthy does that mean you can’t cry lmfao. it didn’t matter what I did, when I got mad I stopped spiraling, I stopped trying to repress my emotions, it got easier and it became more real. That’s when I understood what they meant when they say you don’t want your desires just to be freed from desiring.

The limitless changes didn’t really start until I was Immersed in my imagination, though I had a good amount of conscious “manifestations” before so. But in truth I've always been a maladaptive daydreamer, creating a different reality within my mind. Despite what others and myself perceived as a bland and middling childhood, my inner world was vibrant and full of possibilities. Then I found myself wondering why these vivid daydreams didn't manifest into reality during my childhood. Idk if it was due to my age or lack of conscious awareness of what I was doing.But again I think it was because I was thinking 'of' rather than 'from'.

It’s the imagination that is limitless and why every creation is possible. It really did free me from my doubts I carried here in this plane. In the grand theater of the multiverse, every dream, every desire you've ever had is playing out already since you can see it in your imagination. You can have your dream life - from your appearance and personality to your family, zodiac sign, and even your perfect partner. you can revise and embody the life you want in every aspect, and wake up in a whole new world tomorrow. You can indulge in every spiritual practice you could ever imagine. You can connect with the energy of the universe on such a profound level that you become one with everything around you. You can become the grass under your feet, the stars twinkling in the night sky.

Why? Because you are a limitless being. You are the universe experiencing itself, a manifestation of its infinite creativity. You're not separate from the universe; you are the universe, yet a human at the same time. So what does the 3D have to do with any of that. Yes you’re here and it is real and you will experience the best of love and humanity because of it but first surrender to imagination because that’s where it begins.

“Consciousness is the one and only reality, not figuratively but actually. This reality may for the sake of clarity be likened unto a stream which is divided into two parts, the conscious and the subconscious. In order to intelligently operate the law of consciousness it is necessary to understand the relationship between the conscious and the subconscious. The conscious is personal and selective; the subconscious is impersonal and non-selective. The conscious is the realm of effect; the subconscious is the realm of cause. These two aspects are the male and female divisions of consciousness. The conscious is male; the subconscious is female. The conscious generates ideas and impresses these ideas on the subconscious; the subconscious receives ideas and gives form and expression to them.”(Neville Goddard)

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)

"And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." (Colossians 3:10)

In the realm of imagination, boundaries dissolve. Here, we're not just passive observers; we're active creators, shaping our reality with every thought, feeling, and belief we entertain. This isn't about escaping reality but rather embracing a more expansive view of it.

So, why would you ever limit yourself to the confines of the 3D world? Why not tap into the limitless potential of our imagination, where we are the architects of our own promise. I mean your imagination is your superpower. So, harness it. Dream big, unapologetically feel-deeply, and maintain unwavering faith in your creativity that everyone is born with.

[simspaghetti]

Hello! May I ask how you have your NRASS settings for your decades challenge? And how you cater your game in the sims 3 with the challenge

Hello anon!

Thank you for this question, I wouldn't consider myself an expert on medieval-style gameplay at all lol there are definitely many more people in the community more knowledgable than me! But I've done my best to detail some resources along with my NRAAS settings below, I hope this helps! <3

In terms of how I cater my game for the challenge, I have a lot of historical replacements and cc which make things look more immersive,

If you want a few recommendations:

Zoe22's Off-Grid Plumbing, Buzzler's Scribbling Pad & Functional Washboard

All of Danjaley's stuff! They've been the GOAT in the sims 3 medieval community for a long time and have some great CC including lots of defaults, their CC finds blog is also a fantastic resource for other peoples stuff

JoojConverts also has some great medieval (and other historical periods) clothing & objects

Omedapixel has some essential historical defaults and other great medieval CC!

MsPoodle has some great historical defaults and medieval CC

This sims medieval total object conversion pack & this functional fireplace / cauldron conversion are really great bits of CC converted from TSM

Declaration of Dramas has some fab medieval CC along with a few medieval mods to enhance your gameplay, such as adding a whole religion system!

