#but like...barnes and noble commission me when

[almondcroissantsandink]

coming to your local bookstore never ;)

#I ORIGINALLY DREW THIS TO BE A BOOK COVER BUT THEN LOST MY NERVE #so i made this real quick in canva lmao #but like...barnes and noble commission me when #dracula #dracula daily #re: dracula #bram stoker #dracula fanart #book cover #booklr #mockup #art #digital art #illustration #jonathan harker #brides of dracula

[colubrina]

what does querying mean

Ah! OK. I forget that normal people don't know what this process entails.

So, if you want to be "trad" published (which basically means the kind of published that gets your book into bookstores) you will probably need a literary agent. Some small presses do not require that writers submit books for consideration through an agent, but pretty much every book you've ever heard of went through both a literary agent and a publisher that requires authors use them. So, how do you get a literary agent? You send a very specialized letter called a 'query letter', often with the first few pages of your novel, for them to read and decide if they want to 'represent' it, which means try to sell it for you in exchange for a 15% commission. The query letter I used for the 6th book I queried was this...

Dear [agent],

NO GOOD WITCHES is a 90,000-word YA speculative that will appeal to readers of A Deadly Education and Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. It’s a ‘girl goes evil and gets shit done while awe-stuck boy holds her purse so she can do the murders’ kind of book with popular tropes including found family, female friendship, dark academia, morally grey characters, power corrupts, and a romance where the boy is bad but the girl is worse (you could save him, I could make him worse; we are not the same).

Seventeen-year-old Calla watches the witch burnings on television along with everyone else in the United States. Witches can move things with their minds. They know what people are thinking. They’re terrifying, and dangerous, and the shows are a nationwide reminder that witches will not be tolerated. Her friends have never suspected Calla is one, and she needs to keep it that way. But when she answers a question before it’s asked in a history class, her future goes up in flames. She can read minds. She’s evil. Game over.

Caught and terrified, Calla is surprised when she isn’t dragged to a pyre, but to a hospital where she’s poked and prodded to find out how powerful she is. Turns out, good witches—compliant witches—don’t get sent to the stake. They get trained in hidden schools and sharpened into weapons. Their ability to manipulate matter powers the electrical plants and their mindreading gets used by the diplomatic corp. Calla doesn’t feel like getting burned alive, so she learns everything she can.

Including how she—and her new witch friends—can burn the system down rather than let powerful men exploit their magic.

By the time she’s done, there won’t be a single good witch left.

I was mentored in both the Pitch Wars and Author Mentor Match programs, and I was previously represented but my agent and I have amicably parted ways and this manuscript has never been on submission. I live in Connecticut with cats, my family, and some unhappy plants. I am not a witch.

Thank you,

Collie

I sent 69 versions of this query out, 2 of which were referrals (meaning a current client of the agent recommended me)

17 times the agent ghosted my query.

43 times the agent rejected at the query stage

7 times the agent requested more materials. (This is about a 10% request rate and is not great but not terrible either.)

2 times the agent ghosted the requested materials

3 times the agent rejected the additional materials

Once the agent offered me what's called a "revise and resubmit" where she sent some detailed edits I could do and then she would reconsider whether she wanted to rep it. I disagreed pretty strenuously with one of her suggestions (she wanted me to cut the romance) and so I didn't pursue it.

The whole process is tedious and unfun and pretty much necessary if you want your book to be in, say, Barnes and Noble. I do not enjoy it. I am going to do it for the seventh time starting this fall. Maybe I'll do a 'querying diary' the way I do a log of what I've written. That would be fun.

Ask me anything about querying. I am a bona fide expert on this.

#querying #500

[lazyjellyfish300]

DD pt 3 part 2 of 2

Fem reader x Miguel O'Hara who is your Uber driver

This art was commissioned to accompany this chapter by the incredibly talented @/ejpuki on Instagram. Please go support the original artist!

Pt 1 , Pt 2 , Pt 3 1 , Part 4 , Part 5

Synopsis- fem reader drinks too much and the bartender calls a random Uber for her which happens to be Miguel O'Hara himself. Her friends suck and ditch her. There's a lot of tension on the ride home...

TW: MINORS DNI, some blood, little.violence, suggestive content ,age gap (reader 26, Miguel 34), this one is a sad one, inspired by the original comic

-----

Over the next few days you two text back and forth and talk on the phone. You feel so happy and excited about this budding romance between you two. It's been so long since you felt safe enough to let yourself catch feelings for a guy. You flood his phone while he's at work. Miguel isn't used to someone texting him so often but it's kind of cute how you update him on every little thing that's happening in your day and he has to try not to burst out laughing in the break room at some of the Instagram reels you send him. 

Your text convo: 

Miguel (pookie 🐻❤️) : Why tf would you send me a video of a banana cat with that sad music 😂😐🤨 and who is that white guy that's always randomly showing up at the end of videos with that whistle tune playing? 

You(amor ❤️): it's a meme babe you don't get it😂😂😂 it's supposed to be random, that's what makes it funny af. And that's Josh Hutcherson. You've never seen or read Hunger Games?! 

Miguel(pookie 🐻❤️): no, I haven't. Your sense of humor is a little broken I'm afraid. 🤨 You kids and your memes. 

You(amor ❤️): my sense of humor is just fine 😂LMAO you're only like 8 years older than me. 😂 we're watching it immediately! And we're going to Barnes and Noble to get you a copy. 😇 

Miguel(pookie 🐻❤️): hmmm fine.😌 When would you like to, cutie? ❤️

You(amor ❤️): This weekend please? ❤️❤️❤️

Miguel(pookie 🐻❤️): I'm so sorry, I'll have Gabi with me. But she'll be at her mom's next weekend. Can we do it then? ❤️ 

You(amor ❤️): that's okay I totally understand! ❤️ Yes please! I'm so excited ❤️ I miss you... 

Miguel(pookie 🐻❤️): perfect. I miss you more. ❤️

--------- 

Next Friday

Miguel drives to work, his heart like a dead weight in his chest and his mind racing with different scenarios on how he's going to tell his boss he's had enough. This isn't what he signed up for. The project he was overseeing at work was trying to create these "special abilities"in humans. One of the test subjects passed away this week and he'd be lying to himself if he said it wasn't messing with his head. He had nightmares about her. She couldn't have been older than 19. Her blue eyes frantic as she realized she might not make it off the lab table alive. Her horrified screams ringing in his eardrums. Miguel's fist clamped tighter around the steering wheel as he choked back a sob. He felt this was his burden to shoulder alone. He knew he was falling for you steadily now, and he didn't want you to go crazy worrying about him. He knows you love to try and fix people, a lot of times to your detriment and couldn't stand to see you in that position or live with the fact that he put you there. 

 He really didn't care for his boss, Tyler Stone either. Tyler Stone was the 6'3, blonde haired, blue eyed, egotistical vice president over Research and Development at Alchemax. He and the other higher ups just spent all day figuratively (and possibly literally) sucking each other off in boardroom meetings for the hard work everyone underneath them was doing. He was a businessman, not a scientist, and it became clear to Miguel that profit came first for him over scientific discovery and advancement, and his cronies shared the same philosophy. 

Miguel faced the man now, sitting in his office. Tyler sighed and walked over to his decanter set that sat in the corner of his office on top of a polished mahogany drink cabinet. 

"Care for some bourbon?" He asked, rolling up his sleeves.

Miguel pinched the bridge of his nose and nodded, closing his eyes for a moment. 

"It pains me to hear that you're wanting to leave, it really does." Tyler says as he pours the bourbon in two short, square glasses. 

"I chose you because I believed you could handle it. Your track record doesn't lie, Miguel. You were top of your class at Columbia University. I've seen your research and read your thesis that you did with them. You know Dain was actually the one that submitted your nomination to me when I was looking for someone to promote?" Tyler hands the glass of bourbon to Miguel who murmurs a low thank you. 

"My point is, if you leave, I got no one to replace you, and that makes my job even more tough." Tyler takes a sip of his bourbon and makes a small face. "I'm going to bat for your little science project every time I meet with the board of directors. I'll be honest with you, they're ready to trim the fat." Tyler's blue eyes bore into Miguel's over the rim of his glass. "But I tell them that this process, is worth the wait. We won't have these superhuman abilities lined up for purchase on shelves tomorrow. But give or take a few years we will be the first to break 100 bil in quarterly revenue when we roll this out to the public.  My point is, I'm willing to do whatever I gotta do to keep this project afloat because I've ran the numbers, I've seen what guys like you and Dain can do. It's a worthwhile investment."

Miguel takes a sip of his bourbon and winces. Fuck it, he downs the rest of the whiskey, his throat on fire. He holds out his empty glass to Tyler who takes it and goes to refill it, his back turned to Miguel.

 "I'm sorry...." Miguel finally says. "I've made up my mind. I'm flattered that you think I'm the right person for this job, but I'm telling you, I don't want to be the guy who all of this is riding on anymore. I'm not gonna gamble if people's lives are the chips."

Tyler's face went dark and he started tapping the side of his glass, his back still turned to Miguel.

Since when did this fucker grow a conscience? He knows he wouldn't be doing this job if he wasn't getting paid for it either right? He'd given Miguel and his team resources that any group of scientists would give their left kidney for. It was thanks to him in those board meetings that those ungrateful bastards even still had a job. And now their hang up is human test subjects? 

