Happy, happy birthday to my wonderful friend Ashton @artsyunderstudy!
I love you so much and treasure our friendship so much, and I hope you have the most wonderful birthday. Not only are you amazingly talented in every conceivable way, but you're just one of the coolest, smartest, most thoughtful people I know. So, I'm writing this story for you. There's a certain podcast that holds a special place in your heart. And my gift to you is this story about it (or something a whole lot like it) holding a special place in Simon's and Baz's hearts too.
Rating: Mature
Words: ~73K
Chapters: 7/8
Summary:
Ever since their truce fell apart in eighth year, Simon and Baz have been stuck. Chained to the past, hiding from their regrets, unable to step forward into the future. When a chance encounter reunites them, they find themselves falling right back into old patterns of behaviour. Until something completely unexpected brings them closer—a shared interest in a psychology podcast called Invisible Mind.
And as Simon and Baz begin to understand their own hidden depths, they also realise maybe they don't need to hide from each other.
Read Chapter 7 on AO3
Or start from Ch 1 / Ch 2 / Ch 3 / Ch 4 / Ch 5 / Ch 6
Presenting the part of the story (aka the smutty part and also the sad part) I wanted to gift @artsyunderstudy for her birthday this year which was ... 2.5 weeks ago now.
Thank you so much everyone who tagged me this morning, I love seeing things so active and so of course I want to join in. The problem is that everything I have for Monsters is so context dependent and spoilery, so I don't know how much fun it is to read. But I got a lot of comments on this portion of my draft from betas that these descriptions were pretty. I think I may have been born to write about the woods.
Here is far more than six sentences.
The journey here was strange—there’s no other word for it.
He’d done as Blue told him and taken the western fork of the river. An otherworldly green moss blanketed the trees along the steady stream. Spotted mushrooms capped in gold and red peppered the shore. Where the deep wood had been steeped in shadow, the winding path along the water’s edge was bright in spite of the thickness of the canopy. The sun spilled through semi-transparent leaves, highlighting every vein. Even when the sky split open and began to storm, it only served to make the landscape shimmer, like iridescent minerals in the stone.
The thunder roared louder than anything in Simon’s head or heart, and somehow he found stillness.
As he’d laid at the foot of a sprawling oak, pillowed against moss-covered roots, Simon stared up at the space between trees. Rain pattered against the hood of his cloak and flickered white in the pale light of the wisps. And through it all, the grass below him stayed lush. The moss stayed green. Simon woke to the smell of petrichor and wildflower and with his heart, for the first time in years, a little less heavy.
Was this place too vast—too alive—for his rot to take hold?
He’d swallowed down the hope.
He spits it to the ground now, to where his cursed magick once more eats at the grass beneath his boots.
The arc for this final leg of older Simon's journey was so tricky because it's almost completely psychological. But I feel solid about where it's landed thanks to good feedback. So much of this story is about the consequence of unprocessed grief and he's finally ... at least starting to process.
I have tentatively set myself a deadline of May 3 to start posting chapters again. I would love to finally have this out in the world.
It's been a WHILE since the last Six Sentences Sunday
It's been so long since I've formally shared my writing that I didn't remember where my banner was hahaha. Thank you to everyone who has tagged me when they share their works, I do read and watch them, I just suck at replying
This year (and last) has been difficult, mostly because I've been dealing with post-graduation life and figuring out who I was outside of school. I'm very lucky and very privileged really, so I don't have to worry about a lot of things yet, but I'm still very much anxious all of the time, dreading my future. Oh, to be a 20yo freaking out about not knowing what to do with their life. Fun.
Writing has been difficult ever since fucking 2024, but it's also been a personal challenge. About a few weeks, almost a month ago, I realized I liked writing, hahaha. I realized I actually enjoy it and that I actually am good at it (at least *I* absolutely adore everything I've ever written, even if I cringe at this some times). So, that was a shocker for me (not for those I've told this to apparently hahaha).
I'm finally writing something for myself that it might turn into something some day, even if I just print it out and never get it published or anything, but I'm finally working on it, after having the idea for 3 years, and I'm happy about it, and proud. Let's see how that goes.