Ani's Sims has lots of mods which fit in really well with medieval-style gameplay, adding hunting, digging for treasure, blacksmiths, woodcutters and loads more!

Random Default Replacements: Clothesline / Fishing Rod / Music Tips Jar / Paintings / Baby Blanket

Arsil's no cellphones mod / No answer calls mod are really useful as cellphones are one thing which just break my immersion so much!

The carpool disabler is also pretty useful

Feyerin made a bunch of medieval-style careers to be used in conjunction with the NRAAS careers mod

The Merrye Makers on MTS have made a whole bunch of medieval CC and mods I really reccomend!

Technical Stuff: Sims medieval music, UI & CAS room

═══════════════════════════════════════════

I've listed my changed NRAAS settings below, they are mostly the same as the ones listed on my nraas settings page, I've only listed the ones which are different below - so be sure to check out my main settings page first!

Storyprogression:

Caste Options -> Teenagers

Pregnancy: Allow Participation -> True Romance: Allow Marriage -> True

General Options -> Options: Money

Options: Fees and Support -> Child support payment -> 0 Daily fee per household sim -> 0 Elder support payment -> 0 Social secuity per elder -> 0 Welfare per child -> 0

Options: Purchasing -> Purchase bicycles minimum -> 100 Purchase canes -> True Disallowed Cars -> (All 'modern looking' cars have been disabled, leaving a few CC options such as horse and carts, sleighs, bikes etc.)

Town Options ->

Pregnancy: Base number of children -> 5 Pregnancy: Maximum number of children -> 10 Pregnancy: Newborn last name -> Father Pregnancy: Rename Newborns -> True (I like to give them historically accurate names) Romance: Legacy Marriage Name -> False Romance: Marriage Name -> Husband Romance: Marriage Name: Same-Sex -> No Change (If a same-sex couple does get married, I like to view it as a 'secret marriage' between them, which is not officially on paper)

Woohooer

Try-For-Baby -> Species: Human

Allow Same Sex Try For Baby -> False

And that's pretty much everything! It's been a while since I've played the decades challenge tbh so I'm not that caught up with the medieval community, but I hope the resources I've listed above are helpful :)

[henrysglock]

High Existence and ZeroSpace: The First Shadow and NINA May Be Massive, Immersive Drug Trips

The blurb in last Friday's video from TFS sounded familiar, but I couldn't place it. I found a lot of sites quoting The Alchemist about the universe conspiring to give you what you truly want (which is similar and it's probably what I was thinking of when this blurb registered as familiar), but I couldn't find this exact quote:

Well...not at first, anyway. I decided to stick every word I could make out here ^ into my search bar...and I found where the blurb comes from:

This blog post is quite literally the only source I could find for it, and the whole damn thing is directly lifted.

Right off the bat, the site fucking jump-scared me:

And it doesn't end there. Let's dive in, because this rabbit hole is a trip unto itself...no MDMA​ ​required.

1. The Fucking Website...#1 (HighExistence.com)

High Existence is a sort of drug-induced-spiritual-trip centered self-help site.

It's got blog posts and podcasts and all that jazz. Here are some of the highlights:

Wow! That was...a lot. A lot of words from the word show, too:

Wholeness, heroes, ancient aliens, prisons of politeness, and the fucking Shire, too, I guess. Why not?

(An Aside: I've included the VR in here too because of the sheer similarities between Henry's experience with the Shadow in VR, El's experience in NINA, and The First Shadow in general.)

Like fuck it, why not keep going, these posts date back to at least 2017:

And don't let me start in on that Creel boy and Faust...