Tyler handed Miguel back another glass and said nothing as he watched Miguel down it. Miguel winced again as he finished his liquor, throat still on fire and cheeks starting to flush. 

Tyler turned back around, looking at the now setting sun on the horizon. "I'm afraid I can't let you go." He said calmly. 

Miguel raised an eyebrow, then suddenly his face turned white when Tyler held up an empty vial of Rapture, his back still turned to him. Tyler spoke again, his back still facing Miguel. "Alchemax is the only distributor of Rapture. Leave if you want, but I'm going to have to be forced to let the board know and involve law enforcement when they realize one of their silly little scientists couldn't keep his hands out of the cookie jar and became a needy little addict." He took a long sip. 

"You're not gonna make me look like a weak little bitch in front of the whole board. I don't lose, Miguel. You're not gonna fuck this up for me." 

Enraged, Miguel shot up, shattering the shot glass in his hand, blood gushing out of his fingers. "You fucking piece of shit!" 

Tyler remained calm. "You wanna hurt me? Go right ahead. I used your sign in to get this vial from the lab. The access history and empty vial next to my dead body will just deepen the hole you dug yourself. Either do as I say, or throw away your freedom right now and kill me before you even had a chance to see your little girl go to Prom." 

Miguel paused. This fucker was playing chess with him. Tyler took another sip. "It'd be a damn shame if you did. Especially about that new slutty girlfriend of yours. Did you even get to find out what her pussy feels like?"

That was it. Miguel threw his chair against the wall, the wooden legs splintering into the cabinet Tyler was leaning up against, a neutral expression on his prick face as he sipped more bourbon. 

Miguel turned and left the office, and slammed the door so hard the receptionist let out a small squeak of terror as Miguel tore down the hallway, rage seething out of his ears. 

  "Aaron?" Tyler asked in his cold expressionless voice. 

A short, balding man in his mid-thirties with green eyes and thick black rimmed glasses stepped out from behind a two way mirror in the corner of Tyler's office. 

"You rewrote the code in Machine A-2099 in sector 8, right?" 

"Yes boss." 

--------

You hummed happily as you lit a few of your favorite vanilla almond scented candles on your coffee table. You went all out with a smorgasbord of treats for your movie date night with Miguel including popcorn, gummy worms, Milk Duds, Pretzels, M&Ms, beef jerky, and root beer floats. As soon as you got off work, you cleaned the whole apartment top to bottom and put fresh sheets on the bed. You checked your phone anxiously.

Text convo: 

Miguel (pookie 🐻❤️): Good morning beautiful ❤️ how'd you sleep? Have a great day, I'll be at your apartment at 8 pm. 

You(amor ❤️): you just made my whole morning!🥰🥰 Good morning handsome! I slept great! I'm so looking forward to movie night tonight. I have a bunch of treats and goodies for us to snack on too. 😇

Miguel (pookie 🐻❤️): that sounds wonderful, baby. ❤️ Driving to work now, I'll text you when I get there but I'm not going to be able to talk much today. I have a meeting with the boss and a bunch of other stuff related to the project I'm overseeing. Just wanted to let you know not to worry ❤️ I'll call you at 6! 

6 pm came and went and you felt sick to your stomach. 

You(amor ❤️): Babe? Everything okay, I tried you twice. 

Nothing. 

You (amor ❤️): Miguel? It's 9 pm. Are you okay? Please just call or text me to let me know everything's okay...

It was now 10 pm. He wasn't coming. Your stomach lay in knots. You had called him 28 times with no answer.

What's happening? Is he cheating on me? Did he get into an accident? Is he dead on the side of the road while I'm hundreds of miles away and can't do anything?

He gets busy at work but he always, always checks in with you. You can't help but fight back tears at his untouched root beer float sitting next to yours. You knew going into this that you had to jump, knowing you were gonna fall and he might not be there to catch you. Well, here you were with a small dagger in your heart on what was supposed to be your second date. You couldn't help but let yourself get in your head. His rejection of you this time confirmed everything you feared about yourself. You laid down on the couch and sobbed quietly to sleep. 

------

That same night at Alchemax

Miguel's painful screams reverberated off the tiled floor of the genetics lab at Alchemax. The tall powerful man he was, was writhing on the floor in agony. It was as though his blood had turned to acid. His whole body felt on fire. Please God, if I'm supposed to die right now just take me already. He hadn't felt pain this intense ever before in his life. His eyes turned bloodshot, foaming at the mouth as his saliva bubbled and splurted out in incoherent gasps. 

Aside from his screams, the machine responsible for his pain let out a low beep. Miguel knew that a copy of his original DNA sample was logged into one of the gene altering machines that he set up when he was first put in charge of Tyler's superhuman project. He knew that as long as he had a drop of Rapture in him, he'd remain an addict defenseless against his new dependency Tyler forced on him. He had tried in vain to rewrite his current biology back to the original, but Tyler was one step ahead. Tyler knew nothing about science or how DNA worked, but it didn't take much to convince Miguel's bitter, jealous subordinate, Aaron Delgado to sabotage the machine. Very little was known about what type of effect that might have on a human, so there was a good chance he'd just die. Just what they wanted. Aaron and Tyler's smug faces entered the lab, watching Miguel suffer and taunting him, even pouring up another round of bourbon while they waited for the show to end. Yep, he'd be dead in just a few more minutes. They had an alibi and a cover up ready to go. They'd post his job opening by Monday and then they could pretend like this never happened. Miguel suddenly became still, his chest seeming to freeze in place, no longer rising and falling with his normal breathes. 

Gabriella, my little girl...I'm so sorry....I love you more than anything 

His eyes became glassy with tears. He was on his way to finding happiness with you too, only to have the rug pulled out from under him, now he was going to die here, alone. And those who killed him would never know justice behind their corporate wall of privilege and greed that would surely protect them. He uttered your name, his lips barely moving before his eyes fell closed and saw only black.. 

----

Pt 4 coming soon! Thanks for the support 🖤

@mysteris-things

#miguel o'hara #miguel x reader #miguel atsv #miguel o'hara x reader #miguel ohara #across the spiderverse #fanfic #Spotify

[blurryfangirlansuke]

Now you maybe wondering that about me being absent one of them is college I can't control that it depends on my degree and planning what I want to do in my adult life. Also I want to get this out of my chest. I'm perfectly fine when people tell my obsession with Duke goes too far causing me to lose friends or just being all over a character that doesn't exist. I understand and I do apologize if I make feel people uncomfortable and when ask people if they can draw myself and Duke together they don't have to I make it very optional and I have plenty of other characters to simp for but Duke is #1 he'll always be. He's the reason why I'm being stable from being lonely and stress between reality and trying to become independent. It's not easy when your autistic and have social anxiety and learning different ways of how to do things. Duke is a comfort and I believe everyone should have a comfort character if not then perhaps your best friend or family .

Whenever I see a picture of Duke or art heck even gifts people draw for me it makes me touched and happy because I love this vampire and yes he's fictional but it's fun to simp and also appreciate the creator who put there heart and soul making characters to adore and even be interested with there stories and series.

Another thing I get so happy is when I commission the creator of the series Duke's plays the lead one along with Missi the vampire who tolerates him. The creator absolutely knows me so well and always spoils me with amazing commissions of me and Duke also she's close and appreciates fans like me for liking character such as Duke . Also buying loads of merchandise from the creator's store and main do I go buck while on everything worse then going to a barns and noble xD.

I am a busy person who gets free time and sometimes not so much. I'm working on my degree, learning the good and bad things in life even if I don't understand. I attend to also write my fanfics whenever I get the chance to take a break on drawing nonstop art of Duke. It also gives me ideas for myself if I ever want to make a character of my own and I know one day the character is going to be inspired by many artists I admire if you see what I usual post xD.

I have dreams of being with Duke in real life like he stays with me in my campus, we go for nightwalks, I lay in his coffin or king size bed and talk for hours. I wake up and he's not there with me. I know this feeling is loneliness which I'm use to since I have a hard time reaching out to people and the art I do might probably not spark interest. I miss my sister who's in college we have a great bond, I love my parents always support me, I have friends and fans online here that support me.

However I really wish I didn't feel this way. I know I attend to seek help with my advisors or talk to my sister it does help. I'm not normal and then okay because hey we all special and unique in our ways. Duke is fictional but he's my happiness and true comfort and I'll always love him even if I want to strangle him.

Yes I've been a little depressed and overwhelmed but that's life we have our good days and bad days. Crying does help me let everything out and start a better day. Eventually this blog will also get more hearts soon and also I have to be present for that to happen which I try. I appreciate you listening to me and I don't want end things sad especially since this is me and Duke's month so I made a healing art piece and color it about us. I really appreciate the support and love you all give me. This helps me to stay motivated and keep going. Don't worry I'll post more things and happy stuff. Letting this vent things pass.

Thank you for listening and much love you all Spooklings 🥰

#dukevampair #duke #mental health #support artists #underated #thevampairseries #mypersona #doodles #fanwork #thankyou #februaryart #blurry #ansuke #young artist

[authorsadiethatcher]

It's time for another State of the Thatcher address. And this year I do it on the American Independence Day. For those who are celebrating, enjoy the day.

