#the simon snow series

[stardustasincocaine]

My job is sucking my entire life and soul out but I missed drawing these two dorkass goobers

[otherpeoplesheartachept-2]

Whatever you do don't remember that both Simon and Baz had mothers that came through the veil for them, but they still couldn't reach their sons.

Don't think about the fact that it was Lucy's only chance to speak with Simon, that he heard her voice, but didn't know it was his mother

And definitely don't realize that because Baz found Natasha's killer, she probably won't make it through the veil again. That was likely the last possible time he could have seen his mother again, but he wasn't there

[letraspal]

Agatha Wellbelove, the goatherd of Watford.

I feel like I should say something to Ebb. […] I whisper to the stone: “I did what you told me to do. I ran”. I drop my voice even more. “Thank you.”

[yellobb]

Thought you might like my college graduation cap @rainbowrowell 🥰

I had a very hard time picking what Simon Snow quote I wanted to use for this, so there’s some other grad cap designs below the cut that are free to steal, if anyone else wants to use them! You don’t have to, but it would be awesome if you tagged me if you end up using them so I can see 👀

There’s also a little love letter to the Simon Snow series, so proceed if you dare 😆

A. “Light a match inside your heart”

B. “May you fight your own battles and forge your own wings”

C. “It’s the good things that hurt when you’re missing them” featuring a border of building silhouettes from your campus

D. “Never let them tell you you’re not magic”

E. “I know that things will only get better if good people fight for what’s important” featuring a border of flowers (I know they don’t look like flowers here lol)

All quotes are courtesy of the wonderful Rainbow Rowell from the Simon Snow series :)

(I’m about to get mushy, so beware) Picking a quote from this series for my graduation cap was a no-brainer for me. This series has had an insane impact on my life, to the point where I genuinely don’t know where I’d be without it. From first picking Carry On up the week I turned 15, to having to physically restrain myself from reading WS in one sitting because it was my first hard week of college as a freshman, to reading AWTWB in one sitting the day it released despite being on a family vacation. From starting a sideblog, to making art and fics about it with my sister, and to looking through art or fics when I was having a panic attack to help me calm down. To the amazing community I’ve found online with the most talented and kind people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. My life has been fundamentally changed for the better because I decided to pick up Carry On in January 2016, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

[cutestkilla]

POV: You're a demon, or a giant, or a fairy, or a merperson, or literally anyone, anywhere, any time being waved and smiled at by Shepard Love, from Omaha, Nebraska.

Everyone wave to Shep, it's his birthday. 🎂

[sailorblossoms]

Simon calls Baz babe when he’s being especially soft with him. I don't doubt he would use it in many different scenarios (such as flirting) but it stands out that in canon, Simon uses it to lovingly comfort him.

It came up after sex, during a time he was likely experiencing being connected to him, a connection he has never felt before (and also release he couldn’t when he had magic. Is this magic? he wonders when they're climaxing). But it wasn't just that: Simon realized Baz was feeling very vulnerable and freaking out, and that's when it comes out. Babe... It makes "are you okay?" come out so much softer and gentler.

When they're talking about Penny freeing Shepard from his curse, Simon says "just you, babe" ("you're the only person who's cursed here" to answer Baz's "is anyone cursed here?") It's a delicate subject for Baz, but babe makes it playful. It takes off the edge.

When they're in Baz's parents' house and Simon is making damn sure Baz is getting fed, he asks Baz to pass the salt, and Baz doesn't answer. He hears Simon, but he's fucking stressed and concentrating on doing this one task (eating in front of his family) that's so loaded for him. Baz is a bit lost inside his own head. Simon uses babe to get to him then, and Baz immediately responds. Babe is gentle (just like how Baz likes it) and reassuring. (It's an answer to how Baz wants to be loved, and the type of love that comes naturally to him. Words aren't Simon's love language, but he's learning that Baz wants and needs to hear certain things out loud. Baz uses "love" and "darling" similarly)

[carryon-reverse-bang]

