Excerpt from The amber spyglass: chapter 16: The intention craft

Johnshi HCs

I'm sorry most of these aren't explicitly romantic I just have so many HCs about the two of them it's driving me crazy.

Johnny holds Kenshi by the waist, Kenshi holds Johnny by the shoulder or the bicep. After some time Kenshi starts to go for his hand instead.

Johnny is on his phone all of the time. Kenshi will either avoid the internet for a week or plays chess on the computer at the kitchen table for a day straight without talking to anyone (secretly uses Sento for this).

Kenshi has good spirits (literally) when it comes to his blindness, but can get very defensive when others pity him for it. Johnny is the only other person he will let touch his blindfold, take it off, or wash it.

Kenshi doesn't love the name "Johnny Cage" and thinks that "John Carlton" suits him. Johnny thinks that it sounds like an "old man's name"

Kenshi would visit Johnny on set sometimes but not say or do anything but sit in the background and watch him in silence until he was done.

Speaking of that- Kenshi had a good time filming in Outworld for Johnny's movie (made him feel like an action hero), but absolutely refused to watch the parts he was in.

Kenshi thought Johnny's movies were mostly cheesy before and after meeting him. However, he ended up rewatching all of them and got excited when there was news he got cast for a new one (before they started to officially date).

Johnny was a pretty good student growing up who made A's and B's as per expectations of his parents but hated school because he got picked on. He got into a decent university where he ended up falling in love with physics. He accidentally became famous around the time he was 20 (maybe he got street casted and went viral?) and had to balance acting with school to get his pHD. He is that school's most famous alumni.

Kenshi was mostly homeschooled by his parents and did not show much attention in academics in his youth due to his intense upbringing in the yakuza. This is something that he regrets but accepts that it wasn't really his choice to begin with. However he is quite knowledgable, knows broadly about history and literature, and can speak multiple languages (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, English, Spanish). He also learns braille relatively fast after losing eyesight.

Kenshi thinks it's so hot that Johnny has a pHD but also thinks its so strange he doesn't do anything with it. (It's a backup plan so he can write textbooks if his career tanks)

Johnny is great at drawing due to it being a hobby growing up stemming from him being a major comic book fan. Kenshi isn't very artistic however used to be able to do mediocre calligraphy (a skill he learned from his parents) before he became blind.

Kenshi breaking into Cage Mansion the second Cris left was admittedly pretty awkward for him (but he was too distracted by Sento to rly care).

Kenshi tries to not let it get to him, but he is saddened by the fact he cannot read properly anymore. Johnny tries to support him by buying him every audiobook in every language he understands. Kenshi will sometimes ask Johnny to read to him mostly because he loves the sound of his voice.

At first, Kenshi tried to get Sento to help him with daily tasks (cooking, cleaning, etc.), but after talking to Kuai Liang he tries not to rely on Sento on anything non-kombat related.

Kenshi has a slight lisp (I'm sorryyyy this isn't rly a hc but you can hear it in his intro dialogues he still sounds like a badass tho i think it's super cute thank god for Vic Chao)

Johnny makes their home a "smart home" a.k.a 30 Alexas in every room of their place, and a Samsung fridge he can live tweet from while making green juice.

Kenshi sometimes used to drive with Sento in the back seat and got arrested for it one time. Now he gets told off by Johnny for it every time he tries it again.

Kenshi will only drink milky coffee (lattes, cappuccinos, etc.) and prefers tea. Johnny hates coffee and tea and pounds red bull in the morning.

Kenshi used to care a lot about his personal style and mostly only wore suits and dress attire. After losing his eyesight, he didn't care as much anymore and just focused on wearing things that were comfortable (sweatpants, sweaters)

Johnny buys Kenshi soft fluffy things to wear all the time. Kenshi always says it's unnecessary but ends up wearing it anyway.

In MK1 Johnny is 32, and Kenshi is 39 (I like the idea of Kenshi being old it just makes sense to me). It both amuses and horrifies Kenshi that he's dating a white man 7 yrs his junior.

Johnny calls him "old man Takahashi" and Kenshi just goes along with it and says "get off my lawn you punk" or something LOL

I think Kenshi was more of the brawny "tough guy" of the yakuza than the suave, seductive type. He has more of an awkward and stony personality. And the fact that he was desperate to get out makes me think he wouldn't entertain the "flirty" role of the job. (a.k.a Kenshi is BAD at flirting unlike a certain someone)

Johnny sometimes helps Kenshis clunky azz samurai gear on before he engages in kombat. Johnny is also the reason Kenshi sometimes gives up and just wears a suit.

Kenshi shops like an old Asian dad. LOVES Costco, will eat all of the samples. Will buy everything on sale even if he doesn't need it. Will not take Johnny with him because his megastardom ruins the peace of being unrecognized. Has taken Raiden with him though. Will use Johnny's credit card. Johnny is dismayed that he hasn't taken a liking to Erewhon and Whole Foods

When Johnny isn't there with him at night Kenshi will play his movies and fall asleep to the sound of his voice

Kenshi will have sex with the blindfold on. He will fall asleep next to Johnny with it off.

Kenshi doesn't like sleeping with the blindfold on, but was worried it would scare or disgust Johnny in some way. It doesn't and it never did. In fact, Johnny appreciates the intimacy that it creates.

astrology observations 3 🛼

although libra risings don’t have a very specific look, they still manage to find dopplegangers of themselves 

ex: charli damelio is a libra rising and there have been countless people on tiktok who others claim to be her lookalike

where someone else’s personal planets fall into your houses or vice versa can predict what you guys talk about

ex: with 2nd house synastry, i found myself always talking to them about finances and material possessions, such as the things we recently bought

ex: with 3rd house synastry, i found myself always talking to them about my day to day life, “how was your day” is my go to conversation starter with them

ex: with 6th house synastry, i found myself always talking to them about daily tasks that coincidently we had to do together, they worked well within my routine

ex: with 9th house synastry, i found myself talking to them a lot of about my education and belief systems, very philosophical conversations in nature

with 4th house synastry you will feel really comfortable around the person, it’s a familial type of bond

scorpio energy honestly isn’t as intense and mysterious as people make it out to be, they usually exude a really bright and lively energy instead, the only exception being scorpio moon imo

