Slow River by Nicola Griffith

This is a 90s cyberpunk novel about a lesbian water engineer, it's well written if a bit dry and I enjoyed it, but there is a lot of rape-y stuff that happens on and off screen and some related unfortunate implications (see below)

It is definitely the best example I can think of of a genre novel with a protagonist who is believably mogai/lgbt but whose story has nothing to do with their sexuality. It has some nice, not too heavy handed commentary on corporations and copyright, too, and the non linear structure gives us layered picture of life at the top, bottom, and near bottom of society. I have no idea if the water treatment science is right but it felt realistic. It's a bit grungy but has a basic compassion and optimism at it's core.

My main problems were (a)all the really squicky sex (b)I could see some of the cracks in the plotting (c) I guessed some twists so early I didn't realise they were twists, and so felt a bit deflated when I realised THAT was what we'd been building towards all book.

Finally, there was a subtext I hate in fiction which will probably hit some people with rape triggers super hard. Under a cut for spoilers.
( Triggers and spoilers! )

Memes and Meme Byproducts

Wrote some semi original fiction omg! One for the Jukebox "write a story about a song" exchange, another for a writing meme I made up myself. Also did some art for that limited palette meme that's been going around tumblr, which was super fun.

Spare Change (1393 words), The Man Who Sold the World, Teen And Up, Horror, Fantasy, Original Fiction, Fanfiction, Inspired by Music, Genderqueer Character
Summary:Two friends meet by chance long after both have died.

The Most Talked About Night Of The Season (5355 words) G, No Warnings, Fantasy, Regency, Happy Ending, Fae & Fairies, Non-Graphic Violence
Summary: Maisie was in no mood for a ball. She always felt like a fool in formal wear. The ball was full of Pixies and Slyphs looking lovely in ensembles much like hers, but delicate ringlets and a ruffled dress were far less flattering on a seven foot tall Lob covered in hair.

A colouring tutorial

Literally every comment on Spare Change has used the word "creepy" :D On one hand I'm quite happy with the story, on the other hand want to stop thinking about it so I can GET THAT SONG OUT OF MY HEAD.

And now....art!
( Edward Scissorhands, Iron Man,Bastion, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Fresh Pretty Cure )