Friday Fics Fix - Not Incompatible With A World In Which Buttons Exists

'...Lucius shrugs. “Yeah, well, you weren’t ever unclear on that being a likely scenario. Also, like, we’re pirates?”

Izzy opens his mouth, then snaps it shut. The logic, simple as it is, is flawless.'

This is an Our Flag Means Death (OFMD) crack fic -

- in so much as you can get a crack fic for this show, given that if the actual canon were written by a fan creator, it would most definitely be classed as a crack fic.

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, OFMD is also known as The Gay Pirate Show - because it has gay pirates. 

...And Taika Waititi, y'know, in case you needed more incentive. 😅😉

Friday Fics Fix - Sometimes Things Just Happen That Way

 

'So, for twelve years, all Klaus and Ben had was each other.'

I don't know what it is about this fic...

I can think of dozens of fics just like it, and yet... it stands out.

Sometimes things just happen that way, I guess.

Friday Fics Fix - Random and Slightly Absurd

 

'“We need to go to the park. There’s a wizard there: it’s his fault.” It is hard to know if Ben intends this to be helpful.'

I'm pretty sure there's time loop fanfiction for every fandom.

And ironically, despite being not that into time loops (aside from Happy Death Day, of course,) I keep reading time loop fics (over and over and... 😅)

(If you want to check out some SamBucky in a time loop, check this post out here. You're welcome.)

Friday Fics Fix - It Just Keeps Getting Colder

'Sam is pretty sure he won’t be getting up again.

“It’s not that bad,” Bucky says, his lips pressed together.

“Bad enough,” Sam rasps.'

Who wants super-angsty SamBucky?

...well that's what you're getting dammit!

The emo spaghetti goblin brain wants what the emo spaghetti goblin brain wants 😅

(Fandom notes:

SamBucky is a romantic and/or sexual relationship, also known as WinterFalcon, between Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes from the MCU (Marvel movies and TV shows - especially The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (TFATWS))

Friday Fics Fix - In Typical Hargreeves Fashion

 

'Klaus applauded. No one joined him. No matter. He beamed brightly.

“So. Who wants to kill me?”

His siblings’ horrified faces peered back at him.'

 

Warning: this post briefly discusses suicide, in relation to the content of the fanfiction discussed.

I love the way fandom creators use source material.

I love their interpretations of both characters and plot points. I love it when they write novel-length fics, and I love it when those novel-length fics are written well.

It's just... breath-taking, isn't it? How characters and stories have their own lives, away from the source material. How the interaction of fan and material can create something new and special.

Month In Review(s) - February 2023

 

What can I say about February?

As February tends to do, because of the length, it kind of zipped past.

It was not as bad as January for yours truly (because that, unfortunately, would take some beating,) but it was still full of more downs than ups, really.

I struggle when the people I love are struggling, dearest nerdlets, I really do.

And I tend to turn those feelings back on myself - like if I was just 'good enough' then things would be better, if I knew what I was doing with my life then things would be better, if I was just fundamentally 'better' then things would be better.

Objectively, I know that is a pile of b*llsh**.

Subjectively, I feel it.

Friday Fics Fix - That Kind Of Angst

'Though he can barely recall most details from his childhood, and his entire 20s are a blur, Klaus’s memories of Vietnam are so vivid that he can still feel Dave’s rough fingertips on his skin when he closes his eyes...'

 

 

In my defence - 

which is always a great way to start a blogpost

- the level of angst in this fic is such that originally I wasn't going to rec it.

But then the fic that I was going to rec turned out to be unavailable, so I thought 'f**k it, they're getting the angst!'

Comics Wrap-Up - Not Expecting This Level of Wholesomeness

It's Thursday, I am juggling metaphorical plates (cos I'd drop the real ones,) so let's get some superhero-y comics-y goodness!

Friday Fics Fix - It's SamBucky Time!

'“Like deja-vu?” Sam asks, confusion evident in his voice.

