This October has been a very good month for fans of indie horror media!

Barking Harker: The Dracula sequel I guess I’m making

(Scraps of Dracula spoilers below)

This honestly started as a running joke with myself.

Between Dracula Daily and rereading the novel in a speedrun in the interim and generally letting my brain chew this old story apart like an over-loved dog toy, I started cooking this idea in the background. One that had some seeds in my Jonathan Harker rambles. The gist of which discuss (SPOILERS):

1. Jonathan Harker’s eerie-to-inhuman alterations after his time in Castle Dracula.

2. Theories as to what specific entity and/or cryptid Jonathan Harker might be.

3. Exactly how ride or die Jonathan Harker is for Mina. Rather, ride and die. And kill. And anything else required to ensure Mina continues to exist and that he shares whatever fate befalls her. To a spicy and outright sacrilegious extent. There’s some very literal Faustian ready-to-sell-my-soul intensity from our sweetheart solicitor when it comes to his beloved.

The combination of all this was stirred into one of my longest-running pet peeves about the novel.

Specifically, that for all the zesty gothic goodness promised by the opening stay in Castle Dracula—a portion of the book I’m convinced could’ve been its own novel or novella—we don’t really get everything out of it that we could. No more than we get another glimpse of Count Dracula at his most uncomfortably intimate and intimidating after that section. Following Jonathan’s unpleasant business trip, it’s all about Dracula in the shadows, sinking his teeth into England, and harassing the ensemble cast. Which is a great story! Obviously! ‘Ancient monster man coming to haunt and menace the unprepared modern characters’ is a fun time.

But damn it, the first part of the book is still my favorite. Cornered Protagonist VS Overpowered Antagonist in a confined space, sinister supernatural goings-on, manipulative power plays, knife-twisting psychological warfare, and all the gothic trimmings. I wanted more! Just like I wanted to play with all the implications and potential surrounding Jonathan Harker’s whole weird deal.

And you know what? I wanted to cram more in there. This thing was a bowl of untainted cookie batter and I could pour a metric ton of chocolate chips* into it until I was satisfied.

(*Varied monsters. Cameos. Mind games. High Octane Fuckeduppedness.)

“I have a keyboard, an open Word doc, and no inhibitions!” I shouted in full Grecian hero hubris. “I can write this self-serving literary junk food if I feel like it! And I do! So I will!”

So I did. So I am. So much so that I’ve realized I maybe, possibly, actually am making something a wee bit beyond a little public domain fanfiction.

Note: This encompasses the first four chapters.

Uh oh.

I don’t want to jump ahead of myself. I’ve self-hyped over WIPs and books-in-potentia before, then burned myself out on the expectations I couldn’t reach, endlessly writing and deleting and rewriting in a Promethean loop that killed the whole thing. NaNoWriMo damn near gutted me the one time I dared it. Putting this pseudo-announcement up here is less of a Very Guaranteed Promise I Shall Complete This Work, but more of a low-key way to jab myself into sticking to it as best I can.

(Because it really is that much harder to drop a project when you’ve mentioned it out loud and can’t pretend otherwise.)

So, yeah. Without spoilers, I am currently working on an alternate ending sequel novel to Dracula, with the working title, Barking Harker. Features include a return to Castle Dracula, more horror, more menace, more bastardry, bogeymen, and bogeywomen all over. We’ve got vampires visiting from outside Transylvania. We’ve got werewolves. We’ve got ghosts. We’ve got strange dogs. We’ve got stranger professionals in the matter of vampires and assorted occult odds and ends. We’ve got murder and madness and and macabre nightmares galore.

Any folks out there who have enjoyed my rambles and ficlets pertaining to Dracula and company, you are invited to poke me with a virtual stick every now and then in the ensuing months. Even if you’re not interested, I ask that you channel the most irritating backseat driver voice you can to occasionally ask, Is it done yet? Is it done yet? Is it done yet? The mortifying ordeal of being known/caught in the act of slinking away from Yet Another Unfinished WIP is an underrated motivational tactic.

That said, cross your fingers for me. And maybe pray for our good friend, Jonathan Harker.

He’s going to need it.

🕊 hey all! i'm currently looking for an adv.lit–novella, oc x oc rp. i love developed and complex characters and slow-burn relationships. my specific interests include dark romance, obsession/possessiveness, and more twisted, character-focused plots. the kind that can be brainstormed, developed, and worked on together– encompassing both our preferences, hcs, and ideas. psychological (horror), philosophical themes, and darker dynamics are a favourite of mine. so, if dark, twisted, complex romance rps are your preference, then you're in the right place!!

a little about me » 20F writer, gmt tmz. adv.lit-novella (multiple discord messages/6-10k+ characters), loves literature. prefers playing F roles and writing with other F writers. replies slowly (once or twice per week), but is quick with OOC. engages in lots of headcanoning and planning for rps. wants to feel love&worry for your ocs bc that's how you'll feel about my crazy darlings (i love imperfect, twisted, flawed OCs). fine with dead-dove & darker themes, specifics like limits/triggers can be discussed in dms.

