#more about juniper publishers

[fatehbaz]

“Is it green energy if it’s impacting cultural traditional sites?”

Yakama Nation Tribal Councilman Jeremy Takala sounded weary. For five years, tribal leaders and staff have been fighting a renewable energy development that could permanently destroy tribal cultural property. “This area, it’s irreplaceable.”

The privately owned land, outside Goldendale, Washington, is called Pushpum, or “mother of roots,” a first foods seed bank. The Yakama people have treaty-protected gathering rights there. One wind turbine-studded ridge, Juniper Point, is the proposed site of a pumped hydro storage facility. But to build it, Boston-based Rye Development would have to carve up Pushpum — and the Yakama Nation lacks a realistic way to stop it.

Back in October 2008, unbeknownst to Takala, Scott Tillman, CEO of Golden Northwest Aluminum Corporation, met with the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, a collection of governor-appointed representatives from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana [...]. Tillman, who owned a shuttered Lockheed Martin aluminum smelter near Goldendale, told the council about the contaminated site’s redevelopment potential, specifically for pumped hydro storage [...]. Shortly thereafter, Klickitat County’s public utility department tried to implement Tillman’s plan [...].

Meanwhile, Tillman cleaned up and sold another smelting site, just across the Columbia River in The Dalles, Oregon, a Superfund site where Lockheed Martin had poisoned the groundwater with cyanide. He sold it to Google’s parent company, Alphabet, which operates water-guzzling data centers in The Dalles and plans to build more. For nine years, the county and Rye plotted the fate of Pushpum — without ever notifying the Yakama Nation.

The tribal government only learned of the development in December 2017, when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a public notice of acceptance for Rye’s preliminary permit application. Tribal officials had just 60 days to catch up on nine years of development planning and issue their initial concerns and objections as public comments. [...]

When the tribe objected, FERC said it could file more public comments to the docket instead of consulting. [...]

When asked what Rye could offer the Yakama people as compensation for the irreversible destruction of their cultural property, Steimle suggested “employment associated with the project.” [...] Presented with the reality that Yakama people might not want Rye’s jobs, Steimle hesitated. “Yeah, I mean I, I can’t argue that — maybe it won’t be meaningful to them.” [...]

Klickitat County’s eagerness creates another barrier to the Yakama Nation. In Washington, a developer can take one of two permitting paths: through the state’s Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, or through county channels. Both lead to FERC. In this case, working with the county benefits Rye: Klickitat, a majority Republican county, has a contentious relationship with the Yakama Nation [...]. “Klickitat County refuses to work with us,” said Takala. [...]

Fighting Rye's proposal has required the efforts of tribal attorneys, archaeologists and government staffers from a number of departments. [...]

And Rye’s project is just one of dozens proposed within the Yakama Nation’s 10 million-acre treaty territory. Maps from the tribe and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife show that of the 51 wind and solar projects currently proposed statewide — not including geothermal or pumped hydro storage projects, which are also renewable energy developments — at least 34 are on or partially on the Yakama Nation’s ceded lands.

---

Headline, images, graphics, captions, and text by: B. Toastie Oaster (High Country News). “Green colonialism is flooding the Pacific Northwest.” As published at The Wenatchee World. 25 March 2023.

[momolady]

2023 Year End Stats

Not to be stereotypical or anything, but for me at least, 2023 was an odd year. I bled for 6 months straight, dealt with the worst pain I still can't comprehend, had a hysterectomy, moved in with my partner, got some cats, dealt with a lot of stress, watched the world burn. Yeah, it's been pretty good to outweigh the bad.

But anyways! I've done the math and put together a list of my stories that performed the best this year. At least in terms of notes anyways. I'm also going to share my stories that didn't perform as well and hope they get the love they deserve.

Anyways, let's get on with the count down. Forty total stories have published on Tumblr this year. Sixty-six were published on Patreon. Top monsters were orcs (7), Vampire (3), Fae, Minotaur, Romm Monster, Lich (all 2).

Top Ten Stories:

10. Kahann the Naga

This one would probably be in my top ten favorites to write of the year. This dark, twisted romance between a lonely, isolated girl shipwrecked on an island with the dangerous and sexy Kahann struck the dark romance itch I've been wanting to scratch.

9. Keir the Orc

Comfy farm romance that features annoyances to lvoers. What else could you want? Orcs are always fun to write, I feel I could do it with my eyes closed, but thankfully I don't wanna do that.

8. Atharo the Lich

The pink lich, this one had imagery in it I couldn't get out of my head. the visions of this pink lich still huant me and I wish I could conjur such sstrong imagery still.

7. Asier the Drider

A simple premise we cann understand. Getting packages and ordering online is probably yhe msot fun we can have without leaving our homes. But what if your neighbor was annoyed by this? And what if that neighbor was a drider?

6. Auberon the Room Monster

The enchanted library. i think I've written more about the romance and mystery of bookstores an libraries more than anything. But this story was special, with lots of worldbuilding wrapped like a blanket around these characters. The room this monster stays in is the library, and who doesn't wanna spend time with that guy?

5. Marek the Vampire

This murky, dark, and swampy tale is one of those that stays with me. The idea of a different sort of vampire, one in the bogs and wetlands of a strange peninsula that gets flooded every year haunts me. The image of him is one of my absolute favorite creations and I hope I get to visit this peninsula village again.

4. Placide the Paralangua

This story marks the beginning and growth of my Charcourt universe. Liek Hearthway Hollow it's a town filled to the brim with straneg creatures, only it's the Paralangua, alligator type monsters who throw a festival every year to celebrate their history and the continued growth of Charcourt. Is it a cult? Maybe. There's a new five part tale of this area up on Patreon now.

3. Ben the Werewolf

Enmies to lovers, I think most people get on board with this trope. This tale of Hearthway Hollow delves into the relationship between two high school enemies who reconnect after years and manage to put aside their competitivness to find one another. The lead in thisstory is also Rowan's little sister.

2. Leraye the Demon

Demons are always fun. My demon characters have ways of weaving themselves in and out of the world we know, sometimes as proper members of society, often not. Leraye is one of those that visits our world as a full time member, seeing out the comforts of a Chinese bakery whose owners are a family with ties into the reality he avoids.

Florenz the Vampire Bat

This would for sure also be on my favorites of the year. This dark story wove together elements of fantasy, horror, and romance that I love to death. The lead is sophisticated and dashing, the lead is adventurous and excitable. The chemistry between the leads while writing this tale was so good.

The Ten Least Appreciated Stories

10. Juniper the Tiefling

I am deeply disappointed this didn't do as well as I expected. This story was based on characters me and my bff made for a one shot DND session. So this story was more personal to me than others. but more than that, I feel it had some of my best banter!

9. Rocco the Guard

Another personal tale based on ideas me and my friend came up with during a visit where we watched the Owl House together. I also greatly enjoyed the leading lady who was smart, spunky, and chaotic in the absolute best ways.

8. Ozzie the Werewolf & Tryfon the Naiad

It has a trans lead, it has polyamory, it was set in hearthway Hollow! I thought this story was serving up gold on a platter. But maybe people weren't in the mood for gold. The comedy in this is top notch, at least I thought.

7. Laertes the Fae

Another story where the dialogue I feel sparkles and pops with every interaction the characters had. This did only recently come out, so maybe it'll grow after this.

6. Ransom the Shapeshifter

Another personal story based around lore me and my bff created for our Stardew Valley characters. It also featured a nonbinary lead and monster, I thought people would be excited for this. I loved playing with the avant-garde sci-fi aspect and being a little weird. But maybe that's why people didn't like it too much lol

5. The Leshy

Another story that would be in my top ten for my personal favorites to write. I loved the complexity of the leading lady and crafting her has made her a personal favorite. The characters and world of this story will be one that stays with my thoughts as I think about the cozy, dark streets anfdthe moss covered steps of the buildings.

4. Jaqueline the Dullahan

This story has it all! Chocolate, Halloween, a sexy dullahan chef, and it's a lesbian romance. Maybe I don't have enough wlw readers but this story came from a ko-fi prompt I wrot and just grew into a full fledged story. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this story and how it felt like a cozy fireplace with hot cocoa.

3. Beast the Symbiote

Beast is a character I have been wanting to get out into the world for years. She's such a complex villain character, and who doesn't love that. I feel like she is one of my coolest characters. Lucky Devil was also a character I had been dying to get out, she's been in my head since I watched Magi Madoka and she took form slowly over the years. She is in part based on me, and I want to do more with this lovely couple.

2. Fia the Selkie

I'm starting to see a pattern here. Male reader stories aren't ya'lls cup of tea? Too bad, I have some amazing male readers and commissioners I adore working for. Fia was this comforting warm blanket of a story. A struggling musician and the lovely Selkie he's come to be with. I really love this story, please check it out if you want some comfort.