Carry On Reverse Bang 2023 Masterlist

The Carry On Reverse Bang is a fandom event where an artist and writer pair up to collaborate on fic/art that is inspired by the artist’s concept. Our posting window for 2023 has now closed! You can click on any of the links to view these amazing collabs. You can also check out the collection on AO3, Carry On Reverse Bang 2023

Rated G

Three months or 3,000 miles is a collab with art by @theimpossibledemon and fic by @larkral

Rated T

Feet Buried in the Sand is a collab with art by @leithillustration and fic by @larkral

Known is a collab with art by @stardustasincocaine and fic by @melodysmash

After the Freak Show is a collab with art by @ebbpettier and fic by @jasonfunderberkerthefrogexists

Bait and Switch is a collab with art by @cutestkilla and fic by @whatevertheweather

The Secret to Forever is a collab with art by @artsyunderstudy and fic by @gaymageenthusiast

The Heart in the Well is a collab with art by @alexalexinii and fic by @aristocratic-otter

Stake My Breath Away is a collab with art by @ivelovedhimthroughworse and fic by @dragoneggos

Take a Walk on the Wild Slice is a collab with art by @aroace-genderfluid-sheep and fic by @youarenevertooold

Out of Time is a collab with art by @artsyunderstudy and fic by @nightimedreamersworld

Hey Cowgirl With That Look in Your Eyes is a collab with art by @excalisbury and fic by @iknowfuck-allaboutvampires

Rated M

The Tower Room is a collab with art by @artsyunderstudy and fic by @best--dress

Let me fall is a collab with art by @rimeswithpurple and fic by @nightimedreamersworld

The Vampire Knight and the Chivalrous Dragon is a collab with art by @leithillustration and fic by @scribble-tier

The Haunting of Simon Snow is a collab with art by @bubble-gumhead and fic by @iamamythologicalcreature

The Stars Light Our Path is a collab with art by @ghostpepperworld and fic by @blackberrysummerblog

Rated E

Supernova is a collab with art by @pato-roldnart and fic by @orange-peony

When I Get My Hands on You is a collab with art by @stardustasincocaine and fic by @blackberrysummerblog

[lifeonmvrs]

baz and his “minions” (they’re his besties honestly) [id under read more]

version w/o filter + redbubble merch!

[id: two digital drawings of niall, baz pitch, and dev posing together. they are shown from their waist up and are all wearing their watford uniforms. niall is standing with a hand in his pocket, glaring. his hair is red with blond streaks/highlights in front. baz has a hand over niall’s shoulder and is looking to the side with an annoyed expression. dev is smirking while leaning back on baz. the background is a muddy purple color with a smaller rectangle filled with different hues of purple and pink. the drawing has a pink filter. the next picture is the same drawing without the pink filter. the last picture is of a poster and sticker of the drawing as redbubble products. they are showed in a frame that resembles the structure of an instagram post with the user lifeonmvrs. it has a title reading “already available :3” and in smaller text one that reads “link in bio ♡” end id]

[blackberrysummerblog]

Happy Easter to all of you who celebrate! After a rotten Friday at the animal shelter where I work, I got a very pleasant surprise yesterday when a pregnant stray who came in gave birth to five live and healthy kittens! I might share some pics later on :) In the meantime, thank you @forabeatofadrum and @you-remind-me-of-the-babe for the tags this morning, as well as everyone else who’s continued to tag me on other days. I’ve been pretty slow writing lately, but I do have some shares this week!

First, a bit of kid!Baz POV from my COBB:

In the afternoons, I do my homework as soon as we get home and sometimes call my father. He never has much to say. I’ll offer to help Dev with his work and then water the herbs in the conservatory, reminding myself of the names and uses of each one. Dogtooth violet to stop gossip, bay leaves for wish making and prophetic dreams. Tarragon for confidence, St. John’s Wort to stave off colds and fevers. Basil can drive off dark spirits. I rub the leaves between my fingers, remembering Ebb’s lessons as the fresh summer scent breaks across my skin. “Basil can dispel confusion, boys. It turns back fear and weakness, and is used in exorcisms. Carry it with you to protect yourselves from danger, or spread it on the ground to keep away evil. It’s also sometimes used to bring lovers together.” Dev had elbowed me and sniggered, because of course we both associate the herb with my name. I don’t see how any of it relates to me, but it doesn’t really matter. It’s just what I’m called.