The last couple months have been filled with a lot of work, writing multiple books, as well as my next fantasy novel. There have been a few ups and downs over that time, with Amazon being slow to publish a few books. But overall, everything is going along as planned.

I've got a few special things happening this month. At the top of the list is the books I have in the Smashwords Summer (winter for those in the southern hemisphere) Sale. A bunch of my back catalogue books are available for half off all month. Link below.

I am also participating in the Fantasy Romance Book Fair this month, with all the participating books available in Kindle Unlimited. I know where I'll be picking up my next fantasy reads this month. https://books.bookfunnel.com/fantasyromancejuly/5o7c1hfzq6

Amazon is where most people find my books, so here’s a link to my catalogue: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sadie-Thatcher/author/B00B4MINAC

Smashwords is a great place to buy books, especially if you don’t like Amazon’s evil empire. You can find them here: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/sadiethatcher

Plus, you can find them at the Google Play bookstore: https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Sadie+Thatcher

I’ve added a new way you can get my books. It’s called Ream and it’s a bit like Patreon, but its author specific, made by authors for authors. In addition getting to read all of my new books for a monthly subscription fee, I also give you access to the images that didn't quite make the cut for my covers. You can see my Ream page here: https://reamstories.com/page/lhssployqw

Additionally, my books are available through Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Scribd. I don’t have links to those stores handy, but if that’s where you like to buy books from, my books will show up there, eventually. I distribute through Smashwords and have to wait until the review team there approves my books for distribution. This can take days or even weeks.

If fantasy is your thing, take a look at all of my novels under my other pen name here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Libby-Feron/author/B09PJ9J5RN

And if you sign up for the Libby Feron newsletter, you get exclusive content and updates like cover reveals before anyone else. I have a bonus prequel scene up for the Magic’s Most Wanted Series that will be exclusive to newsletter subscribers. You can sign up here: https://libbyferon.com/newsletter/

With the fantasy novel plug complete, let me also mention some of the cool stories I have coming out in the next month month.

I’ve got two more books in the Bimbo at Home Series to release. There's conversion into traditional gender roles, harems, lactation, and so much more.

I also have a series upcoming that features a society where all women become bimbos when they turn 21 years old by law. If a woman wants to contribute to society in another way, they have until their 21st birthday to make their mark.

There will be a commission later this month that really focuses on the mental side of bimbofication. This should be a fun one.

Finally, I still intend to eventually release Fake It Until You Make It in audio. However, my narrator is suffering from a late bout of allergies that makes recording difficult. As soon as those allergies clear up, expect progress to be made on that front.

#sadie thatcher #writing #buildingbettergiggles #story #announcement #state of the thatcher address

[tessa-liam]

Marabelle

Marabelle

- Chapter 2 – Once Upon a Time 

The Royal Romance, an AU series 

Series Premise: An American teenager from New York City is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobles, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret? 

Catch Up: Marabelle Masterlist 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC (Sophia) 

Other Pairing: Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC (Daniel) 

All characters belong to Pixelberry, except Sophia Taylor, Bethany Beaumont, Melanie Smithson, Tyler Gregson. 

Rating: M*🔞Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, crude language. Not Beta'd; Please excuse all errors. 

Category: Alternate Universe/on-going series/angst/fluff 

Words: 2390, Read 11 minutes 

- 2 - Once Upon a Time 

Chapter summary: Sophie is introduced to Marabelle, all thanks to her encounter with her personal ‘knight in shining armor’. 

Music Inspiration: One Call Away – Charlie Puth 

A/N1: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Week #22 prompt #3 - “I am at my wits’ end with you.” 

A/N2: Bethany Beaumont, Maxwell’s mother, is originally from the US; is Barthelemy Beaumont’s 2nd wife. Annabelle Beaumont (deceased) was Bertrand’s mother. 

A/N3: Melanie Smithson is a love interest for Drake. Tyler Ericsson is Prince Liam’s personal assistant. 

A/N4: Using my new Tag list, let me know if you want to be added or removed.

A/N5: Thank you @/Ainna for your beautiful commission😍

🐎🐎🐎

En route to the horse stables, near the Cordonian Royal Polo Club. 

“This is where we played polo growing up, Sophia,” Bertrand commented as he pointed to the gate of the Cordonian Royal Polo Club. 

Sophie looked out the window and saw a beautiful clubhouse with a spacious polo field and several horses grazing in the field. 

“Wow! That looks impressive.” 

“It really is. We used to play every weekend during the summer.” Maxwell said fondly. 

“At the Sage Hill Stables near New York, I had completed a dressage program,” explained Sophie. “That is where I really fell in love with horses. I would go riding at that ranch, once my lessons were completed, at every chance I got.” 

“Well, Soph, once your new horse is settled in at our stables, you can explore the countryside whenever you want.”  

"Max, you will have to come with me to show where the best trails are to ride."

Bertrand smiled seeing the look of happiness on Sophie’s face. 

When they arrived at the horse ranch, they were greeted by a young woman who appeared to be in her mid-twenties. 

“Duke Ramsford, welcome. My name is Melanie Smithson. Drake Walker has asked me to meet with you this morning.” 

“Hello, thank you for meeting with us, my dear. This is my brother Lord Maxwell Beaumont, and this is my cousin, Lady Sophia Taylor.” Bertrand replied. 

“Will Drake be meeting with us?” Maxwell asked Bertrand. 

“If I may,” Melanie interrupts, “Drake will be joining us very shortly. He was called away by the Crown Prince to attend the Polo club. I can give Lady Sophia a tour while we wait for Drake to join us.”

"Thank you, Miss Smithson. That is much appreciated," Bertrand replied. 

As Melanie toured Sophie around the stables, Bertrand showed Maxwell which horses he was planning to buy for the their stables.

The ranch was expansive with a small indoor riding arena, a large outdoor riding area, a round pen, and two barns. 

There were several horses in each barn. Some of the horses were in stalls while others were roaming freely outside.  

“Do you see a horse that you would like to ride, Sophia?” asked Melanie. 

 “All of them actually,” Sophie teased. “And please call me Sophie.” 

“There is a particular horse that caught my eye that I found on your website that would be suitable for Sophie.” Bertrand said as he pulled out his phone to show Melanie the picture of the horse he had in mind. 

“Oh, yes, well why don’t I get him ready so that you can go for a trial run.” 

“That sounds great, thank you,” Sophie smiled. 

Melanie walked over to the stall where the horse was standing. This horse was black with brown spots; his tail was long and swished as she approached him. Opening the stall door, Melanie led the horse out of the barn. He was then saddled and was ready to go. 

“His name is ‘Bandit’. He is a 4 year old retired thoroughbred racehorse.” 

Sophie walked over to the horse and stroked his nose with her hand. The large stallion whinnied at the touch and nudged her hand.

“I do not think this horse is the best fit for Sophie, Bertrand. Look at the size of him! We should wait for Drake to get here.” 

“No, Maxwell, this is the perfect horse for her. You need to let her make her own decision.” 

“All I am saying is, is that Drake can help Sophie with her decision and help her to decide if this horse is a good fit.” Maxwell huffed, frustrated. 

“Sophia, please ride this horse to see if you feel comfortable. I am sure Mr. Walker will be here momentarily.” Bertrand directed. 

“Maxwell, I am at my wits’ end with you.” Bertrand admonished, pinching his nose. 

Melanie handed the reins to Sophie, and they took off walking toward the outdoor riding area. 

As Sophie mounted the horse, she could feel the horse’s muscles under his coat. He felt muscular and powerful. 

After circling the arena, they began to trot. Melanie directed Sophie to lead Bandit to the open riding area. As Sophie used the reins to guide the horse, she held onto the saddle horn and tried to relax as the horse started to pick up speed to run. As the horse reached full speed, she felt herself being pushed back against the seat of the saddle. 

Then, the horse began running faster. The wind rushed past Sophie as the horse sped up even more. 

Without warning, the sound of a starting pistol sounded to her left. 

The horse reared up on his hind legs and bolted. Sophie clung to the saddle horn and reins as the horse galloped across the field. 

“Oh my God,” Maxwell screamed as Bertrand’s face turned white. Melanie quickly mounted a horse to chase after Sophie and her ‘spooked’ horse. 

“What the hell!” Drake appeared behind Maxwell. 

“I told you that this horse wasn’t right for Sophie, Bertrand!” 

“Fuck me!” Drake bolted and ran to saddle a horse quickly in order to do after Melanie and Sophie. 

As Bandit ran, Sophie’s adrenaline was at an all-time high. Any thoughts of fear were pushed far back in her thinking.  

In the distance, Sophie could see another rider on a grey horse in her periphery chasing after her. Melanie shouted something but Sophie couldn’t hear what she said because the wind blew through her hair. 

Then, she heard the sound of hooves pounding the ground behind her. Before Sophie knew what was happening, two arms reached in front of her to grip the reins.  

The rider pulled back forcibly on the reins and slowed the horse to a trot. 

Sophie looked to her side and saw a blond haired man wearing a polo uniform.  

{Sophie thought, ‘Whoa. He’s really cute!’} 

When the man looked over to her, his blue eyes sparkled with concern, “are you alright, Miss...?

