ChrissyQuinn
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Posts posted by ChrissyQuinn
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And I was demeaning about the people making the tweets / tumblr posts because I'm sick and tired of the internet trying to tell people when they should be offended by something. I'm tired of women on campus who have no clue what real sexism is calling everything misogyny. And I'm tired of people outside of a culture telling a people of a culture that they should be offended by something. It goes on A LOT and it belittles actual issues. I see it a lot when I grade essays, apparently letting people know they're ignorant for not acknowledging that they're being marginalized is en vogue. Maybe I'm touchy because I've been dealing with things of this nature all semester long. And yes, that argument for separation of cultures is something people are saying within the tumblr-sphere.
Also the argument I made earlier is part of the horse shoe theory, that's been proven correct again and again, it essentially states that when a movement reaches the furthest part of the left it starts to lean to the far right in its ideologies. And that's what's been happening lately with on the topic of cultural appropriation.
Further, when someone claims that a culture/nationality/race/ethnicity etc, should be offended because you are, you're actually... well I see Bronxie just made that point.
It's also somewhat interesting that the Navajo have a tradition of embracing authors who use their culture as inspiration, and none of the people quoted in any news article are Navajo. There's a Cherokee woman very upset and an Ojibwe woman but no article I've found mentions a single Navajo as being upset over it. One mentions the Navajo praising the X-files episode from the 90s, and Hillman's novel, but nothing from verified Navajo people, (I don't count comments because they're unverifiable). Interestingly enough there was a Teen Wolf episode about skin-changers recently, and no one made a peep.
--Sincerely, a multi-ethnic woman sick of the internet.
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I know that no Navajo leaders have spoken on it because there was no official statement issued because I looked further into the situation. People who are heads of large organizations such as tribes, nations etc, tend to do things called press releases to condemn offensive media. And I'm sorry I insulted your demographic but as someone who is forced to spend quite a bit of time around early college goers, they are a large part of the problem and a blight to progress in race relations in general. They like to talk a lot about things... and then they don't even interact with people outside of their own race or culture aside from the people in the service industry, or people who were once their "friends" in high school (people who they never hung out with outside of school).
"And again, you say that because it's fantasy, it shouldn't be taken seriously, but that is not the point and you know it. She has taken a Navajo myth, a part of Navajo culture and is using it to her own ends. Placing it into her fantasy setting does change the fact that the skin-changer is a part of Navajo culture and lore. No matter what she does with it, it's still a part of Navajo culture. It doesn't matter if it's fantasy or not. This is not something that can be hand waved away by "it's fantasy, I don't have to justify it.""
By this logic no one should never change the Arthurian legend for the same reason. And how dare anyone Latino or African American deign to touch European or Asian legends and myths or interpret them in their versions of fantasy. How dare someone of Jewish faith write about Christianity. How dare a Muslim write about the Hindu faith. How dare a Latino write about white people. See, it's a very slippery slope that can be used to justify some very nasty sorts of racism. Frankly, I find the segregation of cultures you're proposing offensive. Essentially, whether you realize you're saying it or not, your argument is no one can interpret any culture other than their own which is frankly disgusting and leads to a whole treasure trove of ignorance that breeds hate and bigotry.
"if the thought that people might be offended and cry racism or sexism stops a person from writing a thing, then good. That means that we are becoming more conscious as a society and aware of the importantace of respecting other cultures and the value of minority groups. It's a good thing"
Fear of reprisal doesn't breed respect or understanding-- it enforces white washing. Fear also breeds more racism. Then you end up with the Oscars (why not have more non-white writers? because they can't find jobs outside of writing about non-white people thanks to the problem created by your argument). People being afraid of writing something because of the backlash they might receive is the opposite of progress. When no one attempts to engage with cultures outside of their own it props up racism because it promotes Othering and exoticism that leads to fetishizing.
So yes, this is needless backlash.There are real issues out there facing the native community that this trite is taking attention away from.
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If the Navajo people say that this representation is hurtful to them, we don't get to decide that it isn't.
But they're not, if it was hurtful to them as a people tribal leaders would have come out with a comment by now. They haven't said anything, it's mainly little shit kids and people desperately seeking validation on twitter and tumblr who have commented. She has taken one aspect of their culture the Skin-Changers, that doesn't automatically make the native culture she's referring to Navajo since it is a fantasy world she's writing in. The sad thing is that if she didn't include Native Americans everyone would be making more of a fuss.