“Yeah but for the whole day.” They’re silent for a moment, Sam looking like he doesn’t know what to say, so Bucky tries again. “Like we’re in a time loop,” he says finally.'

You can find time-loop fics for pretty much any fandom, and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (TFATWS) is no exception.

Though it isn't so much of a thing for TFATWS as it is for, say... the horror film Ready or Not. Where the fandom has decided that time loops will both be a thing, and be the primary premise of 80% of the fics available. 

...Lol. I love fandom.

(If you're not sure what a time loop is, check out the TV Tropes page here.)

Friday Fics Fix - A Beautiful Ball of Demons and Horror

'Yoon Hwa Pyung had no idea how to use a rosary.

When he came to on the pitching deck of a small fishing boat, salt in his mouth and sun beating down on his face, he registered distantly the feeling of beads digging into the skin of his left wrist, a metal cross dug deep into his palm.'

The Guest (also known, in English, as Son: The Guest or Hand: The Guest) is a Korean drama from 2018.

...I found it on Netflix and couldn't stop watching it dammit!

It's a beautiful ball of demons and horror and angst and hope and... argh! I loved it.

Nerd Church - Versions of History

Warning: this post discusses various historical shenanigans, which means it ends up covering topics including but not limited to: racism, Homophobia, colonisation, and war.

The phrase 'revisionist history' is one I've seen crop up from time to time, usually from someone right-wing and ill-informed, when people are discussing diversity in history.

Since it's LGBT+ History Month here in the UK, and Black History Month in the USA (the UK's is in October,) - I've seen it more than once, in my online travellings, since the start of February.

And it's irritating.

So...

For all those who assume that European history, in particular, looks a certain way, a few snapshots in time, from across the continent:

Friday Fics Fix - You Know I Love Me Some Weird

 

'There was an argument happening some ways away, Diego and Luther throwing another one of their hissy fits. Klaus was too high to follow what was being said even if he could see every molecule of air vibrating at its own frequency.'

This one's weird.

Good weird? Bad weird?

I don't honestly know.

But it's weird. And you know I love me some weird 😅

Nerd Church - The Best and Worst of Humanity

Warning: this post talks trolls and bigots, but mostly in the abstract sense

The internet is an interesting cesspit.

The best and the worst of humanity in one place.

(Thank God it's not still 2016 - for graphic imagery and threats, that year has thankfully yet to be beaten for me.)

Friday Fics Fix - Bucky Barnes Is Not Leaving

'“This isn’t some true-crime podcast, alright?”

Sam blinks again, taken aback by the sudden anger in Bucky’s tone. He opens his mouth, closes it, then opens it again to ask, “Who taught you about podcasts?”'

 

Should I be concerned, do you think, that this isn't the first time I've rec'd a The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (TFATWS) fanfic where Bucky's the ghost in a haunted house, and Sam has to deal with this sh**?

Meh, I guess it's not the weirdest fanfic trope that's out there. (Please, if you know what the weirdest trope is - DON'T tell me, I want to preserve what's left of my web-based innocence 😅)

Friday Fics Fix - It's Not His Fault He's Not Umbrella Ben!

 

'Klaus was used to the floor tilting under his feet.'

 

I finished watching series 3 of The Umbrella Academy (TUA) this week - so obviously I'm now in desperate for more TUA content.

Because - as is well established by this point - I am trash.

Comics Wrap-Up - Some Sort Of Rundown On the State of Reality

It's Thursday, I'm trying not to fall back on overworking as an unhealthy coping mechanism in stressful times, let's get some comics-y superhero-y goodness!

Friday Fics Fix - As The Fanfiction Gods Intended...

'“It's been a year, Buck,” he said. “I hate seein’ you like this. When was the last time you talked to someone other than me?”

“I talked to Nat last week,” Bucky muttered, knowing it was a poor excuse.'