[Jason voice] "[Eddie] made a deal with the devil and now he has his powers!" (Also we get it, one of them is neurotic and the other is psychotic. I've been saying this since like...forever)

Of course, all that insanity aside, the Russian base arc has just...an insane amount of ST4 and TFS stuff packed into it in general:

(And this isn't even all of it. I know others [cough] Stav Heroesbyler [cough] have covered it even more...but bro it is THERE)

But most importantly for the NINA arc:

Three things: Dialogue doubling (there's the one I showed, plus a) Robin yelling "Wipeout!" at Steve which has the pipeline -> "Wipeout!" at Rink-O-Mania -> 002-005 bullying El in a very similar manner and b) Steve's "that's amazing" line about the water fountain -> "This is amazing!" not only from Alice irt the Creel house but also from Mike irt Will's painting on their way to save El from NINA. Again, these are just a few of MANY instances), makeup doubling with the bloodshot eyes, and my beloved: set/prop doubling.

I love that beautiful framing on the nearly-identical square clocks. I have so much to say about that clock, but specifically:

The clocks being set 9 minutes apart, which happens to be the exact length of time from the end of Vecna's voiceover in 4.07 to the start of the fight sequence in 4.07 (aka the length of One's frozen-clock monologue).

Not only that, but the clock isn't even right. It says it's 3:55, but it's definitely not 3:55 AM (see: movie theater scene) but it's also not 3:55 PM:

(And why do we have a clock in an elevator anyway? That's the real question. That thang only exists to deliver subtext, baby! It exists to connect the two scenes further!)

Anyway, as you all likely noticed, this site mostly deals in psychedelics, stimulants, and empathogens.

link

Hell, you could even pull One's bit on the ecosystem into it, since he's describing connections between beings that are being disturbed/destroyed by humanity.

Anyway, the site tends to center specifically on DMT and MDMA...so let's talk about those:

MDMA & DMT An aside: Interesting to me that psychosis here can be counteracted with sedatives. Makes me wonder if whatever happened in 1979 could have been halted if they'd just tranq'd One. Hm.

First off: Did I read that right? Piggy-backing? Damn, son. 4.09, The Piggyback, is pictured in that paragraph. So is Brenner's candy bit with the children -> "candy flipping" vs LSD use in Brenner's lab.

Second: Ah, how nice. Intravenous/injectable. Just like how El is constantly being shot up with...something...to enter NINA.

Now, nearly all psychedelics can induce psychosis, but especially so if they're combined with other psychoactive substances and/or if the user has a history of psychosis (either themselves or in their family).

However, MDMA specifically has been posited as a treatment for PTSD and retrograde/traumagenic amnesia:

link Like...wow. Okay, I guess!

tl;dr: One seems to have been tripping fucking balls during the monologue. Literally every fucking version of him. El likely is as well. Funny how that works. Was any of that real? [smash cut to the way blood pours down the walls and the dead children dance around in the VR version of NINA] And either way, Henry in TFS isn't far behind with his hallucinogenic moments.

The connection? Whatever the hell is going on in Hawkins Labs...and symptoms of drug use.

I was not expecting to get this much out of a single rabbit hole. But...that's life with this show, isn't it? And this is only Part 1.

2. The Fucking Website...#2 (Futurism.com)

The guy who made that original post that TFS lifted the blurb from (Jordan Lejuwaan) runs a couple different websites. The most interesting one is Futurism, which is basically an online version of the Weekly Watcher:

It won't let me filter by date, but it seems to have been founded in 2017, stemming from an infographic subreddit. (Now, it says it's a trustworthy news source, and maybe it is, but... Do your own assessment of that. I'm not your mother, yknow?)

Jordan Lejuwaan was also involved in something far more interesting irt Stranger Things...

3. Zero Space

Jordan co-founded an immersive, interactive theater experience called ZeroSpace back in 2018. As we all know, TFS was just in the beginning phase of its creation around this time.

