#five questions

Thank you @herrmannhalsteadproduction for the tag this was fun 😊

fanfic or original? title?

Technically I have two, the upcoming chapter of Not A Puck Bunny and then a second one that I probably won't share publicly.

first two sentences of your current project

Cliff has never felt uncomfortable or awkward around Rozy, not even when they were a couple baby faced kids living together in Cliff's old apartment that was half the size of a shoe box. Part of him thinks he should feel uncomfortable now standing shoulder to shoulder with Rozy outside of Row 34 waiting for his mom to arrive, but that isn't their relationship. 

most recently written sentence of your current project

"You get a room." Maybe not his best comeback, but he doesn't particularly care at the moment either. 

favorite line(s) in your current project

The way I keep describing this chapter to my friends who are are cheerleading me through the writing of this chapter is Shenanigans and I really feel like this section really sums that up.

"Wow. Great pep talk Ma." Cliff replied giving his mom the world's most sarcastic thumbs up which made Rozy laugh unapologetically.

"What would you rather I say some cliche about how life is like a box of cheap chocolates or my special poutine?" Cliff winced,

"Please don't."

"No, no I want to hear metaphor about how life is like Mama Marley's special poutine." Rozy replied way to happily, making Cliff roll his eyes before looking at his best friend mouthing 'brown noser' at him. Marie-Frédérique cooed at Rozy in French, calling him a good boy, making him preen like a damn peacock before turning back to Cliff glaring at him.

"This is why Loulou is a good son, mon caneton, he appreciates my special poutine." Cliff knows when he is being chirped, and right now he is being chirped by his own mother.

how close is your project to the end?

Honestly probably about half way done with the actual writing and then I have to go back and edit things before sending it off to my lovely beta reader @thepinkcrayon

Five questions to get to know you better.

1) What colour are your eyes?

Something between hazel and brown? Dunno if it's central heterocromia or not.

2) What little thing instantly tells you that a person is good?

Uhm what do you mean by "good"? Is anyone truly "good"? Can you judge someone based on one action/trait? I believe not.

3) Do you have a recurring dream?

Not a recurring dream, but recurring places in dreams. In particular, a gloomy fantasy city with canals and a cathedral... I should have a map somewhere...

4) What is the most interesting class you have taken?

Sooo I didn't get past high school but there was a time when (thanks to acquaintances) I was able to... crash some lectures at the Fine Arts Academy, even if I wasn't registered. It was a workshop based on "Drawing with the right side of the brain", lots of neat exercises. That was fun.

5) How often do you find yourself daydreaming?

Easy answer... all the damned time.

I was tagged all the way back in December 2019 by the lovely @kagetsukai – thanks so much! ❤️  Sorry that it’s taken me, um, 7 months to get around to doing this! I think at the time I was feeling a bit too low about my writing (and, frankly, fandom) back then to be able to answer any writing memes, but I’m back on my bullshit now so LET’S DO THIS! 💪🏾 

I tag whoever wants to do this! 😃 

Let’s talk about “A Chance Engagement”, my Regency AU Carver/Merrill multi-chaptered longfic! 

1) What was the idea that started the story?

Two things: The first thing was this post that made me wonder what Carver would look like marching around in tight Regency breeches, and that got me thinking of all kinds of scenarios where he’d be marching around in them (also please have my bad Photoshop art. Thanks @fragilespark for enabling me, haha!).

The second thing was that not long after, @lucyrne was one of the randomly-selected prizewinners for the @carvermerrill blog giveaway when it reached 250 followers (random fun fact: it now has 366 followers; not bad for a rare-pairing!) and she gave me the following prompt: 

...I think what I'd really love is a prompt that involves them dressing up for some reason. Like going to a ball and actually getting to enjoy it instead of thwarting assassinations or fighting dragons ... 

After I asked her if a Regency AU would be OK with her, she replied: 

I was thinking something canonverse, but if an AU inspired you go for it. 

And, um, three years later, here we are. (I’m so sorry your blog giveaway prize has taken this long, Lucyrne!) 

2) Did you make an outline? Did you stick to it?

Kind of? I mean, I’m following the plot of Pride & Prejudice (the novel version, and maybe sort of the 1995 BBC adaptation) for the most part, especially with the main pairing (Carver/Merrill) and one of the other side-pairings (the Wickham/Lydia equivalent), but there is another subplot going on with F!Hawke/Isabela (i.e. Marian Hawke) and their secret romance which is very loosely based on their Dragon Age 2 romance arc, although it won’t exactly follow that arc. 

