#yeah my favorite book is rhythm of war that's why half of these are from rhythm of war

[njasnyah-kholin]

Rhythm of War Reactions

I’m finished with Rhythm of Wythm! So here are some haphazardly thrown together reactions.

Major major spoilers below the cut!

- You know I started this book literally just for Shallan but I ended up loving all the POVs, as I probably should have expected

- Navani was my favorite! I found her plot to be the most engaging, her character growth, her relationship with Raboniel, not to mention:

- Math!?!? and music!?!? My two true loves!?!? The connection between which I try to fit into as many school projects as possible!?!? Can Navani hire me to work on this please?

- Other than me desperately wanting to work on this project, the whole thing with converting light into sound into oscillations back into light was so cool and set up really well from TWoK. Sand plates!

- Raboniel could stab me and I would thank her

- I stole this from another post but yeah Kaladin really was like “these people all need therapy” “none for me though”

- I really want to see Jasnah’s reaction when she returns to Urithiru and Kaladin’s like “oh yeah I’m helping all those people the ardents locked up now, isn’t this cool and probably not personally relevant to your life”

- The whole concept of “give him more time” was so good :’)

- KALADIN SWORE THE FOURTH! “I accept that there are some people I cannot save!” (Or something like that.) Good for you man you deserve it

- Interestingly, Shallan has not sworn the fourth ideal yet, though she seems really close. Does this mean she’ll swear two in book 5? Or is Brandon saving the fifth for the back half for her? (Doesn’t seem likely.) I thought “I killed my first spren” would be a pretty good truth, but who knows...

- I did not like Dalinar as much this book. For someone whose main tenet is change and growth, he was surprisingly stubborn. Yes, this is within his characterization, but I hope it morphs into something a bit more cooperative in book 5.

- TRIAL BY WITNESS need I say more? I was literally covering the next page with my hand because I knew something epic was going to happen and I would glance ahead if I didn’t

- That being said, I wasn’t all that satisfied with how the book left off the Shadesmar expedition. It felt kinda pushed to the side in favor of the climax at Urithiru. Which... maybe there was no better way? But it is Shadesmar, so I feel like the timeline could have been shifted around or extended a bit to make more of a conclusion.

- Spren culture! I want to learn more!

- Rlain is now my boy. Do not touch him or I will take your kneecaps

- I came in pretty uninvested in Eshonai and Venli. I’m still not super invested in either of them, but Venli’s pretty cool, I guess? I definitely enjoyed her POVs, I just couldn’t really pinpoint what she was all about

- On a different note Teft just, like, DIED, so... that happened

- This book lowkey had me in a bad place by that point where I felt like I had to keep reading to get to a better part and thus did not do any of my work due today but it’s okay because Kaladin swore the fourth and I felt better and now I will do my work and not procrastinate more by writing this...

- SEON???

- Shallan!!!! my babe!!!! Was scREAming all throughout the Formless chapter and it did not disappoint

- I actually don’t hate Jasnah/Wit. I don’t love it. But I don’t hate it

- Canon ace Jasnah!

- Singer lore is really cool and even though I didn’t find the RoW flashbacks all that interesting I am excited to see where this goes

- As an Asian person who grew up with squinty/shifty eye jokes, I find it absolutely hilarious that people continue to make fun of the Shin for their enormous eyes

- Canon neurodivergent Syl!

- Canon nonbinary spren! I didn’t really like how they kept describing the Sibling’s voice as somewhere in between male and female, especially considering how the Sibling is so derisive of humans’ binaristic worldview. I did like the part where they were like “why do you even gender” though, that was fun and if not a personal mood definitely a nonbinary culture mood

- While on this topic, Wit’s story was definitely about being trans (it was not but I will talk about this later, flow is important)

- Also while on this topic, I was getting real strong trans Lift vibes. Idk how that would work as Stormlight already transes your gender, but maybe she hasn’t fully figured it out yet, or she still sees herself one way Cognitively which is definitely a thing. I don’t think it’ll happen, but it would be cool!

- Kaladin would be afraid of dogs

- Idk what’s going on with Ishar and perpendicularities but it’s cool I guess. 5/10

- I’m annoyed that Taravangian went back to his old conniving ways after he Ascended. Him being a traitor already annoyed me and it felt like all his growth through the book was for nothing. Also, what about Rayse? Y’know, the villain we’ve been fighting all this time? I feel like this would have been better suited for mid-late book 5, after some sort of conclusion has already happened with Rayse, or we feel like this transition is necessary.

- Dalinar needs to attain the fifth very very quickly and that makes me nervous because he does not seem close to the fourth like Shallan does.

- Is the whole fifth book going to take place within the next ten days?

- Wit’s story was not about being trans it was about mental illness and it was really good for reasons that I cannot put into words

- And finally: Now that Shallan has two Shardblades, can she wield two swords at once??? Please???

I hope you enjoyed those reactions. Stay safe and have a nice day! :)

[squirrelwrangler]

For the fic meme! 13, 24, 39

13. Do you outline your fics? How much of a headache would someone get if they just looked at an outline of yours without reading the fic?

Fanfics- nope! Mostly because they are way too short for me to require them. The longer ones still won’t have much of one written out, though mentally I might have a general sequence of scenes. What often occurs is that because I write by scenes and then balloon out said scenes when I get to them or the added transitional scene grows into something larger and more weighty than the original is that what I think will be two chapters or pages becomes six. And it is extremely common for me to write out at least part of the dialogue if not at least a third of the ending scene or penultimate paragraphs, so my drafts will often have the start and then end and then leave said hypothetical reader to guess how one got from point A and B to point G.

24. What’s a trope that you’d like to never hear about as long as you live, let alone write?

I don’t read as much fanfic as I used to and only for a few of the really popular fandoms. I have pet peeves in said fandoms and squicks, but a generalized trope that I would blanket avoid and never write? The demonization of female love interests to shove two (white) male characters into the slash pairing homogenization and then pretend its performative and somehow in the minority is really old and generalized to being in modern fandom, same with my annoyance with the purity wank anti culture which is almost always just a ship-war in disguise. I am really angrily tired of how often then characters that I hate or grow to hate fall into this category of “sympathetic” male villains who espouse fascist ideology but because they are thought of as attractive by the majority or at least a vocal minority and have either byronic antihero traits (via fanon) or because they latch onto the main protagonist as the “worthy” exception to their superiority ideology, they get labeled the tragic hero. Kylo Ren, Fëanor, Emet Selch and Zenos and even Gaius, MCU with what Loki turns into half the time and other comic-book superheroes... And because I don’t want to make all encompassing statements about villain ‘stans -  there’s nuance and multiple factors underlying when and where I bounce off a character and/or their fandom. And very similar characters that I do love. Usually the closer a trope is to something I love and yet in execution or nuance pings onto something I don’t, the more I will hate it.

But I trope that I never read/will write? Ah, that flower disease thing where the guy will die if his love doesn’t get requited for the warping of what could be a fairytale element into the worst of ‘nice guy entitlement’ I don’t want to see or read.

Some of the sexual kink stuff is...nah no. Again- a writer I like with the right fic, but some I will auto-skip.

39. What’s something about your writing that you pride yourself on?

My figurative language descriptions. Sometimes my dialogue or puns are very witty. Internal rhythm of the good paragraphs. But yeah, those scenes where my internal Zack Snyder has decided to switch to slow-mo and we’re recreating a Caravaggio-inspired storyboard of this instance of a pose : Andreth wiping the blood on her hand covered in ash as she shifts through bones, Oromë pulling back an arrow, the kingfisher smacking a fish. Also I think when I nail those final gut-punch lines in the bittersweet fics I really nail them. “Bull and Tides” and all that- though Survivor’s Guilt Coda is one of my favorites because “But why did he still smell flowers?” is the inverse.

[eldritchsurveys]

495.

England

Do you like to drink tea? >> I do.

Do you like to put sugar in your tea? >> No, I hate regular refined sugar. I use honey if I use anything.

Have you ever explored an ancient castle? >> No. 

If you're a Christian, are you Catholic or Protestant? >> ---

Do you live in a big house? >> No, I live in an apartment.

Are there a lot of seagulls where you live? >> Yeah. Or, gulls, I guess. Since we’re not by the sea.

Do you have a garden? >> No.

Name something you own with the British flag on it. >> ---

What's your favorite part of London? >> I’ve never been.

If you've been to England, what was your favorite city you've visited? >> ---

If applicable, what is/was your favorite store in London? >> ---

Have you ever been lost in London? >> ---

Would you say your personality is British? Do you think you'd fit in there? >> I don’t... what? What is a “British personality”? I assume some parts of my personality would be useful there and other parts wouldn’t, depending on the cultural norms.

Do you have English ancestors, or are you from England? >> No.

Ireland

What is one of your favorite celtic songs? >> Not... sure, but my favourite Irish song is Óró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile.

Do you have red hair? >> No.

Are you Irish? >> No.

Name 5 redheads that you know. >> I don’t think I know any natural redheads.

Who in your family is/was a redhead? >> ---

If you've been to Ireland, what was your favorite city you visited? >> I haven’t been to Ireland.

Did you have any bad experiences in Ireland? >> ---

Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? >> No. St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the US tend to just be... throngs of people in garish green outfits doing pub crawls and reaching sloppy-drunk levels at like half past noon and generally being rowdy nuisances. Doesn’t seem like much fun to me.

Do you like Irish food? >> I don’t know, I’ve never had it.

What's one thing you like about ancient cathedrals? >> The acoustics.

Do you like rolling hills of green? >> Sure.

Do you like bagpipes? >> I mean, I’m ambivalent.

If you're Irish, what part of Ireland is your family from? >> ---

Do you like English accents or Irish accents better? >> Most Irish accents I enjoy more than most English accents.

China

What is your Chinese zodiac sign? Do you like it? Do you feel it fits your personality? >> I think it’s the Rabbit. I have no feelings about it, it doesn’t mean anything to me.

Do you like your American zodiac sign or Chinese zodiac sign better? >> I’m generally more interested in Western astrology.

Do you like Chinese food? >> It’s okay sometimes.

List three of your favorite Chinese foods. >> ---

Are you familiar with the topic of footbinding? >> Yeah.

What are your favorite books about the Chinese? >> ---

Do you know anyone Chinese? >> I might, I don’t know.

Who is your favorite Chinese youtuber? >> ---

Have you ever cooked Chinese food at home? >> No.

Are you familiar with the Great Chinese Famine? >> No.

Do you wish your school would teach you about other countries' history? >> I wish public schools in the US didn’t teach whitewashed and over-simplified versions of other countries’ histories (when they even bother -- because, you know, if a country hasn’t been to war with us or allied with us in a war, then they don’t exist). 

Would you ever want to go to China? >> Sure.

Do you have any Chinese in your family? >> No.

Japan

Do you like sushi? If so, what are your favorite kinds? >> Sometimes. I like spicy rolls that don’t have weird ingredients like cream cheese or bacon in them.

What is your favorite manga series? >> I don’t have one.

Do you love Japanese street fashion? >> It’s fun to look at sometimes.

What color hair would you have as an anime character? >> White, of course.

Are you aware of the struggles of Japanese Americans during World War 2? >> Not in any real detail, but in a general sense.

What is your favorite Japanese name? >> ---

Do you like bonsai trees? >> Yeah.

What's one thing you think Americans should adopt from the Japanese? >> *shrug*

Have you ever listened to Jpop? >> A little.

Do you like Hello Kitty? >> Yeah, she’s adorable.

What is something you want to know about the Japanese? >> ---

Do you know anyone who's Japanese? >> Maybe.

Would you ever want to go to Japan? >> Sure.

Australia

Do you have blonde hair? >> No.

Do you live near a beach? >> Not a saltwater one.

Do you surf? >> No.