He asked in a deep, baritone accent. 

“Oh, Sophie." She answered. 

“Charmed to make your acquaintance, Sophie.” 

“Trust me, the pleasure is all mine. Thank you for slowing this horse for me.” 

“Of course, I would hate to have seen you get hurt. Please, call me Liam.” 

“Well, Liam, thank you again, I was nervous to pull back. In case he decided to rear up again!” 

“That was a smart decision; I see you have hands on experience with riding.” 

“Yes, I do. I am looking for a horse for my own and my cousin Bertrand suggested I try this horse.” 

“Ah, here, let me help you get down.” Liam dismounted from his horse and went over to help Sophie get down from hers.  

“I hope you enjoyed your ride, well, before your horse was startled.” Liam intently looked at Sophie. 

“The ride was okay; I love all horses. But, to be honest, I don’t feel ‘a connection’ with this one.” 

“If I may say, you are new to Cordonia. You had mentioned that Bertrand is your cousin.” 

Sophie explained, “yes, I moved here from New York recently to live with my Aunt Bethany. Bertrand and Maxwell are my cousins.” 

“Ah, I see. Well then, I have to thank the Beaumont’s for looking after this venture for you” 

As they both sat down on a log close by, the gallops of two incoming horses and their riders could be heard. Melanie and Drake came galloping up to them and slowed to a stop. 

After dismounting, they walked over to Liam and Sophie. Melanie curtsied, and Drake went to shake Liam’s hand. 

“Li, man, I owe you one. Sophie, are you okay? I am so sorry for not being at our appointment on time this morning!” 

“I should have chosen a different horse for you to ride, but Duke Ramsford was so adamant that he wanted you to ride Bandit in particular. I wasn’t thinking; I am so sorry.” 

Melanie was clearly flustered that she allowed Sophie to ride that particular horse....and that Prince Liam, of all people had to get involved to correct her mistake and save the day. 

“Please, please stop,” Sophie interjected. “Thank you both for your concern, but honestly, it was a blast!” Smiling, Sophie continued, “I am in awe of his speed; he is so powerful.” Sophie bashfully chuckled but then remembered that she caused a Royal to come to her rescue. 

“I do apologize to you, Liam, for taking you away from your polo match.” Sophie said softly, shaking her head, thinking that causing such a distraction to a member of royalty was unexcusable. 

“Please, no apologies are needed.” Liam countered. “I was just in the right place at the right time.” 

Drake continued, “that horse had spent far too much time locked in a stall. He was skittish when I rescued him from a stable in Cormery Isle.” 

Liam raised a brow, “Vancoeur’s Duchy; I will talk to him at the next council meeting.” 

Drake asked again, “Sophie, are you sure that you are, okay? 

Why so quiet?” 

“It’s been an action filled morning,” Liam looked over to Sophie and smiled.

“I guess we’ll have to introduce ourselves properly later. Right now, I think we need to get you back to the ranch to rest.” 

“Okay,” answered Sophie, lowering her gaze. As she stood up to join Melanie, Liam also rose. 

“I am charmed to make your acquaintance, Sophie,” Liam raised her hand to kiss. 

“It’s great to meet you,” Sophie smiled bashfully. 

“Ladies, I will take the horses back to the ranch. Melanie, please walk with Sophie and later arrange refreshments for Sophie and her cousins at the ranch.” Drake instructed. 

As Sophie and Melanie turned to leave, Liam pulled Drake back. 

“Drake, the winning derby horse that was retired last month, has she been rehomed yet?” 

🐎🐎🐎 

Sitting on the porch at the ranch, Sophie, Maxwell, and Bertrand were enjoying iced tea, waiting for Drake to return. 

Bertrand was once again perusing the net for potential horses, while Maxwell told Sophie about his ‘Beaumont Welcome Bash’ idea to introduce her to their group of friends and members of the court. 

“Max, how many people will you invite to this party?” 

“I was thinking, maybe, 150 to 200 people. Oh, and of course Crown Prince Leo and Prince Liam.” Secretly, Max was also a planning a surprise to celebrate her 18th birthday that night as well. 

 Sophie thought back to earlier this morning when Melanie curtsied to the man that stopped her horse, Liam. 

“Maxwell, the man that I met this morning, Liam....” 

At that moment, Bertrand stood up, knocking his chair over. "Prince Liam was the man who saved you?!!” 

“Maxwell, why did you not tell me that detail!” 

Maxwell’s cell phone chimed with a message from Drake. 

“Okay, Drake wants us to meet with him now at the Polo Club. I think he has found the perfect horse for Sophie.” 

🐎🐎🐎

Arriving at the polo club, Drake was waiting at the entrance and ushered the cousins to the polo club stables behind the clubhouse. 

Bertrand and Maxwell waited at the entrance to the stables as Drake and Sophie walked toward to the row of horse stalls. 

As Sophie moved forward, she saw a familiar face standing beside a beautiful black horse. 

Liam looked over and smiled. 

“Thank you for coming.” 

Sophie dropped down to curtsy, “thank you for meeting me here, Your Highness.”  

“Please Sophie, no formalities are needed. I would like to suggest this horse for a ride.” 

“Hello again, Liam,” Sophie looked up at his smiling face and she was mesmerized by his crystal blue eyes. 

As Drake watched the exchange between Liam and Sophie, he noted that while his friend was gazing at Sophie, Sophie blushed. Clearing his throat, Drake spoke, “Sophie, this is Marabelle. She won the derby last season, and her owner retired her from racing wanting to rehome her. 

Sophie stepped up to stroke Marabelle's nose as the horse bumped her hand in response. "She is gorgeous. Want to go for a ride with me, Marabelle?” 

Liam smiled, “okay, let's give Sophie some time to bond with the horse.”  

“Liam, would you like to ride with me?” Sophie asked. 

“I would be honored, thank you for asking.” 

“Your highness, I will prepare your horse.” Prince Liam's assistant announced.

“Thank you, Tyler.” 

“Li, I have some horses to show Bertrand. I will see you in a bit.” 

Drake turned to retrieve Bertrand and Maxwell for the viewing. 

🐎🐎🐎

Finishing a run, Sophie and Liam rode their horses along a brook nestled in the trees.

After a time, Liam suggested resting the horses, and dismounted. Sophie was next, but when her feet touched the ground, one foot landed on a rock, and she stumbled forward. Liam was quick to assist and took her hand to steady her. 

As they walked along the brook, Liam and Sophie chatted while their horses grazed, tethered together. 

Sophie smiled at Liam, “Thank you for riding with me; I have taken up so much of your time today.” 

“Hmmm...you’re right. Now I’ll have to find some other excuse to get you to stay,” Liam grinned. 

“An excuse for me to stay? You don’t need an excuse. Turns out...I’m having fun.” Sophie giggled, not minding that Liam was still holding her hand. 

Tags for all:

@ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @xpandass420x @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75

Marabelle Tag:

@charlotteg234

#the royal romance #trr #trr fanfic #prince liam #trr liam x oc #liam rys #trr au fanfic #cfwc fics of the week #choicesflashfics #marabelle

[janedoewrites]

Did you self-publish? If yes, what was it like? Any advise for writers looking to publish?

I did self-publish, yes.

How I Did It

It was easier than I thought it'd be, at least, the way I approached it. Caveat that I went through KDP (i.e. Amazon) for a number of reasons that basically came down to a) ease of publishing b) availability of hard copies c) the shipping of hard copies on a global scale (not all countries are available but it's a decent amount) d) it's a place people often go to for books period e) the cost of publishing (the way it works is that print is done "on-demand" it's slower but I don't have to pay out of pocket for X print copies that I then have to sell to make the money back). f) fairly good royalties g) the general terms and conditions and 'ownership' of my material.

There are downsides in that it's through Amazon, whom nobody likes, and that there's return shenanigans in that if I get money from a purchase and if someone chooses to then return the book then that money gets taken away from me personally. (This has gotten better, recently, with ebook purchases as now if a reader reads past a certain percentage they're considered as having 'bought' it where before a lot of people treated it like a library and didn't realize it was the author they were fucking over and not Amazon who makes sure they're not the ones taking the cut).

And look, to those who want to give me flack, we live in a society and people buy books on Amazon. Them's the breaks.

There are other ways to self-publish and platforms you can pay to be a part of where they'll work to not only get you listed on Amazon but bookstores such as Barnes and Noble but it's a little more complicated/does cost some amount to do.

What Was it Like

It's a fairly simple process through KDP at least. What you do is set up an account with tax information/agree to terms of service/so on and so forth. You can then manage your books through a profile and the manuscripts you can write in pre-provided document templates that have the print structure for whatever size book you want to write (e.g. 6"x9").

When you're finished and have your page count in the formatted text, you go and see what size covers are required for hard copies (if you're interested) and can either use stock images to generate covers or else cover images that you own (e.g. you do it yourself or commission it as a book cover by an artist). For e-books they give specifications on the quality your cover should be for the best resolution/results.

You then submit your manuscript/cover art for copyright review, get an ISBN (KDP provides this for free for hard copies if you use them), and decide on digital rights management, promotion options, and pricing structure (where you're told up front the cost of printing/the amount you get after KDP's cut of the royalties).