1.Ria the Orc: an AU

I'm actually a wee bit pissed about this one. Another male reader, and Ria is a character I've come to absolutely love. This was written for a commissioner I've come to consider a friend, and writing for him has become an amazing experience. Ria and her beau have also become such real, loving characters in my head. This was an AU of the modern monsters Ria where she is in Obresh and participates in the Reaping. Who doesn't love Reaping stories? C'mon folks, give these ten stories the love they deserve!

Thank you all for an amazing year! Next year I will hopefully publish and you're going to see bigger and grander things from me, I owe that to all of you. Keep a look out for my Ozren novel hitting the shelf soon. Thank you so much and I hope I continue to write stories you love.

[amandacanwrite]

Amanda Cessor • A Writeblr Intro

Hey everyone! I'm Amanda Cessor and I write historical fantasy and romance. I have words published in Merciless Mermaids (An Anthology,) Full Mood Mag, and I have my first novel coming out with Inked in Gray Press.

I'll be posting tips, essays, creative nonfiction and excerpts from my work here, as well as documenting the process of publishing my first book with a small, independent press. I hope we can be friends!

The Novel is called "With Love, Juniper" and the little elevator pitch is: Herbalist and witch Juniper, who suffers from severe social phobia, finds herself caught between the courtships of her oldest friend, Oleander, and handsome, influential stranger, Theo, while trying to deal with the expectations of her parents and the members of the small village she lives in.

I have entirely too many projects I'm currently working on, behold:

A Dawn Without Ashes -- Vampire Romance, Stand Alone (for now?)

Projected Word Count -- 100k

Setting

Fantasy Anachronistic 1920's vibes, in a land where Vampires rule and humans are seen as little more than a food source.

Synopsis

In Oubliette, Vampires rule from the shadows. Humans are considered pests at their worst, beloved pets at best. Orianna is the lowest of the low, an impoverished thief awaiting her sentencing after stealing coins to buy some food. When the charming Count Diable hand picks her as a commodity for his blood-brothel, she worries she has jumped out of the frying pan and straight into the fire.  

She has no idea how true that really is until she meets Atlas, Count of House Lune, darling of the Empress and and keeper of a secret that could change everything. Not only for her,  but for all of human kind.  

Of Foxes and Follies -- Fae Meets Peaky Blinders -- Trilogy

Projected Word Count -- 100k

Setting

Fictional version of Scotland, which I like to call Not!land and actually called Dimloch, around the 1910's or 1920's.

Synopsis

Rheannon Todd has a debt to pay. A debt she plans to pay by stealing from drunken guests at a Midsummer Soiree hosted by the notorious gangster known as The Magpie.

What she doesn't know is that The Magpie is more than just a charming card sharp with a penchant for cruelty. He's a member of the Unseelie Court and he doesn't much like being stolen from.

The Hallowed Wilds -- Serial on Hiatus -- Grounded Romantasy

Setting

Pseudo Appalachian small town in the 1840's.

Synopsis

Ezra lives near a mysterious forest called The Wilds. People who go in there tend to not come out, but even as a boy he feels drawn to the strange place. One day, when his parents are out, he sneaks into The Wilds and meets Aurelia, a strange, beautiful witch who has lived in the forest since she was born.

What starts as a beloved childhood friendship develops into a star crossed love over the years. The fear in the village and the brutality of the witches in the forest threaten to tear them apart.

Currently on Hiatus, but you can read about 60k of it here!

Red Skies -- Standalone Novel -- Pirate Romantasy

Projected Word Count -- 100k

Setting

Psuedo Imperial open world around the 18th Century.

Synopsis

Cordelia Shurka will do anything to provide for her family. She's worked herself to the bone since she was a child to keep the house afloat after her father vanished from their lives. When things get too hard, though, she seeks to raise her station by marrying herself to the viceroy. It seems an easy trade, her utter devotion and obedience in exchange for finally having the security she so desperately wants.

On her wedding day, the thinks she's finally out of the woods. That is until handsome pirate, Edric Davenport steals her for himself.

Want Updates?

If you happen to be interested in getting updates on any of these projects, you can join my tag list here!

[slaymitchabernathy]

Love Me Tender

“Don’t stop.”

Soarynn giggles at her boyfriend’s words and he knows why, he sounds like he’s pouting. It’s not like he can help it, not with her nails scratching his scalp just right. And he’s had a long day, so if anything, he deserves this, to be in bed with his head in Soarynn’s lap while he reads one of her favorite books out loud.

It’s domestic.

“Well, you stopped reading,” Soarynn replies, some teasing in her tone. Coriolanus glances up at her, nearly losing his breath from how gorgeous she is. “Because you stopped giving me scratches.”

It’s a pitiful argument and they both know that but Soarynn simply rolls her eyes and continues scratching his scalp, her other hand resting on his shoulder. It’s nice to be like this every once in a while, completely engulfed in her and her scent. A few years ago Coriolanus would’ve scoffed at the idea of being this intimate and vulnerable with his girlfriend. But now four years into their relationship, he allows for a moment like this every once in a while. Besides, he knows how much it means to her, to be like this with him.

Coriolanus knows he’s far from perfect, and he’s definitely not the most outwardly loving boyfriend. He’s seen how his friends act around their girlfriends in public, stealing kisses, holding hands, teasing, and laughing. He’s not one for public displays of affection. Soarynn has never brought it up, never complained but he knows she wishes for that type of affection sometimes. And she gets it. But only behind closed doors.

Coriolanus Snow is a proud man, an important man. He can’t be seen running around the Capitol streets coddling his girlfriend. He’d be the laughingstock of the country! So he adopts a more reserved persona. He does show some displays of affection, he holds her hand, opens the door for her, and buys her whatever she wants. Things like that.

He can’t have people thinking he’s a negligent boyfriend.

Coriolanus clears his throat once more before reading where he left off, “Where were we? Ah, yes, the chase. The rabbits quickly took off for their den in hopes of escaping the clutches of the hawk's talons, Juniper called out to Clover, ‘Run! Run faster!’ She could feel the hawk getting closer and closer and…Soarynn you can’t possibly enjoy something as childish as this,” he says, furrowing his brows as he continues reading silently. Nothing about this book pegs him for good literature.

Soarynn gives his golden curls a tug, “It’s not supposed to be realistic Coryo, it’s supposed to be a cute story.” Coriolanus rolls his eyes, “They’re talking rabbits! How is that good writing? I’m going to find out who the publisher for this book is and write them a letter.”

Soarynn sighs but says nothing, which is just another thing Coriolanus appreciates about her. She doesn’t argue with him. “Maybe we should read a different book,” he suggests, tossing the rabbit book to the side. Maybe Petunia will use it as a new scratching post. He’d be perfectly fine with that.

“Why don’t you just tell me a story then? Since you’re such a writer,” Soarynn quips. Coriolanus looks up at her again and she’s giving him that look that lets him know it’s a losing battle no matter what option he chooses. Coriolanus sighs, “Very well. Once upon a time, there was a little girl who lived in a beautiful city. The Capitol. In the Capitol, it was safe, clean, and filled with order. The little girl lived there her whole life and grew up to be a beautiful young woman.” He steals a glance at Soarynn to find her genuinely interested in where he’s going with this.

“One day the girl realized how terribly lonely she was. Not even her cat could offer true companionship.” He thinks of Petunia, a gift he'd given to Soarynn two years ago, a cat as spoiled as can be with an attitude to match. Still, Soarynn adored the cat so that had to count for something. Soarynn's fingers begin to slow down and Coriolanus is quick to shift in her lap, pleased when she picks back up, "But one day she came across someone, someone good and noble, someone who would protect her no matter what."

He hears a snort but chooses to ignore it, "Someone who was ruggedly handsome and tall, someone who was a shining beacon of authority, someone wh-"

"Someone like Coriolanus Snow," Soarynn says dramatically, cutting him off before he can finish his lengthy description of this mystery man. Well, he tried. Coriolanus slowly sits up, listening to Soarynn giggle behind him, "You're a horrible audience," he tells her, running a hand through his golden curls. Soarynn crawls up behind him wrapping her arms around his neck, resting her chin on his shoulder, "But you love me all the same."

Coriolanus feels a small smile form on his lips, "That I do," he replies, allowing himself a moment to simply enjoy being in her presence.

Soarynn was truly a gift he felt he often did not deserve. She was kind, beautiful, caring, funny and charming. Anyone could have her but he had been the one lucky enough to swoop her off her feet. She was more than gracious with him when it came to his mood swings and short temper, something he knew he did not deserve.