Who is your favorite Australian youtuber? >> ---

Do you watch The Norris Nuts? >> No.

Who is your favorite Australian fictional character? >> ---

What is your favorite song by Hillsong? >> Who?

Have you ever tried to surf? >> No. I can’t even swim, so.

Do you skateboard? >> No.

Have you ever been on an island? >> Manhattan, Long Island, and Staten Island...

Do you live on an island? >> No.

Do you like Australian accents or British accents better? >> Meh.

Have you ever heard the term, "Crikey, mate!" >> Yeah, I was alive during Steve Irwin’s lifetime...

Have you ever met anyone from Australia? >> Yeah.

Africa

Do you know anyone from Africa? >> Probably.

Are you familiar with the War on Sudan? >> No.

Do you own an Invisible Children shirt? >> No.

Have you been to Africa? >> No.

What's your favorite wild animal? >> *shrug*

Do you prefer dancing or drumming? >> I like to dance more than I like to drum.

Do you have good rhythm? >> I think I do.

Would you ever want to go to Africa? >> Sure.

What is a great African song? >> I don’t know any by name.

Have you ever tried African dancing? >> I did it when I was a child because my father enrolled me in it.

Do you own any African jewelry? >> No.

Ever danced to "Waka Waka"? >> No.

What's the furthest you've ever walked in one day? >> I used to live in NYC, so definitely at least a few miles.

Do you live in a mud hut? >> No.

Mexico

List 3 of your favorite Mexican foods. >> *shrug* Tacos, burritos, enchiladas...?

List 3 Mexican names you like. >> ---

List 3 people you know who are Mexican. >> I don’t know if I know any Mexicans.

Have you ever been to Mexico? >> No.

Would you ever want to go to Mexico? >> Absolutely.

Do you think you could handle being around people all the time? >> I know for a fact that I cannot.

Do you like spicy food? >> I love spicy food.

How do you do with crowds? >> I deal poorly.

Is it hot where you live? >> Not usually.

Do you like bright colors? >> Yes.

Can you speak Spanish? >> Not fluently.

Have you ever been to a fiesta? >> No.

Ever smacked a pinata? >> No.

What's your favorite thing to order at Taco Bell? >> I like those caramel empanada things. I don’t really like eating their food, though.

The Middle East

Are you Muslim? >> No.

Do you know any Muslims? >> I don’t think so.

Do you know anyone who wears hijab? >> No.

What are some of your favorite books about Muslims? >> ---

Ever been to a desert? >> No.

Would you want to ride a camel? >> I don’t think I’d enjoy that.

Did you watch the show Legends of the Hidden Temple? >> No.

Korea

Have you read To All the Boys I've Loved Before? Have you seen the movie? >> No and no.

Did you know that North Korea is closed? >> Yeah.

Would you ever want to visit South Korea? >> Sure.

Have you ever had Korean food? >> Yeah, my father served in the Korean War and has been eating Korean food ever since, so I was raised with it.

South America

Have you read The Spirit of the Rainforest? >> No.

Name one fact you know about Venezuela. >> I don’t know any facts about Venezuela.

Do you know anyone who lives in Peru? >> No.

Have you ever tried Peruvian food or drink? >> No.

Have you ever been to South America? >> No.

Do you know anyone from Brazil? >> No.

Would you ever want to visit South America? >> Sure.

Name someone you know who owns llamas. >> ---

Do you like llamas? >> They’re funky lookin’, I like them.

Have you ever sewn on a loom? >> No.

Do you own a skirt from Guetamala? >> No.

Do you ever wonder why we don't hear much about South America? >> I don’t wonder. The US media has little reason to report on goings-on in South America unless it has to do with the Amazon rainforest (because emotional impact) or some military thing (because duh).

Thailand

Do you like elephants? >> Yeah, they’re awesome.

WOuld you ever be brave enough to try walking on stilts? >> I don’t think so.

Do you know about sex trafficking in Thailand? >> I’m vaguely aware that it happens, but I don’t know any details about it.

Do you like Thai food? >> Yeah.

Do you know anyone who's Thai? >> I don’t think so.

United States

If you live in the US, which state do you live in? >> Michigan.

Which states have you visited? >> I get bored of naming them.

Which states have you lived in? >> ^

Have you ever been to Washington D.C? >> No.

What is your favorite American food? >> Hm.

Do you listen to popular music? >> Sure.

Do you dream of having two kids and maybe a dog? >> No. Well, the dog, yeah.

...and living in a two-story house with a white picket fence? >> No.

...and having a good job and saving for retirement? >> No.

....where you can retire to Florida and live on the beach? >> No.

Did you go to college? If so, what was your major? >> No.

Were you abused by your parents? >> No.

Do you know any nice people? >> Er...

How often do you bbq? >> Never.

What's your favorite ride at Cedar Point? >> Haven’t been. I didn’t realise Cedar Point was like, a big deal, but this year alone I think I’ve seen mention of it on at least like 4 surveys.

Other

What's the best family vacation you've been on? >> ---

What countries have you visited? >> None.

What countries do you want to visit? >> Almost all of them are fair game.

Have you ever been to NYC? >> I used to live there.

Do you live in a big city, small town, or other? >> I live in a small city right now.

Do you live in the city or country? >> More a suburban vibe than an urban one.

What is your favorite country besides your own? >> ---

What country do you live in? >> USA.

What is your ancestry? >> ---

Are you happy with the American government? >> I don’t think about the American government. But, yeah, it’s pretty eye-rolly right now.

What currency do you use? >> Bitcoin The dollar.

Do you think you have an accent? >> I would to a Southerner or a non-American, I’m sure.

Have you ever been told you have an accent? >> Yeah.

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #212

“counting bodies like sheep to the rhythm of the war drums.”