It sits in reviews for up to 72 hours and provided all goes well you're then live, you get an author page and links to your works, and you can distribute how you want/tell the world to buy your book.

In other words, it was stupid easy.

Should You Self-Publish

There are pros and cons to self-publishing vs. publishing in general.

One great pro is nobody tells you what to do and so long as you follow terms of service (which hopefully you do as it's things like: don't write about the glorification of violence, glorification of sexual violence, so on and so forth) you can publish what you like without having to necessarily be 'marketable'.

Remember that published books are intended to sell and they generally either target extremely niche markets in a very deep way or else try to cast a very wide net with a book everyone can enjoy. One thing you'll see a lot of if you go the publishing route is "I as an agent enjoy unique stories. Now, tell me at least five books that are exactly like yours that were published in the last five years." There are exceptions, but it's generally not a field that likes risk or shaking the boat. They want to be able to sell books.

Another great pro is you're depending only on yourself. You can publish the book as soon as you're finished editing without having to convince someone else it's great stuff.

And of course, there's the pro that you don't have to get an agent or publisher to say yes. The way it typically works is if you want the big or prestigious publishers, you have to have an agent and that agent usually has to have some in roads with that publisher. Which means you have to submit a few pages of a manuscript/a summary and other things to them and hope they get back to you on that. This can be very time consuming (as they generally allow a window of 4-6 weeks) and annoying.

The cons is that you have to market yourself and you don't have the leg up that publishing would otherwise get you (where you are associated with whatever books they already have published just by being published by them, they may or may not run marketing campaigns and advertising for your material, and they can get your books distributed on a much wider scale). What this means is that if you don't have a large-ish platform already and care about sales/intend to make a living on this then you're going to have a very rough time getting a foot up.

The other part of this is that obviously you don't get a forward/amount of money before any books are sold as you otherwise might with a publishing agency. You only get the royalties you earn through sales.

Any Advice?

The self-publishing bit is easy enough that the hardest part is the writing and the editing. Obviously, I haven't gotten far in at this point, and I'm also not all that concerned about sales (I have no intentions of quitting my day job and becoming an auteur any time soon) so I'm perhaps not the person to ask at this point in time.

If you go Amazon worth thinking about is if you want to go the Kindle Unlimited route or not. I haven't as of yet, because I'm not feeling the burn for promotion.

What it is for those not familiar is that Amazon will market your book much more internally (e.g. that stuff that pops up on your kindle when you turn it on), run sales and promotions on it, but your ebook version can be read for free/lent to others for free with you getting a small amount of money depending how far readers make it into the book. The idea being that as you reach a much larger audience, you get more money than you otherwise would have. It's a good way to market if you have no platform/following already and a good way to proliferate the book but you lose out on people actually buying it.

#amazon #kindle unlimited #kdp #publishing #self publishing

[topperscumslut]

my thoughts reading the first umbrella academy comic book as someone who’s been a fan of the show for years (spoilers for all seasons of the show and the first book)

•damn so we’re really getting right into reggie being an alien huh??

•WE FINALLY GET TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED AT THE EIFFEL TOWER???

•LUTHER 🥲

•can we talk about how he named his lil moon robot ben and still has newspaper articles about the academy and one about ben’s death 🥺

•literally how anyone can hate him i don’t understand

•TELL ME WHY I JUST SAW VANYA’S WHOLE CHEEKS- was the thong really necessary gerard???

•also it still feels transphobic calling her vanya even tho she doesn’t become viktor in the comics bcuz viktor’s transition was written for elliot page like ik she’s still a cis female in the books but saying vanya still makes me feel… grimy idk

•”father’s really dead, isn’t he, pogo?” LUTHER ILY

•he still calls allison rumor and is still wearing the academy mask wow luther hargreeves really is the right where you left me by taylor swift character huh

•tears are streaming down my face in a barnes and noble cafe luther are you OKAY

•someone get these siblings therapy i beg

•KLAUS!!!!!

•klaus definitely seems very similar in both versions

•”because what i found wasn’t just a place where i could hide” five trying to time travel not cuz he’s a stabbing a table with a butter knife cocky little shit but a literal child trying to hide from his abusive father is going to make me combust anyway fuck reginald

•more crying

•the A+ on luther’s paper and the D- on diego’s diego deserves better i am sobbing

•so it’s diego that thinks reggie was murdered in the comics instead of luther?? interesting

•luther and diego are so angsty jesus

•”so start acting like homo sapiens so we can bury your father” POGO PLZ-

•WHY DID DIEGO JUST STRIP GRACE????

•i have SO many questions

•i think im too dumb for this book

•which is embarrassing cuz it’s a comic book

•NOT LUTHER BITCH SLAPPING DIEGO GOODBYE-

•who in the motherfuck is dr terminal

•aidan gallagher was such a perfect casting for number five omg

•”i guess you’re right… [reginald] didn’t love me. but i haven’t spent my life pretending he did.” hello???? are we sure this is the same luther as the luther from the netflix series??

•is it just me or does klaus kinda look like mikey way???? like ik gerard wrote the series so…??

•not five bringing pogo into the fucking coffee shop- 💀🤚

•the way agnes literally does not question the fucking MONKEY god i love her

•five brutally massacring the commission goons and yet still stopping to pay for his drink and thank agnes omfg

•how are y’all shocked allison SAed luther in s3 when she literally SAs him hardly five chapters into the first book??

•it was literally out of nowhere too like- there was BUILD UP and CHEMISTRY and FLIRTING in the show and at least some villain era motivations for allison but in the book they’re literally just talking about claire and allison is still calling her Luther’s NIECE and then she just rumors him into kissing her out of nowhere??? i just audibly gasped in this barnes and noble i am sorry

•vanya is SLIM THICC

•everything is happening so fast in comparison to in the show omg

•is there *something* going on between diego and vanya like there is allison and luther?? or why is he so emotionally attached to her?? please tell me there’s not istg-

•REGINALD?????

•klaus saving the day slay!!!

•i don’t know how to feel. i just got so much information in so little time.

•FIVE AND KLAUS CONTENT YESS!!!

•POGO’S EXCERPTS ABOUT THE KIDS IM GONNA CRY

•OMFG KLAUS ACTUALLY WAS INSPIRED BY MIKEY I AM SCREECHING

•i have so many feelings

#the umbrella academy #the umbrella academy season 3 #five hargreeves #luther hargreeves #diego hargreeves #allison hargreeves #klaus hargreeves #ben hargreeves #vanya hargreeves #viktor hargreeves #the umbrella academy comics #gerard way #mikey way #my chemical romance

[televinita]

Me watching BookTubers hype up PangoBooks: so it’s like eBay but where the sellers want an actual profit on top of the shipping costs? What in the unnecessary, expensive-ass no-thank-u nonsense.

Me when PangoBooks is the only place I can find two new(ish) releases that I want so bad I seriously contemplated paying sticker price at Barnes & Noble: oh this slaps actually

(also, the whole actual-photos-of-the-books-for-sale aspect? Great, and almost nonexistent in high-volume online bookselling. Plus this site is still new enough that it appears not to be slapping ridiculous Etsy-level commissions on its sellers yet, or so I gather from the wild number of books being listed at $2-4. That’s not counting the $4 shipping surcharge of course, but there’s still a fair chance that’s a better price you might pay elsewhere)

They really should be paying me to shill for them, but nah, I’m saying all this for fun.

#absolutely despise that they push the app so hard they won't even give first-time orders a discount unless you use the damn app version #but otherwise it's perf #anyway they came in tonight and the new release from April still has new book smell #and I am huffing it wildly. i can't remember the last time I bought an actual new book #we've been talking up old book smell for years but this may be better actually

[blizzardsuplex]

3 unpopular wrestling opinions and/or top 5 places you've ever visited?

Wanted to answer the first question, but as usual when explicitly asked to go feral my mind goes completely blank. As such, top 5 specific places (not in order because I'm bad at ranking): 1.) Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan -> I talked my wrestling friends on Discord's ears off about this when it first happened and like...can you blame me? WK was one of the best nights of my life.

2.) Tower Records, Tokyo, Japan -> I'd never been to a record store before and it was definitely a magical first as well. As I didn't have a record player at the time, though, I "just" bought The Beatles Anthology 3 CD. It has my favorite version of Hey Jude on it, though, so: not bad!

3.) Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney, Australia -> met the best roleplay friend I've ever had person for the very first time there (which is an achievement considering our geographic distance). It was very cool to walk around and look at all the flowers blooming and write each other messages on the back of an art commission I printed at Officeworks :) 4.) Barnes and Noble's, Chicago, United States -> I must've been around 6 or 7 when last went to America and I don't know if the Barnes and Noble's I visited is even still there in all its cavernous glory...but the impression I had of seemingly endless rows of bookshelves (which is to say possibilities) under that sky-high ceiling will always live in my heart. 5.) [REDACTED], Antipolo City, Philippines -> Even after a decade, I miss that fresh mountain air and the bamboo forests. I'll go back someday.

#ask game

[chaoticnocturne]

Seriously though I love this plush and if you'll let me I'd absolutely love to gush about one of my hobbies.