leo mercuries have a dramatic and theatrical way of speaking, usually the loudest in the room and when underdeveloped use it to their advantage to garner attention

libra mercuries have very satisfying and almost liquid smooth voices to listen to, would make a great audiobook narrator

capricorn mercuries may drag out their words slowly when speaking, talks in a firm and serious tone, can also unintentionally come off as if they think they’re better than you

pisces mercuries are so unintentionally funny, the type to blurt out things randomly when nobody asked or talk about a story only to lose their train of thought within the first 30 seconds and go off topic, so random but love them regardless

aquarius mercuries honestly are kind of off-putting in a conversation, can say things that are unconventional and they may or may not even believe to get a rise out of people, quirky types

scorpio mercuries can say a whole lot while simultaniously revealing nothing about themselves, can leave you wondering what was left unsaid, and the type to casually bring up something about themselves that you would’ve never expected of them out of the blue

sagittarius mercuries can appear to have an accent when talking even if they don’t, also the type to go on entertaining tangents that leave people either laughing or questioning the conversation by the time they’re done, preachy types

tauruses have a very distinct sense of smell, can usually relate a scent to a past experience or make a detailed explanation of what it reminds them of

the celebrity crushes you had as a kid probably have placements that fall into your first house

thank you for reading!

Harry Potter Rec Fest Day 10 - Fest Fics

Outside of @etl-echo-audiobooks fests (see Winter Wonderfics 2022 and Draco's Quarter Life Crisis Fest 2023), this is my first year participating in fests, including @hprecfest. I've had so much fun and met some really lovely people. I'm so grateful to this fandom for being so welcoming and constantly coming up with new, fun ideas for fests. And of course to all the participating authors, artists, podficcers, and endlessly patient and hardworking mods for shepherding all these new works out into the universe.

Amorous As This Lovely Green written by @annanother-thing for @hd-fan-fair Career Fair Pairing: Lingerie Designer Draco x Unwilling Celebrity Harry Word count: 14,646 Rating: E

This fic just flies by. The descriptions are so great, I could picture every lacy frill of the lingerie that Harry models. It's hot and sweet and has typically great banter. Thank you @annanother-thing! And an additional thank you to @hd-fan-fair; they've really developed something special. Besides the more than a decade's worth of fics they've collected, they have a competitive reading contest to encourage commenting and reccing during the anonymous posting period. It was so much fun to participate and I encourage everyone to join in next year! And read everything from this year's fest; it's a treasure trove of really interesting and diverse fics.

Rainfall written by Saras_Girl Podfic by @semperfiona recorded for @hpdrizzle 2019 Pairing: Draco x Harry Word count: 4,420 Length: 30:09 Rating: T

No one who has been in the Drarry world for a while needs me to rec them Saras_Girl, who would be on the Mt. Rushmore of Drarry writers, if that were a thing that existed. So this rec is really for @semperfiona, who is an exemplary podficcer with over 50 podfics under her belt. This fic is very sweet (part of Saras_Girl's Fluffy!Verse) and @semperfiona renders it perfectly in audio form.

************************************************************************

And a couple of little self-recs ...

Only Happy When It Rains written by @pineau-noir for @hpdrizzle 2020 Podfic read by Cailynwrites for @hpdrizzle 2023 Pairing: Draco x Harry Word count: 13,604 Length: 1:29:25 Rating: T

@pineau-noir's summary is too perfect not to include:

Weather-Be's, the up-and coming business of Draco Malfoy, guarantees* perfect weather for your event! If you need warm sunshine, Weather-Be's will provide it. If you want atmospheric fog, we can make that happen. We have a 100%** success rate at giving you the weather you want. *guarantee invalid if Harry Potter is in attendance **success rate drops to 97% when Harry Potter's attendance at events is counted

Draco is hilarious in this fic and so is little Scorpius! I love Draco with an interesting job, especially when Harry manages to screw it up somehow.

Out of Place written by faelyee for @snarryauctoberfest 2021 Podfic read by Cailynwrites for @snarryauctoberfest 2023 Pairing: Harry x Severus Word count: 28,102 Length: 3:08:01 (11 chapters) Rating: T

I was excited when I found this fic, because it's not just one AU, it's a bunch. Harry is traveling through various alternative universes trying to get back to his own. There's one common thread throughout: Severus. This fic is heartbreaking and sad because not all AUs are bad for Harry. When I decided to record this, I hadn't really thought about the number of characters I would need to voice, including some original characters. I think it's worth a listen or a read on the strength of the writing alone.

I’m a bit late to the party, but thank you SO much for answering me super fast! I so appreciate your ultra-in-depth response about Mirion and Arvellas’s fates. Although I still weep on weekends, it’s helped me so much with my own story! And all the supplemental headcanon info on Mirkwood as a society has been invaluable to me as well! (Also thank you so much for your update on my Lindir fic! Please don’t worry about the length of time! When I submitted the request I shot for maybe having it as a Christmas present or New Year’s treat! But any time I receive it l’ll savor it all the same!)

I wanted to ask though, are there any writing exercises or prompts that you do to train your writing muscles? I find that I have a tougher time placing dialogue intentionally where it needs to be, and I struggle with showing, not telling. I plan my stories and chapters, which helps me a TON, but I still have issues. I’m coming back to writing after abandoning it in about 2018 because of uni and life. But now I wanna come back, which is why I’m writing my story, but I feel so rusty. Any tips/suggestions on how/what to write to improve on these skills?

Thank you so much for all your help. I really appreciate you. Your account’s richer than the mines of Moria for great writing content!

- Mithril

Hello Mirthril my friend!

Boy, am I glad I was able to answer your Ask quickly last time, because this one is laaaaate. I hope you'll forgive me that, but I have been pondering over your question since I received it.

My impostor syndrome tends to rear its ugly head whenever someone asks me for writing advice. I am against false modesty and all for giving oneself due credit, so I will say that I am a pretty damn good writer. (And I certainly hope so; I suck at math and most left-brain skills, so this is all I've got, haha!) However, I wouldn't call myself top-tier in the fanfic writer's world. Even though I have been doing this for many years, I still struggle with any aspects of my writing--in the same ways you described!