Have you ever fired a gun? No. Have you ever tried archery? No. What’s the longest you’ve ever gone without sleep? A day or so. Do you have any scars? Whew, a lot. I scar easily tbh, though me being so so pale probably contributes to making them more noticeable. Are you a good judge of character? I don't really know. I think so, but then again I'm very very paranoid when meeting new people and look TOO deep into how I expect someone to be. Can you do any other accents other than your own? Just British. What is your favorite accent? British generally, but I find French sooo pretty with girls, then Scottish is cool. What is your most expensive piece of clothing? I have no clue. Probably my leather boots. Can you curl your tongue? Yes, surprisingly... I just tried and I can with the slight curve in my tongue ring. Most used phrased? Probably "what a mood" or something like that lmao. Most used word? Besides the words in most sentences, I'm sure it's probably "fuck." How long does it take for you to get ready? Am I taking a shower? Then just like... less than 20 minutes. Without a shower, it's like less than ten minutes. Do you suck or bite lollipops? Both. Can you name all 50 states of America? No. I'm a sad American. Have you ever started a rumor? No. How fast can you type? I took a test awhile back for a job application purpose and it's 72 or so wpm. How fast can you run? I can tell you NOT FAST without even trying. Color of your bedspread? Navy and black. Have you ever had a really bad haircut? I don't think so. What brand, color, and type is your favorite eyeliner? I don't have one. Do you wear eyeliner? If I ever wear makeup, that's the one thing I will wear. Was there ever a time in your life when you couldn’t cry? Yes, probably early 2017. I was so numb until I started to "feel" recovery. Even as I got better, I had a hard time crying. Last year was a pretty "I can't cry"-type time, too. What’s your favorite type of yogurt? Not a fan of yogurt. What are your favorite type of calendars? I don't have one? Do you have a full-length mirror? Yes. Do you have a piggy bank? No. Do you remember your locker combinations from high school? No. What’s your favorite DIY crafts YouTube channel? I don't watch DIY crafts. Would you rather sleep on the top bunk or bottom bunk? At my current age, bottom. What kind of popcorn is your favorite? Probably caramel corn. But buttery and salty is great too. Does your town have a big fountain in it? No. What is your town known for? Probably nothing. Do you know what you want to do for your next birthday? If yes, what is it? Hm. That's a long ways off, idk. All I know is it'd be great if Sara was here. And then there's the yearly urge to get a tattoo that day lmao. What is the last new thing you discovered that was really good? I think The Shining. Watched it for the first time and loved it. What would be the best surprise you could receive right now? Hey could I have money right now. Were there any subjects in school that were really easy for you? If so, what? English/Language Arts. Did you ever skip a grade or get held back a grade? No. What is the best hairstyle you’ve ever had? I love what I currently have. Do you think you look better with dyed hair or natural hair? Dyed hair. Do you think your look better with curly hair or straight hair? Straight. Do you have bangs? No. What’s your favorite rock band? I'd say Marilyn Manson. (I'm excluding metal, 'cuz that's a different story.) Who’s your favorite country singer? I don't mind Tim McGraw. Did you try the unicorn frappuccino, and if yes, were you a fan? I didn't. When you look at your baby pictures, do you recognize yourself? Actual baby pictures, usually no. Has your hair color changed since you were a toddler? Yes; I was born dirty blonde. Do you wear matching socks? Yeah. Do you decorate for Halloween? We don't really anymore. What is your favorite thing to do in the pool? Just swim around, relax. Have you ever taken a picture at the perfect moment? I think so. What color(s) eyeshadow do you wear the most? Only ever black. Do you see yourself as a sensitive person? I'm extremely sensitive. Do you still leave/receive voicemails? Yes. Are you a festive person? Do you enjoy holidays? I'm not very festive, no. The only holidays that really excite me are Halloween and Christmas. What is your favorite subject to learn about? Meerkats. You’re feeling down - do you listen to sad music or happy? Sad. It usually comforts me/makes me feel less alone. Even though I might cry. Is there a song or artist that you secretly enjoy, but don’t want to enjoy? I like a decent number of Blood On The Dancefloor songs. Has your parents' taste in music in any way affected what you like? Yes. When I started getting into rock naturally, I began listening to my mom's CDs, and that's when metal stole my heart. You’re looking for some new music - what’s your preferred way to discover? YouTube recommendations. Do you still own any CD’s/records/tapes? Mom has CDs. She may or may not have tapes from when my sisters and I were really young for memory's sake; we had a lot of kid ones, like Raffi. Do you ever hear a new song on TV that you like and find it? When I watched TV, yeah, rarely. Do you watch the news? No. What about the weather channel? No. What’s your favorite holiday movie? Maybe Hocus Pocus. How do you feel about adult cartoons? I don't have an opinion. Do you still watch shows that you grew up watching? No. What about movies that you grew up with? Yeah. Do you identify with any organized religion? No. If so - is it how you were raised, or have you found your own? I was raised Catholic, grew to simply a Christian, then left that behind a year or more ago. Have you ever protested or been on strike? Does not eating at Chick-fil-a count as some kind of "protest?" That place was hard to let go of, but nah man, I'm not supporting your business when your higher-ups contribute to anti-LGBT efforts and such. Is gun control necessary or no? Some degree of control absolutely is. Are you happy with the political state where you reside? HAHA no. Should abstinence or sex education be taught in schools? Education, but I do believe in heavily advising smart sexual decisions such as not just doing it with just anyone. Have you read the book 13 Reasons Why or watched the show? I read the book. Should shows like this be available to everyone or could it be a trigger? Fuck the show. Do you like animals? Of course. What is your absolute favorite food? Probably pizza. Do you have bad anxiety? If so, do you take any kind of medication for it? You don't know the half of it. I literally cried the first and last day of my last job because I couldn't find the gloves when I needed to. So yeah, I take meds, but I don't think either do very much, honestly. Who was the last person you felt you were wasting your time on? A former best friend. I cared when she didn't. One thing you’ve experienced that you thought you never would have? I never in a million years thought I was going to have a bad - traumatic - breakup when I was kid because I "knew who to pick." I was so sure. What was the last thing someone said to you that kept repeating over & over in your head? The guy who helped in basic training with me saying "well that was a waste of my time" when my co-worker told him what was going on with me. Literally, it won't get out of my head. If a random person were to look through the photos on your phone, is there anything you’d be embarrassed about? lmao I have Mark wallpapers stored, my friend. Don't find my collection. How often do you have late nights out? Never. Ever. Do you currently have any mixed feelings about someone? As far as friendships go, yes. If you could, would you work from home? Do you think that would make you more or less productive? No no no no no. I want a job to get OUT of my house. I know I'd be less productive, too. What were you like in middle school? Weird and probably annoying. If you could give one charity a million dollars, what charity would you donate money to? I'm not sure. I'd have to look more into ones with causes I'm passionate about. Most likely something about conservation. Would you ever be an organ donor? I am. Which do you think is harder: realizing you haven’t changed or realizing you have? The former. Is there something that you really need to do, but can’t seem to get motivated to do it? Plenty of things. Have you ever won some sort of prize or prize package from a contest? What did you win? Yeah, a few. I don't remember most; I only really remember the Silent Hill one I've mentioned before. What is something you’re surprised hasn’t been invented yet? A cure for cancer, I guess? I dunno. Most disturbing movie you have ever seen? Probably The Entity. Has a life goal or dream ever come true for you yet? If yes, what is it? If no, do you think you’ll achieve it? lol by golly do I wish. I don't fucking know if I'll achieve any. What one thing has always bothered you, but seems to bother no one else? I get legitimately bothered by people going in/out the wrong door. Do you still own a VCR and VHS tapes? No. What’s your favorite color gummy bear? I don't care. What is the sexiest part of the opposite sex’s body? Shoulder blades why do I love shoulder blades????? Where do you sing the most, in the car or the shower? I dunno. Ever hurt yourself playing Wii? Probably. Do you have freckles? Not on my face. I did as a kid though. Weird. How many languages can you say “Hello” in? Three. What’s the last video game you played? So not computer? I believe... The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon? Or Shadow of the Colossus. I don't remember. Can you do the alphabet in sign language? No. Do you like your feet? I don't like feet to begin with, and I don't like mine. My feet are so dry and callused to HELL from when I used to walk all the time. I need to see a doctor to get rid of the worst ones on my toes honestly because they annoy the fuck out of me because ugly. Candles or incense? Incense. Reason behind the last time you laughed until you cried? I don't remember. Are you one who brags a lot? I don't have anything to brag about. Do you face your problems head on or do you run away from them? Depends on the problem, I guess... What is the latest you’ve stayed out before? I remember there was one night in particular with Jason where he dropped me off like... really late. Around 3 or later in the morning. I don't remember why I got home so late. Are you confrontational? AVOID! AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!! COSTS! Do you stand your ground? Usually. Who do you know without a doubt cares about you? Mom, Sara, and Dad. Have you ever caught yourself talking in your sleep? For the past year and more, I've started sleep talking frequently... and yeah, I've woken up in the middle of doing it plenty of times. Did you do anything stupid/anything you regret today? I probably do something stupid every day. Little things like procrastinate on everything are certainties. Have you ever switched primary care doctors? Do not. Get me FUCKING started. On the doctor who kept me on a medication that resulted in gaining like 150 pounds and blaming it all on me. Yeah, I switched. If yes, what was the reason? lol see above. Do you ever sleep on your bedroom floor just for fun? God no. Sleeping on the floor is a last resort. Are you worried about your current financial situation? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL Do you know anyone who’s had a stillbirth? Probably. Who was the last person you know (or that you know of) that died? Uhhh I'm not sure. Possibly the old lady Mom watched. Do you need a new phone? Desperately. Would you rather get a big tattoo or small tattoo? A big one. Do you identify as a supernatural being..i.e., unicorn, alien, goddess…? Uh no. What’s one thing you are tired of seeing or hearing about on Facebook? Guys I don't understand the "me and the boys" meme laskdfjalwier make it go away. What theme do you want for your wedding? Halloween-ish. What theme would you choose for a baby’s nursery? Idk. I don't want kids, so this isn't something I think about. What color would you paint a baby girl’s nursery? Pastel pink. Not for stereotypical reasons, my favorite color just happens to be pink and I think it's cute for a baby. Does your first crush know that he/she was your first crush? No. Which family member did you get your height from? Mom and I are pretty much the same height. Do you like your butt? NO I have a pancake ass. Who was the last friend of yours to have a baby, and what’s the baby’s name? An old high school friend recently had a baby named Jaspen. Are all of your friends having babies right now? I think most of my old friends have at least one kid by now. Do you know anyone who’s given birth to twins? Yes. Growing up, did you listen to country music? Yes, when my older sister started controlling the radio. Do you have a gazebo at your house? No. Where were you going the first time you rode a plane? Ohio or Michigan. Do you like tomatoes? Not really, no. The only time I ever have was fresh ones with bacon and light mayo on a sandwich. What’s your favorite brand of bottled water? Essentia. Do you have any ceramic animals in your house or outside? Why is there a small dolphin in the corner of our back yard?????? What annoys you more: slow talkers or slow walkers? Slow walkers. Have you ever been to a night club? No. If you had a warning label, what would yours say? Something about being prone to anxiety, I guess. Do you believe in reincarnation? No. Do you believe in horoscopes and zodiacs? Not in the slightest. What is your MBTI personality type? INFP Can your dog roll over on command, if you have a dog? No. Is the ocean or sky prettier? Sky. Are you androgynous? No. Do you like to kiss others’ foreheads or hands for platonic reasons? No. Well I kiss my niece's and nephew's cheeks when telling them bye, but they're the only ones. What is the youngest age you can remember back to? I have at least one memory from when I was two. Did you wear your hair in a ponytail today? It's too short for that. What job would you NEVER take, even as a last resort? Slaughterhouse worker was the first thing to come to mind. If you broke your computer, would you be able to fix it on your own? No. What was the shittiest hotel you’ve ever stayed at and why? I don't think I've stayed in a bad one... What was the first kind of alcohol you ever tasted? A daiquiri. Do you use any styling products on your hair? No. Do you have a favorite local band? Who are they? No. What’s the most confusing book you ever read? Even though it's my favorite book, Johnny Got His Gun takes the cake here. The way it's written is very confusing, though I think I get why Trumbo chose such a style. Do you like your personality? I like some things, hate others. Are your legs long or short? I'd say they're proportional to the rest of my body. How many phobias do you have? A lot. Where do you think your last ex is right now? He's probably sleeping since he works 3rd shift. What’s the most beautiful thing you’ve seen in the last week? I don't know. Probably the sky during a car ride or something. Who was the last person to comfort you as you cried? My mom. When was the last time you felt like throwing up? A week ago or so when I had an anxiety attack the night before my first day of work. I got myself so worked up. Have you ever had to wear a hairnet? For the two fucking hours I lasted at my last job lmao. Do you use the Facebook chat often? No. Do you own a robe? What color is it? Nope. Who ended your last relationship? Me. Do you still remember your first kiss? Yeah. Are you happy with where you are relationship-wise now? Yeah, other than being long-distance. How many kids do you want to have? None. Have you ever purposely given someone the wrong number? No. Who’s the last person you smoked weed with? I haven't. Though by this point in my life, I wish NC would catch up with the times and legalize it medicinally because I've given up enough to turn to that for my anxiety. Who was the last person you talked to, other than family? My old VR coach. When was the last time you flew in a plane? Last December. Is there a girl you absolutely can not stand? No. At least not off the top of my head. Ever had a person who was obsessed with you so much that it scared you? No, I was that person lmao. Has anyone ever mistaken you for someone else? Yes. Say your last ex walks up to you and hugs you, what do you say? We're still friends, so. At the current time, a random hug from him would probably make me cry though because he's not very affectionate and I haven't been stable for days. I need the comfort alsdjfakljwer Who was the last baby you held? It's probably been like a year since I've held a baby when I was still friends with Colleen. But y'all my sister is pregnant & next year GUESS WHO I'M HOLDING. Do you have any siblings that moved away to college? She did, but she's long since graduated. Who was the last person who cried around you? I'm sure it was Mom. What was the last thing you cried about? My life. Who’s the last guy to give you roses? Tyler. Would you rather have nice eyes or nice lips/smile? Smile, I suppose. Do you have a common first name? Yes. Do you like your middle name or your first name more? My first, I guess. Do you wear more rings or necklaces? I always have a ring on. Have you ever been engaged? No. Can you see your veins through your skin? In some areas. Did your parents let you have pets when you were a kid? Yes. Do you like spicy chips? Yes. What band was on the last band t-shirt you wore? Metallica. Do you have any tattoos on your arms? Yes. Have you ever owned or known someone who owned a black cat? Both. Who scheduled your last doctor visit? My mom. I don't drive, so she drives me around, and so things have to fit into her busy schedule. So she just does it. Do you have any holiday themed socks? True shit, I think most of mine are, lmao... Like you know, socks are a common gift on Christmas. What’s the last funny movie you watched? Idr. Can you remember your parents’ birthdays? Yes. What piercing do you like most on the opposite sex? I'd say it depends on the person, but in general, I suppose snakebites? What brand of hair dye do you prefer to use? Splat is the only brand that has ever stuck to my hair. Lasted months. Did/do you ride the bus to and from school? Only Jason's junior and senior years sometimes to go to his house. Are you any good at applying make up? No. I have tremors in my hands, and it makes it an absolute nightmare. Are you someone who likes to make simple things difficult? I certainly don't try to, but I somehow always end up doing it. What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food? Rolls and honey ham. And that is /literally/ it. I don't like Thanksgiving food. Do you like Techno music? Yeah. Is your second toe longer than your big toe? They're like the exact same length. Do you say "merry Christmas" or "happy holidays?" The former. Who do you talk to on the phone most often? Mom. What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to? I've only ever been to Alice Cooper, but it was great. I'm supposed to be seeing Ozzy plus supposedly Judas Priest and Megadeth (you're not allowed to die, Dave) next year, and that. That will be. My preview into Heaven. I will sob. How did you meet your best friend? Over YouTube via the meerkat RP community. Do you need money to be happy? Try living really poor and come back to me claiming money can't ever buy happiness. What is something you do well? Dig way, way too deep into absolutely anything and everything. What’s a good idea you’ve had recently? I've started to count calories on top of fasting. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Ahhhhh, cinnamon rolls. How far in advance do you prefer to plan? For most things, a few days or a week. Bigger things, maybe like a month+? How many slices of pizza do you usually eat? 2-3, depending on my appetite. Would you like to live in a different country? If so which one? I wouldn't move there, not with all my family and such here, but I think living in Canada would be better sometimes. Do you prefer the aisle, middle, or window seat on a plane? I strongly prefer the window seat; I've found that if I'm not looking out the window and the plane changes altitude or direction (takeoff is the worst), I get VERY dizzy. I usually always wind up in the middle seat, and there and in the aisle seat, I have to close my eyes at times like those. What’s your favorite song from a movie? As far as original songs, probably "Be Prepared" from The Lion King. A goddamn beat. What’s your favorite city? I haven't been to many. Idk. Who was the last person to ask you to hang out? Did you agree to hang out with them? Hell, I have no idea. Is there a food that you eat basically every day? What food is that? I usually have a granola bar as a snack or even just a meal in place of breakfast or lunch. Is there a food you eat that others find weird or gross? I grew up sometimes eating waffles with peanut butter and syrup as Dad loved it. It's definitely different, but it's absolutely delicious. What was the last fast food restaurant you went to? Did you get anything? If so, what? I think Sonic? I got a double bacon cheeseburger. I fell in love with their burgers. Can you remember the first video game you ever played? What about your first video gaming system? I'm not sure, but it was probably Spyro The Dragon. My first gaming system was a PS1. The last video game you played - did you play alone or with someone else? Alone. If there is a disc in your computer, what disc is it? There isn't one. Do you shut down your computer every time after you use it, or do you leave it on? I leave it on. Do you know anyone who has ever been in a movie? Who and what movie were they in? What was their part? No. Describe the last shirt you saw that you really liked. Where did you see it? Omg I saw this shirt online of a really cool demonic pig that said something like "Save the animals, eat humans." It was actually a vegan shirt, but I nevertheless wanted it, lol. I support veganism, but yeah... I could never do it. But anyway, it was too expensive. Do you live in a very diverse community? Not really, no. Do you know anyone who has had salmonella? Did you ever have it yourself? What about e-coli? No; no; no. When was the last time you brought a pet to the vet? What was wrong with it? Sigh. We put Cali down. Something ruptured in her abdomen and there was also a mass on her liver or gallbladder, and her abdomen was filling with blood. It compressed her lungs so much she could barely breathe. Surgery was extremely expensive, but more importantly, we were told it likely wouldn't save her. Do you get motion sick easily? If so, does it prevent you from going on any rides at amusement parks? I've never gotten motion sickness, but I don't risk that shit with amusement park rides or boats out at sea. I'm terrified of vomiting. Do you have any bug bites on you right now? If so, where? No. Have you ever made your way through a corn maze? No. Name something that you used to do with your family that you no longer do with them or at all? Easter egg painting. Have you seen Inception yet? Thoughts on that movie? I never saw it.