OK, who wants SamBucky with a side-helping of Veterans' Association AU, featuring Nebula, Clint Barton, Peter Parker and more...?

Welp, that's what you're getting!

(I know what's good for you, dearest nerdlets, just accept it!)

(Fandom notes:

SamBucky is a romantic and/or sexual relationship between Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes from the MCU (Marvel movies + TV shows)

AU = Alternate Universe. It is a universe that is alternate.)

Friday Fics Fix - My Stand-Out Fics Of 2022

Hello 2023 nerdlets! 

For this first Friday Fics Fix of the year, I figured I'd take a little look at some of the fics that stood out for me last year (2022 - in case we've all forgotten already 😅)

These aren't necessarily the 'best' fics - just the ones that stuck out most in my brain, for whatever reason.

I hope you find something you enjoy here! Or that destroys you emotionally (in a good way) - as fanfiction often does. 😅

And remember to check the original rec'ing post for the Content Warnings, and also the fic author's own tags.

'“Just give me a—hint, Loki. Jesus,” Tony says, panting when Enchantress’ fire trails a scorching path all around the exterior of the suit. At least that’s solved the weather problem, he thinks, as he unibeams her in the face.'

 

that one last tender place by oopshidaisy

So the whole *waves hands vaguely* deal with this fic is that Tony and Loki (from the MCU, in case you've stumbled onto this post by accident) have been linked mentally and emotionally in a sort-of-soul-bond type-deal-y.

Because magical shenanigans.

This is FrostIron. Because I am trash, and I don't care.

I just love Tony and Loki together *shrugs* - it weirdly works.

Via Giphy

(Fandom notes: 

FrostIron is a romantic and/or sexual relationship between Iron Man, aka Tony Stark, and Loki, from the MCU (Marvel movies.))

Is there angst?

Well, this is me rec'ing it, so yes.

There's a butt-tonne of angst and hurt/comfort, and emotions every-goddamn-where.

What stood out to me about this one is just the whole interweave and dynamic between Tony and Loki, but also the actual plot being pretty damned good!

Original rec'ing post: Friday Fics Fix - Magical Shenanigans With Tony and Loki

'But the lies were out there, circulating, and were made into a movie, which is a really mixed blessing. Let’s pretend this narration is over the title crawl, and cut to our heroine...'

Anita's Voice by tangentti

Jennifer's Body is a 2009 cult-classic unapologetically Queer horror film.

This fic imagines an AU where the film Jennifer's Body is actually an adaptation of a true crime story

And Needy Lesnicki - the main character - still in the wind and on the run several years later, has seen the movie. She has some thoughts.

(Oh, and it should be obvious from the premise, but in case it's not: this fic is full of SPOILERS.)

Via Giphy

(Fandom notes:

AU = Alternate Universe)

As a true crime fan that tries to stay on the less-exploitative side of the media I consume, I kinda love the way it's played with in this fic.

It has some stuff to say about the lengths that true crime devotees and culture takes the celebrity and even mysticism bestowed on infamous killers.

...And you know I love me some fanfiction-based social commentary 😅

This one sticks in my head for the ingenuity and creativity involved - as well as a huge understanding of Needy herself.

Original rec'ing post: Friday Fics Fix - Needy Lesnicki: In The Wind and On The Run

'“Who is he?” Clint asks.

Sam shrugs his shoulders. “I don't know. He broke in, only thing he's really said is Steve's name.”'

Split Lip by Mjazilem

Via Giphy

AUs can be an incredible way for fic authors to play around with the characters and situations involved in the canon.

...and the best AUs are often the least fantastical.

(Fandom notes:

AUs = Alternate Universes.

Canon = the 'official' stuff in the book/film/whatever) 

Basically, Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers (from the MCU/Marvel  fandom, dearest potentially-lost nerdlets,) used to be foster brothers, until they lost touch and Steve heard that Bucky passed away.

Bucky had not passed away.

