Sunday, March 16, 2014

Here We Go...

I had meant to write a well thought-out, reasoned, logical-yet-impassioned blog entry about this... but I still haven't figured out how to do that. So I can tell that this little entry is going to be, y'know... slightly rambling.

I want my nieces to grow up in a world where they can do anything they want to do.

Obviously, right? That's what we'd all like. Duh.

What I don't want is for them to grow up and have their options curtailed by their gender. What I don't want is for their attitudes towards men and women, boys and girls, their own selves, to be decided by a society, and a media, that is slanted.

Big Books for Boys are about adventure and exploration. Big Books for Girls are about makeup and looking pretty.

My niece Becca is 4. Becca loves pink. She loves princesses. She wasn't BORN loving pink and loving princesses — she learned that. She learned it from the people around her, from the TV she watches, from the other kids at the school-type place she goes to. And you can see it. You can see it happening. People go up to her and the first thing they say, the FIRST thing, is "Oh, don't you look ADORABLE!"

Boom. Now she thinks that her physical appearance is THE most important thing about her. Now whenever she's wearing a new dress she always runs up to me and says "Derek, look at my dress!"

I don't want my nieces thinking their looks are the only things that matter. For their birthday, the twins got a big dollhouse. It is, admittedly, awesome (if you like dollhouses). And I knew they were getting the dollhouse, so I went to buy them dolls. I bought them a princess doll and a mermaid doll, because Becca loves princesses and Emily loves mermaids. But I also got them an Annikin Skywalker doll, with lightsaber and sound effects, and an Iron Man doll. So now Iron Man has tea with Princess Barbie (and by all accounts, he's loving it) and the future Darth Vader (spoiler alert) sits awkwardly on the couch with Mermaid Barbie.

I buy them toys for boys because I don't want them limited by what toy companies tell them they can be.

(Er, not that a princess, a mermaid, a Sith Lord or a super hero is an achievable goal anyway... well, maybe the super hero...)

And then I start thinking about my books because, well, my books are awesome and deserve to be thought about. I think I've done well, all in all. The decision to have the main character be a teenage girl wasn't a decision at all — it's just something that fit. I've also worked very hard to refrain from idealising Valkyrie. Having a female main character but treating her like she's this flawless wonder is as damaging and disingenuous as the very things I've been trying to avoid. But treating her like a real person? Giving her an ego, an arrogance, a selfishness that we'd all have in her situation? That's FAIR.

But I've also failed, in certain ways. I've given in, without even thinking. Val is pretty, for a start. Was that necessary? No, not really. I could have made her plain. I could have taken away the height, the slimness, the little dimple when she smiles... But I didn't. Yes, the pretty fictional character is based on my pretty real-life friend, but I could have changed THAT aspect, right? Only, I'm as biased as anyone else. I like beauty. I like a pretty face. I like Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey. I admire them as people, as fighters, as athletes — but would I pay them this much attention if I didn't also appreciate how they look?

I'm as bad as anyone, but the thing is, I'm trying NOT to be.

So while you're digesting all this, and figuring out if what I'm saying has ANY relevance to ANYTHING, I want you think about Captain America: Winter Soldier. You all know what a huge comics fan I am. Most of you know that I own the shield he used in the first movie. I am REALLY looking forward to the sequel, and nothing will stop me from going to see it.

But seeing as how I'm talking about how women are valued primarily on their looks, I'd like you to take a peek at the posters released. Here's Cap, looking pensive...


And Nick Fury, also looking pensive...


And here's Black Widow, looking... wow.


Is that it? Is that her only worth?

In some ways, I'm old fashioned. I believe in old-fashioned things. I believe men should be strong. If they can't be strong physically then they must be strong morally. I believe men should hold the door for women, should stand up from the table when they walk over, and they should, when possible, pay for dinner. I also believe that men and women are equal in every way that's important.

So when I ask "Is that her only worth?", I'm not asking that from a feminist's perspective. I'm asking it from a man's perspective. The Black Widow is a secret agent, a spy, an assassin, and a hero... so why can't she be pensive in a series of pensive posters? Why does she have to adopt the sexy pose?

If any of my nieces grow up to be a secret agent, a spy, an assassin or a hero, I'm going to be as proud of them as if they grow up to be a princess or a mermaid. But I'm going to have to insist that they be given the opportunity to be WHATEVER they want to be, and those kinds of opportunities begin with me — the writer, the creator — and with you — the reader, the consumer. Don't settle for less. Don't settle at all.