[youngmasterwisdomperson]

I posted 2,364 times in 2021

42 posts created (2%)

2322 posts reblogged (98%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 55.3 posts.

I added 628 tags in 2021

#cosmere - 152 posts

#cosmemes - 101 posts

#the stormlight archive - 95 posts

#mistborn - 76 posts

#stormlight archive - 40 posts

#kelsier - 39 posts

#arts arcanum - 37 posts

#kaladin stormblessed - 32 posts

#warbreaker - 29 posts

#vin - 27 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#unfortunately because vin’s connection with syl comes from hemalurgy her surgebinding is likely to be at least slightly weaker than that of

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

I don’t know why Cryptics get so much flak in the Stormlight Archive books. They’re delightful. I’m at that one scene in Rhythm of War where they’re all watching Shallan draw and I just love them all so much. I wish a bunch of weird symbol heads would hum in fascination at every artistic liberty I ever take. After like a chapter and a half with Pattern he was already my favorite character! The official quiz says I’m an edgedancer but if I were a lightweaver all my love and affection would go to my spren let me tell you.

32 notes • Posted 2021-01-03 21:22:27 GMT

#4

Concept: a sci-fi setting where robots all start out pretty much as you’d expect, following their assigned purpose and sticking close to their basic programming, but it’s also pretty normal, expected even, for robots to eventually gain some level of individuality and personality as their in-built capacity to learn gives them a set of likes and dislikes as well as their own unique mannerisms based on who they interact with, be it humans or other sentient AI.

Our protagonist is a small cleaning robot fresh off the assembly line called P1-P7053, or, as they were nicknamed shortly after activating for the first time, Pip. We follow Pip through their thought process as they slowly learn about who they are and what kind of person they want to be by interacting with the crew of the space ship they were sold to, and with other robots on board. Pip’s personality soon emerges as one of good-natured curiosity and a desire to be helpful, and eventually, when the ship comes under attack by space pirates, our adorable cleaning robot protagonist saves the day through home-alone style shenanigans. Think like a futuristic Roomba with the personality and voice of a small child.

35 notes • Posted 2021-11-03 07:07:49 GMT

#3

Y’know considering Szeth Son-Son-Vallano, Truthless of Shinovar wields a magic sword literally capable of killing a god in one swipe, and considering the fact that he deliberately holds back from using the full power of that sword unless absolutely necessary, one could pretty easily argue that he’s basically the Cosmere equivalent of Saitama.

88 notes • Posted 2021-11-25 01:29:22 GMT

#2

Hoid in a Cosmere book: *does something really charmingly eccentric*

Me: Haha nice.

Hoid: *Says something humorously cryptic and wise while simultaneously making fun of people*

Me: I like your funny words, magic man.

Hoid: *uses magic from a different planet*

Me: Hey! I know that magic! I know where he learned that!

Hoid: *shows up and starts talking to a protagonist in the Abyss stage of their hero’s journey*

Me: Hell yeah! Time for the world-hopping funny man to tell a story!

Hoid: *Cameos*

Me: *points enthusiastically* There he is! There’s my boy! Look at him go!!

Me, earlier today: *dawning realization* Oh my god, is Hoid my favorite Cosmere character? Oh god, he is!

112 notes • Posted 2021-05-01 18:54:24 GMT

#1

So, to the center of the Venn diagram of people who like D&D and the Stormlight Archive, I have a very important question to ask.

The Knights radiant. Are they Paladins or Warlocks?

Discuss.

202 notes • Posted 2021-03-31 20:48:48 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[yourjughead]

Legacy pt. 2

Parings: Jugheadxreader

Warnings: swearing, meh a lil violence

A/N: thanks so much for the feedback on this and as greatly requested here is part 2. Hope I didn't screw it up too much dolls.

Tag: @sunshine51879 @deanilostmyshoe

----------------------------------------------

Jughead POV

I didn't see much of yn for the next two weeks after our first encounter and believe me, I looked. I was bordering stalker territory. During lunch I'd sit with Toni and the rest of the Serpents, including Sweet Pea, in hopes it would draw her out. It didnt. It was if she never existed, no body talked about her and it seemed that nobody besides me wondered where she was. I was beginning to believe I dreamt the first encounter and the few times I did see her, Sweet Pea was close behind. Too dangerous to steal a few words with the green haird marvel.

School had ended and almost completely cleared out, I headed towards my locker, footsteps echoing slightly. I heard a steady rhythm of banging and turned to see YN at her locker, piling the books in. I couldn't help but stare. Bigfoot has been seen more in the past two weeks than this girl.

“Take a picture Bonehead it'll last longer” she cut my daydreaming without breaking focus on her locker. I quickly glanced back to my own locker before squeezing my eyes shut tight. Okay Jug, yes she probably knows a thousand ways to kill us but she's just a girl, we've talked to plenty of girls...except we haven't.

“Are you having an aneurysm? Because if you're about to drop dead I need to know so I can flee the scene” she threw herself against the locker beside mine smiling. Okay jug talk talk talk.

“Uhhhhhh” no jug form actual words you idiot.

“Let me guess, Toni has been giving you history lessons?” I could only manage a nod. What is happening, I'm not this person?

“Too bad, you were interesting for like half a second there Bonehead” she pushed off the lockers and began to saunter off again.

“That's half a second longer than you” I managed, receiving a scoff from her. Yeah that was a pretty lame come back. She seemed as if she was about to say something but my favorite person in the world rounded the corner.

“Is there an issue here yn?” Sweet Pea crossed his arms at the other end of the hall.

“No SP”

“Go on, run along, your handler is waiting for you” I smirked, yes much better Jug. She smiled at me slightly, still one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen in my life.

“Much better Jones” she then turned and headed off with Sweet Pea but not before he threw me a dirty look.

After collecting Toni, we arrived and she quickly left me for the dance floor as I took my surroundings in.

The Warehouse was exactly what the name entailed. A warehouse. Seemed to be an abandoned Christmas tree factory of sorts.

I stood for a moment before slowly walking around the perimeter of the dancefloor, afraid to get too close incase I was sucked in.

A hand suddenly went around my mouth from behind and I was hauled backwards, fear enabling me from fighting back.

I was pulled a small distance down, what I assume was, a now disused service hallway and then inside a small broom closet, not quite the place I thought I might be mugged. I managed to force my eyes open from squeezed shut and there stood a smiling YN, our bodies almost touching with the size of the closet. Such a beautiful closet.

“Uhhhhhh” is all I could manage.

“Wow, and you continue to be quite the wordsmith Jones”

“Are you going to kill me because honestly if you do it here, you're going to get your nice clothes all blood and that'll be murder to get out” she chuckled lightly in response to my pun.

“No I just don't feel like a party that much”

“Really? I thought you'd love a party?”

“There's lots you don't know  about me, things Toni can't even teach you?” Now that,you ladies and gents, is how you peak interest.

“Are you sure you're not just avoiding your handler?”

“No one can handle me”

“Bet I could give it a shot” she raised an eyebrow at me before stepping even closer to me, our chest and toes now touching.

“Not afraid of me?” She whispered

“Petrified” I moved some lose hair from her face.

“Good” she leaned in then, our lips colliding. Electricity began to coarse through my veins and I was in the middle of a lightning storm. My hands went to her hips and hers wrapped around my neck pulling me deeper.

“Something's wrong” she broke from me suddenly, looking in the direction of the door. What did I do? I could feel the colour drain from my face.

“Uhhhh sorry?” I offered before she looked back at me face going from hardened to sympathetic.

“No no no” she laughed, rubbing her hand down my face, I wanted to hold it there but I felt in her current state she might cut the hand off.

“Something's not right”

“What is it Lassie? Timmy stuck down the well?” She hit me into the chest playfully but then her face hardened again.

“Here take this” she pushed a closed switch blade into my hand.

“Oh my god what the hell?!”

“Something's wrong, we have to check it out” she then pulled a handgun from her jacket. I was both incredibly turned on and frightened at the same time.

“Why the fuck do you have gun?!”

“The real question is why don't you Legacy!” She then stepped out of the closet, keeping the gun low with me reluctantly following her behind.

While what we left was chaos, it was nothing compared to this. Words could not describe the improvised war field before us.

“FUCKING GHOULIES!” YN shouted before stepping forward. I went to grab her to stop her from walking head first into the battlefield but I was tackled against the wall by a familiar face.

“STAY OUT OF THE WAY LEGACY! YOU'RE NOT READY FOR THIS!” Sweet Pea barked over the shouting.

Yn walked up the side steps to the metal frame balcony above the old production floor. What the hell is she doing she's opening herself up to get hurt.

She raised one armed hand up towards the ceiling before firing a single bullet up. The whole room stopping instantly at the sound of a gun. Yn rolled her eyes and then lowered her arm back to her side.

“You have 10 seconds to clear the place Ghoulies before I really lose my temper.” She didn't shout, she didn't need to with the silence she commanded with her sheer presence. Slowly the faces I didn't recognize began to retreat backwards, the Serpents regrouping. What is actually happening? Where am I? When did it become the 1950s?

It wasn't till the place seemed to be completely cleared of Ghoulies that Yn spoke again.

“Toni, Fangs, SP, run diagnostics and then I want a full status report in the back office in 10 minutes.” Once again there was no need for her to raise her voice.

“And don't keep me waiting. I'm not in the mood.” The room sprung back into life as the Juniors began to process what happened.

Yn had reached the bottom step and I walked quickly to her.

“What just happened yn?”

“What happened was I got distracted and we were attacked...Go home Jughead” her eyes were sad but her face was still painted to be that of the strong leader I was now certain she was. I was a naturally born Legacy, she, a natural born leader

--------------------------------------------

I would much appreciate more feedback from you beauties!