You might say "No one is saying that we should stop writing" but things like this are why a lot of people don't write, or why they stop writing. This sort of needless backlash doesn't help anyone.
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The thing you're forgetting about, LockedBox, is that she's writing a Fantasy series about Wizards and Witches. No one is going to assume she's an authoritative voice on Native American culture with her made up world. I'll further say that in the way she's referring to them, past tense is completely appropriate. Just like we talk about ancient Greeks in past tense, and the American colonists. The passage literally states it's about the 1300's - 1600's, so yes... she should be using past tense. She's creating her own wizarding world; for all we know there are no navajo
. There is no real issue here. This is a case of people blowing something out of proportion to feel good about themselves. I read the passage on Pottermore and I didn't see anything wrong with it. No she's not being specific but she doesn't have to be and its not even insensitive to use Native American as opposed to Navajo in the specific passage. It's nitpicking of the worst sort. There are no genuine complaints in the case of J.K Rowling, and I'm not even a fan of her work. She's not writing a history book, she could frankly say that Skin-changers were Chinese Leprechauns. She's writing fiction and not painting a derogatory picture of a culture of peoples time to move on. -
Huge rant about the article itself:
I noticed when I read the article that everyone complaining seemed to be very young (early 20s if not teens). Hasn't tumblr made the world an amazing place? Too often people don't listen to their own arguments. Some of those tweets made me shake my head because I doubt they realized what they were saying. Many of those tweets don't pass the "Old-white-guy-in-a-white-linen-suit-with-a-southern-accent-on-a-porch racism litmus test". The trick is to imagine an old white guy in his 80's on a porch in a white linen suit saying the same thing while sipping sweet tea. If a phrase coming such a person in your mind sounds a little racist or xenophobic... it probably is. One specific tweet in the bundle stood out to me "Again, Non-natives are not entitled to our stories, cultures, histories, imagery & identities, not even in the name of artistic freedom," now imagine an old guy on a porch with a southern accent saying that but trade out non-natives with non-whites. Do you see where the problem is? That argument when boiled down is essentially saying that you can't have an African American fantasy writer who writes anything Arthurian because it's not a part of their culture. Doesn't that just make you feel a little wrong inside? I know it makes me feel a little queasy. Psst, Tumblr, in your fight to end racism you've just created more racism!Response to actual post:
As far as writers in general, we shouldn't worry about it. People are going to complain regardless of how much research you do. Like Bronxie said, there's no pleasing everyone. All you can do is research enough that you feel comfortable about what you're doing. Beyond that...don't sweat it or you'll give yourself an ulcer.
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This service you speak of will get your accounts banned on a lot of sites. Amazon actually has a very harsh policy not just for people who give the paid reviews but the people who receive them.
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Eyes of Fire: Prologue II
http://original.adult-fanfiction.org/story.php?no=600108114&chapter=2
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Pippychick writes some great LotR fanfiction that might be up your alleyway if you don't mind it not being original
And Bronxwench also has some phenomenal M/M fantasy themed stories I hope that helped 
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Prologue I Eyes of Fire
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Thank you Tahn
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It's that time again! Yay Review replies
I figured since the end has been reached I'd say something.
Oh and this!
Yay! We all know this means that the first chapter is just around the corner
Thank you all for all of your reviews of HotF... I'm just going to keep using this for Eyes of Fire too because its a continuation and I hate the idea of eating up multiple threads for a sequel.
Now! Reviews....
Multiple people seemed... happy about Yorwrath finally revealing his love for ValentinaTahn
Oh. My. Gawd. I can't believe she got him to say it, I am freaking out here!
CL.Mustafic
Finally, for goodness sake!
CL
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Well guys! I'm glad it was satisfying for him to finally say it
I was going to reply to more, but in the middle of everything I started to get the urge to write sooo... I'm going to put this here and reply to more later That being said though I know the ending wasn't as neat as it could have been, it was however, my first HEA or rather HFN and I'm pleased with it for that. Most of the things left unresolved will pop up again in Eyes of Fire fairly near the beginning.
I hope you keep reading. -
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I was hoping you didn't think I was being mean or anything but I guess I hold your writing to a higher standard than I do pretty much anyone else's when it comes to that sort of thing.
I'm glad we're finally seeing exactly what kind of power Val has, I hope it's a match or even more than Anny's so she can kick his ass.