I tend to make a very loose and subject-to-change outline for my longfic after pantsing a few paragraphs/pages to get some thoughts down and some scenes out of my head, but then I start to string things together by coming up with some sort of plot to include the scenes in, and that’s what I’ve done here. I’ve got a list of bullet points of plot points I need to cover overall, and then I drill down deeper into each chapter and what they will cover every batch of several chapters. I haven’t always stuck to those more detailed chapter-by-chapter outlines, but I have stuck to the overall plot outline. 

3) What’s the favourite part of your story?

A certain rejected proposal that happened in Chapter 41. I was laughing about that for at least a year before I was finally able to release the chapter – it was so hard sitting on that plot twist for so long!

4) Who is your favourite character and why?

Probably the Arishok. His sole purpose in the fic is to just turn up and ruin everything, LOL. I’ve also really enjoyed writing the De Launcets, as well – writing the bitchy sisters Babette and Fifi and their brother Emile with his shit chat-up lines has been great, they’re just my favourite disaster family and writing their meanness has been fun. 

5) Did anything happen that surprised you as you were writing? 

I was actually surprised that the de Launcet sisters ended up having as big a role as they did, and that there was so little of Emile. I was also surprised at just how long it would take me to get from one plot point to another, that getting from plot point A to plot point B in my rough outline would take several chapters and a bunch of exposition and worldbuilding in order to build and complete the path there. 

I am also surprised that I’m still going. I thought this would be done in like 15 chapters and 20,000 words?!? AHAHAHAHAHA I WAS SO WRONG but I’m also surprised that I’ve got a fic past the 60,000-word mark and that I haven’t flagged and that I’m still interested in writing and finishing it, even if I am slow! 

The other reason I’m surprised I’m still going is actually because trying to write in a Regency style of English is really, really, really hard for me, and I don’t always enjoy doing it, even though (paradoxically) I really enjoy writing this fic???? despite my feelings about the style I write it in??? I can’t really explain it. It kind of feels like I was meant to write this fic, somehow, and I think so far it’s the most “me” out of all multi-chaptered fics I’ve publicly released to AO3. 

The BIGGEST surprise I got, however, was that this longfic would be as loved as it was/is, and that I’d have so many lovely, awesome, wonderful people reaching out to tell me how much they love my fic and look forward to each update ❤️  Back when I started, I only had like 3 readers, and out of those, only Lucyrne was a regular commenter of mine – I remembered being disappointed at first, but then I thought “eh, this is the story I want to write, and I love diving into this world and this AU so I’m going to finish it even if Lucyrne ends up being my only reader”. So I stopped worrying about my lack of audience and just... carried on writing it, just for the sheer fun of writing it. 

I’ve been tagged in a few of these by both @bitchesofostwick​ and @melaena​, and since I really need to get back to work on my current WIP, Of Love and Duty, I’ll answer five questions about and post six sentences from that one.

1) What was the idea that started the story? Hahahahaha! Weeeeelllll, see, it’s a fic of a fic. I got real deep into Cullistair (Cullen/Alistair) as a pairing because their personalities fit so well together? They’ve both been through some shit, and while Alistair lightens Cullen up, Cullen helps ground Alistair, and I can see them supporting each other through anything. I was reading literally any fic I could find, and I stumbled upon the fic Thicker Than Blood by manchanification on AO3 (@cinnamonsweetrolls​ on Tumblr). It’s almost sickeningly sweet fluff about Alistair saving an orphaned infant girl (named Elodie) from darkspawn, and

[SPOILER ALERT!!!] After a bunch of angst and sweetness, they end up adopting her. [END SPOILER ALERT]

And my mind couldn’t shake the idea of Alistair and Cullen dealing with Elodie as she got older, specifically during a toddler tantrum. And when would she be a toddler? During Trespasser. The entire first chapter is the scene that spawned it all. I’m pretty proud of its accuracy, tbh.

2) Did you make an outline? Did you stick to it? Weeelll, “outline” is a strong word. I usually know exactly where my stories will go when I start them (and certainly when I start posting them!), but I started this one with more of a general aesthetic of Alistair and Cullen trying to balance parenthood and their very important and dangerous jobs. Scenes kind of sprouted from there, and it wasn’t until I brainstormed with a friend that I developed an actual plot, per se. Now I have a rough outline, even if it’s not all written down.

3) What’s your favorite part of your story? I have a couple of different favorite parts, but I really love seeing Alistair and Cullen be dads. They’re super adorable, especially Cullen. He’s such a sucker for his sweet girl -- as Leliana says in one chapter, “I’m half afraid if she batted those big blue eyes and said, ‘I yuv you, Munda,’ he’d invade Ferelden if she asked.” (She calls Alistair “Papa” and Cullen “Munda” for reasons that are cute and spoiler-y.) I also really enjoy seeing Alistair and Cullen’s relationship as it developed after they adopt her. It’s incredibly healthy, which was important for me to show. And the interactions between Alistair, Cullen, Elodie and the Inner Circle are fun, too.