Soarynn wraps her arms around him a little tighter, to the point where he's concerned, "Are you alright darling?" Soarynn hums, burying her face in the crook of his neck, her favorite thing to do.

"Just promise you'll love me forever."

Coriolanus chuckles at his girlfriend's sweet request, something only Soarynn would ask. He reaches behind him and runs a loving hand through her soft hair, "As long as you remain a devoted girlfriend then you won't ever have to worry about my love for you straying Soarynn," he assures her. He didn't even think he was capable of love for the longest time. Then he met Soarynn. Now he doesn't know if he could stop loving her, even if he tried.

Soarynn lets out a content sigh followed by a yawn, "Just had to make sure," she mumbles, her arms slowly loosening. Coriolanus looks down at his wristwatch, it's well past their bedtime and they both have things to do tomorrow. "Time for bed," he tells her.

꧁ ꧂

Burrowed under the covers with Soarynn safely in his arms Coriolanus can't help but wonder what the future holds for them. He has an idea, a dream if you will of what his future could be.

The President of Panem has a nice ring to it.

But there's still time, so much time for all of these things and he's in no rush, not as long as he has Soarynn by his side. Who loves him so tenderly.

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

[gothimp]

Creepy Winter Recs ❄️🔪💀

note: not all necessarily take place in winter but just give a general cold feeling

Books

What Moves the Dead: retelling of poe’s the fall of the house of usher with a nb narrator. The whole book feels cold and dreamlike.

Juniper & Thorn: folklore inspired gothic horror with beautiful imagery, good commentary on trauma. Amazing characters.

Stolen Tongues: modern paranormal horror about a couple in a snowy cabin. Quick and captivating read, but it did start as a reddit nosleep, which is still noticeable in the published book.

Hex: small town horror/paranormal horror about a small town haunted by a witch the town tortured in the 1600s. The way they go about keeping their town’s curse a secret is interesting.

The Only Good Indians: modern horror, four native men haunted by a shared event of their past. Visceral and emotional.

Films

House of the Devil: a 2009 film made to feel like a classic 80s horror. A college student answers a flyer to watch after an elderly woman for a night.

Antlers: modern folk horror set in the PNW involving native folklore and generational trauma.

Incident in a Ghostland: psychological horror about two sisters and what happened to them when they were teens.

Autopsy of Jane Doe: a father and son experience weird phenomena while working on the body of an unknown woman. Lots of cold lighting.

The Ritual: european modern folk horror, a group of friends go hiking in sweden.

The Cursed: folk horror in 1800s france about a village plagued by nightmares.

Last Voyage of the Demeter: an imagining of Dracula’s voyage to America. Lots of cold lighting, takes place at sea.

Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin : found footage horror set in a small amish community in winter.

And more well known ones:

The Thing

30 Days of Night

Ju-on / The Grudge

The Company of Wolves

Gremlins

Let the Right One In

[moirtre]

‎ ‎ ⋆⠀⠀&.⠀⠀٬⠀⠀(⠀⠀ARSENIC.⠀⠀)⠀...⠀is the first full album (lp) by south korean girl group, letalis. the album was released in both digital and physical form by south korean entertainment company, apricus culture on october 29, 2014.

the album was supported by performances of the title track, "POISON" and two additional promotional singles, "FOR THE THRILL" and "CHECK IT". as the group's first full-length album, ARSENIC received mixed reviews despite its overwhelming commercial success. the group promoted the album for a total of five weeks through music show performances, two seoul concerts, five fanmeetings, and several variety show appearances. the album's title track, "POISON" received a total of 8 music show wins while "CHECK IT" amassed 2 towards the later end of promotions.

despite the album's popularity, critics published mostly lukewarm reviews of the album. most prominently, a common critique was the "repetitive" sentiment shared by critics in both korea and abroad. despite critical favorites "REBOUND", "CHECK IT", "LOVE/OR", and "BAD GIRL" receiving praise for the involvement of contributing members naryun, jiseo, and melanie, other songs were heavily criticized for their recurring themes, genres, and structure. regardless, the group's fanbase would propel the album and its promotional singles onto the gaon and billboard global charts, solidifying the "bread and butter" of letalis' musical character.

⠀*⠀SECTION ONE⠀:⠀the tracklist.

ʬ.ʬ.⠀001:⠀ ⠀٬⠀⠀ REBOUND

ʬ.ʬ.⠀002:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ FOR THE THRILL⠀

ʬ.ʬ.⠀003:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ POISON* (title)⠀

ʬ.ʬ.⠀004:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ GINGER TRUFFLE

ʬ.ʬ.⠀005:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ DRIP⠀

ʬ.ʬ.⠀006:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ LIGHT ME UP⠀

ʬ.ʬ.⠀007:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ CHECK IT

ʬ.ʬ.⠀008:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ LOVE/OR

ʬ.ʬ.⠀009:⠀⠀٬⠀⠀ MISS.ME

ʬ.ʬ.⠀010:⠀ ⠀٬⠀⠀ GUN

ʬ.ʬ.⠀011: ⠀ ⠀٬⠀⠀ BAD GIRL⠀

ʬ.ʬ.⠀012:⠀ ⠀٬⠀⠀ MINDURZ

ʬ.ʬ.⠀013:⠀ ⠀٬⠀⠀ GLASSSY

⠀*⠀SECTION TWO⠀:⠀the physical album.

‎ ‎ ⋆⠀⠀&.⠀⠀٬⠀⠀two versions of arsenic were available for purchase upon initial release. the group would go on to record the entire album in japanese for a limited edition special release in 2015 as part of their debut anniversary celebration.

ʬ.ʬ.⠀STANDARD VERSION: contains one disc, one photobook (featuring 100 photos), one of four unit posters, one of seven member-written letters, one of seven random photocards, one group poster, and one of three random stickers.

ʬ.ʬ.⠀TONEDEAF VERSION: contains one disc, one photobook (featuring 111 photos), one of four unit posters, one of seven member-written letters, two of seven random photocards, one of seven individual mini-poster, one of two random group posters, three stickers, and one fandom charm.

ㅤ*ㅤSECTION THREEㅤ:ㅤthe styling.

sticking to the general idea of their previous era, the members each had a personal hand in their own looks. each stage built off the individual tastes of each member while holding on to their cohesiveness. easily one of their most identifiable eras solely off the styling.

ㅤ*ㅤSECTION FOURㅤ:ㅤthe notes.

a fan favorite era

one of their more iconic albums, def a top three vitalis staple album

people either loved or hated this era (including the girls themselves). there were a lot of mixed reviews among critics and it wasn't secret to the girls.

weird animosity between emmy and juniper starts here. no one really knows why but they were regularly exchanging not-so nice words about each other to anyone who cared enough to listen.

one of their encore stages went viral after they used voice changing microphones with shuffled effects (entirely emmy's idea). still one of the highest viewed encores of all time, a letalis fandom staple video as well. several members were in tears from laughter (emmy, jiseo, naryun) while others were completely stoic (naira, juniper). ironically, this video pretty much sums up their public dymanic pretty well.

lots of controversy surrounding the tracks on the album. towards the end of the promotional period, the girls were visibly tired of performing "for the thrill" which was unanimously voted in a fan poll posted to melanie's fancafe as being the fans' least favorite b-side off the album.

despite how well the title track, "poison" did, some of the girls voiced their varying opinions on what they would chosen instead. snowballed into a weird scandal where they were accused of suffering from "celebrity disease". never ended up being addressed but apricus did tighten the reigns on what the girls were allowed to say/bring up during the rest of the promotions.

the true beginning of the core writers and producers that usually appear on letalis albums. also the beginning of the naryun and trenton rumors (that would eventually be entirely true). it wasn't lost on the public that letalis was gonna stick to what works so these same writers and producers in different arrangement are a staple to their discography.

miss. me randomly went viral in 2020 around the time challenges became a regular occurrence. so in between the challenges for the album they were promoting at the time, they were suffering through doing cute little hand choreo for the song.

naryun, melanie, and emmy gained their first credits on this album!

announced their first asian tour after the end of promotions. cute little 15-show tour, mostly in large theaters and arenas, nothing crazy but a precious memory for all the girls.

[just-antithings]

I'm not saying adults insisting they only need to read YA books and watch children's cartoons is leading to this culture wide phobia of sex which in turn is becoming a useful vector for the increasing spread of fascism except that is exactly what I'm saying.

Im not that anon but want to expand on their thought, if they're saying what I think they are.

