Nerd Church - Oliver Queen, You Have Saved This Girl's Life

(Warning: this post discusses Depression and low self-esteem/self-worth, as well as referencing suicidal thoughts and feelings.)



Oliver Queen, you have saved this girl’s life.

People who’ve read this blog before will be aware that I credit a lot of things for saving my life – from fanfiction to meds, from blogging to Fall Out Boy. With what feels like millions of other things in between.

I mean all of it. Completely.

When Depression sinks it’s teeth in so deep that you think you are the worst creature to ever draw breath – that, in fact, you’re probably hogging oxygen from someone who deserves to breathe it more – you need more than just one thing to rescue you.

Friday Fics Fix - The Self-Care Fanfic Rec-List

Fanfiction is a fab form of self-care (which I know I've said more than once, but that's because it's true!)

And seeing as how:

a) we could all do with all the self-care we can get atm...

and b) I have written a lot of fanfiction posts over the years...




I figured I'd take a look over my blog archives, and select some of the most useful fics for self-care.

(Side-note: looking through my archive is super-weird!)

Comics Wrap-Up - Best Friends With Each Other But Always Wished They Were More

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Hello dearest nerdlets! I have all the superhero-y comics-y goodness that we all need, it's Thursday, let's do this!

(Everything's under the 'Other Stuff' category today, for which we will of course blame Loki - as is tradition.)

Nerd Church - Watching 'Orange Is The New Black' In Lockdown

(Warning: this post discusses Coronavirus/Covid 19, and prison, and references drugs and death.)


You know all those shows that you just don't get around to for whatever reason? 

Orange Is The New Black was one of those for me.

So what better series to start when we can't go out, than one where they can't either, y'know? 

The UK is in Lockdown - we can only go out for specific reasons, which does currently include 1hr exercise, provided we practice social distancing, so we're better off than some.

Friday Fics Fix - Three Hearts

'“Hey, He-Who-Lurks-Creepily-in-Corners,” Tony said. “You want a smoothie? You need to replace all the stuff you lost earlier.”'

Amongst the shippers of the MCU, there are many ships on which to sail.

(Yes, I'm talking Avengers again - I know, I've kind of been alternating between Avengers and Umbrella Academy lately, but they're the fics I've found that are worth recc'ing *shrugs* what's a nerdgirl to do?)

Comics Wrap-Up - Maybe We Can Find A Place To Feel Good

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It's Thursday, we still need superheroes, so let's get some comics-y goodness!

Month In Review(s) - March 2020

(Warning: This post discusses Coronavirus/Covid 19 (b/c March 2020) and related stuff like lockdown and Anxiety)



...Maybe the first rule of March 2020, is that we don't talk about March 2020.

But then, I'd totally break that rule in half and throw the pieces in the air like confetti anyways, so here we are!

Nerd Church - A General Message of Positivity For Anyone Struggling With Their Mental Health ATM

(Warning: this post discusses Covid 19/Coronavirus, and mental health problems/general mental health)


I think we could all do with some positivity right now.

We all need to take care of our mental health. You don't need to have a mental health problem in order to be struggling with your mental health.

We all need to take care of ourselves.

So here's one of my famous (notorious? infamous? who knows,) pep talks, with the hopes that it'll do some good, somewhere.

Friday Fics Fix - Cops and Ghosties

'“I’m just saying if you’re so desperate to help people, you could have been a fireman. What they lack in brutality they make up for with sex appeal and basic levels of empathy.”

“Can’t stop murderers with a hose.”

“Not with that attitude.” Klaus shrugged...'

Confession time: I haven't finished reading this week's fic! *gasps*

#BadBookBlogger #FangirlingSins

In my defence, this b**ch is over 300 pages, and I'm on the last chapter!

But if I don't get this post written now, then I know it ain't gonna happen. (Your girl is gonna face-plant the laptop keyboard if she keeps this up. #RestAndRechargeTime)

Comics Wrap-Up - I'm Not The Man They Think I Am At Home

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It's Thursday, and everyone could do with a helping of superheroes - right? So let's get some comics-y goodness!