But you asked so kindly and I want to be able to offer you something, so here are the few tips I could think of that personally work for me, in addressing the challenges you described:

SotWK's Writing Strategies and Tips

Writing exercises or prompts

I actually suffer from having too many ideas, so I don't seek or invite new prompts often. I lean on the endless stream of wackadoo ideas in my brain, or the lovely suggestions and requests that come into my (always open) Ask Box.

I exercise things that I'm weakest at, and right now that's my speed and focus. I currently write at an abysmal 6-7 wpm (about 200 words every 30 minutes). Embarrassingly slow! I very recently discovered sprinting on Discord servers, and so far it's been effective in training me to focus on just getting words down as quickly as I can. I highly recommend it! I think with time it will gradually bump up my wpm.

If you really would like prompts to get you going, there are plenty of prompt games floating around the Tolkien fandom. You can also source them from writing groups, such as @fellowshipofthefics, the one I currently belong to. Their January Trope Roulette, for example, is so much fun! Amazing support group for Tolkien writers, and more importantly--very chill, no pressure.

Dialogue

This is tricky for everyone, and definitely exposes a writer's style and ability to speak in the voice of different characters (I think that's why writers stress about it). You gotta do it with accuracy and range, so it IS a challenge!

If you want to get as close to the characters' voices as Tolkien wrote them, then the obvious strategy seems to be to immerse yourself in the source material. Read the books. Watch the movies (which are pretty faithful, tone/dialogue wise).

When writing Tolkien fanfic, I am constantly browsing through my books (having ebook copies helps), playing the trilogies in the background, or listening to the audiobooks (I have the Andy Serkis versions). It's a little bit like method acting. If you drown yourself in the character's voices enough, you'll actually start talking like them in your head. You'll pick up on the language, the word choices, the pace of the dialogue within the story.

This is the reason I personally don't hop around fandoms (Tolkien only), and I stay away from modern AUs or crack fics. I prefer to preserve that Middle-earth tone and voice and keep it consistent in my writings.

You can also draw inspiration from other period/medieval/fantasy works! My frequent go-to's are ASOIAF/Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon, Pride and Prejudice, and even Downtown Abbey works!

This last one might be extra weird, but I am a writer who leans heavily on fancasts/actors for inspiration. I like seeing a clear face and hearing a distinct voice for the character I am writing. It truly helps me write dialogue. For this reason, I fancast every major character that appears in my fics, and I usually pick big-name actors. Why? Because they have more movies/tv shows I can watch and listen to!

Fun fact: While writing my Éomer fic (which was VERY dialogue heavy), I listened to the first 7 minutes of Dredd SO MANY TIMES over and over just to imbibe Karl Urban's voice--I'm surprised the Netflix app didn't crash.

Showing, not telling

Here's one thing to try: Use "said" or "said + adverb" more often than you think you should, instead of trying to force a substitute. Or don't use a speech verb at all. This will force you to get a bit more descriptive about the characters' specific condition or actions. (Example from my fic: “Anywhere. Far enough to take you away from all this--” Éomer swung out his free arm in a gesture as wild as the fervor in his eyes. “Away from everything that is confusing you.”)

Visualizing a clear picture in my head helps me with the showing, and writing descriptions. Besides daydreaming and staring off into space, watch cinematic masterpieces, and train yourself to use words to describe what you are seeing.

But personally, I think purple prose and lack of brevity is the bigger issue in many fanfics (including my own). We need to remember there's nothing wrong with being straightforward in our storytelling and descriptions, because it speeds up the story pace or at least gives it more variety.

Shaking off Rust

Nothing else to do but just do it, my friend! :)

Whenever I feel rusty or blah about my current projects, I just shuffle over to a different WIP, or if it's really bad--start a new one!

As long as you're getting words down and you're happy and satisfied, you're doing it right.

Lean on writing friends for help and inspiration. We are a community here, regardless of the whisperings that "fandom is dying". It will stay alive and thriving if we keep it so!

Anyway, that's my non-professional, semi-bogus advice regarding things that work for me! Hopefully you can find something in there that works for you too.

Thank you as always for your kind words, and I wish you the best of luck--and LOTS OF FUN--in your writing!

Hi I’m an 8th/9th grade teacher and I’m looking to buy some new books for my classroom and you seem to be reading a lot of YA recently!! Would you mind sharing some recommendations you think are uh appropriate for me to purchase through the school? You seem to read a lot of fantasy/sci fi/romance which is a lot of what my kids like 🥰 thanks!

YA fantasy/scifi and romance! Yessss I can!

I just finished Legendborn by Tracy Deonn and started it's sequel today and it was AMAZING. Highly recommend. It's a King Author + magic retelling, Black Main Character written by a Black Author and done SO WELL because duh, own voices. It's dark academia fantasy and such a killer debut novel FOR SURE. And it's got a the classic YA love triangle and some romance thrown in too. Plus February is Black History Month, great time to support BIPOC authors 💜 (Duolgoy)

Scythe by Neil Shusterman is a YA SciFi dystopian and its SO GOOD. It's a story about how in the future, death no longer exists. The only way a human can die is by being gleaned, aka murdered, by the Scythes. They are trained to deal out death to those who deserve it and contain the human population in the most humane way possible. Yet, there is lots of betrayals and power plays and double crossings happening between those in power of the Sycthe organization. And yes, a very cute side plot romance here too (Trilogy)

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. It's a YA Paranormal Urban Fantasy. It's actually like the YA verison of one of my favorite adult series of hers and it's set in the same world with little Easter eggs connecting the series. But can be read as a standalone trilogy. It follows Chloe discovering she is a necromancer and thrust into this supernatural world and all that comes with it, including a werewolf love interest and the classic YA love triangle and romance. Still so good honestly too. (Trilogy)

This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab. It's a YA Dark Urban Fantasy that basically explores the overall themes of how humans can be the monsters too. It's SO GOOD. Basically 2 kids of powerful men on either side of a war that is destroying their city, must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake.... and while one is human, one might be something else entirely 👀 Literally it's so good. And yes, it does end up having romance too (Duology)

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas. It's a YA Paranormal fantasy story about a gay trans boy who while trying to get his family to accept both his gender and his powers (the men are traditionally spirit guides and the women are healers), accidentally summons a ghost, who then refuses to move on. And yes, its got a VERY sweet and cute romance here too. Plus own voices trans rep (Standalone)

Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman. A YA SciFi Trilogy where it's one of the most unique formats of crafting a story I've ever read. It's told through a series of files and emails and transcripts and it's SO FUN. It follows the story of Kady and Ezra and the journey they go on after their tiny space mining colony was attacked and destroyed. And oh yeah, they had just recently broken up but they Still love each other 😏 and what in the AI happens in this book too! Lol (Trilogy)

And I really wasn't kidding about it being a uniquely written book and yet somehow the audiobooks are just as well done too lol

Warcross by Marie Lu. A SciFi YA Dystopian Novel that is basically like an emersive video game. It follows our main character as she becomes lowkey a spy and bounty hunter. Yes, it's got romance and betrayal and plot twists and rainbow hair and constant reminders that nothing is truly as it seems. And it's so good. (Duology)

As always, make sure you look up content warnings. I didn't list them here this time. But these are all scifi/fantasy YA novels that include a fun romantic side plot that I've LOVED when I read them. Hope this helps and thanks for asking! I have more I can suggest too of course

if you were inclined to, i think you'd sound great as a narrator. possibly reading audiobooks or something similar? i dont know what you enjoy well enough to say for sure, but it might suit you if you're looking for something you can do with your voice. hope you're having a good start to your week too :)

i've actually considered this! unfortunately my voice is p broken n goes in n out a lot n sometimes barely works at all, so i def would not do well w the amt of speech required for that. still, i will keep it in mind bc perhaps i'll find some occasion to do that for some particular material, but as far as a sustainable thing goes, i wouldn't be able to manage it.

i like ur thinking tho, n i appreciate u considering this on my behalf n suggesting it.

thank u bestie 🩵

banger tags on that post! lucien is def another great example of the boundless arrogance of mortals. such twisted parental authority. I love em both to bits.

also thanks for reminding me of that incredible speech. I can just HEAR the 'rudderless' in his voice immediately. so gooddd

aw thank you!! ;; ahH yes they both have such fascinating views. I remember it really struck me cause most people describe the gods as parents who abandoned their children. So it's so interesting to see mortals who instead view the gods as their wayward kids. There's also just something to me about how Zerxus is so clearly projecting his own grievances as a father and his strained relationship with his son, while Lucien can't help projecting the abusive childhood he had ;;

askslfgk yes his little villain monologues are sO fun and I adore Matt's Lucien voice so much,, would absolutely listen to the eyes of nine audiobook again just to hear Matt and Taliesin's purple tieflings--

So you like Big?- part four

Pairings: Clark Kent x Reader

Warnings: There is definite size kink, future office sex?, Clark Kent (yes he is a warning), language, I can't think of any thing else. There are some dom/sub themes but nothing to crazy. I guess I should also include that Lois Lane is a pretty shite person in this whole series.

Authors Note: THIS IS MY VERY FIRST REQUEST EVER! This whole thing comes from this lovely anon ask -"Hi Sweetie ! Can I request something fluffy/smutty with Clark Kent? He notices the reader has a size kink so he plays with her?" This is where all the good stuff happens. It is a bit of a slow burn based of an established friendship. It does get a little heavy at times but I promise there is a bunch more light hearted and steamy things coming. Thank you for reading.

Word Count:

Please do not copy rewrite, translate or repost my works. No permission is given to use my work in any capacity even with credit. I do not own Clark Kent , Henry Cavill or any of his characters.

Wednesday

  After yesterday there was nothing I wanted more than to stay home. I don’t like conflict, it makes me anxious and I feel more of it coming, but I buck up and go in. Surprisingly the day goes by without a hitch. Everyone is productive and polite. The whole office feels lighter. Hell I even hear the occasional laughter which hasn’t happened in forever. It’s nice. 

*ding*

Big: I’ve barely gotten to talk to you today. Come have lunch with me ? 

Honestly I can’t help the stupid grin that I get on my face. I text back : of course. 

*ding* 

Big: Great! Meet me in the hall gorgeous. 

Instantly my imagination takes a turn towards kinky. I mean my audiobook isn’t helping but still this is a little dramatic. I spend the next ten minutes until it’s time for my lunch break trying and failing not to imagine Clark whisking me away to some secluded part of the building and absolutely dominating me. Or the way his lips would feel as he eats me out. Or better yet what his cock would feel like. As soon as noon hits I fly out of my chair, the sound of Tiff’s suppressed giggle follows me as I  rush to meet Clark who is already waiting. He grins when he sees me. I don’t know why but that makes my chest flutter. We come in for a hug and I hear his deep slow inhale. A hum vibrates his chest as he keeps me close and whispers in my ear huskily “You smell mouth watering. Maybe you should call in the rest of the day.” I giggle and deflect  “Stop it. We both know I can’t do that.” He gets this look . “ But you would if you could?” I laugh a little again “Well yeah no one really wants to work all day Clark.” He nods gently, taking my hand as we walk. I lean against his shoulder and enjoy the feeling. The sun is warm on my skin and as we walk I find myself practically dosing. The low soft tone of Clarks voice pulls me from my head “Hey sweetheart you alright?” I hadn’t realized we were almost at Glorias. “Huh, oh yeah. Just kinda tired I guess. Haha.” He gives me a look cocking one eyebrow at me. “What?’ I ask. “Just makin’ sure my woman is alright that’s all. Come on let’s get you some food.” He says opening the door for me. I whisper a thank you and he just gives me that half smile that turns my insides to mush. 