I thought of this more when seeing an old post of someone saying their English teacher should have let them write a report on Divergent instead making them read 1984. Someone commented supporting the OP, saying that they never read Divergent, but 1984 is problematic. Iirc, the commenter referred to Winston (I think that's the protag in 1984; sorry I haven't reread it in years) as a creep. I can't remember is this specific commenter called Winston a misogynist, but that's a common complaint I hear when people say they don't like 1984.

The screenshot of that post also had other screenshots, including the twt posts of YA authors saying that the classics were problematic. It's a sentiment I keep seeing around book twt before I deactivated my account but still on booktube as well, and it's always booktubers who also read and rant about Colleen Hoover, because they know her name gets clicks. Or booktubers that do those videos titled "I read [old/popular/controversial] series so you don't have to".

Sorry, sliding off topic a bit. Going back to what anon said, YA books tend to be more sanitized. They're supposed to be written for a 15-19 audience, so sex and gore aren't supposed to be explicit. There are YA books with sex scenes. 2 I read recently have sex scenes, but they aren't explicit. One uses mostly poetic language and infers to what's happening, and the other essentially fades to black after they get into bed, as they're touching and then picks up the next morning. (One of these YA books had a big controversy on booktube a few years ago for being problematic, though. Gee, wonder why /s)

But for the most part, often for people who enjoy urban fantasy or romances but not steamy scenes, they may go for YA, since it's usually more "PG". Unfortunately, some people get it in their head that this makes YA inherently "better", that adult books that are being more explicit are only doing it to get more sales, when YA tbh has a tighter hold on it marketing-wise.

Okay, I'm not published (yet), but I've been studying it when I need to take a break from writing to see what course is best for me and what I want to write. YA is becoming oversaturated in the market, so it's not as big a "money making genre" for debut authors as it might have been once (and I'd argue that even in the past when YA was smaller, you still had to be lucky, known, or connected to get that 6-figure check for a debut YA novel). YA is more likely to get scrutinized, considering its supposed to he for a younger audience, so a YA author wanting to push boundaries is going to receive more push-back than an adult lit author.

Now pushback happens in adult lit, too, like Ava Reid saying her editor or publisher (I forget who) told her that Juniper&Thorn might be too dark. (I've read it. Yes, it's dark, but bad reviews I saw for the book blew it way out of proportion. If you (gen) like lyrical/poetic narration and gothic horror, I highly suggest it).

But it feels like there's more of a push to keep YA books "clean". You can find some outliers, but like the YA I mentioned above, those outliers in YA that push boundaries can get wrapped in controversy and called problematic.

And for whatever reason, some people on booktube say this is a good thing and say "think of the children!"

They will say censorship is bad but then advocate for sanitized YA to be read instead of classics, because the classics are "bad" and "teach bad things" and "should be left in the past". They advocate for censorship without realizing they are advocating for censorship. It's exhausting, and as someone who wants to be published and does enjoy a lot of YA, it makes me feel discouraged. I don't think I'm "pushing boundaries" at all in my writing or saying anything new, but I'm very sure it's not sanitized enough for most publishers, especially if I wanted to try for one of the beg houses in the US.

Tl;dr One of the major problems in this anti-intellectualism is capitalism.

.

[astolary]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐎𝐍 .

( Synopsis ) And you witnessed the macrocosm in all its dazzling contours.

( Authors Note ) This work is released before Sumeru is added to Genshin Impact, so there is very little lore regarding Al Haitham when this is published. I hope you enjoy this at the end, and constructive criticism is greatly appreciated :)

( Pairing ) Al-Haitham x GN! Reader

( Content Warnings ) Established relationship. Written to satisfy my brain rot. Mentions of the word gorgeous.

( Word Count ) 1.0k words // EDITED!

— THE SUN WAS A MASTERPIECE AND GLIMMERED IN BRILLIANCE,

the sun: a hidden flirt and a massive tease (brightness)

Al Haitham conversed with a hidden charm that seemed to sway the lush leaves outside the library's windows. The sunlight perfectly radiated on the outstanding library shelves, cascading onto dusted and aged books neatly lined up against one another. Grandeur scrolls of knowledge were proudly displayed on the wood walls, making the murmurs of wisdom traverse around the serene room with a flip of a page.

He never bothered worrying about who would interrupt him in his time of research, because only you and he knew of this place. Hidden in plain sight under the watch of a lesser god.

Pale juniper green irises twinkled in the gratification that a few hours were in his hand, unconsciously humming in satisfaction when he spotted a book to his liking. Perhaps he could read this with you?

The thought of the two of you relishing in each other's company put his mind at ease.

He took a step forward, ornaments from his outfit creating a rhythmic sound. He placed his index finger and thumb on the spine of the book to slide it out the shelf—

—nothing.

Push. Pull. Push. Pull. It was almost as if the work was glued to the frame of the furniture. Perhaps if he made an effort to look for another book. There is no point fretting over this.

That one. Al Haitham thought, reaching out to grab a book two rows below the seemingly glued book.

Nothing.

He added a little more force this time, tenderly making sure he won't damage the piece of work. It didn't move. Why is he unable to get it?

"Ugh, why can't I grab this book..." A melody his ears sought reached his ears.

"Gorgeous?"

"Huh? Gorgeous? Wait don't tell me..."

Out of a pinch of amusement, he tipped the third book he laid his hands on— which now successfully rested on his hands— and came into contact with your gaze. He rested his arm on whatever space was left from the book he got and tipped his lips up to a minor smirk.

"You were getting the book I was getting a while ago, weren't you." You're baffled expression occupied his thoughts. Although, it was probably useless to confirm it with him since he most likely connected the puzzle before you.

"You're correct."

"I was going to get it and give it to you since you probably wanted to read it together!"

"Alas, here we are, separated by a wall filled with words spilled from hours of studying. We really were fated to be, gorgeous."

"You're the gorgeous one here and we both know it, shut up."

He adores your flustered self.

— MISTIFIED AND ENTRANCED WITH THE ILLUSIONS OF THE AWAKENING MOON,

the moon: a mysterious gentleman with nothing but respect (calmness)

Bountiful were the imperial potted padisarahs cultivating on the rich soils of his private riad. Other unscrupulous classes would believe that after you have gained control of knowledge— respect, admiration, power, and money is nothing but child's play. All that was left to obtain was ambition and the vessel of power from the gods.

A vision.

But what is wisdom and power when ambition and morale fail to play the role?

Conceivably, this was what separated him from the rest.

He knows, that beneath the raw memorabilia of godly divinity, rested the dead and the falsehoods that happened before miraculous spectacles flourished. A mortal carelessly strolling around the break of dawn with a fraction— or a percentage— of immortals, was a laughable notion. Humans had mortality while divinity had immortality.

Someday it will be revealed that it is nothing but a mere tool.

How foolish. Al Haitham spoke to himself.

( Al Haitham was foolish to underestimate the eye of the gods when the hoaxes end. )

He was far from that fantasy stereotype. He was an enigma. A secret buried under the thick unforgiving hail of Dragonspine. A mystery buried at the bottom of Liyue's mountains after dragons roared amid battle. A paradox thrown to the depths of Inazuma's oceans with the remains of divinity beheaded by the Almighty Shogun's spear. A dilemma sunken in Sumeru's volcanoes that glimpsed battles between warriors and cowards thousands of years ago.

The catastrophes didn't cease you from achieving your destination, though.

You hiked the mountain peaks of Dragonspine under layers of courageousness despite unknowing the secrets of the deceased princess who wished nothing but for someone to wear her crown. You've seen fossils, bones, and remains— the aftermath of Liyue's devastating war. You surfed above the thunderous oceans and danced around the thunderstorm once upon a time. You quelled the bubbling turmoil and made amends co-existing with the strong and the weak.

Then the moon.

Al Haitham was the moon. Galaxies away from arm's reach, it adorned the dark tempest taking hold of Teyvat's twilight, giving mercy and sprouting a second chance. It gave seeds of fake hope of wonder, the moonlight nothing but a mere marvel illusion. It would take light years for mechanics to evolve and when a Teyvatian finally conquered the moon— what then?

Defeat. The moon was just a mere dull stone blessed with the glory of the sun. Receding spears and swords would pierce the shielded heart because their ambition was worthless. A setback— no other forms of life thriving in the abundance of a hidden empire, no sanctuary and grasslands of fading stars unearthing equilibrium.

Al Haitham never minded the negative impact. For he was a young eagle luring his prey who made him loathe their nefarious spirit.

Your sentiment is stated contrarily.

He was the anchor for those lost in a dulcet of eunoia, ridding their sonder of the anchor's chain that lent a second chance.

He was your anchor, your moon, and your whole world. Al Haitham knew this too.

You've seen him stress out, get furious, and all his flawed emotions.

And all he can say is, thank you. I love you.