Much love Xx

[indelibleposies]

thank you so much for the tag @wanderlust-t!!!

name/nickname: my real name’s hannah but posy’s cuter so I’ve claimed it for myself 😂

gender: female

star sign: leo

height: 5′5 (which might be like 1.6m maybe??)

time: 9:36pm

birthday: July 31

favourite bands: the amazing devil, the highwomen, red hearse, the civil wars, the war and treaty

favourite solo artist: stephen day, ben howard, dua lipa, lizzo

song stuck in my head: love all night (work all day) - yola

last movie: falling inn love 😂

last show: lark rise to candleford

when did i create this blog: apparently october 2018! totally forgot how old this one is

how it started: an obsession with my hero academia, god bless’em

how it's going: things have been pretty great since I got into the witcher! I like the content, tumblr has calmed down a lottttt from my earlier years, and the people are so genuinely nice 😊

what i post: the witcher mostly, LOTR, some leftovers of my hero academia, check please, and other random pop culture; I love a good text post

aesthetic: stacks on stacks of books and half-finished journals, the scent of a recently snuffed candle, an open window, fuzzy socks, a stream flowing through a forest

last thing i googled: georgia senate election because well yeah 💙

other blogs: no, although I have been reincarnated on tumblr multiple times 😂 I had a one direction side blog when I was in high school, that was a good time

following: majority witcher, with some holdovers from my hero academia & check please, some travel/photography blogs, some history blogs

followers: the best ones 🥰

average sleep: probs somewhere between 6 and 7 hours

lucky number: 24

instruments: lmao I wish

what am i wearing: captain america pajamas and fuzzy socks with pompoms

dream job: god I don’t even know anymore, writing in some form or fashion, owning a u-cut Christmas tree farm is my retirement plan 🌲

favourite animal noise: cats purring just like wow

random: I love waking up early and going outside to watch the sunrise

dream trip: WOW that’s tough, I would love to go on a worldwide tour of the best museums (not necessarily just the most famous), a tour around Germany, OR the Lord of the Rings walk in New Zealand

favourite food: popcorn and Lebanese-adjacent foods (tabbouleh is the reason why I live)

nationality: usa

favourite song: people who can definitively pick a favorite song are so strong...but everybody wants you - red hearse is a jam and also the perfect pining song

last book i read: rhythm of war - brandon sanderson

top 3 fictional universes i would like to live in: middle earth, narnia, and the glamourist histories which are jane austen with magic ✨

this is for anyone who is interested!!! it’s a fantastic time killer lmao

[ahouseoflies]

Best Films of 2017, Part III

Part I is right here. Part II is right here. Let’s keep it moving. PRETTY GOOD MOVIES 67. Kingsman: The Golden Circle (Matthew Vaughn)-  Exactly, eerily, as good as the first one. Make a hundred more of these stupid candies and wrap them individually in wax paper. 66. Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond (Chris Smith)-   As a movie about the effects of fame: 5 stars As a movie about the inherent lie of acting: 4 stars As a movie about making a movie: 2 stars As a well-structured documentary of its own: 1 star 65. The Wall (Doug Liman)- War movies often topple under the weight of their messages, but that's not The Wall's problem. To his credit, Liman is worried about making this a thriller first, even as he's showing off the competency of the soldier at its center. There's no music, and the camera plants you subjectively in Sergeant Issac's field of vision. (The John Cena character is named Shane Matthews, but he ain't even SEC). Even at 80-something minutes, however, the film feels long, telegraphing its way from one plot point to the next, and its dark ending comes off as a too-clever shrug. If your movie is about the war, then make it about the war. If it's using the war as a backdrop, then make it about something. 64. Fist Fight (Richie Keen)- Once you start thinking about its logic on any level, it falls apart. (The whole reason schools are bad is that they can't find good teachers, so why would they be so intent on firing the ones they have?) And it's full of fake problems. (Oh my God, he might not make it to his daughter's talent show in time!) But this worked for me overall. Some jokes fall flat, but there are so many that you can just wait for the next one to land, particularly if it's from the salty mouth of standout Jillian Bell. The script, full of meticulous callbacks, creates a full, satisfying arc for the protagonist as well. 63. Brad’s Status (Mike White)-  A confused movie that is an easy, sort of Italian watch in the way that it so literally spells out its emotions. Even five years ago, this tale of a middle class White man's entitled bellyaching would have been told straight. Now it exists only because it weaves into the narrative people who check the Stiller character's privilege. Because the character's jealousy is communicated so truly and fiercely, it almost seems as if Mike White wants to tell a story but knows he shouldn't. That sounds like faint praise, but it's a fascinating experience. 

62. Beach Rats (Eliza Hittman)- For about an hour, this felt like a movie I had seen before. "Oh, why can't I get it up? I, uh, must have had too many drugs. Definitely not because I'm gay 'cuz I'm not." It was, due to the underplayed performances and the careful composition, better than some versions of that movie, but not by much. Then, the last leg of the film gets mission-focused. Without giving anything away, rather than being just about heterosexual performance, it becomes about homosexual performance and heterosexual performance at the same time. The protagonist is challenging his straight friends within the rules of what they've determined and outside of them. Those layers pile on until the bravura final shot. I just wish it had hooked me sooner. 61. I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore (Macon Blair)-  I preferred the Encyclopedia Brown fumbling at the beginning to the violent consequences at the end, but I realize that's how amateur detective movies work. I probably would complain if the film didn't open up in scale. The story is fairly simple, which, coupled with an assured visual style that is open to mystery, suggests that Macon Blair might have a real future as a director. He's not trying to do too much. Lynskey is absolutely perfect by the way. 60.  Life (Daniel Espinosa)-  Cool enough at the beginning and the end to excuse a few logical missteps in the middle. Still, without giving anything away, I'm recalling a fork in the road in which the film could have gone the easy, dumb way, and it went the more difficult, realistic way. I hadn't seen Espinosa's other movies, but he shows an assured hand here, especially with the rapturous gore. I can't say the same about Ryan Reynolds, who sleepwalks through a role that might as well be called You Know, a Ryan Reynolds Type.   59. The Zookeeper’s Wife (Niki Caro)-  It goes pretty hard for PG-13, and there isn't much wrong with it--the passage of time gets haphazard in the second half maybe. But personally, I think I'm all good on Holocaust stories. 58. Landline (Gillian Robespierre)- It's basically a Woody Allen movie if Woody Allen had an affinity for rollerblades instead of bad jazz. Most of the laughs come from the '90s milieu; in fact, I'm not sure if this movie would even be a comedy without the setting. Despite some of those easy laughs (and some laborious ribbon-tying at the end), the screenplay does a few difficult things well. I'm thinking in particular of a scene in which Falco and Turturro have to confront and punish their daughter. We've already been told that she gets forced into the bad-cop role, and he skates above the fray as the favorite parent. But to actually see that dynamic in action during this scene, which begins with him whispering that the mother is coming, is kind of thrilling. The performances are good: Slate is dialed up to a higher pitch than she was in Obvious Child, and newcomer Abby Quinn comes through when asked to carry long stretches. At first, I wondered why John Turturro had signed up for such a nothing part, but as his arc blossoms in the film's second half to become a quiet MVP. He gets to remind us that no one else can play an unrealized sad sack quite like him. 57. The Unknown Girl (Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne)-  I wish I had a unique take on this, but everyone else is right: It's a minor work from great filmmakers. There's some real psychology here--a woman in transition sublimates her upward mobility into a search for truth. And as a mystery, it works fine. But there's a tedium and a distance, despite the usual Dardenne tricks, that keeps it from hitting home. 56. The Glass Castle (Destin Cretton)-  There are too many characters in real life too, I guess. Far less focused than Short Term 12, The Glass Castle is an admirably sincere piece with some powerful sequences, but it gets way out of hand in the last twenty minutes. Recommendations for a movie that finishes with the point "It's okay to hate your dad"? 55. The Disaster Artist (James Franco)- James Franco reveals himself to be a workman-like director, a brilliant actor, and the best real-life brother of all time. Having a James Franco performance like this but giving top billing to Dave Franco is kind of like eating birthday cake but giving top billing to the plate. Playing a clown-fraud like Tommy Wiseau exposes an actor to artifice. Commit too much, and it's a stunt; commit too little, and it's a wink. I don't know exactly how he does it, but James Franco walks the tight-rope precisely. Dave Franco, playing a nineteen-year-old for some of this, is in over his head. If you've ever seen a well-done amateur Shakespeare adaptation, you know the electricity that comes from the company's freedom, when they realize they can do what they want with this supposedly sacrosanct work. So imagine how much fun professionals are in re-staging a work that is objectively terrible. At its worst, The Disaster Artist feels like a trifle. At its best, however, that feeling of putting-on-a-show is what comes across well.

54. Manifesto (Julian Rosenfeldt)- I knew this was various incarnations of Cate Blanchett--a homeless man, a conservative housewife, a broker--performing artistic manifestos. But I didn't know the most clever twist, which is that the manifestos are blended into one another, so that a line of Marx alternates with a line of Tzara with a line of Soupault. That dynamic approach brings to light how confrontational and immature all of these types of writings are, not to mention the collaborative spirit most of those writers had. Your mileage may vary based on your tolerance for intellectual bullshit, but I scratched my chin contentedly. The pairings of the manifestos to the settings are clever, and my favorite was probably a eulogist talking about dadaism at a literal funeral. As artificial as what I'm describing sounds (and yeah, by the eighth or ninth one, you'll check your watch), Blanchett finds an observational truth. The performative posture of a schoolteacher, the pause for fake laughs of a C.E.O., the paper shuffle of a news anchor: She remains the real thing. 53. Brawl in Cell Block 99 (S. Craig Zahler)-  Now that I have taken a shower to wash off the movie's bleak grodiness, I appreciate its solid plotting and grindhouse super-sizing. Like Bone Tomahawk, Zahler's previous film, Brawl in Cell Block 99 takes about an hour to get where it's going. (The inciting incident is technically at 1:08.) I assume the fat is there to develop the protagonist, but I think about twenty minutes could be shaved off. Zahler's rhythms might make for an excellent TV show, but something about that '70s exploitation poster makes me think we won't find out. 52. Columbus (Kogonada)- Columbus wrestles with the balance of information and inspiration. The Cassandra character prevents the Jin character--I'll ignore the gross name symbolism--from looking a date up on his phone because she wants to be able to recall it herself. Earlier than that, the Jin character tries to impress her with knowledge of a building, but she blows him off when he admits that he memorized it from a book he had read earlier in the week. Would that thought be somehow more pure if he had retained it over years? I think that type of calculus is what the film is concerned with, so it makes sense that it centers on architecture, an art of identity as much as it is a science of measurements, an expression as much as it is a utility. If the paragraph above makes it sound as if the movie is up its own ass, running on Sundance fumes through its meth subplot, then you'd be right. I had just enough patience to admire it as a promising debut. 51. The Book of Henry (Colin Trevorrow)- Colin Trevorrow's best film is always compelling--for different reasons in the compassionate first half than it is as it's careening off the rails in the final third. But it's always compelling. You can't complain about all studio movies being the same, then not appreciate something this fundamentally godless and bizarre. 50. Kong: Skull Island (Jordan Vogt-Roberts)- People rag on the DC Universe films for being too serious and dark, but there's no limit to how dark a movie can go as long as it's balancing that mood with something else. Vogt-Roberts gets that, and Kong: Skull Island is a cut above most of these entertainments because he has a deft handle on tone. The film can get scary because it's so silly and fun at other times. Plus, if you have Jackson, Reilly, and Goodman selling your lines, they can be as dumb as you want. Even if the other sequences never reach its level, the first helicopter setpiece is dope, in part because the actual fighting of the monsters is dynamic. Skull Island is pretty far from Brazil, but Kong's chokes, holds, and throws owe a lot to jiu-jitsu. It seems like a consistent piece of design at least. Can we talk about Tom "The Tight Sweater" Hiddleston though? Vogt-Roberts has no idea how to introduce him properly, but he is an absolute zero in the role that is supposed to be heroic. The script doesn't do him any favors--the American army is taking orders from this British mercenary because...--but he is a vacuum of charisma. He's not dangerous in any way, and his blah blah my dad died backstory is delivered with no conviction. I don't get it. 49. T2: Trainspotting (Danny Boyle)- It's a perfectly pleasant experience to see these characters twenty years later--Boyle has a few nostalgic tricks up his sleeve--but "pleasant" is a backhanded response to something as vibrant and essential as the original.There's a meta-reading of T2 that admits that everyone involved is struggling with the same issues as the characters, but even that is kind of like returning to your middle school and realizing that the basketball rims weren't actually that tall. And how do you mess up the music?