AND I'M WRITING PORN, YIPPEE!!!! (I'm never doing a multi chaptered smut-centered fic again, it's exhausting and I think very repetitive).
I noticed some people in the fandom got into the "10 days to 1k" fest and I thought it would be an amazing idea to write that way. I'm on day 7, and I've written so much for the last chapter of my EGF fic (it's on the 7k wording and I'm still not done making them come). After I finish this one, I'll caught up with all my other unfinished fics. I will finish them!!!!!
So, here's some six sentences I wrote today
“For future references, I won’t be able to orgasm this much again.” I chuckle with him, his teeth brushing mine. “You’re the true vampire, huh. With your strong legs and body that handles round after round. Next time, I’m only coming once. Did you know you could come that many times in a row?"
Poor Simon. And other six sentences I wrote yesterday too, because those were too few.
Nothing was going according to plan, not even Baz. It was one of those days when he was not that much of an arsehole to me, and I couldn’t bear it; if there was something I could count on Baz to be, was mean and superior, and he was failing at it.
On purpose, I poked the bear until it exploded. We were in our room, and he had me pinned down against my own closet, his forearm sticking into my chest (he’s so bony), and the only reason he hadn’t hit me yet was because of the Anathema.
“Apparently being nice to you doesn’t work. It’s like you want me to be mean to you,” he snarled that time.
Horny Simon, never change, we love you
Tags and all of that under the cut<3
Thank you for tagging me: @forabeatofadrum @artsyunderstudy @leithillustration @monbons @thewholelemon (you people are legends and the reason the fandom is alive istg)
Now tagging: @fiend-for-culture @fatalfangirl @rimeswithpurple @drowninginships @cutestkilla
Thanks for tagging me @thewholelemon, @monbons and @mooncello! I loved seeing what you're working on! 💙
I'm 25k into my jayvik reverse BB fic with Pato, but unfortunately we can't share anything because it's against the fest rules 😔 so here's a little snippet of my next snowbaz fic:
No one believes we’re actually together because we’ve spent years hating each other.
It’s so fucking frustrating!
“Maybe we should snog in front of the entire court,” I suggest.
“That would be against etiquette,” Baz reminds me calmly.
“Is everything against bloody etiquette? Merlin, you can’t do anything in this palace!”
“Are you so desperate to kiss me in front of everyone, Snow?” Baz teases.
Thanks for that tags @mooncello and @thewholelemon! It's fun to see you both out to play on this very rainy day (where I am anyway). I am so excited for whenever both your AUs finally debut. I can tell they are going to be fabulous.
In my corner of the woods, there are no SnowBaz words, but I finished my MerMay art (very ahead of schedule), so I am starting my incredibly ambitious pride art. I don't want to give away too much about that, but I will say that my goal is to have much of the cast present in addition to Simon and Baz. I plan to include Penny, Shep, and Agatha. I also want to do Niamh, but I need to come up with a design. This is the first one I will make ever. If you all have ideas or fan casts to send my way, I'll happily accept them!
In the meantime, here are some super closeups of my current work.
May your Sunday be as sparkly as mine, even if it is also overcast and rainy!
it's been a long while since I shared one of these. I've been quiet because I'm working on a novel, and that's where most of my creative time and energy are going right now.
couple weeks ago, I made a silly comment on @monbons's delightful fic The Watford Writing Center, and her reply sparked an idea. not all ideas catch fire. I have too many ideas in my head. some are fun amusements for an afternoon or weekend. others possess me, burning me from the inside out until they're written.
twelve chapters are now outlined. (lol what) two chapters drafted. this isn't the best thing I'll ever write, but that isn't the point. I'm writing without judging (too much), and the flow feels good. it's a fun and sexy outlet as I continue to draft my book, which is a far more intense project, in both scope and narrative.
there's no title yet. it's an AU. not sure when I'll start posting because I'm finishing this one before I publish. and I'm still prioritizing my book. but for now, enjoy a few sporadic wipsday updates. Snippet and tags under the cut.