what i'm looking for 》 an enthusiastic collab partner!! my rp copium is communication, so let's fangirl together!! gimme headcanons, pinboards, properly detailing the rp, character dissection, sharing tiktoks, analysis, character&dynamic building - i love all that, so let's do it all!... ideally, i'd love a fellow novella rper, mxf pairing, preferably another f writer.

this is unashamedly a plot call for my beloved rambly writers. i can plan & write for pages, partners who give the same energy back and CONTRIBUTE have my heart. my policy is that i will give as good as i get, so if i'm providing pages of ideas and getting nothing but one-word replies in return, then my interest will die. please try to have a similar energy to me, and we'll get on so well!!

my current tastes lean heavily into 》 dark romance, halloween-inspired rps, supernatural inklings, dark academia, gothic vibes, and various other macabre themes. including, but not limited to: graveyards, murder mystery, torment, mind games/mindbreaking, ghosts, insanity, entrapment, psychedelic darkness, insanity & reverence. enemies-to-lovers trope. childhood friends trope. sinfulness, warped ideations, distorted self-image, and god-complexes, hallucinations, manipulating & rewriting one's reality, gaslighting, and just all those darker themes. preference for including characters like arsonists, former cultists, serial killers, delusional individuals, and twisted characters. settings that are decaying buildings/small towns, drowning in epithets of graveyards, churches, and mystery.

if interested, like this ad & i'll get back to you asap <3.

-

🕊 hey all! i'm currently looking for an adv.lit–novella, oc x oc rp. i love developed and complex characters and slow-burn relationships. my specific interests include dark romance, obsession/possessiveness, and more twisted, character-focused plots. the kind that can be brainstormed, developed, and worked on together– encompassing both our preferences, hcs, and ideas. psychological (horror), philosophical themes, and darker dynamics are a favourite of mine. so, if dark, twisted, complex romance rps are your preference, then you're in the right place!!

a little about me » 20F writer, gmt tmz. adv.lit-novella (multiple discord messages/6-10k+ characters), loves literature. prefers playing F roles and writing with other F writers. replies slowly (once or twice per week), but is quick with OOC. engages in lots of headcanoning and planning for rps. wants to feel love&worry for your ocs bc that's how you'll feel about my crazy darlings (i love imperfect, twisted, flawed OCs). fine with dead-dove & darker themes, specifics like limits/triggers can be discussed in dms.

what i'm looking for 》 an enthusiastic collab partner!! my rp copium is communication, so let's fangirl together!! gimme headcanons, pinboards, properly detailing the rp, character dissection, sharing tiktoks, analysis, character&dynamic building - i love all that, so let's do it all!... ideally, i'd love a fellow novella rper, mxf pairing, preferably another f writer.

this is unashamedly a plot call for my beloved rambly writers. i can plan & write for pages, partners who give the same energy back and CONTRIBUTE have my heart. my policy is that i will give as good as i get, so if i'm providing pages of ideas and getting nothing but one-word replies in return, then my interest will die. please try to have a similar energy to me, and we'll get on so well!!

my current tastes lean heavily into 》 dark romance, halloween-inspired rps, supernatural inklings, dark academia, gothic vibes, and various other macabre themes. including, but not limited to: graveyards, murder mystery, torment, mind games/mindbreaking, ghosts, insanity, entrapment, psychedelic darkness, insanity & reverence. enemies-to-lovers trope. childhood friends trope. sinfulness, warped ideations, distorted self-image, and god-complexes, hallucinations, manipulating & rewriting one's reality, gaslighting, and just all those darker themes. preference for including characters like arsonists, former cultists, serial killers, delusional individuals, and twisted characters. settings that are decaying buildings/small towns, drowning in epithets of graveyards, churches, and mystery.

if interested, like this ad & i'll get back to you asap <3.

like if you're interested and anon will get back to you

🕊 hey all! i'm currently looking for an adv.lit–novella, oc x oc rp. i love developed and complex characters and slow-burn relationships. my specific interests include dark romance, obsession/possessiveness, and more twisted, character-focused plots. the kind that can be brainstormed, developed, and worked on together– encompassing both our preferences, hcs, and ideas. psychological (horror), philosophical themes, and darker dynamics are a favourite of mine. so, if dark, twisted, complex romance rps are your preference, then you're in the right place!!

a little about me » 20F writer, gmt tmz. adv.lit-novella (multiple discord messages/6-10k+ characters), loves literature. prefers playing F roles and writing with other F writers. replies slowly (once or twice per week), but is quick with OOC. engages in lots of headcanoning and planning for rps. wants to feel love&worry for your ocs bc that's how you'll feel about my crazy darlings (i love imperfect, twisted, flawed OCs). fine with dead-dove & darker themes, specifics like limits/triggers can be discussed in dms.

what i'm looking for 》 an enthusiastic collab partner!! my rp copium is communication, so let's fangirl together!! gimme headcanons, pinboards, properly detailing the rp, character dissection, sharing tiktoks, analysis, character&dynamic building - i love all that, so let's do it all!... ideally, i'd love a fellow novella rper, mxf pairing, preferably another f writer.

