Nerd Church - Hope in the Butt-End of the 2010s (or, the News is Always Awful, But We Can Still Smile Sometimes)

"Have you seen the news?"

"No... what's happened now?"

...We all dread it.

Because everything in the world just seems to be going downhill continually.

Friday Fics Fix - Please Take Care of the Random British Man

'Lestrade looked on, bewildered, as Sherlock began to help himself to the soup.

“You think your life rates lower than a case in John’s eyes?”'

If this post doesn't make sense, it's because I'm tired, have a headache, and my country is slowly falling to pieces.

No, I'm not American. I'm actually British. We have problems too. 👍 

(Brexit sh**. Help us.)

Comics Wrap-Up - Excelsior!

There really is only one story in comics this week - the death of Stan Lee.

Micropoetry - September + October 2018

Here's my Micropoetry for September and October!

I only wrote one piece in September, so I figured I'd combine the two months.

And, in an action that has surely broken the laws of physics and/or the time-space-continuum, I somehow managed to find time to make graphics for all three!

(I seriously suspect some sort of time-warp was involved. B/c how?!)


As always, for those with screen-readers, the poetry will be in the alt-text of the images, with / marks denoting line breaks.

Nerd Church - Remember Them, Too

I think it's important to remember, 100 years to the day after the end of the First World War, that marginalised people have always been part of, done their part for, and made the ultimate sacrifice for, this country.

When you remember those who served, remember that Black and Ethnic Minority (BAME) people, Muslim people, Jewish people, LGBTQ+ people, and many, many, other marginalised people, served this country too.

(I'm sure this also applies to other countries like the US, Canada, Australia, etc., but I can only speak for the UK here.)

Friday Fics Fix - Iron Can Be Cold, But Spiders Need Warmth

'Peter grunts. His eyes open only slightly, but it doesn't look like he understands where he is. The kid is like dead weight slung over Tony's metal-clad shoulders. He's also freezing cold.'

Let's have some Tony-Peter Father-Son-type-cuteness with a side of self-care, shall we?

I love that fics like this exist!

I also love that fics can take a random thought, like, for example 'what if Peter Parker has the same lack of thermoregulation as a spider?' and f**king runs with it!

Comics Wrap-Up - Where Is Your Boy Tonight?

What do we say when all the comics-y stuff comes under the 'Other Stuff' category...? That's right! BLAME LOKI! 😉

Via Giphy

Month In Review(s) - October 2018

Argh. October.

October was pretty much like the previous months - stressful, full of family worries, and working uber-hard.

My grandparents are both still in hospital. Life is still hectic.

Only October also managed to give me the gift of about four or five different colds. I'm one of those people who get colds on a rotating-door type basis. 😷

Nerd Church - Scream, America, Scream

I praise liberty
The freedom to obey
Is the song that strangles me
Well don't cross the line 

Oh dream, America, dream
I can't even sleep
From the light's early dawn
Oh, scream, America, scream
Believe what you see
From heroes and cons

- Green Day, 21st Century Breakdown

From the video for 21st Century Breakdown. Via @greenday on Giphy.

My God, America.

Can you not see yourselves?

From where we're standing, in the rest of the world... we're scared. We're scared FOR you, and we're scared OF you.

We have problems of our own. Awful problems. We can't deal with yours too.

Your rights are being eroded, slowly but surely. People are suffering because of the policies your government has put in place.

Friday Fics Fix - Am I More Than You Bargained For, Yeah?

'She comes back with a hiker’s backpack, out of which she pulls a pair of jersey shorts, black leggings, a red bandana and a bunch of colorful string bracelets.

"Jesus," Sam says, looking it over. "Is there some naked hippie grad student knocked out somewhere in the hotel right now?"

"None of these items will be traced back to us," Natasha says soothingly, which doesn't answer his question.'

Oh man, this fic! This fic is EVERYTHING.

Honestly, the dedication it takes to write over 500 pages of the Winter Soldier, aka Bucky Barnes, prioritising self-care and dealing with seventy years worth of trauma is freaking amazing!

Comics Wrap-Up - Teeth Ground Sharp and Eyes Glowing Red

OK, you all full of chocolates and sweets and Halloween sugar-hangovers?