4) Who is your favorite character and why? I love Alistair and Cullen, of course, but I think I might have to say Elodie here. First, although she’s technically not my OC, manchanification told me that they hadn’t really imagined her personality (just her as an infant), so everything Elodie is and does is me. She’s based on my experiences with my little brother (who was born when I was 15) and my niece (who is just now older than Elodie), particularly how insanity-inducing young children can be when they’re at their worst. But also how adorable and sweet they can be at their best. Thinking about her relationships with Cullen and Alistair, as well as with companions like Leliana, Josie, the Inquisitor, and Dorian, was also fun because I got to imagine how each companion would act around a child.

5) Did anything happen that surprised you as you were writing? You mean aside from length? I suppose the rather elaborate plot at the Exalted Council and the way I’ve made it fit with the theme of love vs. duty (hence the name) surprised me a bit. It’s gonsta get super angsty before it gets better, although I’d say chapters 4-8 contain some wonderful bits of fluff. I’ve also had fun with my sort of cutesy, punny chapter titles.

On a less positive note, the fact that I haven’t posted since July (~5 mos) and that it’s been a year since I started has also been a surprise, since I figured I’d have finished by now.

6) Sentences? I’m going to post a snippet from the current WIP chapter 10. Mostly because I need a kick in the butt to keep plugging on it. It’s been difficult because it’s more politic-y and consists almost entirely of an interrogation (of Cullen), so I’ve been struggling and allowing myself to be easily distracted. I’m hoping this post can kick my ass into gear. (Also I’m breaking my own rules and writing a little more than six sentences. It’s really more of a snippet.)

From the upcoming chapter 10:

A pregnant silence filled the hall at the end of Cullen’s answer. Then whispers erupted everywhere as Cullen calmly took a drink from the tankard of water in front of him. Alistair could see, even from this far away, the subtle shaking of his hand.

Leliana spoke before any more questions could be asked. “Commander, would you like to take a short break now?”

“Thank you, Your Holiness,” Cullen said, “but I am fine to continue.”

“Well, I would like to take a break,” said Leliana, picking up her gavel, and Alistair had never loved her more.

“Your Holiness.” The room seemed to fell into a deeper silence now. Up until now, Cullen hadn’t spoken unless spoken to. “If I may request …”

Leliana nodded, while Alistair’s heart nearly beat itself out of his chest.

“I should … prefer to continue,” Cullen finished. “Without a break. But of course I defer to your judgment.”

Leliana eyed him for what felt like Ages, but in all likelihood was two or three seconds at most. She was looking for the truth behind Cullen’s request, and though most would miss it, Alistair saw that truth in his eyes, begging her to let him hurry and get this over with.

Eventually, Leliana nodded once, slowly, almost in deference. “Very well, Commander. I admire your commitment to this Council and its mission.”

Hey Inter World, now they're on Monday's, I hope that's not to early for you guys and gals 😊. Anyway let get started and thinking...

41. In horse racing, why do they award the rider and not the horse?

42. If sour cream is past it's expiration date is it good then?

43. If an Orange is called be so because it's orange, then why isn't a Lime called a green and a Lemon a yellow etc?

44. If the folks of the psychic hotlines were really psychic, wouldn't they call you first?

45. If a fork was made of gold, would it still be considered silverware?

Let me know what you think and pass the thought along.

@beks21 tagged me with this (answer the five provided questions and then ask five of your own and tag five more people), and I’d also had a recent ask wanting to know more about me (for the record, my favorite color is green). So here’s some stuff about me!

1. What is your favorite “dad joke” to tell? Oh, boy. Yes. I actually worked my favorite dad joke into a fic once way back in my SG-1 days. I put the question in the beginning of the fic and made the readers wait until the very end for the punch line. God, so fun. Anyway, the joke is: What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Answer: Nacho cheese.

You’re welcome.

2. If you could enter a fictional world and spend a week with the characters, where would you go? Obviously Hogwarts. Not during the war or anything. Like, I could be the Muggle Studies professor or something. Run around Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Yes. I would quite love that.

3. What is a food you really liked as a kid but now dislike? Or vice versa: what is something you didn’t like as a kid but now really enjoy? I had a strange relationship with vegetables growing up. It took me a while to realize that I actually love vegetables, like asparagus in particular. I just don’t particularly like them when they have been boiled into a stringy mess. My mom had very 1960s cooking approaches. You should have seen what she did to meat. Which might explain my vegetarianism from the ages of 14 until nearly 30. (Pork chops can taste like what if you cook them right?!?) It’s a bit weird too, looking back, because she was a good cook. She did lots of interesting food from many cultures. It’s just when she did American ‘classic’ cuisine that everything fell apart. Her sukiyaki and cioppino were equally delightful.