And the next is from a sequel I suddenly started writing to Field Trip of Dreams (god I still hate that that’s the title I gave it). I wouldn’t say it’s necessary to read the first fic, although it gives context for the fact that Baz and Simon are dating in eighth year, and everyone but the Mage knows it. It’s a longish share, but I’m enjoying writing so have it:

“Isolation Cabin?” Basilton is repeating in disbelief. His eyes narrow. “But Sir, whatever will we do if we get to talking and discover we were separated at birth?”

Simon understandably pales, but Davy merely snorts and waves a dismissive hand. “Unlikely, Mr. Pitch. Now, both of you grab your rucksacks while I conjure a bird to lead you to the cabin. It’s…out of the way.”

The rest of the students are in fits, but of course Davy doesn’t notice. He pays attention to nothing and nobody when he thinks he’s in the right. Simon has shouldered his own pack and is staring into the middle distance, refusing to look at anyone. Of course, Natasha Pitch’s son has to get in one last dig: “What’s next, a get-along shirt?”

Basilton’s unimpressed expression is fooling no one—I know blessed well that he’d only love that. “Davy,” I try one last time. “This weekend is supposed to be providing these students with a chance to learn how to get along as a community of mages. Splitting two of them off will deprive them of the chance—”

“Miss Possibelf.” I suppose it’s amusing that after all these years Davy doesn’t dare use my first name. “I know what I’m doing. Boys this age need a firm hand—” How does he not hear the sniggering going on behind him? “—and I’ve had just about enough.” After seven years. Seven years, and he’s had enough? Davy finally acknowledges me enough to turn and lower his voice. “Quite frankly, one of them has nothing to learn about survival, while the other doesn’t need to.” This last part is said in a hushed whisper, even though from the way Basilton’s eyebrow lifts, I’m certain he heard it.

I share his disdain for the sentiment, however, I’m not particularly concerned about his chances—here, or anywhere else. “Fine,” I snap, throwing my hands up. It’s not as though this trip isn’t always an annual excuse for all kinds of unsanctioned…exploration. Simon and Basilton aren’t likely to get up to anything they haven’t already, and I have bigger fish to fry given the amount of alcohol students traditionally smuggle on this fool’s exercise. David Cadwallader can be as blind as he likes, but some of us are left nursing the hangovers.

No pressure holiday tags: @rimeswithpurple, @artsyunderstudy, @cutestkilla, @c0nsumemy5oul, @tender-ministrations, @nausikaaa, @thewholelemon, @orange-peony, @youarenevertooold, @carryonsimoncarryonbaz, @ivelovedhimthroughworse, @letraspal, @bookish-bogwitch, @nightimedreamersghost, @aristocratic-otter, @brilla-brilla-estrellita, @hushed-chorus, @prettygoododds, @supercutedinosaurs, @shutup-andletme-go, @aceumbrellaheroes, @asocialpessimist, @wellbelesbian, @ic3-que3n, @raenestee , @larkral, @facewithoutheart, @papierhaikuphoto, @cows4247, @stitchy-queerista, @carry-on-big-bang, @imagineacoolusername, @ileadacharmedlife, @confused-bi-queer, @j-nipper-95, @jasonfunderberkerthefrogexists, @iamamythologicalcreature, @bazzybelle, @valeffelees

[caught-on-tape-fest]

We’re running a podfic festival called Caught on Tape for the Carry On Fandom! Any ship, any length, any experience level!

Some info on this event:

What is it?

A fest to encourage members of the CO fandom to try their hand at podficcing, and to get us more excellent podfic content.

Okay cool, but what’s a podfic?

Podfic is an audio recording of fanfic, read aloud by a fan (or several). The term is also used as a verb; someone may ask to podfic someone else's story, or spend an afternoon podficcing. Podfic is also known as audiofic. (Thanks Fanlore!)