So...This was like a brick to the skull:

"Alice in Wonderland" (don't get me started: rabbit fuckery, DRUGS!!!!!, clocks/being later, Alice Creel, Fringe connections (Through The Looking Glass and What Walter Found There being the episode about the pocket universe where 20 years passed in 5 days...and also wherein we find out about him hiding away an Observer child that he will later time travel with to save the world from the Observer takeover...erasing himself from time/the timeline by doing so...there is SO much) not to mention the "one pill makes you larger/smaller" vs teen El and baby El...it's too much to try and fit in this post), "ALIENS AND LASERS", "stretch the perceived reality of the sense", "art, actors and your own mind converge to prompt MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS" (which was a common complaint about TFS: it leaves people with more questions than answers).

("See you on the other side" being an in-show line from Henry in the lab to Patty in the void, but this image is ripped directly from the same promo video that the High Existence blurb appears in.)

Here's a little taste of what ZeroSpace is like, but I suggest going to the actual page to see it in action:

It's heavily heavily reminiscent of TFS, even just in the content warnings...

Not to mention the actual show content SFX:

However, the goal of TFS isn't to stretch our senses. We're just watching. We are not the volunteer seeing the other side.

For most of the show, that person is Henry (except the first 5 mins, when it's Cptn. Brenner and his crew literally experiencing the other side). Henry is doing the experiencing. He's the one breaking the fourth wall by picking at/breaking the sets, the one running through the audience and leaving out the theater doors (only to end up right back on stage just like El in the Rainbow Room in 4.05).

With each bit of info I find out adjacent to the play, the more convinced I am that this is some secret third boy's experience in a NINA-like simulation.

Overall—

a) TFS most likely isn't wholly real, and it seems very likely that it's the same kind of simulation as NINA.

b) El was probably drugged up with some kind of empathogenic psychedelic going into NINA, likely with the goal of setting her up to form emotional connections quickly and deeply only to rip that deep connection away in order to bolster her abilities.

c) NINA is not, then, wholly based in truth. Parts of NINA (staring at the bullying from 002-005) may have been generated from El's memories of the outside world.

d) With NINA and TFS seeming so similar, I wouldn't be shocked if parts of it are just one massive empathogen trip (staring at how quickly Henry and Patty bond, similarly to how quickly Henry and El bond in NINA).

e) Whoever is in NINA with teen El is also tripping balls, most likely, and may have gone off the rails in that regard. However, that's in a simulation...hard to assign guilt or blame for things done in a fictional/unreal world.

f) Whoever was with baby El in 1979 may have been in a similar situation "moving chess pieces"-style instead. Read: drugged in order to put him in a situation where he would bolster El's latent abilities...and it went wrong (see also: Walter Bishop's orchestrated/fake massacre meant to bolster Olivia's latent abilities.)

g) Richard Brenner having been the head of narcotics makes me question which Brenner we're seeing at any given time: Martin, or Richard?

[academiaviktor]

This Isn't Like You | Sebastian Sallow x Reader | SFW

Prompt: Sebastian Sallow made the mistake of allowing himself to get too close to Y/n, a Hufflepuff he never expected to fall for. After watching her with a fellow Hufflepuff, Sebastian’s jealousy gets the best of him. Angsty fluff ensues.

Note: I've decided to turn this blog into a multi-fandom one, so if you have any Viktor or Sebastian Sallow requests, feel free to send them my way!

I also have a Naruto-centric blog here if you're curious!

Jealousy was a brutal thing, and Sebastian hated every moment of it.

Sebastian was not an idiot—he knew what it meant to fall for someone and how quickly it could set in. He knew it could creep in when he least expected it, even if he had been determined to keep things platonic.

But Sebastian wondered if he was an idiot for not acting on those feelings sooner.

Having the privilege of being near you—immersed in your day-to-day innocence and always choosing to follow him despite being surrounded by numerous other students at Hogwarts—made Sebastian feel significant. Like it was his purpose to stand by you through everything.

Watching you sit in the library with a fellow Hufflepuff was not what Sebastian expected to set him off. To shake him down to his very core and set everything in his life ablaze.

He stood there, not too far from the scene that made his heart clench and took in how you laughed with the boy, sat next to him around one of the tables. His skin flushed with heat, and an unfamiliar tremble claimed his body.