Well, our favourite trickster God's been at his own Halloween tricks, and you know what that means - everything's in the 'Other Stuff' category!

Well played Loki, well played.

Via Giphy

Four Years of Blogging, Dearest Nerdlets, and Many More To Come (+ FREE Printable Bookmarks PDF)

It's Halloween, and you know what that means:

Dora Reads is four years old!

And yes, I'm gonna gush like hell. Cos y'know I looooove all of youuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I don't mean that in an 'OMG, I'd like to thank my fans, the little people' kind of way.

I MEAN I ACTUALLY LOVE ALL OF YOU.

Even if you've never interacted with me, never let me know that you're out there reading my words, I still love you.

Because you care enough to read what I'm writing.

And that earns you a v. special place in my heart.

A special shout-out to everyone who's commented, shared, chatted on social media, and generally supported me!

I've met some awesome-sauce friends over the years, and I wish I lived closer to some of you so I could give you a hug IRL.

Nerd Church - My Real-Life Ghost Stories

It's Halloween on Wednesday... let's make this week's Nerd Church spoopy!

Do you believe in ghosts?

I do...

Kind of.

(You know nothing is ever simple with me!)

Friday Fics Fix - Highjinks

'Chang snorted, “Are you trying to be breezy, Draco?”

“I am breezy, Chang.” Draco said, slumping even further back in his chair to prove his point. “Totally breez-”

It was then that Draco fell off his chair.'

More shenanigans to finish off our month of Harry-Potter-themed fanfiction!

Because October is for Harry Potter. *Nods sagely*

I didn't have long to throw this post together, so apologies if it's a little shorter than usual!

Comics Wrap-Up - Knock Knock Let the Devil In

I got more of that sweet comics stuff you love!

Let's get to it...

Really Mini-Reviews - Escorting the Escort by Lyss Em and Babyvamp by Lyssa Dering

**This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links, which allow me to earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.**

**Please only use my affiliate links for .COM purchases, as I do NOT earn from other Amazon sites**

You want some awesome M/M New Adult romance novellas?

Of course ya do!

Today I've got reviews of Escorting the Escort by Lyss Em and Babyvamp by Lyssa Dering - which are both written by the same author, just under different names.

They explore orientations beyond just Gay or Straight, and are pretty damned awesome t'boot!

Nerd Church - That Feeling When... Why Labelling Emotions Is Healthy (Ft. #Science)

(Warning: this post discusses mental health stigma, and grief.)



In the UK, there's a TV programme live on Sunday mornings sometimes called Sunday Morning Live.

(I know, right? How did they come up with that name?!)

It's a sort-of chat show with a moral/social/ethical/semi-religious basis.

It can be decent. It can be awful.

Largely I only watch it because before 1pm on a Sunday I don't exist beyond zombie coffee-drinker; my anger at the more extreme guests tends to help me wake up while the rest of the programme is still happily sleepy.

Anywho, last week, they were asking whether there's a mental health crisis in the UK.

Now, you can argue statistics and definitions on that one until you're blue in the face and unable to look at another decimal point or percentage sign for a good long time...

...but we can all agree that good mental health is... well... good.

Friday Fics Fix - The Brightest Stars

'Music was something all stars were familiar with, they sang their hymns and ballads among each other. Human music, on the other hand, was so much more versatile, and Sirius loved listening to all of the genres that they offered.'

Week 3 of Harry Potter October fanfiction-y-ness! 😁

Week 1 had Drarry, and so did last week's offering.

This week, though, we're stepping away from Harry Potter himself.

Away from Draco too.

And all the kids who went to Hogwarts at the same time as Harry.

Comics Wrap-Up - For The Strong-Willed When The World Gives You A Raw Deal

Superheroes, anti-heroes, and girls kissing! Let's get going my nerdlets!

Nerd Church - Caffeinated Current Events: A Glossary

I'm full of coffee and political opinions!

Let's talk about some of the words and phrases we're using in 2018!

Disclaimer: This is satire, or trying to be anyhow, so that's why it sounds like I'm taking things lightly!

Also, I do talk about Brett Kavanaugh, so, heads up.

Friday Fics Fix - Awkward Flirting In An Alternate Universe

'Harry wasn’t entirely sure where he was, or why, but walking into a condemned building just for it to transform into one of the raunchiest-looking clubs Harry had had the misfortune of entering wasn’t a good sign.'