this is unashamedly a plot call for my beloved rambly writers. i can plan & write for pages, partners who give the same energy back and CONTRIBUTE have my heart. my policy is that i will give as good as i get, so if i'm providing pages of ideas and getting nothing but one-word replies in return, then my interest will die. please try to have a similar energy to me, and we'll get on so well!!

my current tastes lean heavily into 》 dark romance, halloween-inspired rps, supernatural inklings, dark academia, gothic vibes, and various other macabre themes. including, but not limited to: graveyards, murder mystery, torment, mind games/mindbreaking, ghosts, insanity, entrapment, psychedelic darkness, insanity & reverence. enemies-to-lovers trope. childhood friends trope. sinfulness, warped ideations, distorted self-image, and god-complexes, hallucinations, manipulating & rewriting one's reality, gaslighting, and just all those darker themes. preference for including characters like arsonists, former cultists, serial killers, delusional individuals, and twisted characters. settings that are decaying buildings/small towns, drowning in epithets of graveyards, churches, and mystery.

if interested, like this ad & i'll get back to you asap <3.

like if interested!

Hello! 14 and 22 for the end of the year asks <3 Happy (almost) New Year!

Hi friend!! Happy (almost) New Year to you too!!

14. Favorite book you read this year?

Probably Affinity by Sarah Waters. Lesbian historical fiction that I read in a Gothic fiction class that made me look like a complete clown by the end but was totally worth it because it was so well-written. I think a close second that I also read in that class would be Rosemary’s Baby, mainly because I didn’t realize before reading it how much of that book was actually psychological horror rather than supernatural, so that was really interesting to see.

22. Favorite place you visited this year?

Well, I didn’t travel anywhere new this year, but all the trips I did take were very fun cause they were in a lot of very beloved spots. I think maybe Chicago. I got to go to the art museum and have my own little Ferris Bueller moment. Close second is probably the beach, cause my family hasn’t been able to go as often as we used to and so it’s a treat when we do get to go.

Send me end of the year asks!

Rules: 10 (non-ancient) books for people to get to know you better, or that you just really like.

Tagged by @wintersmitth and @bluesundaycake, thank you both for thinking of me!!! I definitely saw a few books on both your lists I'll be adding to my to-read goals for this year :)

This was a bit of a challenge as I was a very avid reader of novels as a teenager, then just…stopped for about a decade. I still read, but I transitioned over to graphic novels and Japanese manga, developed a massive fanfic addiction…and then read 77 books in 2022 LOL. But these are the books that have left a mark on me over the years.

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice - I first read this in 2003 when I was far too young to be reading it but well…what can you do hah. This novel single handedly jump started not only my vampire obsession, but my obsession with the supernatural genre and supernatural romance in general. I am pretty sure I have a monsterfucker fixation because of Anne Rice ahahaha. I’ve reread this novel many times over the years so it is very near and dear to my heart.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Teenage me and adult me LOVED the hell out of this book. The imagery, the loneliness, the prose, I could read Gatsby over and over again and fall in love with some new piece of it. When the copyright expired last year, I went ham on reading as many spinoff novels as I could. I still have one in my queue of things to read actually. 

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess - My first foray into psychological horror. Goodness I absolutely devoured this book, and I know it’s controversial for a variety of different reasons (mostly the ending change), but it was the first time I had really read a book with a protagonist that was just absolutely unhinged and unapologetic about it. That being said, I personally prefer the original ending to the Kubrick film ending, I don’t care what my fellow Americans say, it made perfect sense to me.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Was I 100% the target demographic for this book series when it was being published? Absolutely. Did I go completely feral when each book and movie came out like a basic young adult? Yes indeedy. Are its overarching themes still relevant today and plenty of people, including people involved with the movie, seem to miss entirely? YOU BET. I have a very soft spot for this series, and I’ve been on the fence about reading the prequel. If anyone has any thoughts, I’d love to hear them!

World War Z by Max Brooks - Max Brooks my beloved. Zombie Survival Guide was my first exposure to him as an author, but World War Z really made me think about how people would react to a zombie virus, or any virus that affects the world. It was unfortunately rather prophetic when Covid rolled around :/ But I think that is partially the brilliance of it. I have a signed copy of the book that I hold very near and dear to my heart. I still read passages from the book from time to time and highly recommend it.

Fullmetal Alchemist - As I mentioned at the beginning, I tapered off novels and moved into graphic novels/manga, but in all honesty, none have left nearly as lasting an impact on me as Fullmetal Alchemist has. It is by far one of the best series I have ever read in my life. Do you want philosophy on the value and meaning of life? A realistic depiction on the horrors of war and genocide? Well written female characters that are not tropes? Endless short people jokes? This series is for you!  

Wolfsong/Green Creek Series by TJ Klune - I know TJ Klune is more well known for his YA books, and they are fun, but generally not for me. But this. This book series is what got to me. Still gets to me! If you want queer romance + found family + werewolves with none of the squick of omegaverse tropes, this series is absolutely for you. I had initially read the series for @lyriclorelei because she had heard the third book in the series featured an ace character, and that particular character is in fact, my blorbo. I love him. I cried throughout his entire book because I love him so much. 