Nerd Church - The Writer Diaries: Aesthetically Confused

(Warning: this post discusses the affects of Anxiety)


If you hang around bookish and/or writerly corners of the Interwebs, you may've seen random-a** collages related to books, individual characters, or writing projects.

Or maybe you haven't - in which case you probably don't know wtf I'm talking about. But trust me, they're out there.

Friday Fics Fix - It Made Me Laugh, So I Had To

'Tony walks in, sees the two of them facing one another, Steve’s arms folded, hears about half a second of their conversation, and about-faces with military precision before walking back out.'  

This fic made me laugh - so of course, I had to rec. it.

Like, I was planning on going for another fandom this week - or at least not another Stucky fic but... *shrugs* this fic is what I found.

And I really liked it.

Comics Wrap-Up - Take A Breath and Let the Rest Come Easy

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It's Thursday, we could all do with some heroes, so let's get some comics-y goodness!

Nerd Church - The Anxious Girl's Guide To Pandem-onium

(Warning: this post discusses Coronavirus/Covid-19 (but hopefully in a non-stressy way!) and Anxiety/mental health problems)


Wherever you are in the world, your life is probably being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic right now - if you're in Europe, then it definitely is.

I'm Anxious af right now - and I know other people are too.

So, I think we could all do with some practical self-care advice.

(Even if you don't have mental health problems, you still need to take care of your mental health!)

Friday Fics Fix - In Times of Trouble, Turn To Stucky

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'“You mean after spending half the day thinking my ex-boyfriend was dead and then finding out that he’s alive but also a wanted criminal? I’m not doing great honestly!”'

I mean... in times of trouble, we should always turn to Stucky.

The world is somehow a little better when Captain America has a boyfriend. Obviously.

...And the most likely boyfriend (hell, the most likely romantic partner full stop #FightMe) for our dear Steve Rogers is Bucky Barnes.

Sorry,  alternative shippers. Your ships have value, but I can't be convinced. 😉

Comics Wrap-Up - And Did You Think This Fool Could Never Win?

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It's Thursday, somehow it's still March, we're all still metaphorically standing - and I think we could all do with some superhero-y comic-y goodness!

Nerd Church - The Benefits Of (Sometimes) Switching Off

(Warning: this post discusses Coronavirus/Covid-19, although it's v. brief, I promise!)

Turn off the apps and tabs you aren't using, log out of social media, and let the noise just... stop for a while.

Hooman beans aren't meant for screens - not 24 hours a day, anyways.

I'm not saying 'turn off the evils of technology and become one with the universe' or whatever the latest anti-tech line is.

(Side note: these lines always seem to be spouted online. #JustSaying.)




Technology is a tool. An exceptionally useful one for so many people.

But you don't hammer nails all day, every day, do you? (Wait... do you?)

Even the most fervent lumberjack has to put down the axe every now and then. (Axe... chainsaw... I don't know wtf they're using - ask them!)

Friday Fics Fix - Wham, Bang, Shazam!

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'“Being a superhero is cool and all in theory,” Freddy admits, “but I guess it’s kind of the pits sometimes. It can get a little intense. All those tragic backstories and the almost dying and stuff.”'

I love the DC film Shazam!

It's fun, wacky, so random, but also has some goddamn heart to it. 

...Plus the costumes are peak Silver Age camp superhero costumes! 😅

Comics Wrap-Up - Man I Really Feel Like A Woman Though

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It's Thursday, 2020 ain't letting up any time soon - let's get some goddamn comics-y goodness to get us through another week!

Month in Review(s) - February 2020

February... I mean, on a personal level, February wasn't too bad.

I had a few colds (and yes, they were colds,) and some bad depression days, but nothing too much.

Although *gestures vaguely at the state of the world* I realise that more than a few squares have been crossed off on our apocalypse bingo cards.

But we've been crossing those things off since 2016, so it's probably not that surprising.

And a reminder, my dearest darling nerdlets: where there's life there's hope, and where there's hope, there's life.

