formulaic_beam

I'm Canadian and here the default is somewhere halfway between British and American, so it makes sense that some would come naturally to me, like "ou" spellings. But, the ones I missed because I didn't even think about them surprised me. I've read enough period fiction that plait vs. braid should have been automatic, but it was not. It's fixed now though; braid is out, plait is in.

So, one character I mentioned in passing in chapter 3, who I want to bring forward to chapter 10, turned into a major fic overhaul. (Which is now complete. Whew). I didn't change any of the plot, so a reread is not required. I did discover that I misunderstood how gaslights work. I originally thought they turned on and off with a simple switch, like electric lights. Nope. When I double checked, I found that if the fire is extinguished, it has to be re-lit externally. It's one of those things that should have been obvious while I was researching. It's interesting to find blind spots after I'm certain I already figured something out.

The gaslight in Katniss's room section has been rewritten to contain a mention of matches 😅

Here's a little chapter 10 excerpt. It's still a draft, but this is the section with the chapter 3 character brought forward:

The young maid takes Katniss's shawl. A flash of recognition dawns. “Harriet?" she asks.

The maid blushes and smiles. "Yes, Katniss. How nice to see you looking so fancy.”

Katniss smiles. "Thank you. It is lovely to see you as—”

Mr Hawthorne interjects. "We mustn't keep the young lady from her duties, Miss Everdeen," he admonishes gently. He turns to face Harriet and hands her his hat. “Thank you, Miss. That will be all."

"Thank you, Katniss," says Millie. "I tell you truly: my nerves would not have withstood this night save for you. You feel like kin to me."

Katniss's throat tightens. "And you to me, Millie," she whispers. "I would not have survived the ragged school were you not there beside me."

Their hands join in the dark. "Then we have given each other a sister," says Millie softly. "And it cannot be taken from us by anyone."

Katniss squeezes Millie's hands in hopes that the gesture imparts her feelings. She has not the words to express them.

Some of the locations that appear in the chapter:

I want to keep the wedding sealed until I post the chapter, so no tidbit this week. But my research led me to this 1882 excerpt from the Collier's Cyclopedia of Etiquette of Courtship and Marriage and it is filled with comedy gold.

On the demeanor of the suitor:

The lover should carefully accommodate his tone and bearing, whether cheerful or serious, to the mood for the time of his lady-love, whose slightest wish must be his law.

On the ring:

It is the gentleman's business to buy the ring; and let him take special care not to forget it; for such an awkward mistake has frequently happened.

On the departure for the honeymoon:

…amidst a shower of old slippers — missiles of good-luck sent flying after the happy pair — gives the word, and they are off, and started on the long-hoped-for voyage!

Katniss receives correspondence from old friends and a confounding new acquaintance.

The probationers come together.

Dear Miss Katniss,

It is with no small degree of astonishment that I find myself writing to you, as I had rather expected that my son's intended might have selected a young lady of somewhat wider acquaintance for the honour of chief bridesmaid. However, as Millicent has expressed her wish with a persistence I can only describe as remarkable, I am pleased to extend to you this invitation.

The Beast of Casterbridge my ao3 WIP

This snip is from chapter 7, currently in progress

But oh my god I love your fic so much it's giving me braincells-

If you rp I'd love to rp with you

Katniss discovers the daily rhythm of life as a probationer: lectures, ward duties, and a memorable encounter with a patient.

Hunger Games modern AU, a 3 part series beginning with He Would Respect Her Choice.

Summary:

Nineteen-year-old Katniss works at a diner, cares for her catatonic mother, and belongs to Gale in every way that matters — even if she's never agreed to it.

Every Tuesday, a baker knocks on the back door.

Snippet from my draft of chapter 6 of The Beast of Casterbridge

I nominate @stupidgayhobbit (mostly because I want a sneak peak of Hungermania 😉)