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall - I credit this book with jump starting my reading binge in 2022. I knew from reading Green Creek that there was a lot more queer fiction out there, but this was the first time I had ever seen fake dating outside of fanfic and well…I got hooked! At my core, I am a romance reader at heart, and I was pleasantly surprised to find all the ways the genre had evolved since I stopped reading. Truly a fun introduction to get back into reading for me.

A Marvellous Light/The Last Binding series by Freya Marske  - MY. HEART. Do you want queer wizards? A unique magical system that has not been done before? A murder mystery tied to a curse? Enemies to lovers? Queer self-awakening? This book and series has all of the above! It is absolutely fantastic and I am SO EXCITED for the final book to be published at the end of this year. Just cannot say enough good things about it.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy - In addition to romance, I found myself binging celebrity memoirs in 2022, and Jennette McCurdy’s was the best. She’s an incredibly witty writer, and I found myself laughing and crying in equal parts throughout the book. It is, in fact, a rather triggering book considering what she went through, I definitely found myself triggered a few times, but, it was a really eye-opening thing to read, and I absolutely recommend consuming it via the audiobook because her delivery is just fantastic. 

Tagging: @valeriianz @sans--seraph @the-cloudy-dreamer @rooftopwreck @historyandqueershenanigans @introvertbibliophile @mallory-x @quellawrites @aquilathefighter and whoever else wants to do this! A few of you tagged me in the other ask game, and since I already did that one, I'm tagging you in this one :3

🕊 hey all! i'm currently looking for an adv.lit–novella, oc x oc rp. i love developed and complex characters and slow-burn relationships. my specific interests include dark romance, obsession/possessiveness, and more twisted, character-focused plots. the kind that can be brainstormed, developed, and worked on together– encompassing both our preferences, hcs, and ideas. psychological (horror), philosophical themes, and darker dynamics are a favourite of mine. so, if dark, twisted, complex romance rps are your preference, then you're in the right place!!

a little about me » 20F writer, gmt tmz. adv.lit-novella (multiple discord messages/6-10k+ characters), loves literature. prefers playing F roles and writing with other F writers. replies slowly (once or twice per week), but is quick with OOC. engages in lots of headcanoning and planning for rps. wants to feel love&worry for your ocs bc that's how you'll feel about my crazy darlings (i love imperfect, twisted, flawed OCs). fine with dead-dove & darker themes, specifics like limits/triggers can be discussed in dms.

what i'm looking for 》 an enthusiastic collab partner!! my rp copium is communication, so let's fangirl together!! gimme headcanons, pinboards, properly detailing the rp, character dissection, sharing tiktoks, analysis, character&dynamic building - i love all that, so let's do it all!... ideally, i'd love a fellow novella rper, mxf pairing, preferably another f writer.

this is unashamedly a plot call for my beloved rambly writers. i can plan & write for pages, partners who give the same energy back and CONTRIBUTE have my heart. my policy is that i will give as good as i get, so if i'm providing pages of ideas and getting nothing but one-word replies in return, then my interest will die. please try to have a similar energy to me, and we'll get on so well!!

my current tastes lean heavily into 》 dark romance, halloween-inspired rps, supernatural inklings, dark academia, gothic vibes, and various other macabre themes. including, but not limited to: graveyards, murder mystery, torment, mind games/mindbreaking, ghosts, insanity, entrapment, psychedelic darkness, insanity & reverence. enemies-to-lovers trope. childhood friends trope. sinfulness, warped ideations, distorted self-image, and god-complexes, hallucinations, manipulating & rewriting one's reality, gaslighting, and just all those darker themes. preference for including characters like arsonists, former cultists, serial killers, delusional individuals, and twisted characters. settings that are decaying buildings/small towns, drowning in epithets of graveyards, churches, and mystery.

if interested, like this ad & i'll get back to you asap <3.

.

Are you more a fan of psychological or thriller shows? I remember that list of your favorite animes from a while ago (I watched Psycho Pass and Durarara because of you, adored them both) and a bunch of them fell under that category. Still need to watch Zankyou no Terror :(

yes!! i do not do well with like. horror horror. anything too graphic or supernatural i will pee my pants !! i can enjoy it sometimes but not often

i do LOVE psychological. psycho pass, death note, durara, ZANKYOU NO TERROR!!!!!!!!!!!!! and a whole plethora of othere. SOOO happy to hear abt pp and drrr!!! those animes r so beloved to me

im also a big steins;gate, ergo proxy, and serial lain enjoyer!!! and welcome to nhk is a beloved one as well

6 and 9 for the horror ask meme! ( ͡⚈ ͜ʖ ͡⚈)

OH ho ho, thank you for asking!!!