Nerd Church - #InternationalWomensDay: 'My Feminism Will Be Intersectional, Or It Will Be B*llsh**'

'MY FEMINISM WILL BE INTERSECTIONAL OR IT WILL BE B*LLSH**'

Have you heard those words? Maybe seen them on a placard or a pin badge, or on your socials?

Maybe you have, maybe you haven't.

They are the words of Flavia Dzodan, as written in her delightfully sweary 2011 essay of the same name*

(I actually don't mind reading swear words, I just can't bring myself to reproduce them without *s - my mother might find out. 😅)

*CW: racism, rape, violence against women, White Feminism™

Friday Fics Fix - With Grace

(Warning: this post discusses domestic and child abuse (physical and mental/emotional) throughout, and touches on issues such as addiction and substance abuse)

'...There are a lot of things in the children’s lives that are sub-optimal. She has to minimize the damage in whatever ways she is able.'

This post is gonna have SPOILERS for series 1 of Umbrella Academy, ok?

V. minor spoilers, but spoilers all the same. The fic itself has more spoilers.

Comics Wrap-Up - Take Any Moment, Any Time

It's Thursday, the world is a very strange place, let's get some comics-y goodness!

Nerd Church - St. David's Day Special! Let's Talk Robert Downey Jr as Dolittle!

Robert Downey Jr's performance as Dolittle is amazing. And he does it with a Welsh accent.

...I think it's fair to say, though, that the accent has had a mixed response.

And since today is St. David's day - and I never lose a chance to talk about Wales and being Welsh - what better time to discuss it?!

Comics Wrap-Up - Don't You Ever Tame Your Demons, But Always Keep 'Em On A Leash

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It's Thursday, and that means it's time for the comics-y goodness!

And once again, everything is in the 'Other Stuff' category, and we're gonna blame Loki 😅

Book Review! - Talk Softly And Carry Your Big Stick With Pride by Ariel Jean Bailey

OMG she still reviews! 😅😎

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Title: Talk Softly And Carry Your Big Stick With Pride: The Biology, Sociology, and History of the Gender Spectrum

Author: Ariel Jean Bailey

Genre: Non-Fiction, LGBTQ+ (Trans+/NB+, some Genderqueer+, some Intersex+)


Amazon: USA

Nerd Church - Hanau (& a Brief Note on the Flooding)

(Warning: this post discusses terrorism, murder, bigotry, etc. throughout, and flooding briefly at the end.)



I didn't want to write this post.

Sometimes it feels like I'm always writing about senseless acts of violence committed by lost souls and festering hatred.

But those 9 people (10 if you count the attacker's mother, which we should) in Hanau lost their lives.

They lost their lives to a White supremacist, far-right extremist, and terrorist, all wrapped up in the shell of one hate-filled man.

One hate-filled man took those lives.

Friday Fics Fix - Avengers Fun Time!

'...Because Steve, in all of his tall, muscular, patriotic glory is now standing on the coffee table, red faced and hands clasped over his mouth and staring into the corner where a robotic vacuum cleaner is calmly and silently doing it's little roomba business.'

Let's have some fun, this week, dearest nerdlets! 😉

Cos sometimes, you just need something totally ridiculous. Let's be honest.

Comics Wrap-Up - Every Little Piece Pulls In Its Own Direction

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It's Thursday. And Thursday means comics-y goodness here at Dora Reads!

This week's wrap-up is all stuff in the 'Other Stuff' category - for which we will, as always, blame Loki.

Micropoetry - January 2020

I hoped to get January's Micropoetry post out earlier than this but... *shrugs*

Life happens. And I'm working hard on not over-working (I know, #WalkingContradiction ftw)

I'm also kinda nervous about this month's poems, 'cos... I don't know, tbh. I just am 😅 So hopefully you'll like them!

As always, for those using a screen-reader, the poems are in the alt-text, and line breaks are shown with / marks.

Nerd Church - 7 Amazing Queer Songs To Bring You Joy and Brighten Your Weekend

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I think we could all do with a little oomph and some good tunes, right?