Dev's gaze flickers to the other dancer.
His heart stops.
No ... fucking way.
"Omigod," he rasps.
"What's wrong with you?" Agatha returns and hands Dev a dirty martini.
"I—He—That's—"
The dancer on the second pole hangs upside down, his long lean legs spread wide into splits, every muscle in his thighs, his abs, his arms thrown in sharp relief under the pulsing lights. Metallic glitter smears his cheeks and shoulders. The glitter matches his copper hair. Dev sits, transfixed, as the dancer dips his head back toward his spine, showcasing the line of his throat.
A throat Dev has thought about an unhealthy amount the past two weeks.
"That's him," he says hoarsely. "That's the guy."
thanks for the tag today @thewholelemon. tagging only a few for now 'cause it's been awhile. if you see this post and want updates on this au, lmk and I'll add you. peace and love. ✌️
Yesterday was the last day of my old job and so, on this the first day of a new life for me, I thought it fitting to share a snippet of a life-changing scene for Simon and Baz.
I said on tuesday I would share an exciting wip post. Needless to say, this is it. It's very exciting (for me at least) because, beyond the obvious reason you will discover in a moment, I had given up on reader, I married him before I got to this point. Although progress is slow, it feels like a huge achievement for me and I'm so proud of myself for seeing this story through this time around (even if I still have a great deal to write)
for this reason, I want to thank some people who encouraged me back when I was writing RIMH and made me believe I could try again. I doubted myself so much back then and I sincerely don't think this new and improved version would exist without your support
@you-remind-me-of-the-babe @ileadacharmedlife @cutestkilla @raeny-day
(and also @tea-brigade because I think I remember you liked the idea of a Jane Eyre AU and also you liked my post on tuesday. Hi 👋)
okay, here we go! (WARNING THIS SNIPPET CONTAINS A HOMOPHOBIC SLUR)
Simon shut the door to Baz’s study behind him and leaned against it. “You didn’t come to bed last night.”
On the other side of the room, Baz’s body was mirroring his. Shoulders set back and legs stretched out, he rested his weight against the ancient desk. “I stayed up late and did not want to wake you. I have been thinking about what you said.”
Simon's eyes narrowed. “You've not changed your mind about telling Mordelia, have you?”
“No, it's not that.”
“Oh. Good,” Simon said, body sagging with relief. “What is it then?”
“You said they have everything,” Baz reminded him. “And then you said, ‘why not us?’”
Ah. That. Not a subject Simon particularly fancied rehashing. It hurt enough, knowing they would never be free outside of Lily Island. He was content here. More than content: he felt secure and right and whole. He didn’t need a reminder that this sense of security was flimsy and would crumble as soon as they set foot on the mainland. That in the eyes of the world, they would never be anything more than a pair of mollies, unfit for polite society. And he especially didn’t need this reminder to come from Baz. He didn’t want to talk about it and grunted accordingly, hoping the man would get the hint.
He did not.
“Why not us, Simon?” His voice was very gentle, but it was like sugar-coating cyanide: ineffective against the bitter aftertaste and Simon had no choice but to spit.
“Are you asking me? It really was a rhetorical sort of—”
“No, I’m asking— What I’m asking is—” Baz broke off and sighed, walking to the window. The cold glass misted up as he rested his forehead against it. Simon made out a muttered string of elegant swears before Baz turned back to him and said, quite bluntly, “What I’m asking is, would you marry me?”
Y'all, the amount of work I do every week to find this banner again. Why can I never find it? I saved it again, in my downloads folder like I do literally every file I've ever opened, so we'll see if I manage to locate it next time. Thank you again to @rimeswithpurple for making it for me. It is beautiful enough to be worth searching for.
This weekend I finished Cherry Baby. Looking forward to everyone's thoughts! I didn't love it as much as I loved Slow Dance, but there was lots I did love in it. Next I'm finishing Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die and no I'm not done yet but I'm still highly recommending it. It is hilarious and a journey and I love these characters very very much.
