#bloggingcommunity — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #bloggingcommunity, aggregated by home.social.
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Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Foods from my Geographic Area that I Love
#WritingCommunity #WriterCommunity #BloggingCommunity #BloggerCommunity #WednesdayWeeklyBloggingChallenge #Challenge #Wednesday #blog #Food #BritishFood #GeordieFood
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Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Foods from my Geographic Area that I Love
#WritingCommunity #WriterCommunity #BloggingCommunity #BloggerCommunity #WednesdayWeeklyBloggingChallenge #Challenge #Wednesday #blog #Food #BritishFood #GeordieFood
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August for me means blog housekeeping — QR codes, tag audits, a new theme polish, and finally tackling that neglected About page. What's on your blogging to-do list?
#MondayBlogs #BloggingTips #BloggingCommunity #DigitalTools #SillySeason #Blogging #QRCodes
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Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Reasons I've stopped reading or watching a series
#WritingCommunity #WriterCommunity #BloggingCommunity #BloggerCommunity #WednesdayWeeklyBloggingChallenge #Challenge #Wednesday #blog #TheWalkingDead #TheMagicians
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New page created on #BurgeonLab!
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/costs/
This is part of #blaugust2026 Day 4
https://burgeonlab.com/notes/2026/joining-blaugust-2026/And is post 78 of #100DaysToOffload
https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/#blogs #bloggingcommunity #personalsites #personalblogs #blogging #blogger #blaugust #websites #webdev #hugo #foss #cost #costofLiving
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New page created on #BurgeonLab!
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/costs/
This is part of #blaugust2026 Day 4
https://burgeonlab.com/notes/2026/joining-blaugust-2026/And is post 78 of #100DaysToOffload
https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/#blogs #bloggingcommunity #personalsites #personalblogs #blogging #blogger #blaugust #websites #webdev #hugo #foss #cost #costofLiving
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#BurgeonLab #WeekNotes 036 is out!
2026: Week 31/52 (Jul 27 – Aug 2)
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/weeknotes/2026/w31/
This is post 77 of #100DaysToOffload
📈 https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/And post 3 in #blaugust2026
#discourse #forums #32bitcafe #linuxcommunity #blogger #blogs #smallweb #weeknote #personalBlog #blogpost #weeklynotes #blaugust #PersonalSites #BloggingCommunity #indieweb #smolweb
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#BurgeonLab #WeekNotes 036 is out!
2026: Week 31/52 (Jul 27 – Aug 2)
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/weeknotes/2026/w31/
This is post 77 of #100DaysToOffload
📈 https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/And post 3 in #blaugust2026
#discourse #forums #32bitcafe #linuxcommunity #blogger #blogs #smallweb #weeknote #personalBlog #blogpost #weeklynotes #blaugust #PersonalSites #BloggingCommunity #indieweb #smolweb
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📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
Reading Roundup: July 2026
A slower reading month but I've been loving my journey back into the weird world of PKD!
The post Reading Roundup: July 2026 appeared first on The Wallflower Digest.https://thewallflowerdigest.co.uk/books/reading-roundup/reading-roundup-july-2026/
#Blogging #Blogger #BloggingCommunity #RSSFeed #Bookstodon #BookBlogger #Reading
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📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
Reading Roundup: July 2026
A slower reading month but I've been loving my journey back into the weird world of PKD!
The post Reading Roundup: July 2026 appeared first on The Wallflower Digest.https://thewallflowerdigest.co.uk/books/reading-roundup/reading-roundup-july-2026/
#Blogging #Blogger #BloggingCommunity #RSSFeed #Bookstodon #BookBlogger #Reading
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Last minute decision to join #blaugust2026
I have decided to participate in this rather infamous annual blogging event called #Blaugust, created by, sadly the late, @belghast. Hoping to get at least the Bronze and Community Builder award...
See full note and join me!
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/notes/2026/joining-blaugust-2026/
Entries written so far:
🔢 https://burgeonlab.com/tags/blaugust2026#bloggingCommunity #blogging #blogs #smallweb #indieweb #writingcommunity #writingchallenge #smolweb #blaugust
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Last minute decision to join #blaugust2026
I have decided to participate in this rather infamous annual blogging event called #Blaugust, created by, sadly the late, @belghast. Hoping to get at least the Bronze and Community Builder award...
See full note and join me!