4,926 comments:

1 – 200 of 4926   Newer›   Newest»
Ellie said...

Well said :)

Dragona Pine said...

2nd?

Ellie said...

I don't think there's anyone else around at the moment...

Dragona Pine said...

Maybe not, no. Maybe they don't realise there's another post.

Anonymous said...

Well... That was inspirational. But it got me wondering what defines a toy as a "boy toy"? I know kids often have toys "designed" specifically for them, but why? You know that new line of Nerf guns "for girls"? Nerf Rebelle? I don't see what's wrong with girls using regular Nerf guns, and if guys want to use a Rebelle gun, they shouldn't have to be embarrassed because it was "made" for girls.

Ellie said...

I always judge the gender of a toy by the kids they have on the packaging or playing with it an advert.
Although, that girl-centric Nerf gun sounds amazing.

Miss Pleasant said...

Completely agree. I'm not sure exactly what it was me and my friend were talking about a few days ago but we were talking about a film and she said "Oh that's such a girl's film." and I said "No, it's a film for everyone. Films aren't gender specific. Boys can enjoy it just as much as girls." and she replied "No, it's definitely a girl's film." As much as I love my friend, I just want to tell her that... She's wrong on that one. Films aren't made specifically for one gender... Why do we judge everything by gender? Jobs, films, books, toys. So annoying...

Dragona Pine said...

Films are made specifically for one gender. They have a demographic. They have people it was meant for - who will watch it and who it's aimed at. It's what companies do.

I agree that anyone can like any film, but the films ARE designed for a specific type of person.

Miss Pleasant said...

Oh... gee. Don't I feel silly now :/

Dragona Pine said...

Well actually, all companies do it. Not only films. Toys, games, books, magazines, newspapers... they all have a demographic. It doesn't stop anyone else enjoying the thing, but I think what the product was made for designates whether it is a "boy's" thing or a "girl's" thing. But as I said, it doesn't stop people other than the demographic from using or enjoying it.

Miss Pleasant said...

I wish they wouldn't do that. I don't think what you buy or watch should be defined by your gender.

Dragona Pine said...

Demographic can be anything, by the way. It doesn't have to be gender. It can be age, race, religion, hobby... for example you could have a magazine for men who are aged 40 or above who fly model planes.

And then you'd design the magazine around that. Like a magazine for children would have lots of colour and not many words, you'd adapt the product to fit the demographic.

Dragona Pine said...

I disagree with the fact that they do it, though I think that it's understandable.

Miss Pleasant said...

I'm feeling sillier the more this conversation goes on... I'm going to try and smoothly change the subject without anyone noticing... uhm, the new Captain America movie looks awesome, I can't wait to go see it.. he he...

Amethyst Temerity said...

Finally! A new post!

Nevyar Amberite said...

Added to reasons I love Derek Landy

Hello all

Dragona Pine said...

Lol. Don't worry. I'm sure you don't look silly. ^^

I haven't seen anything about the new Captain America movie. I didn't even watch the first one. I don't like him as a character from what I saw in the Avengers, and I don't like his name.

Has anyone seen the film Gravity?

Miss Pleasant said...

Yeah, Captain America isn't the best Marvel character. I really want to see Gravity. Is it any good?

Dragona Pine said...

Nope. Gravity is TERRIBLE. It's the most overhyped film I've ever seen.
In terms of the graphics, they're amazing. I can't fault the computer imagery at all.

BUT... the plot, characters, script... are practically non-existent.
About every ten minutes you see something which makes NO sense.
The characters are astronauts, but they do nothing but panic.
When they're running out of oxygen, they don't even seem to hurry up.
+1000 other issues with the film.

The script is just full of clichés, as well.

It's like they spent AGES on the imagery, but like two minutes on everything else.

Don't watch it.

Duck said...

YEAH, FIRST! WHOOO HOOO!!!

Duck said...

Wait a minute.....


:'(

Nevyar Amberite said...

Duck...I'm so so sorry...

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Wow. That's quite a heartfelt post... hey guys

Miss Pleasant said...

Yup. I have heard some pretty terrible reports about it. I only wanted to watch it because I really like Sandra Bullock.

Nevyar Amberite said...

Hello! So many new people

Amethyst Temerity said...