I didn't think you were
I take that as a compliment. I'm glad you both like how its shaping up... *evil snicker*
Oh and see!!! The ending is happy
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Oh, things seem to be getting interesting...
I just wanted to pop in here and say, good chapter but I think you may have rushed in your impatience to please your eager audience. This is the first time while reading any of your work that I could pick out so many errors, missing words and the like. Just thought I'd mention it to you because in a couple of places it sort of threw me out of your world and I hate being interrupted when I'm reading this story.
Next time I will personally hold your rabid fans at bay for you if you wish it.
Yeah, I got too excited and posted it without proofing at all... heh, whoops. I'll pop back through it tonight and probably post a revised version. I was just too psyched to show off Gwyn ap Nudd to wait until I proofed it
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Preferably involving Valentina breaking Aneurin's freaking pretty nose with a well-aimed fist.
Oh Bronxie, you have no clue... no clue
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Dare I ask? But what happened to LS?
She got it published so she had to take it down from the site
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I will say NOTHING
But I will say...there will be repercussions for the actions of the Swynwr that Aneurin has to deal with -
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I'm sorry, when Val was captured and Anny was sitting around a fire getting his rocks off to Izzy, not knowing that she was alive, my like for him died.
There are two things you forget about that!
One, he believed she had been dead for at least a day, two; he was drunk, and three; Islwyn initiated everything.Lets examine this scene shall we?
Still I found myself uneasy as I noticed one similarity that all of the non-elves in the camp had in common. Wrapped around their throats was a slender band of leather—they were all slaves. Still I continued to survey the drunken camp as I walked along its border. Aneurin and Islwyn were seated close to one another at the largest fire outside of the largest tent. I watched in confusion as Aneurin gently stroked the blond elf’s cheek and Islwyn grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him in for a fierce kiss.
Before I could react to what was going on in front of the fire a hand was closed over my mouth and one thrust between my legs, possessively cupping my sex through the thin leather. My first reaction was to bite the hand, but they kept their palm curved in such a way that I couldn’t sink my teeth into their flesh. I pushed at the hands but they refused to move, it was like being held in a vice.“Look at how utterly devout Islwyn is!” a familiar voice rumbled in a whisper. Yorwrath. “Aren’t you glad our dear little catamite King didn’t claim you?” a muted chuckle as bitter as poison accompanied the cutting statement and I struggled more. I stopped trying to pry his hands away and instead elbowed him in the stomach. He grunted but didn’t release me, and as I attempted to step on his feet he moved them expertly away. “I want you to watch.”With I growl, I turned my attention back to the fire. Islwyn was busying himself unfastening the ties of Aneurin’s trousers. They were speaking to one another, but I couldn’t make out what was being said. I couldn’t even see Aneurin’s expression as Islwyn freed the flaccid length and proceeded to suckle the prone phallus all the way to the root. Aneurin’s hand rested on top of Islwyn’s head, his fingers playing in the blonde’s curls as his head bobbed between those powerful thighs I had sat astride only days before.“Poor pretty Dy’ne, you probably thought you were something special,” Yorwrath practically cackled in my ear as I watched Islwyn finish his devotional.Admittedly I felt a little heart broken, and more than a little stupid as I watched Aneurin’s body shudder with his climax. Islwyn raised finally, his pink tongue licking the last remnants of Aneurin’s seed from the corners of his mouth. Aneurin must have said something because Islwyn suddenly jumped and his face contorted in anger. Afterwards Islwyn left the fireside, he practically ran away leaving Aneurin alone. Before he even tucked his glistening length back into his trousers, he reached for a nearby wooden bottle and threw it into the fire. Whatever was in the bottle was strong, the flames flared high as the bottle exploded. Aneurin stood and threw back the flap of the tent behind him and disappeared.Does his reaction seem like someone who was happy about what he let happen? maybe I should add that he seemed angry and ditch the part where he touches Islwyn hair to drive the point home -
But, I think we were supposed to like Anny... well at least at the beginning anyway. See, you all should just listen to me, I knew he was no good.
I'm gonna get me and BW tee shirts that say Team Yowler on them because we knew from the beginning that he was the real hero of the story. LMAO
You're supposed to like what Aneurin was, but not the Swynwr soup in his head
He's good... the thing in his head is not.As for Yorwrath... I tried to make him unlikeable but in the end it just made me like him more.
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Well you both are going to be disappointed!