These tracks are both awesomely awesome, and Queer af.

The world wears down on Queer folks - and sometimes it's good to just surround ourselves with the creations of our LGBTQ+ siblings.

But then, the world's weary atm whether you're Queer or not, so I hope all of you enjoy this little pick me up! 😀


Here we go then:

Friday Fics Fix - Roses Are Good Omens

'“Come to my flat for drinks tomorrow?” He forces a casualness to his voice that he does not feel. “I’ve got a bottle of Glenfiddich I’ve had since 1937 and it’s about time you left the bookshop for something other than pastries and feeding ducks.”'

So... I wasn't going to do a Valentine's post.

Partly because I don't like to get overly-smooshy. 

Partly because, given my experiences with overly-explicit, sexual, holiday-related fics...

- If fandom can do that kind of thing with Halloween, think of how far they could go with Valentine's! *shudders* If I never read another pumpkin-sex fic, it'll be too soon. They find me. Every year.

Comics Wrap-Up - While The Angels Sleep All of the Devils Are Awake

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It's Thursday! I hope you're looking forward to some comics-y goodness my nerdlets!

Nerd Church - The Truth?

Caution: This is one of those existential crises type posts with more questions than answers! Enjoy! 😅



What is the truth?

How can we tell what the truth is, in this supposedly 'post-truth,' 'alternative facts,' world?

Does the truth even matter any more?

Let's break this down, dearest nerdlets.

Friday Fics Fix - A Dose of the Warm Fuzzies

'...“Because life is one big joke,” Klaus replies with a grin.

Diego shakes his head, feeling a headache start to form, and drops the interrogation.'

Not gonna lie, there're some similarities between this week's fic rec, and last week's fic rec - albeit they're from different fandoms.

They both have ill characters being taken of by their brothers, though (in this case, Klaus is ill, Diego's headache didn't develop 😅.)

And they're both about troubled characters who have, nevertheless, snuck their way into our hearts.

Comics Wrap-Up - Will You Meet 'Em When The End Comes Reeling?

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It's Thursday, I have my emo/metal playlist on, so you know I mean business - let's get some comics-y goodness!

Month in Review(s) - January 2020

January 2020. The first month of a new decade.

...A little worrying that World War Three was trending on Twitter within a day or two of the New Year.

Trending globally. Off and on. For quite a while.

Anyway, in better news, if you're reading this it means you've survived.

And that's worth celebrating, ok? That's an achievement in itself.

Nerd Church - Brexit: How We Got Here

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has officially left the European Union, albeit in a transition period.

And no, the sky didn't fall in at 11pm GMT on 31st Jan, when we left the EU.

But we did start a period of time that, if we're lucky, will just be highly unpleasant and economically difficult.

I hope we're lucky, but that doesn't seem like the most realistic outcome.

Made with imgflip.com

It's difficult to explain, to an international audience (hi! I love you!) exactly why the UK made such a foolish, pain-inducing decision in 2016.

(To those from the US: you made a worse decision, with the Trumpkin. So hopefully you understand how embarrassing this is.)

...But I'ma try.

(Please note - this is my opinion, ok? I'm not an expert or a politician or anything like that!)

Friday Fics Fix - Brother Mine

'One cab ride huddled in the back attempting not to vomit later, Sherlock is standing at the doors for New Scotland Yard trying desperately not to pass out.'

One of the many excellent things about fanfiction is that it can provide wish fulfilment for both the author and the reader.

(Not like that! Minds in the gutter ...Although, there is a bunch of fanfiction about that sort of wish fulfilment too!)

So things that you won't get to see in the TV series or film or whatever - or things that are just hinted at - you can find explored in their full glory in fanfiction.

Comics Wrap-Up - And I Do My Dance and Cancel Their Plans

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It's Thursday, you all rock socks, let's get some comics-y goodness!

Once again, everything is in the 'Other Stuff' category, which is all Loki's fault.