Hello Nevyar! I've never met you before! I'm Amethyst! :)

Dragona Pine said...

Sandra Bullock in Gravity... It's bad acting, but I think that's more due to the blatant character issues that exist.

Nevyar Amberite said...

Hello Amethyst! Never met you before either. :)
I love meeting people

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Hey Nevyar. Nice to meet you.
*clasps forearm and shakes like amazonians used to do(you know those warrior women from the amazon)*
How are you?

Miss Pleasant said...

Ah I see. Yes... I'm definitely not watching it now. I think I'll save myself the pain.

John said...

Ello people, am I late to the party?

Noelle said...

Derek you are incredible

Amethyst Temerity said...

...there's a party?!?

Nevyar Amberite said...

(Yes I do)
Very well,thank you. How are yoy? *curtsies because I'm classy*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Why wasn't I invited?

Hey blake

Nevyar Amberite said...

Hello Blake. Hey Adra,

Dragona Pine said...

It kind of gets a little painful to watch, after a while, indeed. There are so many issues it's just like, "PLEASE LET THIS END NOW"

Miss Pleasant said...

Ooh. More people. Hello *waves shyly*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*raises eyebrow at the curtsie* I'm well thanks, you er..you don't have to curtsie. Curtsie to classy people, like amethyst. They deserve it
*nods*

Chione Asahina said...

I don't really like how the first page is always filled with so many new people and then as we get further through...it's the same people who come on every day...it really bothers me.

John said...

T'was an expression guys, though I'm all for having a party

Nevyar Amberite said...

*waves to everyone*. Im oldish...dont go on much

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Hello miss pleasant I don't believe we've met before. *does Amazonian hand/forearm shake* how are you?

Nevyar Amberite said...

PARTY!!!! We need bananas

Nevyar Amberite said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
John said...

*bounds happily up to Ms. Pleasant*
Hey there! Never met you before I'm Blake, you may call me Mr. Soul :D

Miss Pleasant said...

Hello Silente Tempest. Yes, I do not believe we have met. I am good. How are you?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Hey chio! You still haven't as answered my question. Are am I free now? Cause if I am..well..
*gets ready to tickle chio again*

Amethyst Temerity said...

@Silente: ...I'm classy???

Can we start a party? :D
I want to see how this turns out...

Amethyst Temerity said...

@miss pleasant: I don't think I've met you! :D
Hello! I'm Amethyst!

Nevyar Amberite said...

*hands out baloons*
I have a tumblr now. 3fandom5u is my url.

John said...

Everyone seems to be in on the idea of a party. We're gonna need decorations and stuff :o

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

I'm fine thank you miss pleasant, call me Silente or Sil *shrugs* which ever.

Miss Pleasant said...

Hi Mr Soul. Nice to meet you. *smiles* :)

Amethyst Temerity said...

Party!!!
*rushes out to order a gigantic Skulduggery cake*

Chione Asahina said...

Yes, I would say you are free Silente.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Amethyst your more classy than me! Just cause I was brought up in the 1880's doesn't mean I'm classy.

Nevyar Amberite said...

My brother bought me lime gum

Noelle said...

Chio, it's because not everyone is a regular, and not everyone has knowledge that people talk, nor would I imagine that they would have the time/interest to

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

In that case..
*lunges forward and starts tickling chio again* mwa ha ha ha!

Miss Pleasant said...

Whew... I'm overwhelmed by all the hellos. So I think I'll do a communal hello to everyone I don't know and go order some skulduggery themed party hats.

Nevyar Amberite said...

Ive been busy with school. I'm in Ny, its 5 hours earlier than Ireland :)

Amethyst Temerity said...

*comes back with the Skulduggery cake*
*places it on a random table*
WE NEED DRINKS!
*rushes out to buy soda and juice*

Ellie said...

Chione Asahina - don't worry, the newbies are still hanging around looking at the comments. We're just getting into the swing of things.

Nevyar Amberite said...

Hey Ellie!

Miss Pleasant said...

Got the party hats. Who wants one? :)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Hello new person called Ellie who I have never met before. How be thee?

Amethyst Temerity said...

Hello Ellie! I'm Amethyst!

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Thanks miss but I have this,
*pauses in her tickling*
*pts a fetching fadora on hers and Chios head*
*continues tickling chio*

Chione Asahina said...