4. If you could see any performance {theatre, comedy, musician, etc} live, what would you want to see? Easy. The original Hamilton cast in NYC. No brainer for me. I would have done anything to have been smart enough to somehow make that happen way back in the early days when it was still possible. Booooo.

5. Tell me about losing your first tooth. Seriously. That was decades ago. I have no memory. How old are people when they lose their first tooth? Six? I do remember having my wisdom teeth taken out in college and being miserable and not eating solid food for weeks after they got impacted. MISERY. Ugh. I hate teeth. Just in general. I have more fillings than teeth, I think.

I’m going to tag  @harryginny-alwayshoped, @weatheredskies, @thorium23, @bighero26, and @ibidou11221 if they have any interest, as well as anyone else who wants to answer these questions:

1. Any upcoming travel plans? If not, where is one place you really want to visit?

2. Do you remember the first concert you ever attended?  (Or is there someone you would really want to see in concert?)

3. If you could instantly become an expert at something, what would it be?

4. If you could have one 'do over' in your life, what would you do differently?

Photo by Derek Ketchum

BY JORDAN MAINZER

One of the strongest country albums of the year so far is Sarah Shook & The Disarmers’ Years, and country it is. Broken hearts, loneliness, booze--it’s all displayed with equal measures sorrow and wit by Shook’s nasal twang and deadpan delivery. Meanwhile, The Disarmers provide rollicking electric guitars, reflective pedal steel, and chugging beats. Hearing it, you would never guess it’s contemporary music. Shook’s story, though, is not one often heard in country music (even with the progressive likes of people like Kacey Musgraves). She was home-schooled by a strict religious family and not allowed to listen to secular music as a child, and is now out as a bisexual atheist. On Years, she doesn’t directly draw upon those experiences. Instead, she lets the emotions do the talking.

Here, I ask Shook about Years, performing live, new material, and her family.

Sarah Shook & The Disarmers; Photo by John Gessner

Since I Left You: We just saw you live at Bloodshot perform stripped-down versions of your songs. What do you think that type of performance adds to the songs? What do you think it takes away from them?

Sarah Shook: It takes away everything I love most about performing. Haha. Writing and singing songs is fun and all, but it's my band that amplifies all the emotions and really draws out the spirit of the thing.

Years album art

SILY: What's the inspiration behind Years' album title (besides the song on the album)? What about the album art?

SS: Two weeks before we went into the studio, I was in a really dark mood. Something was missing. Something paramount that needed to not only be on the record, but would be the title track. I wrote “Years”, and we had two practices with it before we went into the studio. It was a strategic and important decision both professionally and personally. My four year long, incredibly unhealthy relationship was finally reaching critical mass, and I was ready to face it and get the fuck out.

And I designed the cover. Snakes have always been a big part of my life. When I was a kid, everyone in my family except me was allergic to cats and dogs, so we couldn't have pets. I was a master snake catcher. Plus, they’re symbolic AF.

Shook performing live; Photo by Anthony Nguyen

SILY: What have fans or people you've run into at shows said to you about how they relate to Years, even though it's firmly inspired by your life?

SS: The older I get, the more clearly I see how my stories are everyone's stories. And how all the timelines and experiences of our lives weave together, in and out, inextricably.

Sarah Shook performing at Bloodshot Records

SILY: You played a new song at Bloodshot. Can you tell me a little bit about that song's composition and any other new material you're working on? 

SS: It's so new, I don't have a name for it yet. Haha. Yeah, I have a bunch of new songs. It's weird being in the position we're in, and we're still figuring out how to navigate it. Last year, I would write a song, bring it to practice, we'd all learn it, and boom, it's done. We're on the road so often we don't have practices anymore. So I guess we're gonna have to start learning new material at sound checks.

SILY: Are close with your family? Do you know what they think of your music?

Thanks @impracticaldemon for the tag!

1. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory? 

Um... I don’t know if I have one. There really isn’t one memory that stands out for me beyond the general good food and a fun time with family. 

2. Who are you most thankful for? 

Of course my family is right at the top, but this year I’d have to say I am extremely thankful to have met so many fantastic people here. Y’all are awesome :)

3. What do you love most about Thanksgiving? 

The food and sparkling cider :P My grandparents live right next door, so seeing them isn’t unusual, but most of the recipes are things we only make for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. The green bean casserole and pea salad with ranch flavored cottage cheese are the standouts. 

4. What is your favorite Thanksgiving food? 

Mashed potatoes all the way! I mean it’s gotta have the turkey and green bean casserole to go with it, but the mashed potatoes are the star of the show for me :P

5. What would you change about Thanksgiving?