WIP Wednesday : Fic Rec Edition
I'm between projects, so I'll follow Em's lead and put up three of my favorite recent reads. I've read everything posted for the Carry On Reverse Big Bang because this format—making art and then spinning a story around it—had magical results. Good job to everyone who participated!
Behind the Magic - partnership of @bookish-bogwitch and @ic3-que3n
This story gives a behind-the-scenes view to the low-budget set where Carry On, the novel, is being created by characters who are living archetypes. But what happens if the "Chosen One" and the "Villain" don't stay inside their roles? Hilarity! And the art! There is SO MUCH wonderful art! My favourite highlights include the headshots, the visual punchlines of the kiss and the crane, anything Dev says, ongoing roasts of Rainbow Rowell (with love) and how within 100 words Agatha decides this is BS and leaves. She's replaced with New Agatha, who has long flaxen hair, one shapely leg and is much easier to push around.
We All Fall Down - partnership of @captain-aralias and @technetiumai
Dramatic art leads you in to a story of love and self-acceptance. Baz is dying of unrequited love. When Simon finds out, he promises to do anything to save Baz—even try to fall in love with someone that annoyingly good-looking. Highlights include Simon with soft, feathered wings, Baz describing Malcolm and Daphne's wedding and Penny getting affronted on behalf of a library book.
Where Does the Pollen Go? - partnership between @bazzybelle and @stardustasincocaine
I was so lucky to beta read this story before it was posted. A graduate from Watford has set up a tattoo parlor where she gives magical tattoos. Simon watches avidly as Baz covers himself with floral art, each representing healing and acceptance of a part of Baz's past (and future). I found this by turns tender, funny and heart-rending. My favourite highlights include descriptions of so many delicious meals (food = love with these two), bee puns! (so many bee puns) and the art that gets me humming "Birdhouse in My Soul" by TMBG. (Dang it, there I go again!)
The Smokescreen - partnership between @whatevertheweather and @subparselkie
Beautiful art and incredible writing! This noir crime story has a unique structure that really takes off when Baz is introduced. The dialogue is sharp and sexy.
Any Way the Dice Roll - partnership between @scone-lover and @excalisbury
This is the happiest, funniest nerd fest ever. I love nerds. They're my people. I've never played D&D but I'm going to be here every week to watch this midwestern gothic campaign unfold because you bring so much love and enthusiasm to every detail.