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/notes/2026/joining-blaugust-2026/
Entries written so far:
🔢 https://burgeonlab.com/tags/blaugust2026#bloggingCommunity #blogging #blogs #smallweb #indieweb #writingcommunity #writingchallenge #smolweb #blaugust
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Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: My Life in Photos or GIFs
#WritingCommunity #WriterCommunity #BloggingCommunity #BloggerCommunity #WednesdayWeeklyBloggingChallenge #Challenge #Wednesday #blog #GIFs #Writing
http://georgelthomas.com/2026/07/29/wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge-my-life-in-photos-or-gifs/
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Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: My Life in Photos or GIFs
#WritingCommunity #WriterCommunity #BloggingCommunity #BloggerCommunity #WednesdayWeeklyBloggingChallenge #Challenge #Wednesday #blog #GIFs #Writing
http://georgelthomas.com/2026/07/29/wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge-my-life-in-photos-or-gifs/
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📝 New #Blog Post!
Digest 202160728 – I ❤️ Binface
I just checked, and my last non-book blog post was 8th June! That was ages ago! It is 8pm, and I’ve not got my daily steps done because work was…
The post Digest 202160728 – I ❤️ Binface appeared first on The Wallflower Digest.#Blogging #Blogger #BloggingCommunity #PersonalBlog #RSSFeed
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📝 New #Blog Post!
Digest 202160728 – I ❤️ Binface
I just checked, and my last non-book blog post was 8th June! That was ages ago! It is 8pm, and I’ve not got my daily steps done because work was…
The post Digest 202160728 – I ❤️ Binface appeared first on The Wallflower Digest.#Blogging #Blogger #BloggingCommunity #PersonalBlog #RSSFeed
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#BurgeonLab #WeekNotes 035 is out!
2026: Week 30/52 (Jul 20 – Jul 26)
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/weeknotes/2026/w30/
A pretty long one with a bit of everything. ;)
This is post 72 of #100DaysToOffload
📈 https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/#driving #discourse #journaling #artisttradingcards #forgejo #hugo #blogging #blogs #smallweb #weeknote #personalBlog #blogpost #weeklynotes #PersonalSites #BloggingCommunity
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#BurgeonLab #WeekNotes 035 is out!
2026: Week 30/52 (Jul 20 – Jul 26)
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/weeknotes/2026/w30/
A pretty long one with a bit of everything. ;)
This is post 72 of #100DaysToOffload
📈 https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/#driving #discourse #journaling #artisttradingcards #forgejo #hugo #blogging #blogs #smallweb #weeknote #personalBlog #blogpost #weeklynotes #PersonalSites #BloggingCommunity
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📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
The Butcher’s Masquerade (Dungeon Crawler Carl #5) by Matt Dinniman
⭐⭐ 2/5 - Over-long, over -stuffed and finally wore out my interested in this series.
The post The Butcher’s Masquerade (Dungeon Crawler Carl #5) by Matt Dinniman appeared first on The Wallflower Digest. -
📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
The Butcher’s Masquerade (Dungeon Crawler Carl #5) by Matt Dinniman
⭐⭐ 2/5 - Over-long, over -stuffed and finally wore out my interested in this series.
The post The Butcher’s Masquerade (Dungeon Crawler Carl #5) by Matt Dinniman appeared first on The Wallflower Digest. -
📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
Dr. Bloodmoney, Or How We Got Along After the Bomb by Philip K. Dick
⭐⭐⭐ 3.5/5 Stars - Community in the nuclear wasteland: very, very weird with memorable characters.
The post Dr. Bloodmoney, Or How We Got Along After the Bomb by Philip K. Dick appeared first on The Wallflower Digest. -
📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
Dr. Bloodmoney, Or How We Got Along After the Bomb by Philip K. Dick
⭐⭐⭐ 3.5/5 Stars - Community in the nuclear wasteland: very, very weird with memorable characters.
The post Dr. Bloodmoney, Or How We Got Along After the Bomb by Philip K. Dick appeared first on The Wallflower Digest. -
I updated almost all the #Apache #ECharts and #Hugo code that generates my favourite page on #BurgeonLab: the /stats page.
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/stats/
With the new post types I’ve added recently: books, replies (separated out from notes), and RSVPs; I noticed some data on the graphs being incorrect...
View full note: https://burgeonlab.com/notes/2026/0723-1310/
This is post 71 of #100DaysToOffload
📈https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/#blogs #stats #graphs #js #bloggingcommunity #personalsites #personalblogs #changelog
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I updated almost all the #Apache #ECharts and #Hugo code that generates my favourite page on #BurgeonLab: the /stats page.
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/stats/
With the new post types I’ve added recently: books, replies (separated out from notes), and RSVPs; I noticed some data on the graphs being incorrect...