As Al Haitham prepared his surprise feast for you and him, he only hopes you enjoy it as his thanksgiving. To you, and all his blessings.

The sun and the moon juggling a chance in a circus was a dream to transpire.

in a way, we lived in the same atmosphere shining in our own beautiful ways (an ephemeral dream)

astolary 2023 — do not edit, repost, or translate.

[the-paper-shredder]

Overanalyzing The Juniper Tree concerning Wick

HELLO EVERYONE! This is my second Wick theory posted here and I'm glad that I decided to do The Juniper Tree because Oh My God. There's SO much packed into this fairytale.

Long post ahead.

Anyway, for some context: what is The Juniper Tree? Well, it's an old, dark German fairytale that is featured in Journal Page 29 (aka the one related to Caleb)

Well, technically the actual fairytale isn't word-for-word written like how it is in Wick, but still. It's literally a variant of The Juniper Tree. Most people assume this is a poem made by Hellbent Games themselves just to be like “Yeah Mary killed Caleb lol” but it's a full fairytale published by the Brothers Grimm.

So, what are the themes, before we get into all the passages? Well...

Child abuse, murder, CANNIBALISM, and biblical symbolism. Very much in line with Wick, especially Caleb. Be warned, however, the cannibalism thing is an absolute jumpscare if you're reading it for the first time.

Anyway let's get started.

Alright, first things first is that the mom dies during childbirth and another woman (the stepmom) takes her place. Do I think this has any heavy relevance to Wick? Not really. It could be symbolic with Mary, as in once she had Caleb the past her “died”.

The next part about the stepmom loving her daughter but hating her stepson to the point of abuse suggests something not many consider... Caleb, like Tim and Tom, was abused by Mary as well. You'd think for seeming to be the golden child of the family, Mary wouldn't do that to Caleb, but expectations aren't always reality. I mean, none of the items relating to Caleb mentions anything about Mary caring for him, and Old Man Edwards even talks about how Mary seemingly neglected all of her kids. Of course, it'd extend to Caleb.

Another thing is that “the Evil One” is referenced throughout the story. This is a title of, obviously, the devil. Considering that throughout Wick, there are implications of another supernatural entity, likely a demon, haunting the Weaver family before their deaths... yeah, this is just more evidence.

And now we come to the son's... very fucked up death. This reminds me of how it's sometimes theorized that before being buried alive, Caleb had been struck in the head by the shovel. Like, the “DIG THIS!” achievement's picture shows Caleb being hit with, you guessed it, a shovel. If you look closely at Caleb's model's face, he looks to have some scarring on his face.

Another thing about this scene is the son saying “Mother, how angry you look. Yes, give me an apple.” almost feels... defiant in a way? Even if he's always afraid, he still fights back in his own way. This could be how Caleb was as well.

We now have a name for the daughter: Marlene. Or well, in the original English translation, it's Marlinchen, but I'll still use Marlene for simplicity.

This part of the story possibly gives insight into the aftermath of Caleb's disappearance/death. Caleb was likely not fully buried but still died, which left Lillian (who is obviously in the place of Marlene, she is the only daughter after all) to find the body. Being younger, and also the closest to Caleb via the version of the fairytale in the Journal, was devastated.

And then comes the... really fucked up part.

I don't have much to discuss for this, since this part was seemingly removed in the Journal's version. But seriously, this is actually messed up. The dad, largely absent until now, unknowingly EATS HIS OWN SON. The absence of the dad certainly fits with John being absent during the war.

First off is Marlene gathering her brother's bones and tying them up in her (best) scarf before lying them beneath the juniper tree. Like the stepmom killing the son, this matches up with the Journal's version of the fairytale. Lillian likely reburied Caleb, but while Mary was malevolent in burying him alive, Lillian put thought and care into burying Caleb's body as seen in the rags he's wearing in-game. (Another thing is the “crying tears of blood” which makes me think of Lillian's design in No Way Out.)

Second off is the firey entrance of a bird (specified to be a crow in the Journal's version). Fire obviously reminds us of Mary's death, which we will get to later. The bird, if it isn't obvious enough, is the son reborn, and sings atop a goldsmith's house his sad tale. This brings us back to the start of our journey, the Journal's version of this line of dialogue.

I'll skip some of this, but in short, the bird goes to three locations. A goldsmith, a shoemaker, and a mill. Each time, he sings his tale to the people there, who want him to sing it just once again. He's defiant, telling them he'll only do it if they give him something in return.

The goldsmith gives him a golden chain, the shoemaker gives him a pair of red shoes, and the mill workers give him a millstone. The first two are easy, but what in the world is a millstone? Well, it's a stone used for grinding grain and apparently corn. We'll see what it's used for in a short bit.

The bird returns to his father's house! As shown, the dad is happy while the stepmom and Marlene are upset (for different reasons). After this, the bird sets himself on the juniper tree and sings his tale again.

Of course, the stepmom is practically losing it due to the presence of the bird and his singing, but the dad thinks otherwise. He decides to go out and see the bird despite his wife's anxiety.

Quite an interesting line, considering Mary's fate.

Once the bird finishes, he drops the golden chain as a gift to his dad. In response, the dad goes back inside and despite his pleasant encounter, the stepmom is terrified to the point of falling onto the floor. Holy shit. Anyway, the bird sings once more.

Marlene decides that she'll go out and see if the bird will give her something as well. And as the bird finishes, he drops the pair of red shoes down to her as a gift. Marlene became content and happy, putting on the new shoes and going back into the house.

In response, the stepmom...

The stepmom goes out to see if she'll be given something as well. Technically, it did happen. The bird dropped the millstone onto her, instantly killing her. We're back to Mary's death. And even after this, everything related to fire rises, and from that appears the son, no longer a bird, stew, or a corpse.

I don't think this is a “Caleb set the fire” type of thing. There's more evidence for the twins and the pastor anyway. What I do think this could lead us to is that Caleb at least saw it as a ghost.

Besides that, the line of the dad, son, and Marlene happily going inside and eating is the ending to The Juniper Tree. Which marks my ending to this post!

Thank you for reading my (probably over) analysis of the fairytale concerning Wick's lore. What do you guys think? Do you have any other thoughts about how the story could connect with Wick's lore?

[slowdesire]

omg actually keen to hear ur yellowface thoughts once uve synthesised them... im a chronic rf kuang hater but i also do read her books every time so i would love to know what u thoughtttt

hello omg thank you for asking about this, i would love to know your thoughts too actually!

so it's been a day, i was able to sleep on it... this won't be the most serious review ever but i'll freely share both what i've been mulling over and my thoughts as i type. i think the book is good enough for what i personally thought it would be, which is a silly off-kilter story with a very compelling premise. the bare minimum i initially knew, which is that some white girl stole her dead asian-american friend's work, was enough to intrigue me. what i didn't understand was the hype around how "insane" it is on tiktok (which i will readily admit is where i found out about the book's existence) and i had my hesitations to hold it to that standard. turns out i was right to be hesitant. there was room for so much more. like i understand the pov and insights are deliberately limited and unreliable bc of the main character herself, but here's one example: when juniper made a remark on athena not knowing what it's like to be poor, i expected those thoughts to play a larger role in the story or go a bit deeper, but they were left as few among the many bits and pieces of surface level commentary and somewhat valid criticism against athena and it kind of got lost in the mix. this is such a shame especially because it's clear juniper is big on her own family's dynamics and financial situation, so it could've been such a great comparison point (?) for her to really dig into when it came to her resentment against athena.

i feel like that was the biggest missed opportunity in my eyes because when i read the author bio at the end of the book, i was surprised to find that rf kuang herself is from yale. i didn't know who she was before reading the book, this is my introduction to her and i went in completely blind. knowing a bit of her background now honestly leaves a sour taste in my mouth because this time the story feels too self-referential the way some taylor swift songs can be (and i enjoy tswift btw lol). but i don't know for sure since i still haven't looked into her that much. this is why i would LOVE to know why you're a hater bc i feel we'd have similar reasons

also the buildup to the ending and the ending itself were both so underwhelming that it dampened some of the fun i had in earlier parts of the story. like i was enjoying this white woman going kind of crazy but kuang's stab at the uncanny fell so flat i literally could not stop just thinking about perfect blue 1997 and how i did not pick up the same suspense here. not that they have to be the same at all, i just live like this. also in line with this so much of the book feels chronically online. at first i appreciated how online spaces were so heavily embedded in the story but by the halfway point i was like, um.... i thought this was a satire on the publishing industry, not glimpses of publishing interspersed between losing ur mind over twitter and goodreads LOL.

for now this is all i have to say. fun book! i can tell rf kuang is skilled in her own right. i enjoyed the pacing and the writing style, it was such an easy read and there's nothing wrong with that. nothing i want to take too seriously or sink my teeth too deeply into. people on booktok praise yellowface way too highly that's 10000% for sure

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

A Message About Moab

1 Concerning Moab:

Thus says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel:

Woe to Nebo, for it is devastated. Kiriathaim is humiliated and captured; Misgab is humiliated and dismayed. 2 There is no more praise for Moab; in Heshbon they have devised evil against her: “Come and let us cut it off from being a nation!” Also you will be cut down, O Madmen. The sword will pursue you. 3 A sound of crying will be from Horonaim: “Devastation and great destruction!” 4 “Moab is destroyed”; her little ones have caused a cry of distress to be heard; 5 for by the Ascent of Luhith they will go up with continual weeping; for at the descent of Horonaim they have heard a cry of destruction. 6 Flee, save your lives, and be like the juniper in the wilderness. 7 For because you have trusted in your works and in your treasures, you will also be captured; and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity together with his priests and his officials. 8 The destroyer will come upon every city, and no city will escape. The valley also will perish, and the plain will be destroyed, as the Lord has spoken. 9 Give wings to Moab, that she may flee and get away; for the cities will become desolate, without any to dwell in them.