6. What is your favorite genre of horror? (paranormal, slasher, etc.)

I'm a biiiig big fan of paranormal stuff. Psychological horror plus anything supernatural - I'm a massive Haunted House movie fan, for example. Anything that involves ghosts or supernatural entities, especially if we're talking dead children and ancient gods. Nothing better than creepy and/or dead kids. I also love both folk horror and religious horror a ton!!!! Be that your classic catholic demon frightfest or some of the fantastic stuff that's come out of South East Asia recently.

9. Do you have any pet peeves for horror?

Get ready for some Opinions (TM)!

Jump scares are overused and bad and if your movie relies just on jump scares to be scary it’s a bad movie (best example: The Nun). You know what scares most people about jump scares? The SUDDEN LOUD MUSIC. You jump in your seat as a literal physical reaction and it’s like. Eugh. FIlmmarkers, stop using my body (and my autism-induced noise oversensitivity) against me and start using my brain and heart against me! And if you do that I’ll grant you your jump scares. Hereditary has, I think one or two? And they are INCREDIBLY effective because they are used to sparingly and because the movie earns them by creating a perfectly dreadful atmosphere without them first. My beloved Lake Mungo has one slightly cheap jump scare but it gets a pass because the rest of the movie is fucking incredible. Seeing a character going down a dark corridor and knowing something will jump with a loud violin screech is not scary. Seeing a character going down a dark corridor and seeing faint movement behind them, a shadowy face perhaps that slowly materialises on the ceiling above them, fingers that slowly creep closer - THAT is terrifying. I’ll take Samara crawling out of the TV in slo-mo any day over boogieman hopping out of the closet as the former is much scarier.

On a second, slightly more hilarious note, I am so tired of Lovecraft discourse. Is every dudebro trying to rip off Eldritch monsters and holding Lovecraft up as the end-all of horror boring and annoying as fuck? Heck yeah. Was Lovecraft a horrible racist antisemite whose personal philosophies found their way into his writing and influence our thinking about ‘The Other’ to this day? 100%. Do I think nobody should use Eldritch monsters in anything ever because of this and its this always boring and badly done? Nah! Take 'em tentacle babies, be aware of the pitfalls, and have fun. Sheesh. (For Eldritch monsters being well done see: Bloodborne, The Void).

Ask me questions about horror!

I've been casually stalking your blog for a bit and loved the ship posts as of late. I'd like to join in and will be reblogging a fair few of your post on my main blog & BTVS side-blog (peroxidepoems) I'd like to request a Level Three tier for Stranger Things, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Marvel. Description: I'm 5'2, olive complexion, transmale (he/him/they), with a preference for males partners but demiromantic toward any gender. I have short brown hair, often unstyled - unless you consider bedhead to be one, and hazel-eyed with glasses. I'd say my physical build is average - not too lithe or toned. I have a fair few blemishes, some moles but mainly scars; on my hands, arms, and legs. The biggest and most insecure scar is on my lower back, wider than 3'' and travels up my spine by 6''. All gained naturally by being adventurous as a child and getting into trouble.

As wardrobe goes: I'd consider myself a misfit at best and a confused goth at worse. I'm often in worn-out ripped jeans, converses or boots that have seen better days, a black design logo/band shirt, with an equally noticeably well-worn jacket - leather and cloth. Even in extreme heat, I wear long-sleeved shirts or a hoodie - subconscious of my scars being visible. I'm usually lugging around a messenger bag that has pins and patches. Honestly, I always have a safety pin or a patch holding something together. I truly believe in using something until it can no longer hold its purpose. Even when an item can no longer be of use, be that a bag or beloved shirt, I'll hang it up on the wall or on a shelf. Personality: I'm introverted by nature; quiet and observant. Often choosing a homebody life, consuming media, rather than partying. Although I still enjoy drinks with friends and conversing about shared interests. I can be protective and hot-heated at times, blunt when necessary, and overly subconscious about how others perceive me. I try my best to not let it get to me but the thoughts are still there. I was once told, before the age of twelve, that I was an old soul. I struggle with selective mutism due to anxiety. It has been a part of my life since I can remember, once resulting in a whole year of not speaking in my early childhood. During such episodes, I fall back to ASL or choose to not converse at all. Likes/Dislikes: I have a fascination with macabre. Not necessarily the gore aspect but more along the lines of psychology. With this, I tend to study what is considered dark mythology; supernatural creatures, paranormal, and the deities associated with death. I watch true crime shows and documentaries as well, but in the sense of wanting to understand - not to romanticize what has been done. With that said, I do find interest in horror movies and shows alike. My favorite category is psychological thrillers. I enjoy a piece that makes you have to analyze, imagine, and contemplate. As for dislikes, there are very few things I show a distaste toward. Overly crowded areas, the deep ocean, spicy food, and the lack of passion that some choose to have are among the list. So many are willing to write a person off by sheer looks alone, not putting effort into knowing a person, and I find that sad. Everyone has a story to tell, a lifetime of knowledge to share, and should be given an opportunity to speak for themselves. Rather than being written off as a lost cause. Or worse, not worth the time or effort. Hobbies: Drawing is my main sense of expression. Often done as an outlet and show of affection. I enjoy reading and writing as well. There is not a time when I don't have a book or drawing pad on hand. I also dabbled in music. Having done seven years of high school band, marching and concert. I grew up with the piano too and picked up the violin later in life. Although I am a master to none. There were other times that I've done martial arts and skateboarding, but neither of those went very far. Now, besides art and writing, I mainly collect skull-like merch. From an hourglass, shirts, miniature gem carvings, mugs/cups, to wall decor like a dragon skull incense burner.