When is it happening?

Podfics will be posting from October 29th to November 11th, 2023. Sign-ups for authors to give explicit permission for their fics to be made into podfics will open soon, and stay open until August 31st. Podfic creator signups will open September 1st and run to September 15th. A detailed schedule will follow shortly!

Who can participate?

Everyone! No matter your experience level or your recording setup, we want you! Watch this blog for helpful tips on podfic production. Detailed fest rules coming soon!

What rating can the podfic be?

Any rating may be created. We simply ask that no minors create podfics for M-/E-rated fics.

Which fics can be podficced?

Any fic, as long as the author has given permission. This permission can be given three different ways: (1) the authors will be given a chance to give permission for specifc fics of theirs in a list we’ll be maintaining (more details to come); (2) the authors can provide blanket permission on their AO3 profile or Tumblr to let podficcers know any of their works may be podficced; (3) a podficcer can reach out to an author directly to ask for express consent.

How many podfics can someone create?

As many as you want!

If anyone has any other questions, please let us know via ask/reply/dm!

More details to follow soon, please follow for updates and reblog to spread the word.

[stardustasincocaine]

I LIED, ITS BIRTHDAY BOY TIME

Get married, idiots

Happy birthday FOR REAL THIS TIME to my favorite emo shit vampire nerd and an even bigger happy birthday to @rainbowrowell who made him in her brain and shared him with us, only for us to turn around and do unspeakable things to him on all ends of the unspeakable spectrum 🥰

🎂

[otherpeoplesheartachept-2]

I think it's kinda funny that we all call snowbaz enemies-to-lovers bc they were enemies only in a very performative way. Baz realized years before they got together that he loved Simon. And while Simon believed he hated Baz, I think he hated Baz all those years in the same way that he was "straight" for all those years; it was part of the Chosen One role he was playing. But there was never that truly deep hatred for the other person. Even when they would fight or say they hated each other, it was just the performative "enemy" version of the other person that they hated.

I think this is why other enemies-to-lovers never quite draws me in as much as Snowbaz does. It's hard to like believe 2 people truly despise each other, and then flipping that all around in the course of a book or movie. But it is SO interesting and rewarding to read abt Simon and Baz–not learning to stop hating each other–learning to accept the love that's been there the entire time.

Idk maybe that's also what other enemies-to-lovers stories are doing, but the ones I've seen the couple seems to start out genuinely disliking everything abt the other person

[brilla-brilla-estrellita]

Carry On Fan Poll

My friends and I have a theory, and I realized tumblr is the perfect place to gather some data to test that theory! Please do share this with friends who have read CO and didn't like it. I think the poll is less likely to reach those people left to its own devices.

Please provide any further context in the tags! Particularly if you chose "None of the above applied to me, and I loved it!" What drew you to the books?

[yellobb]

Had book club discussion about Carry On today! Here’s some of the highlights:

People were mostly a big fan of the Magic system. Main criticism about it was that it would sometimes take them out of it, like the snickers spell while ebb is actively dying

There was much discussion over Penny and Baz kidnapping the dog, which was very entertaining to me

One of my managers asked if Agatha was in the rest of the series. I told her “she is, but I don’t think she wants to be”

People loved Baz lol. There was a bit less love for Simon (that’s okay, that’s what I’m there for)

I explained the lore behind Fangirl and why the titles are the way they are. Thoroughly confused some people

Someone had to leave the zoom call halfway through because his neighbors called the cops on his van???? Idk that was just wild

One dude who showed up also didn’t even finish the book yet, which I didn’t find out until partway through, so that was fun

They noted some Harry Potter similarities, but agreed it was a very different book

Number one complaint was that “nothing happened”. They were really interested in the politics of the world, how relationships were formed and were pretty disappointed that a lot of that was exposition

One coworker was confused as to why Nico couldn’t do magic anymore, since they mentioned he used to be able to use Ebb’s staff and honestly I don’t remember the answer, so help here would be great if anyone knows. He should be able to even though they snapped his wand, right?