Week 2 of our Harry Potter-themed fanfiction fest my nerdlets!

(Catch up on Week 1 here.)

Because October = Harry Potter.

I don't make the rules!!!!* 

I just abide by them!!!!!*

Comics Wrap-Up - To Face The Demons I'm Bonded To

OK, Aquaman, MCU news, and Venommmmm!

Let's get to it!

Nerd Church - The Writer Diaries: The More You Learn About Writing, The Less You Seem To Know

It’s weird. It’s really weird.

The more you write, the less confidence you have in what you’re writing.

You notice every goddamn flaw like it’s screeching at you.

(If you’re writing horror, maybe it is. But I guess that would be the point, right? 😆)

The more you write, the more convinced you are that you’ll never be a ‘good’ writer – whatever the hell that is.

And then, with this weirdly inflated sense of imposter syndrome filling you, you try to seek out the wisdom of the all-powerful interwebs.

And that goes about as well as you can expect…

Friday Fics Fix - Just Desserts

'"Are you sure you're interested only in the tart?" Ron asks lightly, to which Harry simply pretends he has no idea what he's talking about.'

It's October! And October means Harry Potter fanfiction here on Dora Reads! 😊

This week's fic is from my new favourite sub-genre of 'fics where Ron is determined to make Drarry happen, because they're both irritating him with their goddamn mutual pining.'

(Fangirling notes: Drarry is a romantical and/or sexual relationship between Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter.)

Comics Wrap-Up - Hey Youngblood

Let's just dive the hell in to this week's wrap-up:

Month in Review(s) - September 2018

Ohmygod September.

September was a f**king rollercoaster. The type where you throw up a lot.

(I'm actually kind of quietly impressed with this graphic that I threw together in like, 15 minutes! Lol.)

On the good side:

It was my birthday! Woop!

(If you wanna give me a present, you can get me a coffee here! If not, I still love ya! 😊)

Nerd Church - Appreciate Yourself

I'm goddamn tired.

You ever feel like you work your a** off, and there's just... no pay-off?

I kind of feel like that. And I kind of don't.

I'm the world's harshest critic when it comes to myself.

I have to work very hard to stop myself from working too hard.

(I know, my life is a walking contradiction.)

Because my default, when things are stressful, is to work even harder.

Which... is not a good plan.

Friday Fics Fix - I Need Oliver Queen

'"...John, Curtis, Dinah, and Rene. All of them. They have issues and they blame it on you. Maybe because it's easy to."

Oliver looked up at her quickly, "Why is it easy?"

"Probably because you already blame yourself for everything," Felicity said, smiling sadly.'

I'm in an Oliver Queen kind of a mood! 💘

The new series trailer (which I featured in yesterday's comics wrap-up,) has got me in the mood for some Arrow!

Comics Wrap-Up - I Wear This On My Sleeve

Trailers and more fun stuff from both Marvel and DC this week for you my nerdlets!

Let's get this wrap-up started!:

Really Mini-Reviews! - The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen and The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu

I have two reviews for stunning collections of short stories by Asian-American writers for you today dear nerdlets!

Check out my reviews of The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen, and The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu:

#BannedBooksWeek: Nerd Church - F**k It, Let's Talk Censorship (Ft. Thirteen Reasons Why)

Warning: this post discusses suicide, suicidal thoughts, mental health problems, sexual harassment, and censorship.

Links may also discuss these topics.




(Did you notice I self-censored in the title of this post? I can't bring myself to swear without *'s because in a traditional Welsh household, the only one allowed to swear is your mam. Lol.)

Via Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is back! (23-29 Sept 2018)

And, darling nerdlets, I'm here once again to ask all the goddamn awkward questions!

Cos that's kinda what this week is about!

Friday Fics Fix - Love Vs War. Freedom Vs Silence.

'He’d read all of Bucky’s letters over and over till he almost knew them by heart, and none of the phrases in the transcript were in any of those letters. There must be another letter, one that never got sent.'

Stop the presses, Cee's back on the Stucky!

Shocking, I know.

(Fangirling notes: Stucky is a Steve Rogers (Captain America) and Bucky Barnes romantic and/or sexual relationship. You can't tell me it doesn't make sense.)