10 Cursed be he who does the work of the Lord negligently, and cursed be he who keeps back his sword from blood.

11 Moab has been at ease from his youth, and he has also been undisturbed, like wine on its dregs, and he has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, nor has he gone into captivity. Therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent has not changed. 12 Therefore, surely the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will send to him those who tip vessels, and they will tip him over, and will empty his vessels and break his bottles. 13 Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel, their confidence.

14 How do you say, “We are mighty and strong men for the war”? 15 Moab has been devastated and gone up out of her cities, and her chosen young men have also gone down to the slaughter, says the King whose name is the Lord of Hosts. 16 The calamity of Moab will come soon, and his affliction hastens fast. 17 All you who are about him, mourn for him. And all you who know his name, say, “How the strong staff has been broken, the beautiful rod!”

18 O daughter who inhabits Dibon, come down from your glory and sit on the parched ground, for the destroyer of Moab will come upon you, and he will destroy your strongholds. 19 O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the road and keep watch. Ask him who flees and her who escapes, and say, “What has happened?” 20 Moab has been humiliated, for it has been broken down. Howl and cry out. Tell it in Arnon, that Moab has been devastated. 21 And judgment has come upon the plain country: upon Holon and Jahzah and Mephaath, 22 and Dibon and Nebo and Beth Diblathaim, 23 and Kiriathaim and Beth Gamul and Beth Meon, 24 and Kerioth and Bozrah, and all the cities of the land of Moab, far and near. 25 The horn of Moab has been cut off and his arm has been broken, says the Lord.

26 Make him drunk, for he magnified himself against the Lord. Moab also will wallow in his vomit, and he also will be held in derision. 27 For was not Israel a derision to you? Or was he caught among thieves? For each time you speak of him, you shake your head in scorn. 28 O you who dwell in Moab, leave the cities and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that makes her nest in the sides of the hole’s mouth. — Jeremiah 48:1-28 (Part 1) | Modern English Version (MEV) The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House. Cross References: Genesis 8:12; Genesis 19:17; Exodus 5:2; Numbers 21:13; Numbers 21:23; Numbers 21:25; Numbers 21:29-30; Numbers 32:3; Deuteronomy 2:36; Joshua 13:9; Joshua 13:17; Judges 11:24; 1 Kings 20:39-40; Job 16:4; Job 22:9; Psalm 11:1; Psalm 33:16; Psalm 110:2; Proverbs 7:23; Isaiah 15:2; Isaiah 15:5; Isaiah 40:30-31; Jeremiah 20:16; Jeremiah 22:21; Amos 2:2

[chainofclovers]

3, 15, and 30 for the ao3 wrapped! 💜

Thanks, friend!

3. What work are you most proud of (regardless of kudos/hits)?

I think it's "Lavender II" (Beard/Rebecca/Ted, post-s3, Beard becomes a divorced dad and experiences an extreme bout of self-loathing and depression that Ted and Rebecca love him through). I worked really, really hard on it and learned a lot about writing. And tbh even though I wish more people saw the Beard/Rebecca/Ted vision in general, I was proud of the feedback this story got and was incredibly grateful for the conversations-in-comments.

I just really loved writing that story; it caused me to process a large number of things and this particular version of those three characters all became really dear to me. I had this idea of Ted and Rebecca approaching a post-canon relationship in a very optimistic and hopeful way, and coming up with this exciting plan to have a super awesome fun summer together with a totally unironic sheen of joy over everything, and for Beard to be in a very different headspace but very much invited to said summer, and it all unfolded from there.

I'm also really proud of "Just Missed You," the collab Beard/Ted podfic with @boglady, @podklb, and @rockinhamburger, but I'm gonna talk more about that one in another ask that just came in!

15. What WIP are you taking into next year with you?

In a technical sense, quite a few, because I've got a variety of started-and-hope-to-finish stories hanging out in Google Docs right now. But the one proper definitive answer to that is a story that may not have a whole lot of words in it yet even though I started it in JUNE and my goal is to be brave enough to actually publish it on my (self-)assigned date for this year's Sexy Christmas collection, which is January 5. And that's all I'll say about that. :sweat-smile:

30. Biggest surprise while writing this year?

See question 3 and also the multiple other times I wrote about Beard and fatherhood! I had a very complicated but strangely thrilled reaction to Beard's s3 story and I have spent far, far, far more time than I could have possibly predicted at the start of the year just thinking about Beard being a dad and all the different ways it might look. I even wrote him as a person who becomes a dad via finding a baby in a train station before having the slightest clue he'd become a bio dad in canon! I (and/or I and my collaborators) have named Beard's baby Mirren, Magenta, Juniper, and Lavender so far! And I feel like I have the stamina to continue, lol.

From the ao3 wrapped ask meme.

[bloodmaarked]

yellowface, rebecca f. kuang

released 2023

read: 21 august 2023 - 23 august 2023

i had SO much fun reading yellowface. it is such a messy, fucked-up amalgamation of morally grey characters, horror, satire, comedy, and a genuinely important critique of the publishing industry. it had me grimacing, gasping, and laughing out loud in quick succession and i hated every time i had to put it down. it's not like anything i've read before, but i want more.

june hayward, aka juniper song, is a wild ride of a character. if you've seen girlboss on netflix, she totally reminded me of the main character sophia. A Villain, and Totally Awful, but also she kinda makes a good point sometimes? and you sort of don't mind seeing her win? and then counter to june, we have athena liu, The Victim... but was she a true victim? blameless? did she deserve what she got? i was hooked on following june's journey, and uncovering page by page more about athena and who she was versus who we thought she was. it was addictive, a rollercoaster i didn't want to get off of.

and then there was the way this book made me think. it brings up so many relevant and important questions - what does true diversity in publishing look like? is where we are now a real improvement, or the same story in disguise? who has the right to write about which subjects and tell which stories? how and why do we (as readers/as publishers) pick which books/authors are good and deserve to be spotlighted? these are just off the top of my head - i could go on - and i know it's gonna keep me thinking for a while.

after having read and loved babel (in a completely different way, and i'd say i liked babel more except these two books really can't be compared), r.f. kuang is 100% on my list of 'buy before you try' authors. i will be eagerly awaiting and pre-ordering whatever comes next.

rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[amandacanwrite]

Hello everybody it is my birthday today (12/12) and I would really love it if you would consider giving this post a reblog so that it can reach more people! (This would be a wonderful bday present.)

I have a newsletter called Letters from a Friend where I talk about my writing, my personal struggles, share failures and successes, and just generally try to make it feel that when you get an email in your inbox from me 2-4 times a month, it feels like getting an update from a beloved friend.

You can take a look or sign up here. In addition to being a place fore my novice personal writing, this is also the best way to get news about my upcoming novel, With Love, Juniper. It’s also where I plan to post about my twitch channel that I’m currently planning out to have guests on to talk about writing, editing, publishing and everything in between!

Tapping the Tag List every gently: @eldritchx @michael-thepoet @sm-writes-chaos @csdarkfantasy @carrotsinnovember @a-crystallen-author @steh-lar-uh-nuhs

[jesuisici33]

top 9 books

tagged by @hippolotamus <3

Partners in Crime - Alisha Rai

The latest Alisha Rai novel. Mira Chaudhary is 35 with a stable job as an accountant yet is hopeless in getting a dating match on an Indian American match app. When she meets with Naveen Desai when her aunt dies to go over her will, a man she stood up previously, things go the unexpected when the two have to outsmart kidnappers and art thieves on an unexpected trip to Las Vegas to figure out what Mira's aunt has been hiding.