I like to collect plushies. I don't really have a rhyme or reason to em, I just like to get whatever's super cute. Unique animals have priority though lol. It started when I was a kid and would collect bunny stuffed animals because those were my favorite, and then it expanded to "I want a plush of every animal ever!" I'd save up my money and usually spend it at Barnes & Noble because they'd have things like foxes and kangaroos.

My friends knew I collected them so on my birthdays and holidays a lot of the time I'd get something new from them, either of one they went and bought out themselves or one of their own that maybe they didn't want anymore or grew out of or just the fact of "Hey this one is special to me and I know you'll take care of them."

I have well over 100 stuffed animals and plushies of various animals and things now. I counted them myself *years* ago so idk the exact number now, but yeah. My cheapest plushies are some I got from yard sales or thrift stores and my most expensive was a custom of a character I have, it cost several hundred dollars to commission. the smallest is like, as big as my finger and the biggest is taller than me and takes up a whole plastic bin. So..yeah, I just really love my plushies.

Well we recently moved across the country and we're currently living in a fifth wheel. It's really nice and we love it but...it's not a lot of space for extra fun stuff. So I had to pack up almost all of my plushies and be very particular about who I brought with me. This included my (I'd think) decently-sized collection of Sonic plushies. Unfortunately because I had to be so picky about who I brought none of my Sonic ones made it with me. I've been kinda sad about it haha I kinda wish I at least brought my Shadow one that I've had for probably like 10 years at this point.

Anyways.. We were doing some Christmas shopping when I found this little Cheese plush at Kohl's, haha. Guys, he's so cute. He has such a silly little expression and he's fairly small and I dunno. We need more chao plushies lol. They’re small and fun and they make such a good little friend when you’re feeling down or need to talk something out with yourself. My fiancée let me get him and really I just can't help but smile any time I look at him because he's just such a delight. He hangs out on my nightstand with the couple other plushies I've been able to bring. Y'know, when I'm not being silly and sticking him up in trees.

#noct talks #sonic the hedgehog #cheese the chao #plushies

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

tapestry 👑 XII

Warnings: eventual dark elements (tags to be added as fic continues)

This is dark!(king)Steve and explicit. 18+ only.

Summary: King Steven had a wandering eye but you never thought it would fall upon you.

This Chapter: The yuletide arrives with many surprises.

Note: Okay, it’s part 12 and y’all are still here. This is where it really start to get messy. Trust me when I say we going on a wild ride and what better people to accompany me than all you lovely readers. Let me just say that you are all wonderful and amazing. This story wouldn’t be around if it wasn’t for you guys. 💋

<3 Let me know what you think with a like or reblog or reply! Love ya!

The kingdom was quiet. A blanket of snow muffled the winter winds as they battered the castle. The yuletide loomed and all were in a flurry to ready for the celebration. The biggest banquet of the year was to be held in the capital. A day of kindness and reverence to be marked with wine, dancing, and gifts.

As the occasion neared, it seemed as if all the courtly ado had faded away. At least, the whispers hushed and tensions eased, if only a little. The king persisted still and the queen seethed, but the stalemate had yet to break. Yet all the court was eager to forget the drama for the joviality of the season.

You walked with the ladies along the corridors from their morning prayers to the feast hall. That day, the ladies were to decorate the hall with silk streamers and snowflakes cut from vellum and dyed. The queen had been absent from breakfast, busied by her preparations for the impending feast.

You wore a blue gown striped with yellow; one of a dozen commissioned by the king. The cut was unlike your usual wardrobe; the neckline wide and square. You were unused to it and not entirely fond of the style. Nor the comments of the other ladies as they envied your new attired.

You walked with Marion at your side, Rose was behind you with Joan, Beatrice, and Mary. Her bodice had been let out a few inches for her growing stomach and her cheeks glowed with her condition. She seemed, since her marriage to the elder Lord Alan, as close to happy as you'd known her. You did not speak often but she did not, at least, hold the same animosity for you, though the queen remained spiteful of her rounding figure.

"The physicians says it should be a spring baby," You heard Rose as you neared the feast hall. "A good omen."

"And does he think it a girl or a boy?" Beatrice urged.

"He says a boy and prescribes red wine to ensure it," She said. "I suppose I don't mind either way."

"And Lord Alan?" You glanced over your shoulder. "Does he yearn for a son?"

"Oh, he yearns for any child," She sounded surprised at your question but not unkind. "You would think him young again the way he carries on."

You turned back to your path as you came upon the doors to the hall. Servants stood with baskets and handed them to each lady as they passed through the doors. As you came up, you were stopped by the king's guard, stood at the opposite wall in his mail and helm.

"Not her," He said darkly. 

"What?" You blinked and peered past the servants into the feast hall. The queen was within and turned her back to you before your eyes could meet. "Why?"

"Queen's orders," He replied curtly. 

"But she must help us," Marion grabbed your arm and tried to pull you through the door. The guard quickly seized your other arm.

"There are enough of you to manage," He sneered. "Go on, lady, and return to your chambers."

"Why does the queen banish her?" Rose touched her stomach as she came up beside you. "She did most of the work in making the decorations."

"You know why, better than most," The guard snarled. "Now go on."

"If you'll not let her in, we will not go either. Right, ladies?" Rose looked to her companions who were visibly nervous. 

"Don't be a fool," The guard warned.

"Why I was never kept from court myself so I do not see why she should be," Rose insisted and you stared at her shocked. "At least call the queen forth so that we may hear it from her."

"Rose, really," You drew away from Marion and the guard cautiously released you. "I cannot blame the queen. It is very kind of you to defend me but...you know what this is."

"The queen cannot blame you for her husband’s disloyalty." Rose frowned. "And to be quite honest, she's not so kind as you. Especially of late."

"And why do you think that is?"

"How can she hold it against me still? Or you? She is unforgiving and worse; cruel." Rose said. "We will go with you then. You should not be left alone."

"Please, you would only make it worse." You said softly. "You all go and ready the hall. I can't wait to see it, though I must."

Marion looked disappointed as Rose's companions eyed her curiously. She had deterred their former distaste but none had been more than tolerable. 

"Go on, I am certain I can busy myself otherwise," You assured them. "She is the queen and I've yet to be disobedient. Though she may see it else wise."

The ladies looked to each other and you nodded. You stepped around them and did your best to hold your head up as you walked away from them. As you turned the corner, you fell against the wall and clasped your hand over your mouth.

You'd never been so humiliated. Worse, you'd never been so hurt. Despite the open hostility on the queen's part, you'd not expected this. The women, regardless of their taste for intrigue, had offered you a sense of normalcy. Though the king propped you up, you still spent your days as they did. The same plain girl who'd attended court for the last two years.

Well, there was no place left for that girl.

👑

Hours after your ejection, a knock came at your door. Truly, it was better described as a hammering. Marge jumped up from her chair as you mended a fraying hem of a shift and you nodded for her to answer it. You rose as the king stormed in.

"You are upset, your highness?" You asked as you curtsied to him, your shift hanging from your hand.

"Of course I am," He boomed. "Are you not?"

"Why should I be?" You asked.

"The queen. That she should cast you out." He barked. "And without my consent. To spite me even."

"It is not worth the anger," You said calmly. "It gave me time to catch up on my own chores."

"It--" He stopped short before he could begin to pace. "My lady, how can you be so forgiving?"

"Is that what it is?" You set aside your shift and turned back to him."Your highness, I think perhaps I am just not prepared for all this."

"Oh, don't say that." He said. "She is desperate. Can't you see? She knows her position is false and so she deflects. She seeks to legitimize herself through you."

"She clings to her husband," You said softly. "As any woman would."

"She insults you," He touched your shoulder as he drew himself close. "I will not stand for it."

"I am not hurt by it," You assured him. "Your highness, it is a time for compassion. We need not languish upon something so vile. We can carry on."

"I…" He looked into your eyes and sighed. He considered you for a moment. "You lie. You are hurt but you are too ashamed to say it."

"And why should I say it?" You asked. "What would you do to punish her? If you forced her to take me back, how do you think she would receive me?"

"I suppose you are right, my lady," He stroked your cheek with his fingertips. "She has already attempted to cripple you, I'd not put it past her again."

"That is not known to be true," You protested.

"Not yet, but I know it to be. In my heart, I am certain." He brought his other hand up to frame your face. "You are too gentle. I…" 

He breathed and closed his eyes. "In moment such as these, I find it so difficult to resist you. To keep myself from my basest desires. It makes me impatient though I know our resolution is near."

"Resolution?" You wondered and he slowly opened his eyes.

He smirked and leaned down to kiss you softly before he pulled away.

"You must be patient as I have," He reproached. "But this yuletide will bring us many gifts. Many, indeed."

👑

You looked in the glass as Marge held it up. You smoothed the beaded skirts and felt the taut bodice along your stomach. The sleeves left most of your shoulders bare, the trumpets long and wispy. The gown was heavy and unwieldy. Your cap matched it and sat atop your twisted plait.

You were to sit with ladies along their table. It felt, almost, as if nothing had changed. But it had and even acting as if it hadn't could not repair the cracks. 

You glanced around as you took your seat, Marion to your left and Beatrice at your right. Rose sat with her husband along another table and your father proudly found his spot among the counselors. You thought wistfully of how your mother's return had once more been delayed; this time by the weather. You wished she was there to guide you as you ventured further into the dark.