*watches everyone getting ready for a party*

Um...how formal is this party...? like jeans and t-shirt and casual dresses or requiem ball type formal...?

Amethyst Temerity said...

*rushes toward table, carrying a plastic bag*
*takes out drinks, cups, plates, forks, and napkins*
hm...is that everything for the party?

Nevyar Amberite said...

Party hat! *screeches and rushes to take one*

Honey, you should see me in a crown

Chione Asahina said...

*rolls around on the floor bursting out laughing

Oh Silente - please xD stop - can't stop laughing*

John said...

Can I be un-grounded to Chio?
*does puppy-dog eyes*
*Pulls hood up* I'll be fine without a hat...

Miss Pleasant said...

Oh yeah, I forgot my fedora... I always forget something. Ah well. I hope this party isn't too formal... I'm going for boots and jeans and a shirt.

Amethyst Temerity said...

...well, I'm assuming the party is casual...

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Chio I'm sure what your wearing will be fine.
*tickles her more*

Amethyst Temerity said...

WAIT! There's no music!!!

Miss Pleasant said...

We need music!

Dragona Pine said...

*clears throat and gets in character as is a robot*


This unit requires a party hat.

Nevyar Amberite said...

I am in many a fandom

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Quick someone, music!
*tickles chio more* mwa ha ha ha! You shall never be free!

Miss Pleasant said...

High five to anyone in the Sherlock fandom! Woohoo!

Ellie said...

Sorry guys - I missed all your greetings. I'm good, thanks for asking.

Chione Asahina said...

B-blake help! xD Stop Silente from - tickling me! xD

Nevyar Amberite said...

*high fivez*
Superwholock <3
I am the sterotypical fangirl

John said...

*Picks up bass guitar*
Somebody say music?

Amethyst Temerity said...

YES! Play music! *claps*

Maralie Lily Charm said...

brb posting this blogpost all over instagram

Miss Pleasant said...

Yes! me too. I love Doctor Who and Sherlock so much. When is Doctor Who starting again?

Amethyst Temerity said...

Hello Maralie!

Amethyst Temerity said...

Join our party!

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Mwa ha ha ha! Blake won't help you now!
*tickles her more*
*surprised she hasn't been frozen yet*

Nevyar Amberite said...

*plays piano radically*

Nevyar Amberite said...

MARALIEEE!! I think around Christmas

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Hey Maralie,

Miss Pleasant said...

*picks up flute and starts playing random music*

Chione Asahina said...

Silente - please - I need to change into something- more casual - before the party *says in between laughing*

BLAKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HEEEEEEEELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

John said...

*Strums bass*
Meh, any requests?
*absent-mindedly picks Silente up and away from chio with shadows*

Amethyst Temerity said...

wait...is this party just going to be random?
...
*glances at cake*
*rushes outside*
...
*comes back with a knife*

Nevyar Amberite said...

Bohemian Rhapsody

Nevyar Amberite said...

Ooooh! Knife!!

Ellie said...

Did somebody say Superwholock?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*looks down at chio still tickling* only if you promise to come back. And dance. And let me tickle you more
*looks over at Blake* I have glitter if you do
*continues tickling chio*

Amethyst Temerity said...

LET'S CUT THAT CAKE!
*stabs the cake*

Miss Pleasant said...

*flute music slowly fades out* ahem. I'm going to go clue for looks or... something. I'll hopefully see you all at the next party. *smiles shyly again*

Nevyar Amberite said...

I DID!!
Stab it like your least favorite characters heart!!!

Unknown said...

This post came at exactly the right time for me, Derek. Thank you so much. It's so important and so relevant, and I've just spent the last hour debating with a boy on tumblr about the importance of feminism, which he claimed is just women trying to 'rule over men'. My anxiety is already bad, but that made it worse for me and this blog entry has made me feel so much better. Thank you.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

You aged for it Blake!
*grabs a pot of glitter*
*starts swirling and dancing throwing glitter every where*
*laughs as her dress swirls around *
Damn gotta change!
*runs of momentarily*

Nevyar Amberite said...

Exactly @Emily. The fact that Derek understands feminism. Respect

Amethyst Temerity said...

*takes out knife*
*begins to repeatedly stab the cake*
DIE CAKE! I HOPE YOU BREAK INTO UNIFORMLY SQUARE PIECES FOR US ALL TO FEAST ON YOUR DEAD BODY!
*laughs evilly*
...I think I'm going too far...

