Hi! I am a trans writer working on several original projects that feature gender wonk as both background texture + prominent themes. Working primarily in fantasy, horror, and fantastical horror 🫶

Following the list! Thank you for this resource!

I hope it works! Horrid flu + the sleep deprivation after is a combo I do not envy

Hooray for weird rituals!! I recommend looking up the Penrith Droving festival + pictures of the parade, it's not *quite* the right area of the UK but it's got roots in shared agriculture traditions and also has a really interesting flavour to it -- Wickerman but chill and fun and nobody dies

What kind of folklore, rites and cultures are maintained in the village? Do these come into conflict/ have harmony with the Christian side of things? How important is it to the population? (Example of what I mean is events like Wassail or a Droving!)

Watch it here and have a look through the analysis people are doing in the comments! They're engaging with my art and thinking about it critically!

Some of it is so endearing and I feel all fuzzy whenever I think about it 🥹

youtube.com/shorts/6XLiPxQUtOs

SPOILERS LIKELY AHEAD!!

I forgot to write this in the actual post, oops, but SPOILERS for the book in this entire thread -- trying to be vague about major plot beats and moments but if you want to go into it completely fresh, please dont read this thread!

--> and the dynamic between them really reminds me of Ambessa + Mel Medarda (Arcane) particularly their interactions in S1 and early S2, which is a mother/daughter dynamic I find very fun to read/watch in media. Lots more book to go!

--> at her actions and choices even though she is the focus and at the center of manyfold plots and schemes both headed by her and by her enemies. It's really good that our two protagonists *can't* just easily predict or outwit her; she is an actual, tangible threat. Also a big fan of Jazmyne -->

--> but this is not a *fault* -- I haven't read YA in a long time and so am assuming that is a symptom of the target age and genre! It remains valid.

I love Doyenne Cariot very much so far. She's got a lot going on and there's depth and nuance, and it's cool that other characters are surprised -->

1/5th the way thru! Having a lot of fun with this magic system and the texture of the world-- it feels full and interesting. Very keen to see how the characters continue to come together and how the plot unfolds! Still feels a little like we're being shown plot beats rather than led to them -->

First thoughts are that I appreciate that the book doesn't hold the reader's hand in how it uses patois! But also that it doesn't seem to have the same trust in the reader RE how it relays plot info. Big fan of the giant lizards. Super woman-led! Overall good so far (22pg in)