The hall was raucous with voices as lords and ladies awaited the arrival of their king and queen. You were on edge and uncomfortable. The bodice was tight and pinched your sides. The beading was not to your taste and the large polished opal at your throat pressed into your flesh.

When the horns blasted, the guests quieted and stood to receive the royal couple. It was a symphony that seemed to last for too long before the king and queen appeared. Steven’s arm was hooked through Eleanor’s and she wore her usual stoic smile. Even as she held her head up, there was a stiffness about her that foretold something more. Her husband was entirely unbothered; if not gleeful.

Their subjects bowed and you did your best to blend into the crowd. Yet there was no hiding anymore. You did not miss the king’s glance towards you, though it did not linger as usual. As he climbed up onto the royal dais, your eyes strayed ahead of him. You had been so swept up in your worries, you hadn’t noticed the third chair upon the platform. 

You squinted and looked along the table of nobles alongside the royal dais. Lord Barnes caught your eye and tilted his head. From so far away, you weren’t certain he was smirking, though he looked to be. It even appeared that he winked at you. You lowered your gaze and waited to sit.

“My subjects,” The king’s voice echoed across the hall, “As I welcome you to the yuletide celebration and wish you all a happy holiday, I also have a surprise for you all. For the kingdom as a whole. A visitor who shall bring us prosperity and peace.”

There was a low murmur through the crowd. A confusion that matched your own. You blinked as you looked around, searching for any hint of the king’s ploy. You turned back to the royal couple and noticed the queen’s tense smile. She looked at her husband from the corner of her eyes as she spoke. Her hands were clutched before her.

“So, let us welcome our honoured guest, a visitor to our kingdom for the weeks to come, who has traveled so far so that we may reach an accord to benefit his people as much as our own.” The king was buoyant, his voice timorous. “I introduce to you all and welcome him kindly to share in our yuletide and all that our realm has to offer; King T’challa of Wakanda.”

The horns blared again and you shared a wide-eyed gape with Marion before you looked to the doors once more. The foreign king was preceded by his retinue, a dozen lords in silver trimmed black with braided belts and furred caps. Their king was clothed in brocade as white as snow with silver ornaments. He smiled at his host and graciously waved to the nobles. 

The foreign retinue filled one of the lower tables as their king climbed up to the dais. A guard followed closely and stood behind the royal seats. To your surprise, the guard looked to be female. King T’challa and Steven greeted each other joyously and as they turned to the queen, her smile threatened to waver. She bowed her head and welcomed the visitor.

“King T’challa,” The king boomed as he stepped in front of his chair between his queen and his royal guest. “We hope you shall enjoy your time here, but first, do join us in our yuletide feast.”

“I thank you, King Steven,” T’challa returned with an eloquent accent. “I have no doubt that I shall enjoy my sojourn very much.”

With that, the royals sat and their subjects followed. The benches and chaired creaked in unison as fabric wished and wood scraped on stone.

You couldn't take your eyes off Eleanor as you sat. She seemed almost afraid. Her husband spoke amiably to the man beside him as she seemed to hide behind his other shoulder. You'd seen many sides of her in the last months; kind, angry, hurt… but never so meek. 

There was more to the king's visit than diplomacy but you could not guess at what.

👑

When the dancing began, the king did not seek you out. You were not disappointed, rather relieved. Instead he took Eleanor's hand and led her to the middle of the floor. King T'challa was paired with Diana as her husband dismissed the entertainment for his cup.

You stood along the wall and pondered the spinning bodies. Perhaps all was as it was before. It had all just fallen into place and you were just the girl in the corner. You'd liked to have believed it, but life was never so simple. Especially at court.

You were drawn from your reverie as a shadow blurred the edge of your vision. You turned to the disturbance. Lord Barnes bowed to you and took your hand to kiss it. You watched him dully as he stood straight and smiled back at you. His dark hair and cornflower overcoat made his blue eyes shine. You lowered your chin and looked up at him warily.

“My lady,” He greeted. 

“Lord Barnes,” You said stiffly.

“Would you put to waste a new dress at the yuletide?” He prodded. “I must say, it is likely the most ravishing I’ve seen you.”

“Am I to blush at a compliment such as that?” You returned. “You’ve the tact of a sailor stranded in the mountains.”

“Oh, do we wilt my lady as the sun shines elsewhere?” He mused.

“I merely rest in the shade before the sun moves,” You assured him. “A respite from its intolerable beams.”

“And if I did ask you to come out from the shadows, would you accept?”

“It depends, do you ask?”

He scoffed and shrugged. He grinned as he glanced around the hall. “I do. I could not let you linger, my lady. How sad it is your heavy feet do chase off so many prospects.”

“I do not find it very sad at all. It does allow me a rare solitary.” You countered and he looked rather unimpressed.

“I will not ask again.”

“I will not accept again.”

He looked at you pointedly and raised his hand. You took it and he drew you out amidst the bodies of dancers. He faced you as he began the steps; you followed as best you could, barely missing his toes. He peeked down to avoid your feet and you chuckled.

“And were you aware of our visitor?” You pondered. “You did not seem so baffled by his appearance.”

“Our king cannot arrange such a surprise upon his own,” He raised his head as he glanced across the hall. “I did aid him in secreting the second king into the capital. A task amid the snowfall.”

“How very daring,” You said dryly.

“I should think much more than weaving a needle,” He retorted. 

“And what of our queen? She did seem rather nonplussed by her guest,” You said. 

“As she would be,” He affirmed. “You do know she is formerly acquainted with his majesty.”

You shook your head and you lifted your brows. “I did not.”

“Her father was at war with his and when the war did end, T’Chaka sent his son to be ward in her land. They were betrothed as a peace accord and she was to return with him to Wakanda.” Barnes explained. “Until another conflict arose between the countries and the prince was recalled home. There were whispers of war but rumours do not dissolve a contract. Even so, the princess accepted another with our king. I think you can surmise from there how it went.”

You frowned as you thought. You recalled what the king had alluded to before; his questions of his marriage’s legitimacy. You exhaled slowly and averted your gaze from the man before you. Your eyes landed on another who watched; Steven stared past Eleanor as he watched you dance.

“And? What can he do with that now? They married without opposition. They’ve remained as such for over ten years.” You kept your voice low. “What can he gain from bringing him here now?”

“More than she can,” Bucky answered. “He is a reminder of the ambiguity of the union. A bolster to our king’s desire.”

“I do wonder, Lord Barnes, at your role in all this.”

“I am a loyal subject.”

“I do not ask of your place in this court, but I question your intent. Towards the king, towards the queen, towards me.” You insisted. “Do you too bolster his desire?”

“You think I tricked you,” His smile fell. “I assure you, lady, I did not.”

“You know him well. Better than any.”

“Perhaps not so well as I thought.” He said. “I thought...well, I’ve seen him rebuffed by Eleanor and he walks away. Leaves her be because he’d rather another more pliable.”

“And yet he would chase me through the halls.” You crinkled your brow doubtfully. “The same man.”

“I assure you, it was no trick, merely a misconception on my part.” He looked down and you crushed his toe. He barely flinched. “My own arrogance. For he changes and I have not noticed and I am too proud to admit it.”

You considered his words. You were silent for a moment and the music enshrined your bodies as you swayed in time. You saw the king as he wove between the guests. Behind him, T’Challa danced with Eleanor. She was pale and not so graceful on her feet as usual. As Steven neared, you stopped and Barnes was nearly toppled by your suddenness.

“Your highness,” You let go of Barnes and curtsied. The lord bowed in turn.

“My lady,” The king smiled. “I find myself without a partner.” He turned to Barnes, “Forgive me, my lord, but I think to steal yours for a jig.”

“Not at all,” Barnes said evenly. “I would like a moment off my feet as it were.”

“Very well,” The king smiled and dismissed his friend with a nod. He turned to you and his eyes traversed your figure. “My lady, you look even more wonderful than I expected. The fabric is most becoming.”

“Thank you, your highness,” You let him take your hand. 

“I dare say…” He lowered his voice as he guided you. “You look almost like a queen.”

You gulped and tried to hide your discomfort. Your lips trembled as you smiled and you looked away bashfully. “Your highness…”

“Almost…” He repeated. “No, my lady, you do.”

“You flatter me.”

“My lady, I do prepare you for what is to come,” He said. “As I have sworn to you, it begins to boil over and when the water does cool, we will have rid ourselves of ill humours.”

“Why?” You breathed as you looked up at him. “After all these years, why now?”

“The time did loom anon,” His eyes dilated as he stared down at you. “But my lady, you made it even more pressing.”

#tapestry #Steve Rogers #dark steve rogers #dark!steve rogers #dark steve rogers x reader #dark!steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x reader #fic #series #dark!fic #dark fic #mcu #marvel #au #medieval au #captain america #bucky barnes x reader #Bucky Barnes

[authorsadiethatcher]

I think this would be a good moment to give you all an update. Let’s call this a State of the Thatcher Address. And read to the bottom if you want an update on what you can expect from me, story-wise, this month.

My personal life has been a bit of a roller coaster this year. There have been some great moments and some trying ones. But there’s a lot to be thankful for and I want to share some important things.