Nevyar Amberite said...

Nope, you're doing fine

Amethyst Temerity said...

oh...okay!

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Hey Emily! Bye miss,
*runs back in wearing a black skirt, black tights and a black t-shirt with a neon blue skull on the front*
*twirls and throws glitter around especially at Blake*

Star Inkbright said...

Derek.

I love you so much.

You are the kind of author that has fans that when they meet up, they talk about how great you are as a person.
You are the kind of person that . . . well, you know, I go through life listening to what people say, as you do, because like, I have ears, and when someone says something, or I read something, or whatever, really awesome . . . I go OHMYGOSH and store that in my head.
You're the kind of person who fills up my memory bank with awesome stuff that my brain comes back to later.
And that is because you say awesome things, Derek.
You really do.
You can consider my world view partially expanded because of you. :)

And tomorrow, I am probably going to be telling my friend who acknowledges awesome things like this about this blog post.
Because that's what I do with awesome things.
And I would be telling the blog
but you know, they're here. They've already read it. :P

#ChaseForBookNine

Ellie said...

I love how invested you guys get in these conversations.

Amethyst Temerity said...

*finishes cutting cake*
*stares at finished work*
...it's...wonderful!
THE CAKE IS READY! LET'S FEAST ON IT'S DEAD BODY!

Dragona Pine said...

Star, do you have time to read my ME story?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*stops dancing *
*grabs two pieces of cake, one for chio*
*smiles and puts edible glitter on hers*

Amethyst Temerity said...

*takes plates of cake and goes around giving it to others*
Eat! Eat! Eat!

Ellie said...

I wonder if Derek ever just reads through the comments giggling.

Chione Asahina said...

*eats the piece given to her by Silente* Thank you.

I better go get changed. I'll be back soon *pats her head*

*races out*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*eats her slice of cake*
*starts eyeing up Chios piece*
*goes to sprinkle glitter on Blake instead while he plays the base*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*looks after chio* did she PAT my head?
*looks a little startled *

Nevyar Amberite said...

Oohh corpses nomnom

Nevyar Amberite said...

Leaving for a bit, be back soon!

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Bye nevyar!
*shakes of the shock of being pat*
*smiles and founded up and down*
*runs over to Blake*
*watches him play the bass*
*swirls and dances to the heavy beat*

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Wow. That was just awesome. Derek Landy that made me grin. Because women don't need to be treated like we can't do things men can. We can do things too, and seeing Valkyrie be the one who is human is awesome she has flaws she's likeable but hateable. And your nieces remind me of my own niece. Taylor loves pink she wants to look pretty, because what was she told? "You're adorable." It drives me insane. Taylor isn't just adorable she has other qualities. Why do we tell girls that? Can't we say the same to a little boy? It. Drives. Me. Insane.

Dragona Pine said...

People DO say the same to boys, Zaf. But they use "handsome" instead of "adorable".

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*stops dancing and looks deathly serious*
Dragona. Your adorable. Okay? Just adorable. Not so much when you explode on me but otherwise your adorable.

*goes back to dancing and throwing glitter around*

John said...

*I let the glitter fall on my head as I continue strumming the bass, shadows shape a form-fitting black suit and tie around me*
I like to be formal...

Chione Asahina said...

*walks back into the party wearing a Blue and white summer dress and a blue cardigan with light blue shoes. He hair is in a plete to the side of her head*

Chione Asahina said...

her**

Dragona Pine said...

Tempest-Silente, that explosion was necessary.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*looks at formal Blake with his bass*
Classy
*puts pink glitter on his shoulders and in his hair*
Adorably formal
*nods and dances*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Yes but that doesn't mean it didn't servierly wound me and cause cryogenic sleep as well as healing to be required.
Nice dress chio!
*dances*
*stops* oh chio? Why did you PAT me on the head?
*dances again*

John said...

*Shakes the glitter out of his hair*
Silente I'd really like it if you'd stop that...

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*sighs*
*rolls eyes at Blake* okay I'll stop
*Stops dancing*
I think I'm hyper..
*shrugs*
*keeps dancing*

jugglingpaynes said...

Well said, Mr Landy. However, I believe girls and boys should be given the opportunity to be whatever they want to be. I have two girls and a boy, and I have to say, I've experienced just as much stereotype about how my son should be.
My son loved ballet when he was little, but gave it up when another boy mocked ballet as being for girls. He now has long hair (he likes the rocker look) and is constantly told by relatives and strangers that he should cut it short. My husband and I support whatever their passions are, so our kids are unafraid to be different, but it is a constant struggle, girl or boy.