Clarks POV 

There is nothing I currently love more than the adorable way that (y/n) is looking at me. The touches now charged with the Promise of so much more than I had ever dared to hope. The smiles a reflection of someone shedding the past and welcoming something beautiful and new. Fuck me she is so damn gorgeous. “Clark are you coming? Is everything alright?” “oh. Sorry about that. I was just thinking about how gorgeous you are.” Nessie comes over bright and cheery as always taking us to the secluded table that we always like. “I’m gonna put in y’all’s usual unless you want something else?” We both agree the usual is fine. “Alright. So what book are you reading?” I chuckle as she immediately blushes. “Uhhhh. Well it’s a romance.” (Y/N/N) doesn’t say anything else. Oh no she’s not getting off that easy. Well at least for this conversation anyway. “Hmmmmm,” I lower my voice an octave. “Okay. I’llguess then and you tell me yes or no. Sound good?” The blush deepens. “Yeah okay we can do that but you’ll never guess.” Awwwww this is going to be fun. “ Genre is Paranormal Romance?” She nods. “shifters?” another nod. “I’m going to guess bear shifters? Probably as what Lumberjacks, firemen, forest rangers?” “Yeah forest ranger.” “Okay so now we get to the fun part. size kink?” She jolts upright. “wtf Clark how do you know that?” I have been waiting to say this for a long time. “Because I know you. And you Sweetheart like them Big. Don’t you baby?” Well fuck I think I broke her. It takes her a minute to answer. “I’m not answering that.” I chuckle. “Okay. I can always test the theory. Now back to the book. I’m gonna say lumberjack bear shifter who is also a Dom. Or at least has Dom tendencies. Meets a cute curvy little thing while she is hiking one day and boom. He scents her sweet sugar cookie scent and he knows that they are meant to be. He takes the time getting to know her and they start dating. One night they go back to his cozy cabin where she learns that her big soft bear knows how to play her body like an upright bass. He even sniffs out her choking kink. He tells her how sweet she is. How good she is taking him. And so on. Am I close sweetheart?” She nods as Nellie comes over with our food. I let the food distract her and just enjoy sitting in her company as she eats and reads on her phone. I can smell her arousal. Like honey. Fuck me if I wasn’t hard from talking about the obvious smut book she is enjoying I am now. Achingly so. 

*ding*

(y/n/n) : out of morbid curiosity would you uh like to come over to my place this weekend?

Me: Did me talking about that book get you curious?

*ding*

(y/n/n) answer the question Kent. 

Me: I would love to come over this weekend. 

I can’t help the smirk that plays on my lips. I can’t wait to have her all to myself.

Holy Batmobile. Clark said he would come over this weekend. I am going to lose my mind. The rest of lunch is spent quietly, with Clark sending me heated glances that make my stomach flutter, and me refusing to wiggle in my seat as his words replay in my head. After lunch we hurry back to the office. I head over to my desk and set my bag down and head toward the back stairs. Before the stairs there is a small closet with various supplies, I stop there as an intern frantically rushes by with an overloaded mail cart, which swerves erratically as the big body of Clark trips and sends us both flying in to the closet. The door closes with a thud before either of us can catch it. “I am so sorry!” The intern practically yells as he tries to open the door. “The door is stuck, uhm I will call maintenance.” While the intern calls and talks to them I lean against the wall and sigh. Clark smirks. “What’s so funny Kent?” He doesn’t answer, just takes off his suit jacket and carefully places it on an empty shelf along with his shoulder bag. As he comes to stand in front of me I put my back firmly against the wall. Fuck. Every scene from every book or fanfiction about being locked in somewhere with the object of your desire races through my head. Clark stalks forward with all the predatory grace of a big cat. I’m pretty sure my mind blanks out as he cages me in with his body and forces eye contact. My lizard brain kicks in because all I can think is big he is big. So safe. So strong. So god damn big.

The Hobbit (1977) Review

Since there has been no new Middle Earth media since the Hobbit movie trilogy I thought it was a good time to revisit this classic from the late 70's. Since the books cannot be improved upon, and the movies were done in the exact right way at the exact right time...there's no need for there to be any new movies or tv shows based out of Tolkiens middle earth. Thankfully this indisputable fact is acknowedged by everyone and no future Tolkien projects are even in the works. This as a fan is something to be thankful for because any Tolkien work produced today would be absolutely cancerous and the kind of thing that nobody should or would want to watch. And so it is into the past fans must look for a good time in middle earth.

I've read the Hobbit three times in my life, normally I only ever read a book once, maybe twice if I really liked it so to have read a book 3 times means I not only consider it to be a very good book…I consider it to be one of the best books ever written, a book that's near perfect. A book that was as enjoyable as a child as it was as a full grown adult. I've also played the hobbit video game a couple times, and of course watched the Hobbit movies a few times as well. This 1970's cartoon version of the story however I have never seen before now. Partly the reason I avoided it was because the interpretation seemed different than both what I had seen from Peter Jackson which I loved and from what I myself imagined from the books themselves. Particularly I did not care for the character designs at all. Bilbo in particular looks like a giant frog that just somehow has white skin instead of green. Elrond was the weirdest with a weird sparkly halo that surrounded his face, and Gollum was a weird homunculus fish creature, Smaug looked more like a cat wolf hybrid than a dragon. The wood elves looked like goblins on stilts and had a weird accent that was part Indian, part Russian and part French. Even the spiders look like crosses between spiders, rabbits and bats. The characters faces look somehow both creepy and severe while also being cartoonish and silly. It's a bizarre merger between a fantastic art style and horrible design choices. However character designs aside the rest of the art looks terrific and I love it. The backgrounds look phenomenal and everything looks painstakingly drawn with great care and detail.

The sound quality isn't great and at times it can be hard to hear what the voice actors are saying, the voice acting is also not very good. It's almost more like it's an audiobook being read to you with visuals than it is a movie. It comes across like it could be just one guy sitting there with the book in his lap doing all the voices himself, the way a teacher or a parent would read a book to children. Smaug for example sounds like a bored old man waking up from a nap. The background music however is very good and suits the story and the art. The foreground music and original songs I don't care for though. Although I do finally get the reference from the Lemmywinks episode of South park though. I half expected Biblo to have to answer the catatafish riddles. It just doesn't work for me as a musical.

The pacing is also a little strange, you've barely been introduced to any of the characters and already ten minutes into the story and they are up to the part of the book where they run into the trolls. Which also look kind of stupid. Actually now that I look the art somewhat reminds me of a studio Ghibli anime, it looks like it had to have been animated in Japan at least. It's also got the signature classic cartoon style of the Rankin and Bass Christmas specials. It's like a combination of studio Ghibli anime and Rankin Bass holiday cartoon special. I'm not sure if I expect Totoro to show up or if I expected it to be animated with stop motion puppets.