And now, at the worst possible time cos Steve's out of town, there's a bleeding teenager with a knife in Sam and Steve's kitchen.

The way the fic author commits to this AU, and manages to integrate the characters into it without it feeling forced, really made it memorable (plus... I couldn't stop reading it, OK? It was very page-turn-y!)

Original rec'ing post: Friday Fics Fix - Dealing With The Stabby Teenager In Your Kitchen

'“Alex,” he said quickly, his voice strained. “I need you to overrule security protocol and allow me access to a cell in the basement-level holding facility. Please listen carefully, I require several apparatuses to ensure my escape is at its lowest likelihood-”'

 

Present, Past and Future Hunt Me by Namesake

I had to include this one in the list! 

Just the whole... *waves hands* -ness of it!

Via Giphy

It's like a whole-a** season arc of Supergirl.

It's incredible, and at just under 500 pages and, according to the author's notes, taking two years to complete - it shows some goddamn dedication!

And it has everything.

Action? Check.

Angst? Check.

Plot twists? Character interactions? The power of freaking love?! Check, check, check!

And not only do we have OTP Brainy and Nia taking front and centre in the fight against one of Brainy's evil ancestors, we also get Kara and J'onn being super superheroes, and Alex and Kelly doing their whole kick-a** Lesbian action hero schtick!

Oh and Lena! Lena's here too.

Honestly, if you're a Supergirl fan, you're gonna love it!

Original rec'ing post: Friday Fics Fix - Like A Whole Season Arc of Supergirl

'“Who would be controlling it?” Joaquin asked. “And why our camp?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. Why those six kids in the movie? It’s just entertainment, right? Entertainment doesn’t need a big message with metaphors and motifs.”'

These Things That Would Eat Us by Elisabeth Monroe

SamBucky are (teenage, camp counsellor,) Couple Goals™.

Sometimes you just want fics to be fun - maybe a little silly - and a lot entertaining.

(Fandom notes:

SamBucky, also known as Winter Falcon, is a sexual and/or romantic relationship between Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes)

OK, so, hear me out: horror movie summer camp with teenage MCU characters.

Via Giphy

...Do I have to say more? Oh, I do, OK - how about this: there's Sam, Bucky, and Steve, as well as Joaquin Torres, Kate Bishop, and Yelena Belova AND America Chavez, Peter Parker, and Kamala Khan!

Just, this whole fic really sticks in my brain for it's perfect horror camp schtick, y'know? I love it.

Original rec'ing post: Friday Fics Fix - Horror Movie MCU

What fics stood out to you in 2022?

Have you read any of these?

Talk to me! 😎💬

You can follow me on Twitter @CeeDoraReads, on Pinterest, and on Dora Reads @ BlogLovin. For more ways to support me, check out the Support Me page

Previous Friday Fics Fix posts:

• Friday Fics Fix - There's A Surprising Lack of Angsty Ash Tyler Fics

• Friday Fics Fix - We've Established I'm Trash By This Point

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The Bookish Diversity Link List 2023

  

Your resource for all things bookish diversity is back! 

Welcome to the 7th(!) Bookish Diversity Link List, 2023.

As I said last year, I still think there's need for a resource which points to cool and good quality diverse bookish things - even if I sometimes struggle to add as much to it as I'd like.

My corner of the bookish interwebs may be flourishing diversely, but the bookish interwebs as a whole has a lot of churn in terms of participants (i.e. people leaving, people coming in,) - and some of the issues around diversity and representation remain as pressing as ever.

So, here I am, once again, doing my small bit to keep things moving forward. I hope you find it useful.

Month In Review(s) - November 2022

 

November wasn't great.

I mean... it wasn't the worst month ever.

And any month you can walk away from is a good one.

But yeah, November wasn't great.

Sometimes I think the world really did end in 2012, it just took a while for us to notice.

The 2020s just feel pretty apocalyptic so far, don't they?