John said...

*I stand up and leave a shadow of myself behind, still playing the bass. I walk over to Chio and hold out my hand as the clone starts a slower tune*
Dance with me?

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

I'm watching Nascar and still trying.

Chione Asahina said...

I don't know why Silente. *walks over to Blake*

John said...

@jugglingpaynes: I've got the same long hair look and everyone always tells me to cut it to, never listened to them because I like the style and their opinion is there own eh?

Chione Asahina said...

Of course I will. *takes his hand*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*stops dancing*
*moves to make room for chione and Blake*
*sits down and pours herself a drink*
*tries to be less hyper*
*frowns*
*goes out of the room a minute*
*comes back smiling again*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

((One of my friends has long hair. Her suffers with people telling him to cut it along with 'is that a boy or a girl?' He just ignores them.))

John said...

*Spins slowly, holding Chio's hand and waist*
Did Silente just go out for a drink..?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*smiles at blake*
No Silente went out to make sure she stayed Silente. Figured the would be better
*stays sat and sips at her drink*

Chione Asahina said...

I-I think so, I'm not too sure *looks to where Silente is*

John said...

(Lol I got called a girl the other night, the person was very apologetic when I turned around with a rather unamused look on my face xD)

Chione Asahina said...

Oh. Well there is your answer.

*makes it snow around just them*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*smiles at chio*
I'm not drinking. Well I am but I'm not drinking alcohol. I was making sure me stayed me.

John said...

Yes Silente, I think we all appreciate that...
*continues dancing with Chio*

Chione Asahina said...

((last night at the play, I could not stop laughing when he told me that. But I wouldn't have him any other way. I couldn't get used to his hair short))

Chione Asahina said...

((two nights ago**))

John said...

((Thank you for knowing my life better than I do xD))

Chione Asahina said...

((You're welcome? :3))

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*looks at chio and Blake dancing slowly in their mini snow flurrie*
*smiles at their happiness*
*wonders if she'll ever have that*
*stops wondering and sips her drink instead*

Chione Asahina said...

((where is everyone...is It just us 3?))

John said...

((Ah well, we're three of the coolest, literally in your case Chio :3))

Chione Asahina said...

((why thank you. :3 both heart and soul huh Blake?))

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

((Think so everyone kinda..poofed))
*starts thinking about peas*
*did peas get lonely? No peas live in a pod with other peas*

John said...

And TECHNICLY my clone is still here xD

John said...

((That's not what I meant, you're one of the most caring people I know ^-^))

jugglingpaynes said...

:) Good to hear he isn't alone with the hair issue. He's seventeen, so he just rolls his eyes when he hears these comments. I'm just surprised at how much it comes up in our area.

John said...

No way! I'm 17 as well, I need to meet up with him sometime xD

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*goes and sits at the clones feet*
*carries on watching them dance*
*smiles to herself glad that chio is happy*
*glad that Blake is happy too*

Chione Asahina said...

*whispers to Blake* Could you make another clone to dance with Silente or at least keep her company? I'll take over after our dance.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*glances up at the bass wondering what type it is*
*stops wondering about the bass*
*eats more cake*

John said...

*As we dance a shadow of me is left behind, it walks over to Silente and holds out a hand*
I hope you don't mind my dashing good looks Silente ;3

jugglingpaynes said...

@Blake Soul: LOL! We are in New York. Don't know how convenient that would be for you!

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*looks over at Blake* dashing good looks don't effect me
*rises and takes the shadows hand*
*dances with it, going for a twirling dance instead if a slow one*
*thinks how fitting the phrase dancing with shadows is when applied to her past*
*strops thinking and just dances for a bit, lost in her past*

John said...

Sheesh I'm just a few hours away in New Hampshire, I was kidding at first but this could work! xD

Amethyst Temerity said...

Hey guys. Sorry I disappeared.
*starts dancing around*

jugglingpaynes said...

@Blake Soul: Wow! We're practically neighbors. Beautiful state, by the way. We've visited it a couple of times.

John said...