I apologize if this was quite a lot to read, but I do hope it is useful. Thank you for taking the time to match me with the character you see fit. I find these fascinating and look forward to the outcome. 💙

Want to be shipped? Here be the instructions 🦋

I love all this information - it is SO helpful! Both of your blogs are out of this world dude - they're literally so gorgeous🌷Also wow are you a writer because this is so eloquent! I hope we can be friends/ mutuals!!!

What each ship has in common:

⋆ Caring ⋆ Genuine  ⋆ Authentic  ⋆ Witty ⋆ Charming

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬  

𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

I ship you with Steve Harrington. I think you would do well with someone that can be happily alone with you. Someone that doesn’t seek out heart-pumping adventure; someone like a parental figure... responsible in that sense. 

𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑠

・Steve would always encourage you - in whatever you do. Whether that’s band/music, your drawing, etc. 

     “Babe, you’re a genius,” he would mutter against your neck. 

・Knows when you’ve had enough of other people, he can talk for the both of you. His extroverted nature makes it easy to be around because even when you do want to be around people, but don’t want to talk - he’ll step up to the plate

・Writes cute little notes and hides them in places. Your books, your bags, your drawers. He loves gift giving. 

・Would absolutely learn ASL. Hands down, no questions asked. He will spend hours learning everything about it and would surprise you when you didn’t want to talk 

・

𝐁𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫

𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

I ship you with Angel! He would absolutely understand your quiet and reserved nature. He’s similar in that aspect; he doesn’t enjoy a lot of people’s company and seeks out solitude. 

𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑠

・He would do everything for you - if you needed groceries, anything to do with your car, tasks around the house. Angel is on it. He likes that he has someone to look after, other than himself. 

・Angel has seen everything and been around nearly every type of person there is. So nothing can scare him off. I say this because some people don’t understand neurodivergent people, but he would definitely get you. 

・You would relax together alone, but together. Oh god I could have worded that better. But basically, you would be in the same room, him on the lounge with a book and you at the table with your tablet, drawing something (probably him.)

・Type of bf to frame any sort of drawing or artwork that you do. He beams when he sees what you’ve made 

   “That is definitely going in the hallway.”

・Loves showing you everything he knows, he’s experienced. You would always feel safe with him, so your anxiety was getting too much, he would know how to calm you down. You’ve made plans and shared techniques on how to do this. 

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐥  

𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

I ship you with Druig! I just think he would completely understand you. He has darker thoughts about humanity (because of what he’s seen), and you give him hope. Your thoughts, your dreams, your hobbies. He understands humanity more because of you. 

𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑠

・He would love to show you the best books, and make Phastos create the best technology so that you could draw/create with even better utensils. 

・Druig loves just being around you. You’re steady aura makes him feel at ease. Which is actually how you feel around him. 

・He doesn’t like the general population, and only goes out when he needs to. He’s rather reserved and stoic, but he does tease you a lot. 

・Druig loves music and would ask about your favourite songs. He’d ask about your playlists, which era you like the most, favourite artists etc. And then he would make a playlist with all the songs that remind him of you. 

・He would lean his forehead against yours a lot; and definitely wants to hold your hand. I honestly think Druig is affectionate but in little ways. Like bumping his arm against yours, wrapping an arm around your shoulders, sitting with your thighs together. 

Sis i had no idea you were into horror too! Uzumaki is the shit!!! Are you into any horror podcasts?!

ayyyyyyy horror buddies!!!!!! i absolutely cannot do splatter/torture porn films but supernatural & psychological horror are my fave things ever!!!!! even a good slasher film is v fun!!!!! and yes junji ito my BELOVED!!!!!!

the only horror podcasts i really listen to are wtnv & the no sleep podcast so i’m not super well versed. i know i need to listen to the magnus archives but i just haven’t gotten around to it yet

“Beloved”

Based on the novel by Toni Morrison, the real story behind "Beloved" has certainly brought a thrilling and awakening story responsible for exemplifying a repulsive legacy formed by slavery. The novel really touches deeply into tragedy and resilience meshed with the supernatural aspect that is meshed with psychological depth, stretching that thin line of horror to something more than what we are accustomed to. One aspect I really appreciated about "Beloved" was the very blunt nature through which it laid down the trail of psychological scars that were left by slavery.

The character of Sethe, personified by none other than Oprah Winfrey in a very outstanding manner, is a living personification of the never-ending anguish and fight for freedom that quite a number of African Americans had post-slavery. The desperation to protect her children from any possible harm, in this case making the tragic decision to kill her very own daughter instead of her falling into the hands of slavers, was quite a moving example of how a mother's love can become twisted in the desperate horrors of slavery. This was a very hard act to understand if at all one was to understand and showed the levels to which these enslaved persons had prepared to go to exercise their will and protect their children from the unspeakable horrors they had to go through. However, the film does not shy away from exploring the complexity of healing and redemption.