2. Crier's War - Nina Varela

The Automae, a race made originally so the Queen can have an heir, are in power on the throne and treat humans as less than them. Alya, a human peasant working in the palace as Lady Crier, the current heir to the throne's, maid servant, is part of the rebellion to get rid of the Automae and her job is to assassinate Lady Crier. However once she meets Crier she learns she's not as cold and robotic as what she thought her to be.

3. Winter of the Gods (Olympus Bound #2) - Jordanna Max Brodsky

Okay, so cheating a bit since this is the second of a trilogy, but this is my favorite.

Artemis, under the alias, Selene diSilva, is the detective of another cult murder spree with the help of her friend, Theo. This time someone is sacrificing the other Greek Gods in old Greek cult rituals. Selene has to figure out who it is before she could become the cult's next victim.

4. My Sister, the Serial Killer -Oyinkan Braithwaite

Set in Nigeria, Korede is painfully familiar with what to do when her sister, Ayoola calls her to let her know that once again, she's killed her boyfriend in self defense. Helping her to clean up and get rid of the body (i.e., Korede does it all herself while Ayoola pretends to shed a tear during her explanations), she comes up with a plan to make sure Ayoola doesn't get caught. Then one day at Korede's job as nurse, she meets a doctor she develops a crush on. The problem is, Ayoola does too. Does Korede let Ayoola go out with him knowing what will eventually happen to him, or will she stop her sister?

5. I'm Glad My Mom Died - Jennette McCurdy

I've been a fan of Jennette McCurdy since I first saw iCarly. Reading her memoir is one of the most devastating yet most enlightening things I've ever done. She talks about her trauma as a child star with such humor and candor, that even now after months reading it, I can't get it out of my head.

6. Red, White, and Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston

We all know what this is about it.

7. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue- V.E. Schwab

In France, 1714, Addie LaRue makes a deal with the devil to live forever, however she must always be forgotten by all who know her. 300 years later, she meets a man who for some miraculous reason remembers her.

8. You Deserve Each Other- Sarah Hogle

This romance novel made me laugh SO many times! Naomi and Nicholas are now in a loveless engagement. However, neither wanting to back out of the wedding, both decide to play pranks on each other to see how far the other will go until they DO back out. One of my favorite things about this book is the mother-in-law story. If you liked The Hating Game, you'll probably enjoy this book just as much. One of my favorite things about this book is the mother-in-law plot. So hilarious and then so freeing at the end for Nicholas.

9. Yellowface - R.F. Kuang

June Hayward and Athena Liu are hanging out when Athena dies in a freak accident. Acting on impulse and jealousy, June steals Athena's literary masterpiece, claiming it as her own. To better sell the novel of Chinese loborers during the British and French war efforts of WWI, she lets her publisher rebrand her as Juniper Song despite having previous novels under her birth name. Soon outcry of this farce sparks more scandal as more and more people learn of June's secrets.

tagging @apothecarose @mammameesh @rmd-writes @thewolvesof1998 @pirrusstuff @mallpretzles @tyfinn @monsterrae1 @forthewolves @wandering-night19 @rosedavid @ramonaflow @welcometololaland @lizzie-bennetdarcy @carlos-in-glasses @eowon @bonheur-cafe @911-on-abc @liminalmemories21 @ladydorian05

[jaytoons7]

Y'know how when I drew this I said Hazel didn't know Jay was Toppat yet? Here's her figuring out! This is my longest fic yet I worked all morning on it

Notes: Takes place between FtC and CtM. Reginald's currently arrested and RHM's in a coma, Making Sven the current leader. The rocket hasn't been launched yet, But it's nearing its final stages.

Warnings: Gun violence, Gun injury, It's implied that a bunch of government soldiers were killed, Kinda open ending (Might eventually write a continuation though)

“After the disappearance of the Tunisian Diamond a year ago, The museum owners are finally ready to reveal their newest exhibit.” The news lady, Alice Hamilton spoke. “Archaeologists recently found a large topaz in a once forgotten Egyptian tomb. With it’s supposed age and the great condition it was found in, It’s said to be worth nearly 1 billion dollars-”

“HOLY SHIT!!” Jay was sitting in a dorm room eating a snack while watching this news story. He choked on their food and nearly fell off the bed, With Spot running over to make sure he was okay.”

Jay managed to swallow their food and looked over at their dog. “A billion dollars!? Are they serious!?” Spot only wagged his tail in response. “I need to get a better look at this! Maybe I can come up with a heist once I scope out the area. But how am I gonna get closer? The exhibit won’t be officially open for a while-”

Suddenly, Hazel excitedly came into the dorm. “Jay-Jay! I have the most exciting news ever!” Jay looked over at his girlfriend with a smile. “Really? Go on, Tell me!” “Well, Y’know how I wanted to someday cover a big news story?” She began bouncing in place. “Well, The Museum of Natural History and Culture called the news publishers I work with and asked for a private news story about the Egyptian Topaz, And they recommended me for the job!”

Jay ran over and hugged Hazel. “Oh my god, That’s amazing Juni! I’m so happy for you!” Hazel spun around in happiness while still holding Jay, Both now laughing. “They want me to go to the museum tomorrow for an interview with the museum owners.” She then blushed a bit. “So I was wondering, Would you like to come with me? We’ve both been really busy lately and I think it’d be fun to have a day where it’s just the two of us, Kinda like a date.”

Jay perked up at that. Not only would they be able to spend the day with Hazel, But he’d also be able to scope out the new exhibit. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world!” Hazel kissed Jay’s cheek a few times. “Thank you! Thank you! You’ve just made tomorrow the best day ever!”

Early that next morning, While Hazel was still asleep, Jay called Sven and made him aware that he would be scoping out the topaz exhibit with the hopes of being able to plan a future heist afterwards. Then they got ready for their day out.

Jay and Hazel soon went into the museum, Pointing out a few motorcycles that drove by. The two then went into the in progress Egyptian artifact exhibit, With the topaz being center stage. “Whoa…” Jay looked at it in awe. “It’s even more wonderful up close!” Hazel spoke before taking a picture. “It’s amazing how thousands of years haven’t affected its beauty!”

“I see you’re impressed too.” One of the museum owners walked over to them. “You must be Hazel Juniper, Our journalist for the day.” Hazel went over and shook his hand. “Right sir! I’m gonna be performing some interviews today, If that’s alright with you.” “Of course! I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.” The owner smiled.

Hazel pulled out her signature notepad and began asking questions, Which the owner happily answered. Jay scoped out the exhibit room for about half an hour until he heard a sound. “Psst…” They looked over and saw Scottie outside of the exhibit room. Jay made sure Hazel and the owner weren’t paying attention before going over to them. “What’s up?”

“Meet me in the bathroom in five minutes.” Scottie whispered. “It’s urgent.” Jay looked back at Hazel before reluctantly nodding in agreement. “Alright. I hope this is important…”

Jay went back over to Hazel. “Hey, I’m gonna go look around the gift shop.” “Oh, Go right ahead. I’ll meet you there after I’m done.” Jay left as Hazel asked her last question. “So, Are you worried about criminals like the Toppat Clan stealing this topaz? It’s only been a year since the Tunisain Diamond was stolen.” She noticed a shift in the owner’s expression.

“Oh you don’t need to worry about that.” He waved the question off. “The security will be doubled by the time the exhibit is ready to open. Nobody will be stealing it.” Hazel wrote down some notes before glancing over at the restroom door and freezing.

She saw Scottie looking around before seeing her. They glared, Pointing two fingers at their eyes, Pointed them at her, and went into the restroom. Hazel remembered her last encounter with Scottie, Learning their role in the Toppat clan. She quickly cleared her throat and faced the museum owner again.

“Well, I think that’s all the questions I have for today. Thank you for your time.” “It was absolutely no problem.” The owner shook her hand. “And if you need me for any reason at all, Don’t be afraid to visit my office.” Hazel smiled and waved as he went back towards his office.

Once he left, She quickly put her notepad in her jacket and tightened her ponytail. “Sorry Jay… I’m afraid the gift shop will have to wait.” She went behind the topaz and crouched down, Effectively hiding herself. The Toppats were up to something, And she was gonna figure out what.

When Scottie entered the bathroom, They were surprised to already see Jay in there. “Huh, You’re a minute early.” “I didn’t wanna seem suspicious.” Jay explained. “Now what exactly did you want? I was spending time with my girlfriend.” “Y’know how you were hoping to plan a future heist after scoping the exhibit out? Well, That heist is gonna have to be now.”