Hey Amethyst, would you like a clone as well? I seem to be the catch of the evening.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*sighs and gives in*
*let's the stress fall from her shoulders*
*closes her eyes and leans in closer to the clone*
*relaxes and let's instinct drive her*
*dances with her eyes closed and a smile on her face*

Chione Asahina said...

But remember, only I get the real one *kisses him*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

((Hey amethyst!))

John said...

Thanks, I've only been to New York once but it was great. You don't find any massive cities out here.

John said...

Of course you do Chio
*smiles, happy as can possibly be*

Chione Asahina said...

*holds him closer*

Fabi S. - Fashion-Conscious Fire Wraith said...

Derek---

I'm here to thank you.

Not only do you write amazing books, but you also give us thoughtful blog posts like this, and you do talks and signings, and you're not just a cool writer but a cool person.

I remember meeting you on Skype, and you showed us your movie memorabilia and your cat, and teased us about which characters you killed off/were going to. And it was just so cool.

And of course, we were weirdos who put pretzels in Skulduggery's brain and ate tiny paper cutouts of your head (I was actually one of the ones who didn't, though my point here is that you were still cool about it). And of course we had to demand WHY. And then you were really happy that we were crying over your book (and I guess I get that. It means we're emotionally invested in your books. It also means we care).

Also, you're evil.

Thank you anyway.

And reading posts like this, that make me think, well, it reminds me why I'm a fan. Like Star said.

I remember when I was six or so, and my favorite color became pink for absolutely no reason at all except that I thought it made me cooler. And in my fantasy world, I was the princess, for similar reasons. Yes, I saved the kingdom from doom quite a bit, but I was still the princess, and I wasn't sure what to do about the dress part because princesses are supposed to wear pretty dresses, but they're somewhat impractical for stowing away on pirate ships, and other activities required to save the kingdom.

Also, as someone who takes several dance classes, I've heard a lot of stereotypes. In the ten years since I started taking ballet, I've never worn a pink tutu and only once had a pink costume of any kind. Dance has so much power to it, and it's a beautiful form of expression. Also, when ballet was first invented, it was a guys-only art-form. Just saying.

But since it's beautiful, of course it must be a "girl thing", and of course it must be pink, and let's make fun of it even though it takes a lot more strength than plenty of sports, and there's so much more to dance than pretty costumes and fairy princesses.

The thing that really bothers me is when people assume things, and fill in the blanks. Or act like anything different from them is wrong. Because, look at reality, people! We're all different people with different traits and different values, but we all have similarities, too. I take ballet, and I love it, but I also read books with darkness in them, and I listen to lots of music, and I create things and fangirl over other things and then ramble about even more things, and don't quite know where to go and when to stop.

Not even sure what this is anymore, but I've spent enough time on it that I may as well post it.

John said...

*Hugs her tight, still spinning slowly to the music*
So how's everybody been today?

Amethyst Temerity said...

Sorry I'm so distant...

Clone? What clone?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*sighs and opens her eyes*
*comes back to reality and stands straight again*
*puts some space between her and the clone*
*turns her head away although she keeps dancing*
*stops and pulls away from the clone*
*smiles up at it and walks off to a small keyboard in the corner*
*quietly hits the keys so as not to disturb chio and Blake*
*thinks about love*

Chione Asahina said...

He can make shadow clones, one is playing the music and one is dancing with Silente.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

((I've been fine Blake))

John said...

@Bently Hat: Couldn't have said it better myself.

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

They're doing something i just haven't the slightest idea what

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

((*was dancing with Silente))

*looks off into space and her fingers still*
*wonders about how many vampires have found love*
*guesses its a very low number*

Amethyst Temerity said...

They are just partying...

Want cake? *offers cake to Zafira*

John said...

Ello Zaf
*takes a moment from dancing with Chio to throw some dynamite at Zaf*
Catch!

Chione Asahina said...

Blake you really shouldn't have done that. She will cradle it like a ball of yarn for a cat. Then blow herself up.

Amethyst Temerity said...

Oh! Shall we change this to a DYNAMITE PARTY!!!

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

((Hey zaf!))

Chione Asahina said...

No we really shouldn't Amethyst. I'm enjoying this ;_;

John said...

Oh I know she will, and she'll be fine. Amethyst I don't think that's a very good idea...

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*sighs and shakes her head ridding it of thoughts of love*
What's a dynamite party? It sounds pain full...

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

We probably shouldn't have a dynamite party.
*starts quietly playing complex rhythms on the keyboard*

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