48. Brigsby Bear (Dave McCary)- There are some huge ideas on Brigsby Bear's mind. The weight of nostalgia versus genuine affection is there. Caring versus pitying is there. Then there's the idea that drives it: If you're the only person who appreciates a work, does that diminish it in some way? How important is collective experience to art?Those ideas are suggested by the screenplay by Kyle Mooney and Kevin Costello, but they aren't wrestled with directly. Especially in its structure, Brigsby Bear is more conventional than its mysterious introduction and Mooney's bonkers comedic sensibility would have suggested. 47. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Martin McDonagh)- Three Billboards flew by for me, and I loved Sam Rockwell's iceberg of a performance. But I was held back by the same elements that hampered Martin McDonagh's other work. There's some profundity lurking in the Harrelson voice-over, and you can't tell me that you didn't get the chills from McDormand's raw scream as her son holds her back from putting out a fire.But it's over-written in the first half--"HOW RESPONSIBLE ARE WE FOR OTHER PEOPLE?" might as well be on a storefront on Main Street. And McDonagh, a real poet of the profane at his best, is so willing to go for the easy joke that he undoes a lot of his own subtlety. Even before the dreadful final five minutes, there's too much plot and too many characters.Perhaps it's an issue of expectations--this would have been a satisfying video store find back in the day, but I'm not sure something so out-of-control should be up for All the Awards.   46. Call Me by Your Name (Luca Guadignino)- For me, this is Guadignino's third straight film in which an emotional urgency underneath never quite equals the lush, meticulous, yet inert exterior wrapping. That being said, Chalamet's performance forces nothing, and the character is a uniquely novelistic creation: knowing everything, practicing mystery, but wearing his confusion on his sleeve. Despite an overall shapeless quality, the film brings everything home in the poignant moments near the end. One of those moments is a five-minute "it gets better" speech by Michael Stuhlbarg. By that point I think most of my audience was willing to go there, but I hesitated to buy it. You can't spend two hours being a movie about what isn't said, then switch over to a movie in which everything is laid out on the table. Then again, that's my exact Guadignino problem. 45. Battle of the Sexes (Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris)- Dayton and Faris show as little tennis as possible because they don't know how to make it look interesting. Carell sleepwalks through his role. There's a lot of "Here's plot point A" type dialogue. We're told about King's dedication to the game, but we aren't really shown it. Unfortunately, the whole thing is a Clinton-Trump allegory, and Dayton-Faris expected Clinton to win like everyone else did. But Battle of the Sexes still goes down smooth, mostly because of the tender love story between Billie Jean King and Marilyn Barnett. In fact, every time the film cut to something else, I wanted more of those women discovering each other. I'm a student of Movie Stardom, so I've given Emma Stone her due as a Movie Star. But this is the first time I forgot I was watching Emma Stone. The scene in which Billie Jean and Marilyn meet is an impressionistic, sensual haircut. Marilyn calls Billie Jean pretty, and based on the complicated reception of that compliment--a stumble but not a stammer--you can tell Billie Jean didn't get that much. As written, King is a strange mixture of inward flailing and outward tenacity, and Stone breaks hearts with it. It's not often that one performance can give a movie a reason to exist, but that's why they play the games. 44. King Arthur: The Legend of the Sword (Guy Ritchie)- It's hard to remember a film more uninterested in its own storytelling, and it's even harder to remember a time when I saw that as a strength. If nothing else, the permanent fast-forward button that Guy Ritchie holds feels like a fresh corrective against other self-serious origin legends. I say "origin," but this movie actually feels like a trilogy unto itself, with the excellent initial twenty-five minutes covering about thirty years at a breathtaking pace. The score, which incorporates human breath, makes that literal. Ritchie fashions King Arthur into a scrappy orphan story, so there's a bit of his underdog imprint, but he also sort of assumes that we know the basics of the King Arthur story and yada-yadas a lot. Merlin gets mentioned only by name, Excalibur never gets named, and Arthur literally cuts in line to pull it out of the stone. By the end some of the visuals look like Killer Instinct for the N64 with a code to turn CGI embers all the way up. But I prefer this to the three-hour version that the studio accountants no doubt expected to receive.

43. War for the Planet of the Apes (Matt Reeves)- For better or worse, this movie plays for keeps. Aided by Michael Giacchino's second masterpiece of a score (after Up), the film lets the action speak for itself, going for long stretches without any dialogue. It culminates in the exact go-for-broke ending that I keep asking for. But am I the only one who feels a bit of cognitive dissonance with these movies? The audience I saw it with applauded at the end, but it's hard for me to buy in that way for something that is so dour and self-serious while also being goofy. Like, I'm really supposed to learn about the lessons of work camps from CGI apes? The commitment behind the apes' design is admirable--how has this series not won any effects Oscars yet?--but is the storytelling strong enough to transcend those tricks? It's novel, but I'm not sure it's new. Matt Reeves crams the film with Apocalypse Now allusions, and though I was thoroughly entertained, I couldn't help but think this was Apocalypse Now for people who will never see Apocalypse Now.

[bmgmw]

Homecoming (chapter 2)

I finally reunited with my computer so I could write chapter 2! Apologies for any grammar/punctuation errors. I’m running on 4 hours of sleep after a long work day, so…

Anyway, I think this thing may end up being more like 5-6 chapters instead of the 3-4 that I initially planned…..oops! 

Thanks for all your lovely comments on the first chapter (chapter 1). I don’t really (aka ever) write fiction, mostly just research or poems, so this is all pretty new to me!

Chapter 2: Observer of Humanity

The harsh city streets of Greenwich Village softened as the autumn leaves speckled the asphalt in shades of red and gold. The wind provided an encouraging nudge to the throngs of people moving about with their own individual rhythms to form the city’s unique collective cadence. Mid-rise luxury apartments, renovated 19th century row houses, and NYU’s signature purple flags encircled the downtown neighborhood, inflicting architectural warfare on the ghosts of the Village’s bohemian past. As Riley made her way down MacDougal Street, she passed one such ghost, the cornerside club Cafe Wha?. Home to one of Bob Dylan’s earliest NYC performances, the club still stands today–although rising cover fees and the changing neighborhood landscape have slightly diminished its once bohemian atmosphere. 

But as Riley gazed at the club’s quirky signage over the door, her train of thought wandered to the club’s lesser known history. Observer of humanity, the phrase formed in her mind. Her great-grandmother Rosie McGee was a frequent patron of the club in the 1960s, and although the two had never met, Rosie’s story came to life every time Riley passed by Cafe Wha?. Riley pictured Rosie in a cozy booth feverishly jotting down poetic fragments in her journal, about the nomads she encountered passing through, about the folk artists attempting to get their music and message to travel beyond those four walls, and about the love she found–and then lost–there. Observer of humanity, the thought echoed once more. Riley was fascinated by her great grandmother’s intuition regarding others and her uncanny ability to tap into previously unbroken ground in order to connect so deeply with people. As Riley thought about the people in her own life, she desperately hoped she had inherited even just a small fraction of that talent.   Riley crossed the narrow street, weaving her way carelessly between taxis stalled in traffic, and descended the stairs into the courtyard of Topanga’s. She eyed Farkle and Smackle tucked away at the corner table seated across from each other and deep in quiet conversation. With their eyebrows furrowed and their backs slightly hunched, they emanated a sense of gravity that Riley did not want to intrude upon despite her natural curiosity. From the corner of her eye, she swore she felt them glance in her direction. I’ll say hi later, Riley thought as she made her way to the entrance.

Riley continued on through the door, and the warmth of the bakery enveloped her as she took her place on the orange sofa next to a very relaxed Maya. Maya dropped her feet to the floor from the coffee table and turned to Riley. “So how’d it go? Did Ranger Rick finally show up?” she asked. “Yes,” Riley replied. “You were right. He didn’t forget about asking me to homecoming!” Well, of course I was right. I did help him with this after all... Maya thought to herself. She smiled and revived her best terrible 1950’s educational video accent. “Well, golly gee whiz! Riley Matthews asked to the homecoming dance by that swell lad Lucas Friar! Cheese souffle!” she joked, with accompanying gestures. “Did he bring ya a Yogi on skates, Sally?” The joke had long worn thin, but Riley didn’t have the heart to say anything. Instead, she forced out a slight chuckle.  "No, no Yogi on skates. But lots of my favorite candy.“ Riley tossed a handful of chocolates from her bag to Maya. “I got some for you and Auggie”.

“Thanks,” Maya said, losing both the ‘cheese souffle’ accent and enthusiasm. She couldn’t help but feel weird taking the candy that she had told Lucas to buy, unbeknownst to Riley. Maya slowly unwrapped one anyway, hoping the sweet chocolate taste would overpower her discomfort. “So are you excited? It’s only a week away,” she said.

“Yeah, I’m excited! But I still need to pick out a dress! Want to go to Demolition later?” Riley asked as she took out her mountain of textbooks, grasping them tightly in order to keep in place her scattered notes burrowed in the pages. “Sure. I guess I should get a dress too.” Maya didn’t have a date, but that wasn’t going to stop her from having fun with her friends.  “But I can’t stay long,” she added casually. She glanced at Riley with slight apprehension, hoping Riley wouldn’t ask for a more detailed explanation that Maya wasn’t ready to give. Luckily, Riley was already buried deep into página 72 of her Spanish textbook, trying her best to memorize the long list of verbs for the upcoming quiz. “Caminar…..cantar…..conseguir…..cambier…” “Cambiar”, Maya corrected. “To change.” “Cambiar”, Riley repeated intently. Spanish was not her strong suit and she was glad to have Maya to help her. Riley giggled as she went through the vocabulary list one final time. “Even when I get them right, I still think I sound like Chewbacca.”  She uttered its cry and Maya laughed. “Well if you’re Chewbacca, then does that make me that Han Solo guy then?” Maya asked. She had never seen a Star Wars movie, despite telling Riley otherwise, but she had read enough of the Wiki page at least to pacify Riley when the subject came up. “Sure,” Riley answered, her eyes glued to her textbook. Sudden silence grew between them, teetering the fine line between comfortably studious and tensely awkward. As it slowly evolved into the latter, Maya pushed a tuft of her soft, blond waves out of her eyes and picked up her strawberry smoothie.  "So why do we always order these things when it’s not even warm out? I’m much better at pouring them than drinking them anyway,“ Maya stated, hoping the self-deprecating humor would lighten the mood. She wasn’t quite confident in its success, but it was her go-to method in awkward situations. Riley looked up from her book. "Out of habit, I guess,” she replied. Maya smiled and stretched her feet back out on the table and began to drink her smoothie. Feeling deserving of a study break already, Riley looked over at her friend and did the same. “Ya know, life’s pretty good right now,” Riley said in earnest. 