“W-What!? But why!?” “Turns out the Cycle Punks already beat us here.” Scottie explained. “If we don’t get this topaz out now, They’re gonna get their grubby hands on it.” “But I can’t plan a heist on such short notice-” Jay began before Scottie interrupted. “Some other Toppats already came up with what to do on the outside. We just need confirmation on what to do once we get into the exhibit room.”

Jay thought for a second. “The topaz is guarded by plexiglass, So shattering it is out of the question. But if you can somehow bypass that, There’s an easy escape using the fire exit in the former Tunisian artifact exhibit room next door.” 

“Perfect.” Scottie pulled out a communication device and spoke into it. “Make sure the security footage is hacked. Send Ulle in to deal with the guards. And make sure those Punks don’t even think about coming in!” They then hung up. “Now what?” Jay asked. “Now.” Scottie hummed. “We wait.”

Outside of the museum, Ulle stood at the entrance in casual clothing. She cleared her throat before walking in. “Hello ma’am.” A guard greeted her. “Is there any specific exhibit you’re interested in today?” “Oh! I was hoping to see the Egyptian artifact exhibit.” She answered with a smile. “We’re terribly sorry. But that exhibit won’t be open until next month. Perhaps we could show you some of our other fine exhibits?”

Ulle’s smile got toothier. “Actually, I’d like to sing a little song for you guys~”

Back in the restroom, Jay and Scottie waited patiently. After a few minutes, Ulle busted into the bathroom, Holding some trash bags. “I took care of the guards for you guys!” Jay looked at the bags in disgust. “Are they…” “Hm?” She looked at the bags she was holding and giggled. “Oh no no no! That would’ve been way too messy! I just sang them a little lullaby, Poor guys fell right asleep! The bags are for our clothes and weapons.”

She put the bags on the ground. Jay and Scottie looked in them and saw that their clothes and weapons were indeed in there. “Topbot and Burt should be taking care of the footage as we speak.” She hummed. “And the Cycle Punks are nowhere to be seen.” “Then that makes our job easier.” Scottie pulled a butcher knife from their bag. Jay just sighed, How was he gonna explain to Hazel where he ran off to..?

Speaking of Hazel, She was still hiding behind the topaz. She was beginning to get anxious, When were the Toppats gonna strike. As if on cue, Three people wearing top hats entered. Hazel quietly peeked out. 

“Hey, Didn’t you say you were here with your girlfriend?” The one wearing a music note top hat asked. “Yeah, I saw her earlier.” The one wearing a chef hat/top hat combo muttered. “Where did she go?” “She probably just went to the gift shop.” The one wearing a purple top hat answered. “Don’t worry about her, Okay? She won’t get in the way.”

Hazel got a closer look at the one wearing the purple top hat and seemed to recognise them.

“Jay..!?”

As quickly as Hazel said that, A knife was thrown in her direction. She quickly avoided it, Causing it to hit the nearby wall. “I told you to never get involved with Toppat business again Juniper.” Scottie walked over and practically yanked her out of her hiding spot. “But you just couldn’t listen could you?”

“Hey, Leave her alone-” Jay then saw Hazel looking directly at him and froze. They couldn’t read her expression. Was it anger, shock, betrayal? He felt like a deer caught in the headlights, Unable to move, Unable to say anything.

Finally, Hazel was the first one to speak. “You’re… You’re a Toppat..?” Her voice threatened to break then and there. “H-How-”

And as if things couldn’t get any “better”, A sudden explosion blew a hole in the wall nearby. The group turned and saw three Cycle Punks enter through the hole

“We could’ve just walked in the fire exit y’know…” Erin muttered. “The explosion was more fun.” Punkhauser shrugged. “Nevermind that.” Tara huffed. “Let’s just grab the topaz before those Toppats-” She saw the small group already there. “Well… This is awkward…”

“When did you guys get here!?” Ulle gasped. “About two hours ago.” Erin shrugged. “Which means we were here first! That topaz is ours!” “Over our dead bodies!” Scottie growled before pulling out two butcher knives. “We did not come up with a heist on the spot just for you punks to ruin shit!”

Ulle and Scottie began arguing with the Cycle Punks (With Jay still too shocked to move and Hazel trying to get answers) and it was clear that a battle was about to start.

“FREEZE!!” The two groups froze hearing the sudden loud voice. A bunch of government soldiers busted into the room. “Attention all Toppats and Cycle Punks! You’re under arrest for the attempted robbery of the Egyptian Topaz!"

Tara and Scottie glanced at each other. “Temporary truce?” Tara asked. “Temporary truce.” Scottie nodded in agreement. Scottie pulled out their pepper grinder and Tara turned on the gauntlets on her hands, Which glowed pink. The two began attacking the soldiers, With both groups following suit.

Hazel quickly realized that she was in way over her head. So she grabbed Jay and hid back behind the topaz’s stand. Jay got over the shock of what just happened, But they began to hyperventilate. “Oh god, I’m so sorry! None of this was supposed to happen! I wanted to tell you, But I didn’t want you to be in danger and-”

Hazel carefully held Jay’s hands. “Hey hey, Take some deep breaths.” She guided Jay through some deep breathing. “Can you listen to me Jay?” Jay nodded, Tears falling down his face. “Alright. We can worry about all that later, Okay? Right now, We need to focus on getting out of here.” Hazel leaned Jay against her and began carefully walking towards the room’s exit.

Meanwhile, Ulle was using her Meteor Shower attack on several soldiers while Scottie shot at them with their pepper grinder. Tara was punching a few soldiers with her gauntlets before looking over at Scottie. “Hey, You’re doing pretty good!” Scottie blushed at the compliment. “Uh, Thanks. You’re doing good too.”

Out of the corner of their eye, They saw a bullet firing straight towards Tara. “LOOK OUT!!” Scottie ran right in front of her, Causing the bullet to hit their side, Falling onto the ground unconscious. “SCOTTIE!” Tara punched the soldier who fired at them before kneeling down to inspect the wound. “O-Oh god! Scottie, Please! You’ve gotta wake up!” She also looked over at Erin and Punkhauser, Who were beginning to struggle. “No no… This is really bad..!”

Ulle’s voice was beginning to strain from her attacks. Suddenly, A soldier hit her against a wall, Causing her head to bleed. “End of the line Toppat!” Ulle tried to sing, But her voice had died out from the usage. She shook as she realized she was completely cornered.

Jay and Hazel were almost at the exit when they were suddenly stopped by some soldiers. “Ma’am, We’re gonna need you to step away from that Toppat so we can take them into custody.” Hazel wrapped her arms around Jay. “You ain’t taking him anywhere!”

Jay looked around at the battle going on around them, Seeing that his friends were hurt, Seeing Hazel arguing with the soldiers. His head began to hurt, He couldn’t take it anymore.

Their eyes suddenly glowed blue. An explosion of fire escaped him, Causing both Hazel and the soldiers to be knocked back. The blue fox came out, Which Hazel looked at in awe. The fox threw the soldiers to the side before running towards the battle.

The fox was completely relentless. It first disposed of the soldiers attacking Erin and Punkhauser. It then jumped in front of Ulle and roared at the soldiers attacking her, Scaring them off. Finally, It breathed fire at the group of soldiers coming towards Scottie and Tara. Any remaining soldiers retreated, Not wanting to fight this terrifying new threat.

It was like watching a trainwreck, Hazel couldn’t look away from the chaos the blue fox was causing. She finally glanced over at Jay, Who was standing with an emotionless expression. She quickly stood up and ran over to them. “Jay! Are you alright!?” Jay didn’t answer, He kept the same expression with tears streaming down their face.

“J-Jay? C’mon, Snap out of it!” Tears fell down her face. Jay looked over at her, Voice echoing. “Hazel..?” His eyes stopped glowing and he nearly fell over. Hazel caught them and realized they fell unconscious. The blue fox disappeared shortly afterwards.

Tara and Ulle quickly leaned Scottie against them, Walking them towards where Jay and Hazel were. Erin and Punkhauser followed after. “Hazel, Are you okay?” Tara asked. “Y-Yeah I- Wait, You’re a Cycle Punk!?” Tara nervously laughed. “Y-yeah… Sorry…” “Nevermind, We can talk about that once we get back to our dorm! Right now, Jay passed out and Scottie got shot!” 

“Ulle’s voice is completely fried too..” Tara added. “And that’s not even mentioning Erin and Punkhauser’s injuries…” “Hey, We’re fine!” Punkhauser insisted before wincing in pain. “Yeah… Completely fine…” Erin sarcastically replied.

Before the two girls could figure out what to do, A few Toppats suddenly entered the room, Sven being one of them. “What on earth-” He saw the completely destroyed room and injured people. “Herregud…”