Sebastian was your best friend, and for some dramatic reason, he wanted to be the only person to make you laugh like that. Knowing he wasn't the only one capable of eliciting those smiles from you made his system flush with irritation.

You were one of the most special people in his life, and Sebastian couldn't help but feel like he was in the process of watching you be torn away from him.

Sebastian wasn't in the library to read but to meet up with you for an outing at Hogsmeade. Seeing you tip your head back with an enthusiastic laugh made him crumble on the spot, and he tore away from the room without saying a word.

Storming through the halls, fuming, Sebastian's vision narrowed as he let that jealousy consume him. He wanted to ruin anyone who came in between you two, but he knew it was pointless. Instead, he needed to stew in it.

Sebastian realized then that he was willing to do anything for you because there was no him without you. He was deceived by his own heart, and he'd be damned if he watched someone else sweep you off your feet.

Not long after, footsteps came from behind him, and a gentle hand against his shoulder made Sebastian whirl around, eyes clouded by envy.

"What is it?"

He swallowed hard then, realizing it was you. Even if he was pissed off, Sebastian couldn't ignore how his heart lurched just from taking in your features, and wishing he could caress you. Wishing he could hold you.

"I didn't find you in the library, so I went looking for you," you murmured to him, smiling gently for him despite the irritation that shaded his face. "We're still on for Hogsmeade, right?"

Something in Sebastian wanted to refuse and tear away to spend the rest of the day sulking by himself in some dark corner someplace, but the half-assed response left his lips before he could stop it.

"Let's get going then."

The tight-lipped, almost curt response made you look at him for another moment, but you pulled a pleased look for him and fell into step through the halls.

Normally, you'd spend the whole time chatting with Sebastian, not realizing how quickly the walk went by until you got there in what felt like record timing. You'd be laughing so hard your stomach ached, bantering and poking fun at each other.

But only silence lingered between you then. Strangely, Sebastian walked a step ahead of you most of the way, head down. He directed you onto the hidden path that few people took instead, leaving only you and him to walk awkwardly through the trees.

"Did you see what happened in potions today?" You prompted him, hoping the weird tension would fizzle away.

Sebastian didn't lift his head and kept moving, mumbling a 'no'.

"Oh, well Nicolas Weaver went to mix the ingredients in his cauldron but Reina Quavo dropped something in it and the whole thing blew up in his face," you recounted, laughing quietly at the memory.

But Sebastian's only response was a murmured acknowledgment like he wasn't truly paying attention.

Brows furrowing in question then, you stuffed your hands in your pockets. "Are you alright, Sebastian?"

"I'm fine," he muttered, lacking his usual light and charm. He kept walking even as you struggled to keep up the pace due to your confusion.

"It doesn't seem like it."

Sebastian audibly huffed and shook his head, storming forward.

"What's the matter?" You called, halting in your place, fed up with his vague answers. "You aren't being yourself—this isn't like you, Sebastian."

Snapping then, Sebastian pivoted on his heel and raised his arms in question, stomping closer to you, face pained. "What do you want me to say? I'm exactly like myself!"

Disagreeing with him, you shook your head and stood your ground. "You've been miserable. Just tell me why."

Irritation flared in Sebastian's eyes as he cut the space between you. "Tell you what, that I saw you flirting with some kid earlier?! That I had been in the library but couldn't stand watching him make you laugh? But that would be ridiculous, wouldn't it?!"

Stunned by his outburst, you blinked back at him with more confusion ebbing into your face. "What—"

Before you could say anything, Sebastian's lips pressed against yours firmly, forcing your eyes closed. He gripped your arms to keep you from stumbling back, completely surrounding you.

Before you could relax into the kiss, Sebastian pulled away, dropping his hands. He gazed at you, just as surprised by the sudden affection. Sebastian ran a hand over his face and took a step back, mumbling, "damn it."

Unable to find the words, you just stared at him and swallowed harshly. You took a moment to pull yourself together enough to murmur, "Sebastian, what's going on?"