My CORB is inching along! Work is busy so it's not flying by, but forward movement is forward movement. Tags and slightly more than six sentences under the cut from my friends Baz and Penny:
“He'll be here any minute now,” I say, adjusting my shirt yet again. “And he’s bringing his friend so don’t start anything.”
“He’s bringing his friend??” Penny screeches. “So he can spy on us????”
“He’s not spying. Simon just doesn’t have much family. Shep’s coming with his grandmother as part of his family.”
“This is very suspicious,” Penny grumbles. “I thought he didn’t have any family.”
“It’s just him and his grandmother. Let the man have some found family.”
do you want to share what you're working on? Hope your Sunday is peaceful and your week feels good:
Hi hi! Thanks for the tags, @monbons and @books2beach!
A short post today, because I’m sleepy—but I thought, I’ve been rather busy and I wanted to take twenty minutes and write some snowbaz. Thus, see below for some snowbaz.
(This is from my upcoming ‘sleeping in jeans’ fic—)
I’m distraught to find that the home-cooked meal doesn’t improve much.
Don’t get me wrong—it’s fucking delicious. We have cottage pie, and I lose myself in the dish for a couple minutes, enjoying the gravy-ed beef along with mashed potatoes that melt in my mouth. Even the veg must be fresh, because I can taste the green peas whenever one sneaks onto my fork.
Despite the way I’m obviously preoccupied with my food, Malcolm and Daphne still ask me questions. They want to know about my major, my family, my ten-year plan. I err on the side of answers that will win me seconds of cottage pie.
This was Simon POV, if the heavy food descriptions didn’t make that clear 😂
I also posted a fic this week! This Is Your Last Stop went up on Tuesday night for Trans Day of Visibility 2026! Check it out for trans!Alex and roommates to lovers 💕
Hope you’re all closing up a wonderful weekend! Sending hugs and high fives:
Happy Sunday all! I haven't had a sentences update in a while, but I am writing, it's just mostly been for my novel. I *did* however find time to write a sweet and silly and smutty little fic at the last minute for 10 days to 1K. If that interests you, sentences below the cut because they are spoilery.
STITCHES
I don't have stitches to show off per se, but my hands-on project recently has been for my felt children. As a birthday gift to myself a few months ago, I ordered a doll house kit to give Baz and Simon a proper home. I finally used spring break to start building it. Here are some progress pics.
I'm not sure when the final reveal will be, since I need to decide what version of Baz and Simon get to live in it! I literally have dozens hanging out on my bookshelves 😂
In other stitch news, @mooncello and I have started dreaming up another potential collab, and I am toying with illustrating my current fic, The Watford Writing Center, which you can learn more about below.
SENTENCES
The idea for writing a peer editor!Baz and disaster!Simon meet-ugly fic had been sitting in my WIP folder for ages---partly because I'm lazy, but mostly because my last fic got such poor engagement, I just didn't feel like the effort would be worth it.
If you know anything about me as a writer, even my simplest ideas tend to spiral into "literature." Quick fic concepts escalate into multi-chapter productions. I obsess over every detail of world-building and crafting symbols and communicating themes to a concerning degree. Given my penchant for always doing too much, I'm not surprised fic writing stopped being fun.
With that in mind, I decided to throw out all expectations with this fic. Is this the best fic I've ever written? Not by a long shot. Did I have to resist waxing poetic at every turn? Yes, thank you word counts. Am I enjoying myself? Absolutely. And isn't that what fic is about?
In any case, here is a quick preview for tomorrow's chapter, Baz POV. If you aren't caught up, don't read it yet!
“It's not the first time someone has sent me the wrong assignment,” I offer. “Mistakes happen.”
“People have emailed you their porn before?” he mumbles.
“Well, no, not porn per se. I can see why you might be embarassed.” Simon makes a sound that I think is meant to be a laugh, but comes out like a snort. I pause, picking my next words carefully. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong or shameful about writing steamy fanfic.”
“Normally you don’t have to stare your readers in the face after they’ve just finished reading an explicit scene about knights getting railed.”