The arrival of the mysterious young woman, Beloved, serves as a catalyst for confronting unresolved traumas. The supernatural element felt a bit out of place at first but really does the work of conveying the haunting part of past horrors, which continued to bring trauma to the descendants of slavery. This, perhaps, represents what would distinguish such an approach to black horror; it is a genre used not just in its own right but as a tactic towards the deep, historical wounds. "Beloved" amounts to potent commentary on the way the legacy of slavery resonates with African American identity and psyche. One could, of course, throw that at the film as a possible criticism: its dense narrative structure and the challenging, rather indigestible nature of the themes.

The non-linear narration and complex relationships between the characters require some sort of active participation and contemplation, something that might, in general, bore a certain amount of viewers. Still, a too ambitious movie to show such a diversified and painful theme. "Beloved" does bring a surprise with it: how it does manage to combine its background as a horror film with African-American history and, second, how seriously heavy stuff can be approached in the genre. The film really went much further in this idea of Black Horror beyond something that's just purely entertaining, and really made it a vehicle to delve into and reflect on the trauma of slavery and how it's affected generations.

The message in "Beloved" seems to be a call for recognition and reckoning with the past. This would imply that healing from trauma is getting to face and acknowledge the same at both an individual level and a collective level. Indeed, the images remind one of the fortitude that meets in the face of such adversity. At the same time, it brings to bear the import of memories and stories in how they bear in the healing process. "Beloved" brought me right back to the stories told within my family of adversity and the kind of strength that one can find from the memory of those who had struggled before us.

Though these were themes that did not directly manifest in the aspect of horrors or slavery, the themes of resilience, memory, and the complexity of the family bonds still remain pertinent. This goes to affirm how it's always important to confront past pains with the aim of fostering healing and growth. In conclusion, "Beloved" is a compelling exploration of the African American experience, trauma, and resilience. It is quite ingenious in the way it tends to deal with the legacy of slavery through black horror, offering a lot of insight into the human condition. The film not only faces off with the truths that the viewers have to face at times but also lauds the indomitable spirit of the people who have to deal with such terrible horrors in life.

welcome to the deep forest, try not to step on the cryptids

i’m cedar, kinoko, or whatever else you find fit.

disclaimer: i’m new to tumblr after avoiding it for years, so be patient with me

refer to me as whatever you what

i’m an 18 y/o college student. i work as a server/waiter and, in the future, i plan to help the youth in the criminal justice system emotionally succeed. other than that, i am just a small little unknown mustelid.

pronouns, sexuality, gender, etc. it’s all up to you. i’m just someone struggling to grow beyond the curse of girlhood and however you define that is yours.

who i am is shown through the art and words i publish here, void of labels and societal standards :3

what you’ll find here:

there will be trigger warnings on some of my posts. my writing/art is usually focused on my struggles with body image, family issues, and mental health struggles. i welcome you to find solace in our shared troubles

i have very bad habits and i self-medicate along with my prescribed medication. these actions are NOT encouraged. there will be trigger warnings for any mention of medication, smoking, getting high, drinking, or vaping.

i look up to dionysus for comfort and guidance, meaning i WILL talk about him and my worshipping of him. he is not my friend and i will not refer to him as such, considering he’s an omniscient being and i am just a follower. please do not disrespect him or any other greek mythological beings while on my page out of respect for my beliefs. the same respect for your religious/spiritual affiliation is always extended to you :>

i try to write poetry and short stories ! i’m not particularly proud of my work, but i will share some of it for the sake of vulnerability and expression.

i love to view and make art. i hold the belief that no form of art (visual, auditory, etc) can ever be labeled as “bad art” so feel free to interact and give tips geared towards growth.

i’m back into my warrior cats phase from 11 years ago, so pray for both me and my ocs teehee

if i was a furry, i’d be a ferret. that specific thought won’t ever come up again but i need you to know this. i fucking love ferrets oh my gawrsh (in voice of goofy)

i love psychology and analyzing works through the lens of the creator’s mind. i also love to read psychological studies and shit. share your findings and theories with me please.

i’m strange and off-putting sometimes. rabid, if you will. however, if i ever make you uncomfortable don’t be afraid to speak up or just block me ! it doesn’t matter whether we’ve interacted before, just do whichever puts your mind at ease.

i have the hiccups right now what if i DIED

update: it’s 10 minutes later and the hiccups are gone. praise the lord.

I LOVE DOCTOR WHO and horror and FNAF and supernatural and warrior cats and family guy (idfk man) and um and ferrets and women and damon salvatore and ICP and P!ATD(not urine man) and breaking bad/better call saul and domo and matthew lillard and SHIFTING (not shifted) and tattoos and tattooing

some things i want for my blog:

- respect, which will ALWAYS go your way

- unbridled criticism that focuses objectively on the technique and not the content of my artistic and poetic works !!