The movie doesn't spend much time on major parts of the story, things are glossed over probably for time and animation costs. Major plot points are treated like slight diversions and some are resolved in minutes. At the approximate 45 minute mark they are dealing with the spiders, which leaves only about 30 minutes for the encounter with the wood elves, the stay in lake town, the journey into the mountain, the encounter with smaug, the death of Smaug, the battle of the five armies and the conclusion and journey home. That's a lot to stuff into 30 minutes. It's like the opposite of the problem with the Hobbit movie trilogy which stretched things out too much.

One other weird thing was the song placement, at one point there were lyrics about the trolls debating how to kill the dwarves but it was played during their escape from the goblins with the Eagles much later on in the story.

All in all I think this is a weird vestige from the stories past, something interesting if not anachronistic to watch once if you've never seen it before or as a way to introduce kids to the story. However I don't think it's good enough to be considered a definitive version of the story. I didn't hate it, it was okay and I can see myself liking it if I had watched it as a kid.

Audiobook Review: “The Breaking of the Fellowship”

(I didn’t have much to say about “Farewell to Lorien” or “The Great River”, save maybe some background things: like Frodo delightedly calling out “Haldir!” when they’re reunited with him, or Boromir’s voice getting completely drowned out by the noise of the rapids.)

(But I DO have something to say about the end of this chapter because I am PredictableTM and hobbits own my heart LOL)

First of all, let me just say that Aragorn’s “Wait a moment! We must divide up into pairs, and arrange��here, hold on! Wait!” while you can hear the hobbits yelling for Frodo in the background is (unintentionally??) Very FunnyTM

Secondly, Sam’s spiel to himself (that is, the “use your head” bit). I got a very clear idea in my head of what emotions I thought Sam was portraying in this section—which you can see in this comic—but in Mr. Dragash’s recording, he sounds close to tears the entire time, which is a fascinating take.

“Not without his Sam?!” He sounds so panicked and alarmed, oh my word.

Ohh, the way the music swells on “that’s hard, cruel hard”, right as Sam starts to get very upset. My heart.

“Back to the boats, Sam, [strained with effort to accelerate] like ligHTNING—” HAHAHA I LOVE HIM SO MUCH 🤣🤣

“He feel and cut his knees.” [Sam’s distant cry of “Oh no! Umph—”] “Up he got and ran on.” [Panting, and then the running noises resume, and “Frodo!”]

AAAAAAHHHHH THE WISTFUL PART OF THE SHIRE/FELLOWSHIP THEME, STOPPP

Very good sound design for the water!

What, no “exclamation of dismay” from Frodo?? 🥺 I mean at least in my comic I had him yell “SAM”.

“Save me, Mister Frod—” [Sam’s voice cuts off suddenly, and there’s a loud swirl of water, and then another rising splash, and Sam’s gasp and gagging and wet coughing.] “I’m drowned! I can’t see your hand!”

THE WAY HE SAYS “I won’t let you go” LIKE THAT’S SO SOFT AND HEARTFELT SHUT UP 😭😭😭

[Much more of Sam’s coughing on the background]

Okay this is hilarious to me because in my comic Frodo is actually a little bit p*ssed with Sam when he tells him off here, but in this audiobook he just sounds wistful and melancholy the whole time

It’s very Movie Frodo, but not very Book Frodo, in my opinion. Book Frodo lives in a constant pendulum between incredible affection and gratitude for Sam, and incredible annoyance with him, and that’s just a huge Older Sibling Mood.

THE FLUUUUUTES. THE FLUTES, I CAAAAN’T

“It would be the death of you to come with me, Sam.” [Sam’s deep breath, and more coughing.] “And I could not have borne that.”

THE MUSIC SWELLS ON “I’m coming with you” STOP IT AAAAHHHHH

“Frodo actually laughed.” [Soft cough and sniff in the background from Frodo.]

Evidently he laughs very quietly. Then again I can imagine him trying to stifle this one, caught between the sadness his burden and also not trying to look like he’s letting Sam off easy, so that tracks.

“Leave one. We’ll need it.” THE EMPHASIS ON WE’LL. HOW SOFTLY HE SAYS IT. AAAAHHHH

“Oh! Just hold on a moment! I’ll get my stuff :-D”

“It’s *chuckle* it’s no good trying to escape you.”

THE QUIET VOCALS IN THE FELLOWSHIP THEME. THE WAY THE MUSIC LINGERS AFTER THE NARRATION IS DONE. THE NOSTALGIAAAAA. Hello yes I will have chills in my lower back for the next half an hour thank you very MUCH—

Hello, sorry this is not a request.

I‘m in love with your works and I just can’t get my head around how well everything is written.

I read a lot of them twice or more.

I just wanted to ask you if you have some tips for writing. I don’t think mine will ever be this great but I would like to improve and since I am a “beginner”.

Have a great day 💞🥰

Nonnie…

Oh my stars you just made me cry. <3 Thank you so much. You have no idea how much that means to me.

And sure, I'd be glad to give you some tips.

(1) Write for yourself first. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it until I have no breath left in my lungs. Write the stories you want to read. Write the characters you want to see. Write the tropes you crave, write the genre you love, write the fandom that gives you joy.

If you do that, you'll have a much better time writing than if you write for someone else's ideals.

(2) Read. Read read read read READ. And not just fanfiction. Read published novels. Read short stories. Read poems. Read essays. Read different genres. Read new things and old things both. And if you have trouble reading words on a page, audiobooks work nicely too.

Reading can not only restore your creative juices when they're low, but it's also the best way to study the craft of writing. I can tell you an excess of adverbs weakens your writing, but seeing one well-placed adverb in a sea of subjects and predicates can send the message home far better.

(3) Don't push yourself too hard. Especially in the beginning, this is a death knell. Be gentle with yourself and let yourself write freely. If you need a break, take it. If you can't make the word goal you set yourself, that's fine.

Writing is like a muscle. It takes time and training to get it in shape, and if you push too hard too early, it can hurt you.

(4) Don't compare yourself to others. This is one that I still struggle with, but the more you do this, the worse it is for you. Are there other people that write more and write better? Yes. It doesn't matter how long you write, that will always be true. Don't worry about other people's word counts or writing ability. Focus on yourself and what you can do (and be proud of yourself when you accomplish something).