May you save yourself the embarrassment of ever sending anyone the wrong file!
Hello!! Okay so last time I posted I was lamenting my creative struggles, but things are improving. The past two weeks I've been writing a lot, and I managed to finish TWO chapters, which encompass the climax of Monsters.
My wonderful beta @j-trow-95, who was given no spoilers, read both new chapters this weekend and she left basically zero comments on the second chapter (aside from small grammar checks) and immediately messaged me a photo of her sobbing and demanded we get on a call so she could yell at my face. So, bodes well for my other readers.
It's hard to include much without spoilers but here are six random lines in no particular order:
"It’s earth, left untended, unloved, unwatered, but still potent with the promise of life."
"I refuse to believe my greatest sin is love."
"[He was] always more concerned with the distance between their mouths than any bruises on his skin."
"Love is lying on the floor in the dark, hand clutched beneath his braies, tears drying on his face, and making the choice to get up."
"Together we make a world. A star. Spherical and alight."
"It’s his magick screaming in his chest, scraping its way through blood and sinew until black veins splinter from beneath Simon’s clenching fist[.]"
I plan to completely finish writing this before I start posting again, so likely a few more weeks until then, but now that I have momentum I hope I can see it through, especially since the chapters from here on out are shorter (shorter than 14k which is what one of my recently finished chapters ended up being... WHOOPS).
I would like to be able to post these final chapters weekly (vs. bi-weekly) because well, for those reading along, there is probably going to be anxiety between chapters. Jess said that after she read chapter 15, if chapter 16 wasn't available immediately she might have lost her mind. So, aiming for a quicker release schedule.
It's been a minute since I posted, but that's because I've spent the last several weeks working on a massive and gorgeous project that I wanted to keep fully under wraps until reveal time! In case you missed it, I made @krisrix the most intricate dolls I've ever created, honoring several of his art pieces. You can find the full post here.
In the mean time, I love a behind-the-scenes post, so you'll find a little bit of my process on my small army of Baz and Simon dolls below the cut. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen some of this footage before, but I tried to find new things to share.
(As an aside, if you aren't following me on Instagram, you should! I often post many more WIP updates over there... and I have several up right now about these dolls specifically!)
First of all, yes, I did make three sets of these dolls simultaneously. I so rarely make exact copies of my dolls. After I've made them once, I lose interest in repeating them. Partly this is because they are almost always celebrating a specific fic, art, or person, so it doesn't make sense to make more than one set. It is also *mostly* because I am constantly pushing myself to improve, which doesn't happen when you make the same thing over and over again.
Knowing this about myself---and ALSO knowing I would probably regret not having a set of my own---I made a set to gift to Kris, one I would gift to Rainbow eventually (with his permission), and one to keep. Below you can see not just the pieces, but in the top right are my pattern pieces, many drawn out by hand over a year ago and so tattered it's probably time to trace them and remake them!
I approached the clothing in much the same way, tracing out pieces for three sets of everything: pants, blazers, and shirts. Then, I made all the pants at once, all the shirts at once, and made WAY MORE than three blazers because I kept messing up so I had to start over. Collared shirts/jackets are my personal nemesis!
While I worked on clothing, I also sourced all the props from as many local vendors as possible... or commissioned them to ensure they were perfect. One of my favorite accessories? Simon's shoes! It's hard to tell in the pictures, but the "Nike" along the top band is purple!
I also had a clay artisan make the scones and butter sticks. A different artisan 3D printed by rat bouquets and the wands (seen in the back resting inside a wand box on top of the violin case). Here is my work station during assembly before the photo shoot.
Finally, I had to hunt down a background for the photoshoot. I briefly debated going to my local independently owned toy store to take pictures (you all know I am not above photographing dolls in the wild), but decided against it for time. (I was too excited to post these right away!) So... I dragged all my books into my bathroom to create a display instead. Behind the scenes of my disorganized bathroom is not impressive 😂.
I'm so in love with how these dolls turned out. They are some of my finest work for the most deserving person in our fandom. I'm not sure I can outdo myself on the next set, but I am open to suggestions if you all have them!