- different opinions !!!! diversity and curiosity are the root of the human experience, don’t feel the need to fall in line with anybody here.

- be yourself

- NEVER BE AFRAID TO TALK TO ME ABOUT ANYTHING AT ALL !! i wrote that in all caps to put emphasis on it but now it seems like a threat. either way, yes.

--> you, my beloved reader, can’t be controlled by me or anyone. i just ask for consideration and respect for myself and others. i welcome you to block me if you so desire :)

my insta-blocks:

-> outward disrespect for my beliefs or the beliefs of ANYONE at all

-> outward disrespect for dionysus or other greek mythological beings

-> harassment

-> ideologies or actions i see as harmful or detrimental to myself or others

(my use of the block button is, infact, selfish and geared towards my own growth. my respect for you and for myself coexist but if one fails, the other is likely to as well. my goal is to live peacefully on here !)

OKAY.

SO! On my tiktok, https://www.tiktok.com/@author.amanda.parsons, some of you might have seen that my next novel, The Pyre, is upcoming for October! Think it's about time we drop some info on that. >:)

They feed on suffering, and Gabriel Thomas is a four-course meal. In a valley being slowly overrun by a daemonic infestation, Father Gabriel Thomas is the one sowing the seeds of his own destruction. A former alcoholic, his life is left in shambles when a personal tragedy steals the lives of his family, save his infant daughter. Blaming himself, Gabriel vows to atone to them by the only task dire enough to satisfy his guilt: he must eradicate the daemon’s mysterious Master, and end the spread violence encroaching ever closer to his daughter. 

But Gabriel has a plan. By sacrificing his soul to capture a daemon of his own, he can exploit its knowledge to uncover their weaknesses. The trouble is, these daemons feed on suffering, and the grief that motivates him is only making them stronger.

With the snarky Tacheus as his daemonic captive and his old congregation hunting him down, Gabriel embarks on a perilous journey through the bleak southern countryside assisted by a headstrong outcast and her Tourette’s-blighted son.

As he comes face to face with true evil, he must confront his own heinous past before guilt destroys him. But fighting this battle means playing directly into the daemons’ hands, as losing might cost him his new companions—and, unbearably, the only family he has left.

Described as the hit television series Supernatural with a literary slant, The Pyre is a devastating and thrilling descent into the dominion of grief, perfect for fans of Grady Hendrix and Alexis Henderson.

I've also made an official book trailer, here:

Ooh, exciting! >:)

This is a project very much beloved to me. I remember, when I first finished the novel several years ago, it continued sitting with me for a long time. I got this SICK piece of fanart commissioned around that time as well. :)

I'm so excited to share this story with you. :)

All this being said, I was hoping to get you guy's opinion on the final cover. I have two main versions I'm deciding between. What do you guys think?

Cover 1:

Cover 2:

SO, be looking out for this one! If you like psychological horror, eldritch monsters, unexpected duos, gothic atmosphere, body horror, gore, hit TV show Supernatural, or narratives that delve into the intricacies of grief, this is for you!

See you there. >:)

Hello and welcome to yet another sideblog. Main @zoekrystall.

Autistic (+ other stuff, just another traumatized being) system and this specific blog is mainly run by me - Lucien.

Body is 21 (23/01). Age slider between teen and adult. German.

Darcerin trans dude but what is gender really. More comfy w being a hoarder of all dark genders.

Gay for fiction, irl bellusromantic asexual.

Pronouns anything but fem. I love dark neopronouns go wild.

Fictionkin and therian. I'm fine with doubles but if you aren't just ask to check.

This blog is for anything horror and more macabre things and anything that fits a dark aesthetic or I otherwise think fits on here even if it isn't horror. Sometimes txt posts that feel like they should be on here.

I'm into just everything morbid online and sometimes enjoy things maybe a bit too much but yknow that's what's fiction's here for. The things that I can't stomach aren't a lot. I like a lot of horror games made in rpg maker and in general indie ones. Pixels my beloved. I like psychological horror the most and find most big name stuff eh personally. I get the slasher appeal but it's so boring to me. I like ARGs and such too and find most if not all through night mind on youtube. Various folklore and in general supernatural is nice and I do believe in it.

If you can understand german do I recommend corrupted and nesfatelp. I also watch manlybadasshero and that's pretty much it. Do I play horror games myself? Ha no I'm way too much of a scaredy cat for that.

Please be at the very least 16. I personally watched quite the stuff at a way too young age but definitely do not recommend it. I doubt anything on this blog will come close to what I seek(ed) out but just in case.

I block for various reasons and I encourage you to just block me too if you don't want to see me for literally whatever reason.

Cringe is dead. No buts.

I am neither anti or proship. This is nuanced. If you're an asshole to people and witchhunt and water words down and play moral righteous hero then I don't want you near me. Fuck off.

Psych abolitionist next to other stuff.

Don't armchair diagnose. Not a single disorder makes someone bad. Not a single disorder is evil or only reserved for people you don't like.

Inclusionists. All systems and queers welcome. "Queer is a total rejection of the regime of the Normal."

Fuck AI art, writing, and voices without explicit consent.