“It’s–,” Maya began, before she was interrupted by the bakery door being swung open with urgency. Smackle and Farkle stood at the door in tandem. Their expressions had softened since Riley had seen them, although neither looked entirely comfortable. They stood in front of the girls and took a deep breath. “Riley. Maya,” Smackle began, turning towards each girl as she addressed them. She continued on, quick and undeterred. “Farkle and I were just discussing homeostasis— how variables are actively regulated in order to remain constant……like how the plasma ionized calcium concentration level is controlled in our blood via the parafollicular cells of the thyroid, as well as the parathyroid gland.” Smackle paused and looked intently at the two girls. They stared back. Unsure of what to say, they said nothing. Farkle took a half step back and listened silently as Smackle continued. “Sorry, I forgot we’re not all in AP Bio. Let me rephrase.” Maya and Riley exchanged a glance before smiling back at Smackle. They were neither angry or offended, but rather, slightly surprised that Smackle didn’t call them amoeba brained or some other colorful description.  “Yes, Smackle, explain to us lowly peons, please,” Maya said in slow exaggeration. The girls loved Smackle, refreshing honesty and all, and Smackle was used to the girls giving as good ­­as they got. Smackle looked at them warmly and continued. “In biology, an organism being able to regulate and remain constant despite outside changes allows it to maintain life.” The girls nodded. “Okay, that makes sense,” Riley replied. “Yeah, yeah. Science and stuff. But what about it?” Maya chimed in. She knew they were going around in circles to get to a point, and she wanted them to arrive at it sooner rather than later. Farkle straightened his shoulders and looked up towards friends, still avoiding eye contact.  "Smackle and I were talking not just about homeostasis at the molecular level, but at the human level as well.  When the external variables of this world make us go haywire, who is the one that helps us return to homeostasis? Who helps us maintain our true selves even as we grow? “ he recited. For a boy whose eyes typically gleamed when it came to science, there was a dullness to them today. An unusual reluctance replaced the typical ardor in his speech. 

Riley and Maya’s eyes remained fixated on Farkle, expecting a further explanation, or at least some type of follow up. This wasn’t the first metaphorical science speech Farkle and Smackle had given, and the girls were waiting for the pair to answer their own question as they usually did. But Farkle offered no answer. He turned to Smackle, who stood up and announced simply, "If we are not each other’s regulating factors, then we cannot achieve homeostasis. Based on this scientific fact, Farkle and I have decided it is in our best interest that we separate ourselves on amicable terms. We wanted you to be the first to know”. Farkle nodded silently in agreement, keeping his eyes glued to the floor and his hands glued to his jean pockets. Before either Riley or Maya had a chance to process the bomb that had just dropped in front of them, Farkle and Smackle nodded and left the bakery as quickly as they had come in.

Maya finished the last sip of her smoothie, still not quite sure of what had just occurred. Smackle and Farkle were the most stable relationship of anyone in her class. “What the…? Well Riles, I definitely did not see that coming, did you?…”

Riley absentmindedly shook her head as Maya continued on. But Riley wasn’t listening. She had scooped up her books and bag, and before she knew it, was halfway out the door. I have to go talk to him. She wasn’t sure exactly what to say, or what she thought talking would accomplish, but she could feel every instinct in her body screaming at her to go. This isn’t the Farkle I know, she thought as she entered the courtyard. He was holding something back, though Riley had no proof nor any inkling of what it could be. As she brushed passed the round tables on the way to the stairs, flashes of conversations past rang in her head. “We don’t lie to each other, Riley.” 

Riley accelerated as she went up the stairs and onto MacDougal Street. The evening sun was reflecting off the windows and for a moment, it almost felt like the Village was glowing.

“Hey! Where are you going?” Maya appeared at the foot of the steps, puzzled.

“I’ll be back soon and we’ll go to Demolition, I promise,” Riley replied, eager to keep moving.

“Okay, but what about Lucas?” Maya shouted as Riley walked down the street. 

Shoot. Lucas was supposed to meet them at Topanga’s in fifteen minutes once he finished his baseball practice. Riley fiddled with a strand of her hair as she thought about what to do. She had already not watched his practice, and the thought of ditching him at Topanga’s made her feel worse. She didn’t want him to think she wasn’t excited for homecoming. Feet frozen on the cement, Riley bit her lip. “Tell him, I’ll be back in half hour!” she replied. Pivoting, she continued down MacDougal and unlocked her phone. 

‘hey. can you meet me @ the arch in ten?’ she clicked away with her thumbs with ease. 

The purple doors to Cafe Wha? peered at her as she made her way north towards Washington Square Park. The doors were closed, but she could picture Rosie’s booth clearly. She paused and gazed at the doors for a few seconds longer, hoping this feeling in her gut about Farkle wasn’t just her imagination. She hoped she read him as well as Rosie read the people surrounding her.

Observer of humanity. Riley repeated as the arch of Washington Square Park began to emerge in the distance. Or at least…so I hope.

[espelho-the-wayward-writer-blog]

Hi Again, Please Take Me Back? :)

Um. Hi, writeblr? *waves awkwardly*

I know it was... um... weird of me to make this account, start interacting and promise to be active only to disappear almost immediately for like 3 months. In my dubious defense I can say that I had a very difficult period in terms of mental health first, and then money problems, and then my dog got terribly sick, which led to more money problems and more mental health stuff, and idk, it was just a very tough end of spring and first half of summer. So I had very little energy to do things, and when I did have energy, I tried to put it into writing first and foremost, because writing at times seemed like the one thing that gave me a sense of control and purpose.

But things are better now, and while I won't promise to be consistently here, for fear of breaking that promise, I do hope to be here a lot more. You all wonderful writers were so welcoming and friendly when I made this blog. I hope you'll be able to welcome me back once more. :)

For a better sense of perspective why I didn't have the energy for anything but writing, just for my own reference and for anyone who might be interested, I put a list of my current WIPs below.

First Drafts in Progress

1) Tales from the Witch House This used to be my main project back when I made this Tumblr, and it still remains such, more or less. It's a future web serial that I hope to start posting online some time this autumn. It’s a story about a number of witches, shapeshifters, vampires, friendly neighborhood lovecraftian monsters and other supernatural beings squatting in a semi-abandoned house together. It’s new adult slice of life urban fantasy, very queer, very character-driven, and unapologetically full of all my favorite tropes: a lot of found family goodness, a poly relationship that combines friends to lovers with enemies to lovers, and more  It’s also a story of growing up, searching for independence, getting to know yourself, other people and the world around you, and the perils of sharing a kitchen with a werejaguar who is a total slob.

Tag: Tales from the Witch House

2) All The Roads that Led Us Here (working title) My current Camp NaNoWriMo project for July. It's a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers m/m romance masquerading as a high fantasy spy novel, full of tragic misunderstandings, bold attempts on political intrigues, and all of my favorite tropes I could think of. It's the story of Elthani Daicel, a mage working for a spy organization that serves the crown. He is sent undercover into a group of magically gifted rebels threatening to disrupt order in the empire and usurp the throne. The leader of the rebels is Elthani's former best friend, a traitor to the spy organization Elthani's working for.

Tag: The Fantasy Spy Romance

3) One Pill to Make You A weird horror/urban fantasy story where cults achieve powers and recruit new members by using pills made of demon blood and bone. Allen, the MC, doesn't know the first thing about this and if he did know, he wouldn't care, because he generally isn't into the habit of caring about anything other than himself. However, when after a night out his roommate Paul starts exhibiting weird powers and making weird friends, it disrupts the rhythm of Allen's own life and thus leads him to investigate. Which is, of course, why he accidentally travels far down the rabbit hole and into the depths of the demonic occult underground.

Tag: One Pill to Make You

WIPs in Revision, First Drafts Complete

4) The Untitled "Superpunk" Novel The setting is a classical bleak cyberpunk corporate dystopia, but with superheroes. Or, well, with mostly morally grey superpowered individuals. Some of them work for the corporations. Others are freelancers, also known as criminals, also known as villains, also known as rebels and liberators. Oh, and there are also people who refuse to use that serum that can either give you superpowers or kill you, but who still work closely with the not-quite-heroes. In this world, three young women learn that a very dangerous man who once held all of them hostage isn't quite as dead as they thought. Which means it's time to team up and get ot him before he gets to them.

Tag: The Main Superpunk Novel

5) The Mask You Wear (very working title). Side-story to the previous untitled one, set in the same "Superpunk" 'verse. Keith has spent most of his adult life defending the innocents of Delta-City as a proud member of HeroCorps. Or so the representatives of the HeroCorps told him two years ago, when he woke up in the hospital with amnesia after a very bad fight with a very bad guy. Keith sees no reason no to believe them. He likes his life. He likes helping people. He likes being a superhero. His aversion to the very idea of getting his memories back is completely normal; the doctors told him so. And HeroCorps employs only the best doctors, so everything`s definitely fine. Except now there's a new supervillain in town, and his very existence causes Keith to start asking questions he didn't know he had and looking for answers he isn't going to like.

Tag: The Secondary Superpunk Novel

6) [Still Searching for a Title] This is a really weird one that needs to be not so much revised as completely rewritten. I finished the first draft/draft zero a couple of years ago when I was in a really dark state of mind, and it shows both in the very dubious quality of writing and in the plot. It's an urban fantasy where going through severe trauma and developing mental problems as a result also might give a person magical powers. The powers fade if the mind is healed, so a lot of the magicians who grow used to depending on their powers are always searching for the delicate balance between being sane enough and powerful enough. I'm not sure this story could pass all the sensitivity checks and not offend anyone by its existence. For me, though, it's kind of really therapeutic, and I also love the three characters it focuses on, and I really want to make something coherent and hopefully coherent out of it one day.

Tag: The Untitled Urban Fantasy

WIPs in the Very Early Stage

7) My People's Keeper This is still more of a plot bunny than an actual WIP, although I do have a handful of scenes written for it and a rough outline. Theoretically, it's the first book in a trilogy full of characters I already love, my favorite magic system I've created to date, and lots of worldbuilding bits and plot points I'm very excited about. But I'm really wary of actually writing it, because, well, the plot revolves around an empire colonizing smaller countries and sort of expects the reader to empathize with the main characters from that empire, and once again, I'm not certain if the result wouldn't turn out offensive for a number of future potential readers, so I have a lot of doubts.

Tag: My People's Keeper

8) Sunlight in Shadow / The City of Gods and Monsters (two working titles I'm trying to choose between) It's currently in that stage where I have a lot of ideas, a lot of worldbuilding and a number of characters, but no real actual story. Once I have one, it's going to be about a continent-sprawling post-apocalyptic fantasy city, lots of religious tension and gods reincarnated as not-quite-mortals, searching for each other in the dark.

Tag: The City of Gods and Monsters

9) Burning Things Based on an old NaNoWriMo project that had some good stuff in it, but it got buried under lots and lots of boring and making less than enough sense stuff that somehow seemed exciting at that time, and then I kind of lost the story underneath it all. Once I figure it out properly, it's going to be a young adult novel about very troubled teens in a magical school and all the awful things teens do to themselves and each other just because they're hurting. Especially when you give them magic.

Tag: Burning Things

10) The Untitled Little Mermaid Retelling What it says on the tin. Once I figure the plot out entirely, it's going to be very political, sort of "a cold war story in a fantasy kingdom," and with a queer romance at the center, because who needs Prince Charming for the mermaid when you can have Princess Sarcastic instead?

Tag: The Little Mermaid Retelling

11) The Race Against the Prophecy (very working title) Something I'm developing in collaboration with Val, my friend who's not currently on Tumblr as far as I know. When a family learns their adopted is the Chosen One destined to fight and kill the Fallen God (who needs a better name/title) when she turns sixteen, all three of them are appropriately horrified. Because honestly, who'd want a fate like that for their kid? So, of course, they gather some friends and head to get rid of the Fallen God themselves.

Tag: Against the Prophecy

Yeah, I know. That's a lot of WIPs. Which is exactly why, when life leaves me with little free time, I have no time at all for anything other than writing. :D

[convenientalias]

@attoliasirenides said @convenientalias so why queen of attolia?  (attempt to start a conversation about my favorite book and character of all time even though KOA is better written QOA has more Irene.                            

(Sorry I can’t respond to comments, I can only copy and paste...but anyways...let me talk about QoA for just a minute pls. I said it was my favorite book and I did not lie. Also, no one ever asks me stuff like this.)