It'll still be from Valentina's perspective overwhelmingly... there might be a chapter or two from Yorwrath's PoV, but it will be overwhelmingly the two of them travelling -
It's that time again boys and girls! It's Chrissy Responds to Reviews time
Today we have two first time reviewers! Yay!DarkAlley_Rambler says :
Whelp, caught up in one night. You definitely know how to hold the readers attention.
The whole True King/original self conflict will definitely have me coming back for more. I love dread beings, particularly their fall. -crosses fingers- Yorwrath... honestly I either want to put his head on a spike or get him a reeaaaly good psychiatrist. Hm, too bad I can't do both. Or either really, it's your story. Val herself seems like a really solid character. As are her trains of thought, no where as stilted as many characters are in similar situations. I do like how she is aware how she might sort be just a tad lacking in the feeling guilty department when she poisons that whole camp or causes a town to burn down... then just moves on. I don't think it's a particularly health character trait, but then if characters where all 100% postive traits they'd be pretty boring. XD
I think my biggest takeaway is actually from the prologue with the father collecting his son. I really like it when writers/actor portray that assholes aren't -just- assholes. Dumb, misguided, just infuriating ox still cared for his kid. Kudos for that, I actually wanted to smash in the back of his head when Val spotted him in the mob. But then I'm the lecturing type when it comes to jackasses. -snicker-
Honestly hopes she goes with Grwn. I swear that hasn't anything to do with him actually being my favorite character. What can I say, I have a soft spot for poor, overworked side characters.
Well, hopefully my reading into the wee hours of normal people time hasn't made this review too confusing... Yeah, keep up the good work. Your story is amazing and again has me following another set of characters, elves of all things, with apt attention.
psst, dwarves still rule!
My response:
Thank you I'm glad you took the time to respond and that you're enjoying the story so far! Yorwrath needs therapy, that's a given. Anyone one who has been through everything he's been through is going to come out the end a little off--or a lot off in his case. I feel like I say this a lot, but Yorwrath cares more than people looking in realize. Yes, he's feral and broken in many ways but under many layers of horrible aweful things he does have a gooey center--it may be rancid mayo... but it's still a gooey center.
Also, brace yourself because Grwn will play a larger part coming up the last chapter ( Chapter 16) and the Epilogue will have a lot of him as well. I will admit that dwarves can be rather neat, but elves!
And Pippy Chick reviewed the Prologue so I won't put it in a spoiler,Pippy Chick said:
Prologue I - Really good, interesting set up. I really like you main character, although I suspect trouble of some kind or another lies ahead. Great writing!
Prologue II: I am rewarding myself for writing by reading bits of yours, and this is fabulous. It just gets better and better. Really great! Maybe I shouldn't, but I loved it when she killed all of those nasty knights. Though I don't think that's going to go unnoticed somehow...
My Response:
I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far! And I hope you continue reading! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much horribleness I heap upon my characters
Well I hope you guys enjoy this week's installment. We only have one chapter left in the story and then the Epilogue which will probably be as long as the Prologue
And then there will be the Sequel... Eyes of Fire (guess who is going to be the focus in that one?... seriously.. guess!) -
Hello again wonderful wizards of code and moderation,
I've noticed that all of my chapter titles in Heart of the Forest now have a 1 after them that I did not put there. This is clearly an error because even the new chapter I just posted also has the 1 after it. I felt you should be made aware in case this is some weird error in the coding that will eventually make the server catch on fire or something horrific like that.
See here
Diversity in Writing Vs Appropriation?
in Writers' Corner
Posted · Edited by ChrissyQuinn
Victorian England wasn't as lily white as most think, nor was it the melting pot London is today--but it was somewhere between. This was an era when the sun never set on the British Empire and trade with India and China was very important. There's also the Gypsy ( the romnichel or romani ) who while shit all over in Victorian literature get a nod in most Novels. Even Moonstone, a victorian novel by Wilkie Collins has indian characters in it. And people of african decent actually did find themselves in high society on occasion. It's even in literature at the time, though the only instance that comes to mind is Miss Swartz in Thackeray's Vanity Faire.
White washing in fiction and movies is also an issue of lack of inclusion, pretending it's not is needless nitpicking. Take modern day writing set in the victorian era, it's white washed. There's a problem when literature from the actual time period features more people of color than modern interpretations. But that's another issue entirely.
Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go appropriate culture while I write about pre Christian welsh deities, and slavic monsters while neither slavic nor welsh. Oh and it's set in an eastern European feudal type society while I'm not eastern European so there's that too.