Averting his eyes, Sebastian closed them, as if all of his problems would be solved the moment he opened them again. He let go of a heavy sigh before meeting your gaze. "I don't want to lose you."

"But you won't," you reassured him, taking a step forward, eyes laced with sincerity. "I wasn't flirting with Frederick in the library because I don't see him that way. We're in the same house, you know."

"I know, it was stupid of me," Sebastian mumbled, visibly annoyed with himself. "I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

"It's okay," you said, reaching for his hands. Taking them in yours carefully, Sebastian met your eyes, almost surprised that you hadn't run off yet. "I understand. I get jealous when girls from your house talk to you or ask you questions."

Sebastian's brow cocked at that, genuinely curious. "You do?"

At your nod, a bashful smile crept across Sebastian's lips, and he chuckled. Pulling you closer from where your hands were connected, Sebastian let a hand cup your cheek while the other found its place against your hip.

"You don't need to worry about that. I don't see them the way I see you," Sebastian murmured gently, giving your hip a small squeeze before he brought his other hand to cup your face. "If you don't mind, I'd like to kiss you again."

Smiling with no objection, you nodded, heart fluttering at the prospect.

Sebastian's warmth surrounded you once again, lips soft against your own. The kiss was sweet and gentle at first like he was mapping out every inch of you. He deepened it the moment his heart screamed for more, overwhelmed by how good it felt.

Clutching at him, you knew nothing had ever felt quite as right as the sparks between you, and the thought of having to break apart made your heart ache.

"I'm sorry," Sebastian whispered against your lips, breath warm and minty. His thumb stroked your cheek, and he pulled a small smile. "You're my partner in crime, and I'll do whatever I can to keep you in my life."

Unable to fight against the flurry of elation sprouting inside your chest, you smiled back at him, murmuring, "You can start with that butterbeer."

"Anything you'd like," he replied, pressing his lips against yours like he'd never have the chance to again.

Needless to say, it took some time for the two of you to make your way to Hogsmeade, too engrossed in one another to care.

[yinyuedijun]

i dont know if this is an unusual thing to ask (or if it has been asked before), but i’ve always immensely admired the effort you put in your fics with how well-researched they all are, especially when it comes to cultural details of the story/concept (it’s very immersive because it feels like i’m learning as i read further, not only about the character/s but about the culture the story is set in as well)

and so im curious, how do you start or how do you go about the research when starting a fic?

aw thank you anon!!! I'm so glad you find the fics interesting from a learning perspective, I'm always so happy to hear when people appreciate the research I've done for my fics 🥹

I don't really have a set method for research, but here are some basic tips:

for topics that I don't know a lot about, I usually start by skimming the wikipedia article on the topic, picking out key points of interest that are relevant to the story, and then googling to find academic pages or books on that topic. then I usually try to stick to those sources for my writing, both because they go into more depth and because I know they'll be more reliable than other sources on the web

ALSO when I was writing the yakuza au, which is a topic I knew close to nothing about - for the first time, I tried to begin my research by watching documentaries and video essays on youtube, and it also worked CRAZY well. super digestible and way less labour intensive than googling and trying to find academic sources.

if you're trying to get a sense of everyday life for something, or how a regular person might view/act on the subject rather than an academic or journalist perspective, I find video blogs and reddit threads to be a really informative source. for instance, I've never been to any hostess bars in japan so I tried to look for AMAs from hostesses and was quite successful in that regard (especially for things like terminology/slang that people use)

this final tip is not really a research method per se, but helps with it. in my real life I'm always on the lookout for subjects that I find extremely interesting, and I try to retain as much info about it as I can in case the opportunity ever comes up to write about it. so for example, in my feudal japan au, I came up with those inari shrine plot points because I visited fushimi inari shrine once and got super obsessed with all the fox statues LOL. naturally when I was writing about a fox spirit character, that came back to mind, and I already had a reference point for my research, which helped.

I hope this helps!