There are a couple reasons. First of all it has to do with the time in my life when I read the books, since I read all of them months apart from each other. And of course I was shocked every time the style/POV changed. Queen of Attolia was the worst shock, since I had only read The Thief at that point, and I was probably a bit too young for it ;) so I had very mixed feelings. While there were elements I loved (which I will get to in a second) I hated how long it took Gen to get over his injury--the whole “recovering from trauma” aspect was something it took me a while longer to appreciate. And I was annoyed by the slow pace of the book. But then I reread it over and over again, and as I got older I appreciated it more and more.

I have a theory that eventually my favorite may become a different book in the series because I haven’t reread the others as much, but then there are other reasons it’s my favorite two.

So now the actual, slightly more objective reasons:

Queen of Attolia has the highest concentration of Irene. THIS IS A HUGE POINT IN ITS FAVOR. I’m just gonna say right now that I loved Irene even reading The Thief, and I was really excited when QoA made her more sympathetic without taking away her coldness and brutality, her ability to do what was necessary. If anything, it expanded on those aspects of her. I just really love female villains, and while Irene isn’t really a villain anymore, she still has everything I like about them: the power, the ruthlessness, the ability to actually effect change in the book and be a threat to the protagonist. SO cool. And she’s allowed to be those things and also be selfless, focused on her country rather than herself. And have a vulnerable side as well, and even fall in love. Without losing her edge. SUCH A GOOD CHARACTER.

Queen of Attolia also has a more coherent plot than King of Attolia. (Sorry, KoA, you’re right up there with my favorites but I’m gonna diss you right now.) For a couple reasons: One, it follows two main character arcs rather than skipping all over the place with side characters. Two, it has a clear objective: Get Gen out of his funk and end the war. Three, it has a well defined romantic subplot which ties the two main character arcs together. KoA is a good book but it doesn’t have a very centralized plot and it also lacks the epic stakes of QoA. It’s kind of like the difference in the Prydain Chronicles between, say, The Black Cauldron and Taran Wanderer: One is a game-changing tale of adventure and intrigue and the other is a character focused interlude.

KoA is focused on a smaller time frame and the development of matters at court, and showing one specific character’s rise to power: Gen. But we already know Gen is a good king, and we already know he’s going to get the court to respect him. It feels like a drawn out version of the end of QoA, with an added outsiders’ perspective. I think it’s necessary for the series (we do have to see how Gen gets his country’s loyalty), and it’s a lot of fun as a character study, but overall it’s just not as...large? It also feels more like a series of scenes than a novel, with every scene trying to outdo the last. Look, here’s Gen ATTACKED BY ASSASSINS. NOW HE’S MAKING OUT WITH THE QUEEN. But wait, wait, HE’S REVEALING SEJANUS’ TREASON! HE’S CONFRONTING RELIUS! But wait there’s more WE’RE SAVING TELEUS FROM CERTAIN DOOM. NOW WE’RE WALL CLIMBING! MY LIFE HAS BEEN SAVED BY THE GODS!

I love all these scenes but they come VERY close together. QoA has a better sense of pacing and rhythm.

QoA also feels more unpredictable. It has better twists. It has plot twists that threw me for a loop the first time round because you can see how they are set up but they still feel like they come out of nowhere. Whereas KoA has plot twists that come out of nowhere because you have no fucking clue what’s going on. Better written? I don’t see where you’re getting that.

It’s also easier to get emotionally invested in QoA. I’m going to be brutally honest here and upset half the fandom: I don’t care about Costis. He’s nice. But I don’t care about him. And do I care about Baron Erondites’ sons? Do I care about this random girl named Heiro who appears in like two scenes? Not really, no. I mean, Megan Whalen Turner MAKES me care about them, and now that I’ve read KoA I could discuss them for hours, but fundamentally I care about Irene and Eugenides a lot more than them (or than Sophos, which knocks out Conspiracy of Kings, another excellent novel). Now, KoA also does a great job with Teleus and Relius, which is great, and it did make me ultimately invest myself in Costis and Dite and Sejanus and whoever. But like. We also meet like five hundred other characters who only get a very base level of characterization because we just don’t have time. And that’s good, in that it sets up some fun and complex political intrigue. But when I’m trying to balance five different barons, eighteen attendants and six thousand other people, it’s hard for me to care about any of them individually. Oh, and btw, you know how KoA shows Gen from an outside perspective that gradually grows more sympathetic and shows him as both legendary and human? Completely fails to do that for Irene. Only QoA, so far, manages to give her that depth-though I haven’t read Thick As Thieves yet.

But moving on. I’m gonna stop dissing KoA and go back to praising QoA now. Sorry, KoA. But...you got some problems.

QoA’s portrayal of Eugenides going through a hard time and eventually getting through it is emotionally wearing and TOUGH. It’s the one book of the series where the protagonist really GOES THROUGH HELL, to the extent that when you come to the scene where he steals the magus, you feel the strongest catharsis of possibly any point in the series. And even then it’s not over-the aftermath of him losing his hand and Irene’s cruelty to him continues and has lasting effects on the series. This is the book that really shapes Eugenides out of the rough material of The Thief’s Gen. Without QoA, Eugenides is just a clever and determined trickster. Sure, he’s kind as well, and he has his own weaknesses. But QoA forces a level of pain, suffering and growth on him that none of the other books can match. It’s his personal crucible.

Also, just saying. The two best scenes of this entire fucking series are probably the proposal scene and the scene where Gen’s hand gets cut off. Megan Whalen Turner has been trying ever since (look, Sophos has a gun! GEN CAN STEAL SWORDS FROM ASSASSINS) but she hasn’t yet topped them. They’re too good. The scene where Gen’s hand gets cut off is just viscerally cruel and shocking, and it’s the first time we see Gen lose. It will never affect us that much again. And the proposal scene...well, it’s a bit more personal but I really really love Gen and Irene together and I absolutely did not expect it to happen. And I think it was that way for everyone.

So yeah. I could probably come up with about fifty other reasons it’s The Best, but basically I have a lot of love for it and I do actually think it is a better book. What do you think about it? I gather you have a love for it as well.

[aqlyrics-blog]

Let's Take Them To War

New Post has been published on http://purelyrics.net/lyrics/royce-da-59-lets-take-war/

Let's Take Them To War

–Part 1 – Moves Remix–

Yeah Yeah 808 Mafia

I’ve been had the moves (been had the moves) I got the moves since I got my studio (I got my studio) I got confused (Hella confused) I can’t figure out for the life of me how I can lose (How can I lose?) How I can lose? (how can I lose?) But I’ve been had moves (I got the moves)

I got I Decided on pre order, my lil homie just went gold I hock a loogie on a reporter, Detroit is on Pete Rose That’s arms strong on steroids, gated up no wing toes My phones blowing up so much a nigga may end up like Cee-Lo I bounce back like the fattest ass you can have attached to the fattest hips and anything after this shall be considered cataclysmic Countin’ packs like a statisician Emphatic charisma Savage enigma I have a religion to handle your rhythm like cannibalism The camera rollin’ and it’s time to flow I don’t know I just go carnival I’m from Motown you know I can just line up the hollow tips inside the clip And I can just go down the road And knock ’em down like some dominoes After you already out then I’m dropping some more like you 2Pac and the commandos Watching my comments like papparazi watching Sasha Obama grow I got Elijah Mohammed glow I got the dough these rappers claim they got at the house in my drawer in the envelope My focus phenomenal My temperature so hot and cold I broke the thermometer Guarantee I will kill the flow This remind me of LaLa Anthony ass in that New Edition movie Niggas tryin’ to cover it up and make her look old Guarantee I’m a still steal the show I been had the moves I remember these bitches was just a dream Actresses and models I used to only see on television Now they be climbin’ out of my television lookin’ at me to get the ring I remember all I used to be around is dudes that used to try to just kill by me Choppin’ and conceal bodies Used to clean up the bloody mess up in front of me I had to holla at a tube I had to still deal with that field sobriety Had to do a double take at the dirty mop when he was finished Looked like Lil Yachty Nigga, I went to jail for the whole year I got out and I did the same thing you wack ass rappers do when y’all got your little show here I came right out to booze Straight right out the news Right off the cover of a magazine Had the magazine with me at the club showing people like “Look at this and please try not to drool” I fuck a Stacy thick ass for all the days she used to make me work And Tracy slick ass but not before I fuck April first Translation I’m bout to fool Y’all countin’ me out well I got you 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, here I count for you Biiitch

Last time took an ‘L’, now it’s time to bounce back (I been had the moves) I was broke as hell, now it’s time to bounce back (I got the moves) Every time I fail I got up and bounced back (I been had the moves) And nothing y’all can tell me about that bounce back

Last time took an ‘L’, now it’s time to bounce back (I been had the moves) I was broke as hell, now it’s time to bounce back (I got the moves) Every time I fail I got up and bounced back (I been had the moves) And nothing y’all can tell me about that bounce back

–Part 2 – No Hook Remix–

I’m doing this cause this what God want me to do These lyrics is ordained by the Lord You gon’ get these bars For free

It’s bad half and finally famous The weapon’s Iranian Y’all niggas is Pomeranian My damie y’all Pootie Tang Nigga I’m Damien Shots drop from out of my cranium My mind is Lebron drainin’ em Five finger ring titanium Already in your top 5 Now my dingaling now dangling I’m flyer than Tom Chambers on the first NBA Live Double pumping from the three point NBA line On that war page with that 24 gauge But when I double pump it I’m prime Chamberlain Every track on the record got a background message “We don’t back down ever!” I’m putting the autobiographical book out with the Book of Ryan I just let my bitch in LA read, now that sounds epic My mind carries words You couldn’t walk a mile in my patent leather Larry Bird black con weapons I hope you know there’s more fish that’s in the sea I stole ya ho, we been kissing like we been sitting in a tree And these ho’s in Detroit be trickin’ sooo much They can completely gooo up a magician’s sleeve You’re totally awesome While I pour 40’s on corners for those we lost My soul suffers from holy exhaustion Trippin’ on opium just to cope with openin’ coffins The devil sittin’ close enough to me to quote me an offer Keep the union in unison like the Soviet’s marching We goin’ iron for iron like a trophy in golfing My nigga, better yet, I feel like the only man who can understand me is Sloth from The Goonies Cause he retarded as fuck, on a boat with a treasure chest That makes perfectly good sense That’s exactly how my career went Like a fuckin’ experiment I got a lot on my mind that I gotta deal with First of all, my favorite uncle died and favorite auntie died I missed both of they funerals fuckin’ around with rappers So every day and every night my conscience cries I’m stressed out because my moms be tired, pops be workin’ And Lord knows I done threw enough dollars on the floor in the past for moms to retire That’s why I be in the lab and my mind be wired Trying to figure it out fast before my time expires Man, but it’s this one thing that always on my fucking mind and it haunts me constantly guys And that’s why in the fuck have I not at least tried to get in between Ashanti’s thighs I’m feeling like a straight sucker I faced the vibration My sober, righteous life only got a place for my lady But maybe I can ask my lady for permission She can give me a hall pass like Jason Sudeikis This audio porn I’m giving with a bit of sense A mind fuck if you will I’m from Detroit but if I send you to the store with a large bill for some little shit Bitch, I was born by a river in a little tent Now I just ride with six vehicles with an ill tint I’m cut from the kind of cloth that’ll never go outta style With or without the internet my shit’ll still trend That’s why I’m still standing with everything I came with Cool as a Jacuzzi everything in me is built in Nah, I don’t borrow I’d rather discuss loaning I’m ready to go to war with whoever the fuck want it Y’all weigh your respect against your release date I’m just an artist dog I don’t know how to be fake I don’t want no problems dog I don’t wanna be apart of nothing with lies involved I don’t want no phone that receives a thousand calls I don’t need to be around a thousand smiling broads With they hands out Probably couldn’t survive without em all But they can’t vouch for who the next sucker