And, because it's too good not to include, here is a video of a successful blazer after I finally beat it into cooperating!
Two years ago, @krisrix wished for a line of Simon Snow dolls. This past year, he gave us a glimpse into a world where Simon and Baz got the animated series treatment. Inspired by his vision, I decided to mash up both concepts and bring Kris' dreams to life!
In my imagination, this version of Baz and Simon are commemorative dolls meant to slot seamlessly into the 10th Anniversary Blu-ray and merch collection that Kris envisioned. To achieve consistency of design, I leaned into every single detail.
Close-up pictures and background below the cut.
One of my favorite details about this set is the design of these boxes! Kris' gorgeous art (used with permission) allows for a seamless fit with the animated series' branding. Leaning into animation rather than realism, I designed the interior of the boxes to feel more cartoon-y as well.
I also chose to dress Simon and Baz in Watford uniforms, which may appear simple but are deceptively difficult to make because of their handcrafted details.
Both the pants and the blazer boast real pockets. The blazer is also fully lined and includes a little hanging loop.
Simon's shirt and pants are modified to include slits along the back. These allow easy access to the hardware system I rigged up for his removable wings and tail (sold separately of course!).
I sourced shoes for both dolls that match Kris' concept art as closely as possible. (I had to. Kris did A WHOLE POST about shoes!)
Although not uniform-related, these dolls are easier to dress and undress than most because they also boast moveable arms. (Yes, that's right. I figured out how to make joints!)
Also not uniform-related, but did anyone notice I finally committed to Simon's freckles? I love them.
Finally, all special edition dolls always come with fun accessories. Baz includes a violin (complete with bow and case), a bouquet of rats, and his wand. Simon includes a stick of butter, a plate of scones, and the Sword of Mages.
Kris, you are a legend in this fandom and have gifted us some truly spectacular art over the years. It was my honor to pull out all the stops to gift you back some of the most beautiful and intricate dolls I have ever created. I hope when you finally hold these boys in your hands, they bring you the same joy you’ve brought all of us so consistently. 🩷🩷🩷
Two updates in a row from me? Yes! It was a big week at the doll factory, so I wanted to make sure you all caught my posts and also got some behind the scenes access. Read on if that's of interest!
Baz's Birthday Post
Linked above is my gift to Baz for his 29th birthday! I had a blast making these dolls, especially nerding out on all the tiny details. Baz's shirt, which you saw last week, has silver buttons to match the buckles on his shoes. (I want these shoes in my size so badly!) I've also made many skinny pants for Baz, so I figured why not switch it up with some wide-leg linen?
Simon is simpler, but even simple takes work with him! As always, his wings and tail have pipe-cleaners in them, so they are fully pose-able. As for his clothing, his jeans have contrast stitching, which is a detail I don't always remember to add but looks so good when I do. I also engineered a shirt with a wing slit!
It seemed fitting to send this stunning doll set to a member of the SnowBaz community who puts in the work — so I reached out to @snowbazdaily! (Think about it y’all: the dedication required to run a blog that updates every. single. day. to promo other people’s work is the kind of cheerleading that keeps fandom alive!) Anywho, they were more than thrilled to receive these guys. (I hope your boys arrived safe and sound and you are already giving them many hugs!)
CORB
For CORB this year, I pitched Pretty In Pink Simon. Here is a peek at my original sketch and inspo pic.
While I have made many a suit jacket before, they aren't EVER easy. (Anything with a collar is the worst!) Also, none of the previous jackets have ever required the level of detail this one would demand. Because I am nothing if not extra, I wanted fully functioning everything for this outfit: pockets on the pants, pockets on the blazer, internal lining, plus buttons and strings of pearls.
Did I succeed? Yes.
Did I destroy MANY a jacket before I nailed it? Also yes.
But look at this gorgeous beauty!
Anyway, I've been sitting on this vampy Simon for months, so it's nice to have him out in the world now.
Until next time, may all your outfits be as exquisitely tailored as those of my monbons dolls are.