(5) Your first draft will probably suck. Don't worry about it.

Revision and editing your work is how it turns from coal into pearls. For me personally, I'm not satisfied with my stories/chapters until I've gone through them at least three times with a fine-toothed comb. For the "really important" stories like A Crystal in the Sand and Who You Are At Night, I have a beta reader go over them as well.

There's almost always something that needs fixing or changing, so don't worry about that nagging voice going "This story sucks!" partway through writing it. It'll be fine. Just keep writing.

~

Thank you again, nonnie. You're an angel. <3

I hope this helps you in your writing, and if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to send me another message.

i haven't listened to d audiobook of britney's memoir cos i feel it might be triggering for me. tho i've read articles, watched youtube videos, and read posts here so i know what's in it. i do feel that d book would be healing for me cos i relate to britney, obviously not in d scale and circumstances she went through, thank goodness, but her strength and resilience makes me hopeful for my life. i will listen to d audiobook soon.

from d audiobook sample, michelle williams was perfect in her narration! cos duh, she's a good actress (i only saw 2 projects of her, i think). also people say that ghostwriters r a thing in d publishing industry and i am ok with that. i'd say that for d book, it did seem it was from britney's voice and pov. it felt like this was how britney would write it, how britney would say things. i love it. i mean, i also love her chaotic instagram captions that we need to decode but d book from d snippet i heard feels like authentic britney. that's why i like d idea of ghostwriters. and isn't that how tv writer's rooms work too? different writers writing in d pov of characters on their designated episodes. or fanfiction writers writing using d voice of d characters.

i hope britney can find peace and healing and people who genuinely love her. i hope she can have a good relationship with her sons. i grew up with her music but i only became a fan in 2010. i started to get worried in 2018 or 2019 when i saw some posts about d free britney movement on twitter and instagram. so as a fan, even though i'd love for her to make new music, perform again, release d original doll album someday and other unreleased tracks, i care more about her well-being. I AM DEFINITELY OKAY IF SHE RETIRES. we have a great catalog of music and d insane quality of her performances already. her team should just re-master d music videos and performances to 4k on her channel. just like what she said at d end of her book, it's time for her to find herself.

also i just wanna say cos i read an excerpt where she said that, and i'm paraphrasing, that even international fans subconsciously sensed she's in danger. cos i'm an international fan and when i read d twitter threads and insta posts by american fans in 2018/2019, something felt weird, u know. speaking of which, there r still some talk about if she's under a sealed care plan. i just really hope she's fine and deciding things on her own.

i love u so much britney. i hope u r happy and healing. do what u want, my queen.

Tag 9 people you’d like to get to know more

Tagged by @celestialspark - Thank you for tagging me ❤️ This came out a little longer than I expected

Last song: According to my YouTube history (I really don’t understand how to use Spotify and I don’t think I ever will at this point), that would be Stranger by The Mechanisms, from Tales To Be Told, Volume II. Idk why, but this song vibrates my brain in exactly the best way. (I feel like that about a lot of songs in this album, especially Lost In The Cosmos, which is honestly weirdly relaxing for a song describing a slow death in painful details, and Pieces, but like, only the chorus)

Show I'm watching: Well, the last show I’ve seen was the newest episode of Helluva Boss, watched it with both of my partners, one of whom knows nothing about this show. It was fun, though, well, don’t want to spoil anything, but I was hoping for something else. Besides that, I intend to watch Stranger Things soon, cause I have read some great fanfics (I wanted to check if any of the authors are on Tumblr, so I could tag them, but for some reason, I can’t open ao3, which is quite concerning considering what happened this month) and decided I might try, even though I am good 7 years late. However, I am not watching it yet, because from what I know so far it feels like the kind of show that will permanently rewire my brain, so I am waiting til I can watch it with my friends, cause I am not going through that alone. If we consider podcasts shows, then I am an active listener of Dracula Daily, the voice acting is great, and I am already swooning and fanning myself like a victorian lady at Quincey P. Morris, which is to be expected, he’s one of my favourite characters. I can’t wait for this year’s holiest love entry tho, I want to see Tumblr go wild for it again. Also, season 2 of Not Quite Dead is coming out in a little more than two weeks (a fair warning to anyone who follows me, I already know I will be insufferable about it ❤️). I binged season 1 in one sitting, I am so excited (there are precisely 0 fanfics for this show on ao3 so far, I am working on changing that, but I’ve been suffering from a serious case of can’t-finish-wips-disease for quite a while now, so we’ll see how it goes)

Book I'm reading: If we’re talking new books, then right now nothing, but the last two I’ve read were: 1 Noce za nocami by Małgorzata Wilk, I loved it, it was exactly what I wanted, and I was so excited to finally get it, I read it on Wattpad back in the day and I preordered it the moment I was able to. It just feels very cozy to me. If you a) know Polish, and b) like gay vampires, I highly recommend it 2 Vampireology from the Ologies book series, cause I’ve never seen it before, I found it at a convention and I may be an adult, but it had vampires and was full of shiny secrets, you can’t possibly expect me to resist that Besides that, I am currently relistening to an audiobook of The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater, because the first time I listened to it, I was in a really bad place mentally, and this in tandem with some incorrect beliefs I had about this book caused me to miss some important things the first time, so now I am doing better I plan to listen to the whole series again, and I am really enjoying it! I know this series goes into some very dark places, but at the point at which I am currently, it is just full of pure joy of exploration and awe-inspiring discovery and listening to it makes me really, really happy right now

Currently obsessed with: Fandom-wise, The Magnus Archives, closely followed by The Mechanisms, a lot of things mentioned above are either basically obsessions, or very close to becoming that, because I can’t just be normal about things Also, vampires are my obsession that has been a constant part of my life practically since I remember, and I doubt it will ever change at this point. If for whatever reason you want to see me ramble, ask me about my opinions on any vampire-related trope or theme, and you will probably get a pretty substantial essay

Tagging: @suaveotter @laceandsteelgirl @kind-ghost @doofus-and-dragons @fall-festival @katenotbishop @wet-snail @rhymingteelookatme @graceful-not