Nerd Church - Auschwitz: 75 Years Later

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(Warning: this post discusses the Holocaust and genocide throughout. Links may include details and/or images of the Holocaust and genocide.)


75 years ago tomorrow (27th January) Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by Soviet forces.

Friday Fics Fix - Can Klaus Get A Boo?

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'...Miraculously, it held under his weight, and he shimmied down it with an ease that could have been described as elegance if his leather hot-pants weren’t squealing against the metal piping.'

Who would be climbing down a drainpipe in leather hot-pants?

Klaus Hargreeves, of course!

(This is the first time I'm reccing an Umbrella Academy fic in 2020 - I think I've shown a lot of restraint 😅)

Comics Wrap-Up - Picture, Picture, Smile For the Picture

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Here we go again! It's Thursday, so let's get some comics-y goodness dearest nerdlets!

This week is all stuff in the 'other stuff' category - for which we will, as always, blame the trickster god. (Dammit Loki!)

Nerd Church - Royalty and Racism

(Warning: as you can probably tell from the title, this blogpost discusses racism throughout)


I don't give a damn, one way or t'other, about the Royal family.

I mean that. I don't wish them any harm, but if they all abdicated tomorrow that would be fine by me.

As a good little Welsh girl, I both reject monarchy from a Socialist standpoint, and because I still don't forgive them for the conquest of my country, and the slaughter of our own Royals.

(...I know it was centuries ago - Welsh people can hold a grudge, ok? And the oppression by the English never really let up)

Mark Jones/Wikimedia Commons

They can do what they like as far as I'm concerned - be royal, don't be royal, work at Tesco's, have your own business, whatever!

...so long as they don't cost us any more than they do now, I really don't care.

Good luck to 'em, even. They need to do what they can to be happy. And it looks like Harry and Meghan are gonna do just that.

Friday Fics Fix - Undead, Not Unreasonable

'There is a key scraping the inside of the lock, and the door was swinging open, the monster standing inside of the doorway, blocking any other view. He is smiling, his horrible fangs fully shown, in the flickering candlelight of the room.'

The established king of vampires is, and always will be, Dracula.

Since 1897, it's been adapted time and again, becoming the fundamental core of vampire fiction and media.

Comics Wrap-Up - Think You're So Criminal

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It's Thursday, we've nearly reached the end of another week - let's enjoy some comics-y goodness! 

And this week is full of villains and anti-heroes for your nerdy perusal!

Micropoetry - December 2019

I wrote two pieces of Micropoetry in December.

They're quite different, but I actually quite like them!


As always, for those using screen-readers, the poetry can be found in the alt-text with / marks showing line breaks.

Nerd Church - The Iran Plane Crash

(Warning: this post discusses plane crashes, missile attacks, war, and media racial bias)


A plane falls. And 176 people are lost.

These people are caught in the crossfire of a situation far beyond their control.

Iran has blood on its hands. The USA has blood on its hands.

To absolve either of guilt here would be reckless and inaccurate - neither are completely guilty, but neither are completely innocent.

When a country decides it can be judge, jury, and executioner to a foreign official on 3rd party soil, they cannot avoid the repercussions.

When a country decides it needs revenge, and acts on that, killing innocent people in the process, they cannot avoid the repercussions.

Friday Fics Fix - Harry Potter Fics With Transgender Main Characters

(Warning: this post discusses Transphobia throughout, as well as referencing an abusive ex-rock-star)


Oh God, J K Rowling. *sighs*

I know a lot of people gave up on her before now, but the latest transphobia from Ms Rowling seems to be the straw that broke the camel's back* for most people.

*Do people use that phrase outside the UK? I don't know. 

...I feel like it can't have originated here, cos we don't have camels... weird.

If you have no idea what I meant, then please just rest assured that no camels were hurt in the making of this blogpost!

Comics Wrap-Up - Do the People Whisper 'Bout You On the Train Like Me?

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New Year means a new graphic for Comics Wrap-Up!

What do you think - honestly? Is it ok?

Regardless, it's Thursday, dearest nerdlets. And Thursday means comics-y goodness!