Comics Wrap-Up - You Are What You Are, A Wish On A Shooting Star

There's a Captain Marvel trailer! Woop! Let's get down to it, my nerdlets!

Nerd Church - The Writer Diaries: 7 Radical Ways To Defeat Writer's Block

Staring at the blank page (...or screen...) we've all been there.

You need to write the thing - but the thing just doesn't seem to want to be written.

You have the Dreaded Writer's Block.

But Writer's Block ain't welcome around here!

I don't put up with Writer's Block (that pushy little so-and-so) - and neither should you!

Friday Fics Fix - Draco In A Bow

'“Okay, so look, so, Harry's birthday, yeah? Is soon. And the thing is, he's sort of... well, he doesn't need much. In general. And in... not general he can buy anything he fancies himself. So I kind of don't know what to get him. Except... I know that he fancies you...”'

It's my birthday tomorrow (15th Sep)!

And as such, I'm totally picking a birthday-themed Drarry fic this week. Because birthday.

Yes, this is total Mindless Self Indulgence.

Comics Wrap-Up - Everyone Here Is A Trophy

Like, what did I do to you Loki?! Why am I the outlet for your mischief?!* 😉

As you may've guessed, everything in this comics wrap-up is in the 'Other Stuff' category again.

And as always I blame Loki.

Via Giphy

*Not that I'd overly object to that 😉

Micropoetry - August 2018

More Micropoetry time!

And August's Micropoetry from yours truly was just as random-a** and eclectic as ever - enjoy!

Three pieces for you this time, all with graphics.

As ever, if you're using a screen reader, the poetry will be in the alt-text of the images, with / marks showing line breaks.

Nerd Church - Creativity Takes Time (...And That's A Good Thing)

Practice makes perfect. Well... it doesn't. But it makes it better than it was when you started!

Unfortunately, when it comes to creative stuff - the process is slow.

Some people, somewhere, are the lucky one in a billion who can create a masterpiece with no practice or preamble. (Lucky so-and-sos.)

Friday Fics Fix - Snapshot in the Stars

'Nebula sits on the small piece of ship beside him. “That’s exactly what we were - mercenaries to do his bidding. He trained us, ‘loved’ us, sent us to do whatever he felt was necessary to do.”'

In case you were wondering, this has SPOILERS for Avengers: Infinity War.

So consider this your warning: SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!

Comics Wrap-Up - Manifest Destiny

Another week where everything falls in the 'Other Stuff' category!

Again, Loki?! AGAIN?! 😉

Via Giphy

Month in Review(s) - August 2018

August... August can shut the f**k up.

Sorry if that was a little aggressive! But my Nanny is back in hospital again and... this time scares me even more than the last two times.

Which isn't August's fault, y'know, as a month.

But it isn't anyone else's fault either.

And sometimes it helps to have something to anthropomorphise your fear and anger at - y'know, aside from Parkinson's Disease itself.

Nerd Church - Work/Life/Blog/Whatever-Balance Is Hard! (Especially When You Have Cats)

Do you ever feel like there's just too much sh** going on?

Like, you got your work or school stuff, then you got your life/personal stuff, then you might have some other stuff to do with hobbies or passion projects or... welp, blogging!

Friday Fics Fix - Perspectives

'She knew she should leave but she couldn’t move. Was completely unable to tear her eyes from the man she thought she knew, who had suddenly become someone completely different.'

Well written fanfiction dammit!

Via Giphy

Is there any better feeling in the goddman world?!

Comics Wrap-Up - I Can See September Through the Trees

Yet another week's post which sees everything fall into the 'Other Stuff' category - dammit Loki! 😉

Via Giphy

Nerd Church - The Slow Process of Learning To Stop Straight-Passing

It's been about two years since I came out as Sexually Fluid.

And I'm so much happier in myself.

The process of letting myself 'act Queer,' though?

That's still very much on-going.

So since it's my coming out anniversary, and also Pride Cymru weekend - and I'm Welsh and Queer - I figured I'd talk about it a li'l bit.

Friday Fics Fix - Something a Little Different

Okay, so normally how this post-series works is I tell you all about a fanfiction story I'm recommending this week.

That's how this post-series normally works? Right?

Welp, that's not how this particular post is going to go.