Fiery Fics and Relationships: Where I Have Been

Well, I have to take accountability, and admit this blog almost died. I know some viewers will look at the past few posts and ask, “What happened?” There is a long gap, indeed, in my posts. I was being pretty consistent, before I just--vanished. And considering that this website is how I am going to keep people updated on my life and creative musings, I know I need to do a better job with blogging here. 

So let’s go back to the original question: “What happened?” 

In my posts in 2024, I hinted at possibly dropping a new novel, a poetry collection, and doing book reviews and what not on this site. I made a lot of promises: most, which I plan to keep this year. I want this website to help me find joy and creation during these VERY turbulent times, and I feel like this place will hold me accountable. And look: I wish I could say I was working on my original novel. I wish I could say that the progress of my poetry collection was--well, actually happening. But absolutely none of that is true. 

Yet, I have been writing. That is one thing I am proud of. This past year alone, I have written over six hundred pages of two fictional works, and that doesn’t even count my new poetry. You might be thinking, “That’s great! What are these works? Is it a new queer romance? A collection of short stories?” The truth is however: I have written absolutely nothing that actually matters. 

It’s Ghost fanfiction, kids. I have been writing Ghost fanfiction, like a maniac. Because that’s what my autistic brain decided we were going to hyper focus on. And this is where I make a bigger announcement: I am CrowoftheCity on A03. I do have one finished work on Archive of our Own called “In Shadows Whence He Came” and another unfinished piece called “A Crimson Song”. 

Just a fair warning: these works are rated M for mature and have A LOT of adult themes. I wouldn’t recommend these, in the history of ever, for anyone under 18. But my first published work was a collection of erotica based on gothic folklore (which you can find here for free) so having these subjects in my work shouldn’t necessarily be surprising. If you’re interested in my fiction, I will go ahead and give you a brief synopsis of each one, which I have taken directly from my A03 descriptions. 

“In Shadows Whence He Came” 

(Completed Work, and a sequel is being written currently!)

Semira Lamb is a 30 something-year-old Anthropologist who just graduated from college with her MBA. She has a plethora of choices before her, but isn't exactly sure where she wants to go with her life. After all, it's been a weird summer. Feeling pent up one night, she goes to a Pagan campground and calls on an Incubus named Copia for a consequence-free one night stand. Afterwards, she can't quite get him out of her head, no matter how hard she tries. Suddenly, as if the universe is throwing her a bone, her old professor walks into her bookstore job with an offer she can't refuse.

There is a town in Colorado called Crowfort, that has little recorded history, & rumors that some strange things are going on in the mountains. The town's people are willing to talk to her if, in exchange for her research, interviews, and studies, she'd be willing to be a teacher's aide at the one room schoolhouse. Being an orphan without ties, she takes the leap, & accepts the job.

However, she ends up discovering more than she bargained for: citizens that are hiding their own magical abilities, a town that practices Yee-haw Satanism, and possibly...an incubus named Copia, who still longs for her.

If you’re interested in something that has a cottagecore/western feel, this might be right up your alley. This is a piece I really enjoyed writing, and again, it’s complete. With 56 chapters, if you’re looking for an adventurous time killer with physical zest (as well as true, heartfelt connection among the characters) this could be the fanfic for you. 

“A Crimson Song” 

(In Progress, but soon to be Completed) 

Once upon a rainy night, Snow Whitlock, a 27-year-old Christian singer, left the stage during a concert, and was supposed to return to give an encore for her adoring fans. Instead, she bolted backstage, and fled out the nearest exit as a bid to escape the controlling, fundamentalist cult she belonged to. Being in Italy, she knew the nearest place that might give her refuge is the Satanic Ministry. She is led to the office of Sister Imperator, where she pleads for Sanctuary and through circumstance, ends up becoming a "Companion" to the kind hearted Cardinal.

However, she finds herself in the middle of many mysteries. Cardinal Copia is not what he seems. There is a Ministry Ghost who is causing havoc on the grounds, tearing apart offices and terrifying the Siblings of Sin. A mysterious masked man, named Nox, offers her singing lessons as a way to help her find agency with her voice, but won't tell her his true identity. All the while, the Ministry is still reeling from the disappearance of their beloved Papa Emeritus the III, after he was kidnapped off stage. And Snow, while caught up in all this, is struggling with reconciling her feelings for both Nox and Copia.

This is a “Phantom of the Opera” retelling with Ghost characters and another horror twist. I don’t want to give too much away, relating to some of the twists, but this is a mystery combined with a gothic romance. This fanfic was definitely more self indulgent for me, as well as a writing challenge. Told from different POVs and using documents, diaries, as well traditional narration to weave a tale, I think you truly get to see things unfold in a more immersive and satisfying way. Warning: this one is a little bit more graphic, but I have trigger warnings and tags in all my fics, so you can be made aware of what you’re getting into. 

If you're interested, you can find both works here.

Now, I haven’t just been writing fan fiction. I’ve been writing poetry again, going to weekly open mics, joined the leadership team for a local poetry group, and am continuing my activist/resource gathering work in my area. I recently got a job, where I can serve my community better on a more educational front, as well as holding all day art events on Saturdays where creators can have a space to work on their projects. 

It’s not all been fanfic, I promise. But fanfic has been a lot of it, admittedly. 

Personally, I also have been enjoying my own, quiet life, as a way to keep balance as an activist in my community. I have been trying to find joy in everyday things. I am trying to plan to do good things for myself in the future. I mentioned in my last blog that taking care of ourselves and continuing to try and find everyday joy, staves off resistance burnout. 

And in that practice--I happened to fall in love as well. 

I met my girlfriend in October, and now have three partners. That has been the most remarkable and amazing adventure. One day, I will tell these stories, but for now I am focusing more on the creative worlds I craft in my head.

But, remember: queer joy is also a part of this blog. And I do think telling our stories as gay and trans citizens is important right now, in a country where they are trying to erase and silence us. I am blessed to live healthy, wonderful relationships in my real, everyday life. 

…As well as write about them in my stories. 

Even if it's just dumb, for fun, silly ass Ghost fanfiction.