You Know Her by Meagan Jennett shows what can happen when someone is pushed too far. "All Sophie wanted to do was clean up her bar and enjoy a glass of wine. She made the mistake of letting Mark Dixon inside. He took something that was hers with no remorse. And when he tries to force himself on Sophie 'It's just a kiss, Sophie' she strikes back and kills him. Soon other men start disappearing - because Sophie is not taking it anymore. Officer Nora Martin is new to the police force. She's trying to learn all she can from Murph while putting up with vicious hazing from the male officers. She feels strongly that a woman is behind the missing men. No one will believe her - Because who would ever believe a bartender could be a serial killer?" All of the men in this book are pigs. There is not a single likable male character in the entire book. Sophie gets pushed and pushed - and we hear all of those voices that are disparaging to women. Nora hears them too. And Jennett paints a bleak picture for equality in society. This is one of the best audiobook performances you will hear this year. Sophie Amoss and Xe Sands are both phenomenal. The anger and emotion from both characters is great, especially when Sophie is dealing with Mark Dixon. A lot is going on in Sophie's head and she is able to rationalize what she's doing to the very end. Never order a drink called "Men's Tears" (because Sophie adds a macabre ingredient) There's an open, unexpected ending. I only hope that Jennett has a couple of good guys in her life. Wild story from Meagan Jennett. Thanks to @macmillanaudio for the ALC #youknowher #meaganjennett #macmillanaudio #sophieamoss #xesands #audiobooks #womensfiction #bookstagram #bookshelves #booknerd #readinglife #bookphotography #bookcommunity #bookblogger #sodacityreads #suspensebook #bookhaul #literarycrimefiction #homelibrary #thrillerbooks #domesticthriller #crimefiction #thriller #characterdrivenbooks #mysterythriller #bookrecs https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqu-EMoAbUP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

As I write I share online. Sometimes I write straight onto the laptop but just now I’m hand writing in a notebook so I type it up and cut and paste into Facebook and Tumblr. This allows me to learn how to weather judgement as well as being an opportunity to take corrections. It’s never too soon to correct typos - for example, Pages had autocorrected kipple to nipple. 

Sometimes people give feedback that’s really gold. Like, Josephine who I’ve known since the days of blogging recommends Yellow Notebook by Helen Garner who I’ve never heard of. It’s great, and a useful segue from the Natalie Goldberg. 

I have realised about a third into the Hilary Mantel book that I’ve listened to it before but not marked it finished. I have to pause as I listen to it at night because of a grizzly description of the death of a dog, so I’m extra pleased to have something new lined up. Garner reads her audiobook herself and has a gentle voice. The book is excerpts from a diary or free writing, so it doesn’t have plot points I might miss as I dose off. 

In the morning I have the gym at 11. I bring the dog with me. She loves it. Usually we have a walk beforehand and a rest before the gym, but today I still have residual pain in my foot and a slew of referred pains in my calf, hip, mid back, and shoulders. To save the foot I think instead of taking a local walk first I’ll head towards the gym and park at the cafe I like on the beach, and maybe I can write there? 

On autopilot driving I overshoot the turning and I realise immediately but too late. It’s a dual carriageway so a faff to turn, so I park on the main road just past Rockwater, and take the dog onto the beach, and sit down to write. 

Lola amuses herself. We have the whole beach to ourselves. She finds a used barbecue briquette and half eats, half flinches from it. 

No baby.

No.

Leave that.

LEAVE THAT. 

No. 

No.

I say and she reluctantly moves away from it. I pick it up and hide it from her. A cold caller rings me and I testily ask him not to. I still say ‘please’ even though it’s redundant. I feel sorry for the poor schmuck whose job this is. 

This bit of the beach has steps all the way along, which are great for sitting on. I don’t usually write anywhere but at home and this is lovely. The air is still and the tide is out, lapping gently without urgency. A swimmer gets out and walks up to the steps. She sits some way away from me, puts a dry robe over her head and wriggles her costume off under it. This time of day and this time of year it’s only ever regular swimmers, well practiced and with useful habits. 

Lola lies at my feet crunching shells. 

A man gets out of the water and I notice his bathing shoes. I have those too, you need them for the pebbles. 

A man comes along the promenade behind me singing loudly and almost or only just out of tune. His singing provides a counterpoint to the near silence - the whispering waves, occasional chatter, the dog’s paws clattering on the stones. Lola lies down and I reach for my phone to take a photograph of her but she spots me going for my pocket and although I never bring treats on walks she still thinks it’s worth coming over to nose my hand. 

What? Nothing!

I say and show her my empty hands, fingers splayed in the international cross species sign for nothing to eat here. 

Two women call their dog, a Border Terrier who’s come on the beach and is now far ahead of them. I point, and one says

Thank goodness.

Her worry doesn’t seem to be about Lola, but just the ordinary fear that grips you when your dog is out of sight. 

It’s not as though writers always write at home. In Writing Down the Bones Goldberg says it’s good to write in other places, but if not for the foot I would never have considered coming here to write. I’m not just a creature of habit, I also have an aversion to doing things I haven’t before, especially without another person with me. Without the dog as a foil I’d never be so bold, I think. I feel as though my presence anywhere outside, even in the garden, is not legitimate on my own.

I see the top of a man just across the next groin, doing an exercise with his arms, flapping them back and hitting his shoulders. I wonder if he’s about to get in or has just got out?

I was determined to write today because I was too ill and bad tempered on Sunday, and yesterday was the Queen’s funeral, and I had company from quite early. It was fun, neither of my visitors were royalists, so we could speak freely. When they left I tuned in to De Nieuwe Yoga School and gratefully submitted to the disciplines of the mat. It was a restorative session, I only do those once a week, but when I do it’s just what I need and I open and fold myself into a series of long poses, easing off the physical pain and mental stress I’ve built up.

Someone is going past on a paddle board. Their actions the same as the earliest of canoeists. They are kneeling in the middle with one paddle slowly dipping one side after the other at a remarkable clip consider how calm they seem - they reach the next groyne along as quickly as I write them.

My alarm tells me I haven’t got much longer before gym. My life is measured by alarms otherwise I’d forget everything and just be here now. It’s not a foolproof method and if I do something outside of my routine it’s all the riskier.

A money spider makes it’s way up my knuckle was I write and I pause to set it down on the steps before packing up to go.