One coworker was frustrated that Simon lost his magic because he thought that was the most interesting part. I told him that he was not alone in that, since I remember so many people being upset back in the day

Everyone saw the plot twist that the Mage was the bad guy coming. Tbh, I read it so long ago that I can’t remember if I was surprised

Everyone also saw snowbaz coming lol. One guy said “I knew by chapter three that those two would be fucking” (oh just you wait my friend. Soon the issue will be that they’re not fucking)

They found it very entertaining that the endorsement was from Lev Grossman because “The Magicians is the polar opposite of this book”

I brought in Skee’s ABC’s of Carry On, Venessa’s art book, the whole series, Fangirl, Scattered Showers, MRB, and various pins from Selkie and others. Also wore my dragon wing earrings and Kris’ shirt :P I let myself be unhinged about it because this is my time to shine. I also have the Wayward Son poster pack at my desk that I pointed out

Overall reviews are positive. Most people didn’t love it quite like I do, but they enjoyed it well enough. I am lovingly forcing two coworkers to finish out the series because they made the mistake of being my friend lol

One guy’s review was “I liked it and I don’t know why. I hate Harry Potter and stuff like it usually.”

Very happy that this is done though, since I can finally hang back up Kris’ Carry On poster. It has too many spoilers, so I’ve had it on the ground hiding for two months for when people came over 😭 it’s going back in its place of honor next to my TV

[cutestkilla]

Tea for (more than) Two

So, in a delightful turn of events, I recently got together with some pals who are also TOTALLY NORMAL about Carry On. And we did our best to replicate afternoon tea at Lady Ruth’s house. And I thought it would be kinda fun to share the results (and some recipes, which are at the end under the cut). So, here they are, featuring:

Scones! (Sour cherry, ofc.)

Cake! (Chocolate with Chocolate-Orange Buttercream featuring a super respectful remembrance, Lemon Drizzle, and Classic Victoria Sandwich.)

Lavender Earl Grey shortbread cookies!

Finger sandwiches! (Egg & cress, Lemon and prawn, Caprese on focaccia, and Coronation chicken - all on freshly baked bread.)

A selection of teas! (Including Simon's Sour Cherry looseleaf blend, Simon Snow Tea, some proper English Breakfast, and of course Earl Grey.)

A giant slab of butter! (Fancy butter.)

A basil plant!

A crucible!

A sword through the table!

Special cameos by a Watford goat (wings hidden) and Prof. Minos (tiny fluffy edition)!

Sadly, no tea trolley, but we did our best to provide glamorous staging anyway.

It was pretty much the best, guys! Highly recommend. Recipes (including dairy-free versions for many treats) below the cut.

Chocolate cake with chocolate-orange buttercream (dairy-free)

Using this recipe for the cake, and this one for the frosting (instructions at the end for a chocolate variant). A hot tip is to use egg whites instead of aquafaba (they whip up much faster) and of course to add orange zest, per AWTWB ch 89.

Lemon Drizzle Cake (dairy-free)

Using this recipe, using vegan butter and replacing the self-raising flour with some flour/baking powder/salt ratio from the internet. Garnish with Kellogg's ICEE Cereal or any other weird cereal you saw at the store and couldn't resist trying, for a little visual flair.

Classic Victoria Sandwich (dairy-free)

Using this recipe, substituting butter with vegan butter, milk with a non-dairy milk alternative (ideally soy but in this case oat milk was used), and replacing the self-raising flour with the same flour/baking powder/salt ratio from the internet as above. Regular old granulated sugar can be used in place of caster sugar. Garnished this with some black raspberries, but any attractive fruit (or weird cereal) could be used.

Sour Cherry Scones

This recipe from the Joy of Cooking does the trick! Use the GOOD butter.

Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

You can find the recipe here

Overnight Focaccia Bread

Lemon and Prawn Sandwiches

This recipe came from @cookingmywaythroughcarryon and there are tons more there for tea party inspiration, including alternate versions of some of the above, so definitely check it out!

[facewithoutheart]

inspired by this post