First up, I’ve got a sale going on at Smashwords. A bunch of my back list books are 50% off right now. You can find them here: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/sadiethatcher

And as always, you can find my books at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sadie-Thatcher/author/B00B4MINAC

Plus, you can find them at the Google Play bookstore: https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Sadie+Thatcher

Additionally, my books are available through Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Scribd. I don’t have links to those stores handy, but if that’s where you like to buy books from, my books will show up there, eventually.

I should also mention that I’m also writing fantasy novels right now under the name Libby Feron. I just finished the draft of my next novel that I’m planning to release May 2. That’s less than two months away now. If fantasy is your thing, take a look at my novels here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Libby-Feron/author/B09PJ9J5RN

And if you sign up for the Libby Feron newsletter, you get exclusive content and updates like cover reveals before anyone else. You can sign up here: https://libbyferon.com/newsletter/

With the fantasy novel plug complete, let me also mention some of the cool stories I have coming out this month.

I’m currently working on the final story in the Midas Touch Series. It’s titled Judge Bimbo. I may or may not have been influenced by the new Night Court.

I’ve got a big series coming up that I am really excited for. I’m still working through the details, but I’m planning a 4-book series that has been inspired by the OTTII universe. This will be different, my own creation, but it will take place in Japan and focus on a group of women who get turned into promo girls for a Japanese company. I’ll have more on that soon when the first book is released.

I’ve also got a couple commissions in the pipe that should be good. And if either of those fall through, I’ve got a cool idea for a story as a replacement. Never fear. There will be more bimbo content coming your way.

#sadie thatcher #State of the Thatcher Address #BuildingBetterGiggles #story

[insomniac-arrest]

Hi can you tell us more about your book publishing journey? I’ve been following you for a long time and somehow missed you getting publishing it, so belated congratulations! I can’t wait to order it for myself!! Was it a long process/stressful? How are you feeling about it now? Also omg what is it like to see your own book in your hands AS A REAL, TOUCHABLE BOOK??? I’m so happy for you :’)

I have mixed feelings about the path I’m on! On one hand, being self-published is a “choose your own adventure” kind of game. You get to control the cover art, the distribution, and you get to get waaay more royalties than traditionally published authors get.

However, ever since I was a little girl I had this dream of having my book on the shelves of a Barnes and Noble. I had a dream of having a literary agent and a big name publishing house on my book. I had a dream of being on a team instead of just me going it alone. This dream may still one day come true, but for now I am a little disappointed that I’m doing publishing the Hard Way. 

The process was long considering how long I’ve been sitting on Little Lights (I’ve had the cover art for it for about a year or so now), but short in the sense I didn’t have to go into the query trenches for months at a time. Querying takes months if not years to complete and you might not even get an agent when you’re through.

Self-pub is actually pretty good for people like me who already have a following, because all I have to do is:

Write the story

Have it edited

Commission cover art

Format the story

Fill out some forms

Publish it

Promote it

It’s been stressful and satisfying in the same amount. Holding my book in my hands is definitely really fucking cool!! I don’t quiet have the sales numbers I want yet, but there’s still time. And more novella’s I want to publish after that! 😄

Thank you! I am both happy and sad which is to be expected lol.

#asks #little lights #publishing #Anonymous #it'd be nice to have an agent bc it'd be nice to have a cheerleader on my side I guess

[focsle]

PINNED POST TIME

First: If you’re going to ask me where I get my clothes, CLICK HERE.

I write n draw. All my art is HERE. I’m terribly chaotic on main in that I have four different personal projects running at any given time, so here is some semblance of order!

COMMISSIONS: CLOSED (see info here)

PERSONAL PROJECTS:

Learn about em under the readmore! 

Lacrimore - My gothic novel about an Evil House, a faithless medium, and a morally dubious doctor. A downer, but a flowery one.

It’s available for purchase as a paperback and kindle on Amazon And as an ebook on Gumroad.

Other paperback purchase options: Barnes & Noble || Bookshop.org || Check online availability with independent booksellers near you on IndieBound ||

Developmental blog is @lacrimore.

Pyramid - Ridiculous occult telemarketer comic with a giant bug. A comedy. Tag on this blog is #pyramid bug comic. Pages are also collected here. Is in the process of being drawn and is currently scripted as one 32-page issue, with the potential for another later on. Will be for sale as a digital comic when finished, if you wanna show some love.

Untitled Thirsty Seance Story - 1880s queer ghost story. The next writing project in the pipeline, in beginning development stages right now. A…weird melancholic romance. Tag on this blog is #pipedream nyc ghost story.

OTHER THINGS: 

For a list of tags for other things I do (banging on a guitar/taking obnoxious selfies/fandom stuff.) please check THIS PAGE.

I try to use common content warnings, but if there are specific things you’d like tagged please let me know, anon or not, and I’ll try my best.

#thank u tumblr for this sexy feature

[haveyourselfacodychristmas]

Have yourself a Cody Christmas

THE XAVIER PLYMPTON PATHWAY

Michael Langdon X Jim Mason X Duncan Shepherd X Xavier Plympton X Y/N 

Warnings: Fluffy, a little non-sensical maybe, good Christmas fun, SMUT! Swearing! 

APPLE AIRPODS

Shopping in the Apple Store this close to Christmas was usually something akin to hell. You would rather take a day trip to hell with Satan’s son that spend a moment in there, getting jostled by crowds gathering around the latest iPhone. 

But, recently there has been a rather nice little bonus. 

Jim spots you in the queue to get in, he sneaks over, whispers something in his co-worker’s ear and then you’re being beckoned at. ‘You got an appointment?’

You go along with it, nodding and Jim smirks behind his co-worker’s back. ‘That was smart of you.’ You praise, checking out Jim’s form-fitting blue shirt.

‘Gotta use the perks for my favourite person.’ Jim leads you over to a somewhat quieter corner, ‘You here to take me out to lunch, how sweet, babe.’

‘I’m actually doing some last minute shopping.’ You tell him, leading the way instead towards the headphones. 

‘Headphones huh?’ Jim notes, ‘Oh, Xavier. Good idea. I was thinking of getting him some Captain America merch, but I thought it might be a little harsh.’ 

‘I think it might be, Jim.’ You pick up the display pair, ‘They’re so tiny.’

‘And expensive.’ Jim marvels at the price, ‘It pays to be working with Duncan doesn’t it?’

‘You could be too.’ You tempt, ‘He’s offered many times.’

‘Yeah I know,’ Jim says, ‘I just…I can’t mix business and pleasure like that. It’s still weird to me.’

You let it go, knowing Jim is Jim on the subject. You can see his point too at times, when Duncan brings his work home it can be difficult for you to also shut off and not bail him out where possible. 

‘He’ll love it anyway.’ Jim continues, ‘You wanna use my discount?’

‘It pays to have a genius boy with me.’ 

Jim looks a little prouder at your compliment, swinging his lanyard round his neck as he starts putting in the order on his work iPhone. ‘Alright, address…same as mine.’ He mumbles, shooting you knowing looks. ‘Easy commission for me, thank you for that.’

You go along with it, watching him fondly as Jim makes you tick the Terms and Conditions before heading off to get the AirPods. Upon returning, Jim’s hand lingers in yours, the present between the two of you. ‘I…uh I do get off on lunch in five and I need to get a Secret Santa present. Work thing. Would you come with me? I’m so bad at these kinda gifts.’

‘Just get a gift card?’

‘Y/N, no.’ Jim wrinkles his nose, ‘I drew my boss so it’s gotta be good.’

‘Do you know what he likes?’

Jim looks torn, ‘Not really…he’s pretty uh…basic.’

You give his hand a squeeze and put the AirPods safely away in your handbag. ‘Alright, but I don’t have long. Got to wrap presents and sort everything.’

‘Love you.’ He beams, slinking off to tend to one more customer. You watch Jim interact and tick off Xavier’s Christmas present. He’s back in five minutes exactly, coat on and rubbing his hands together. Jim leads the way out of the shop and down the street. ‘See, I just don’t know what is best to get.’ He rambles on, ‘I was gonna do like a brandy tumbler, kinda like what Duncan would get someone. But he’s more a Vodka and get wasted kinda guy so I’m not sure about it.’

You point out a Barnes & Noble, ‘What about a good book?’

‘He works at Apple.’ Jim smirks, ‘The guy is a total movie buff.’

You pull Jim inside despite his protests and lead Jim over to a series of posters in tubes. ‘Get him one of these.’ Jim inspects them and after a while of watching him struggle, you pull out a ‘100 Movies Scratch Bucket List’ poster, ‘I mean this, Jim.’ 

Jim takes it off you, ‘Ohhhh. This is perfect. How are you so good at this?’ 

You smirk, ‘I’ve been working hard today.’ 

‘Oh yeah?’ Jim inches a little closer, his eyes darting round the shop. ‘Was your class this morning really…hard?’

You can’t help but laugh at his attempt, pushing Jim away with a hand to the chest. ‘You are just as bad as Xavier.’

‘I knew it.’ Jim heads over to pay for the poster but doesn’t fail to waggle it at you first. ‘You two did it, didn’t you?’

                                   WHAT DO YOU TELL JIM?

                                                    DENY IT ALL

                                                   COME CLEAN