View full note: https://burgeonlab.com/notes/2026/0723-1310/
This is post 71 of #100DaysToOffload
📈https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/#blogs #stats #graphs #js #bloggingcommunity #personalsites #personalblogs #changelog
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Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Books I Wish I'd Discovered Sooner
#WritingCommunity #WriterCommunity #BloggingCommunity #BloggerCommunity #WednesdayWeeklyBloggingChallenge #Challenge #Wednesday #blog #Books #TheHappinessTrap #SaveTheCat
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Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Books I Wish I'd Discovered Sooner
#WritingCommunity #WriterCommunity #BloggingCommunity #BloggerCommunity #WednesdayWeeklyBloggingChallenge #Challenge #Wednesday #blog #Books #TheHappinessTrap #SaveTheCat
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#BurgeonLab #WeekNotes 034 is out!
2026: Week 29/52 (Jul 13 – Jul 19)
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/weeknotes/2026/w29/
A weeknote about writing, books, #bookwyrm and #indiebookclub, a #micropub app by @gregorlove.com
This is post 69 of #100DaysToOffload
📈 https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/#indieweb #indiekit #hugo #hongkong #hk #frontend #books #reading #booktracker #blogging #blogs #smallweb #weeknote #personalBlog #PersonalSites #BloggingCommunity #bookstodon
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#BurgeonLab #WeekNotes 034 is out!
2026: Week 29/52 (Jul 13 – Jul 19)
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/weeknotes/2026/w29/
A weeknote about writing, books, #bookwyrm and #indiebookclub, a #micropub app by @gregorlove.com
This is post 69 of #100DaysToOffload
📈 https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/#indieweb #indiekit #hugo #hongkong #hk #frontend #books #reading #booktracker #blogging #blogs #smallweb #weeknote #personalBlog #PersonalSites #BloggingCommunity #bookstodon
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🚨 PSA: A new IndieWeb virtual event for Southeast Asia / Pacific time zones!
I have some exciting news to share: this event is for those living on this side of the world! 🌏
Wrote a short note about it here: https://burgeonlab.com/rsvps/2026/0715-1415/
It's my first RSVP #microformats markup post via #indiekit too! But need to work on #Hugo as some layouts broke while creating new sections.
#smallweb #personalBlog #personalsites #personalwebsite #indieweb #smolweb #blogging #bloggingcommunity
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🚨 PSA: A new IndieWeb virtual event for Southeast Asia / Pacific time zones!
I have some exciting news to share: this event is for those living on this side of the world! 🌏
Wrote a short note about it here: https://burgeonlab.com/rsvps/2026/0715-1415/
It's my first RSVP #microformats markup post via #indiekit too! But need to work on #Hugo as some layouts broke while creating new sections.
#smallweb #personalBlog #personalsites #personalwebsite #indieweb #smolweb #blogging #bloggingcommunity
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Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Would You Go Skydiving? Why or why not?
#WritingCommunity #WriterCommunity #BloggingCommunity #BloggerCommunity #WednesdayWeeklyBloggingChallenge #Challenge #Wednesday #blog #Skydiving
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📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
The Gate of the Feral Gods (Dungeon Crawler Carl #4) by Matt Dinniman
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars - I enjoyed this more than the previous two, but don't ask me to explain the plot.
The post The Gate of the Feral Gods (Dungeon Crawler Carl #4) by Matt Dinniman appeared first on The Wallflower Digest. -
📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
The Gate of the Feral Gods (Dungeon Crawler Carl #4) by Matt Dinniman
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars - I enjoyed this more than the previous two, but don't ask me to explain the plot.
The post The Gate of the Feral Gods (Dungeon Crawler Carl #4) by Matt Dinniman appeared first on The Wallflower Digest. -
#BurgeonLab #WeekNotes 033 is out!
2026: Week 26 to 28/52 (Jun 22 – Jul 12)
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/weeknotes/2026/w28/
I missed two weeks but I'm back. Enjoyed writing this one. I'll continue the trend of #junited in my usual link roundups. Hope you like my selection!
This is post 65 of #100DaysToOffload
📈 https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/#homebrewwebsiteclub #indiewebcamp #indieweb #html #hugo #hongkong #hkg #hk #frontend #blogging #blogs #smallweb #weeknote #personalBlog #PersonalSites #BloggingCommunity
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#BurgeonLab #WeekNotes 033 is out!
2026: Week 26 to 28/52 (Jun 22 – Jul 12)
➡️ https://burgeonlab.com/weeknotes/2026/w28/
I missed two weeks but I'm back. Enjoyed writing this one. I'll continue the trend of #junited in my usual link roundups. Hope you like my selection!
This is post 65 of #100DaysToOffload
📈 https://burgeonlab.com/tags/100daystooffload/#homebrewwebsiteclub #indiewebcamp #indieweb #html #hugo #hongkong #hkg #hk #frontend #blogging #blogs #smallweb #weeknote #personalBlog #PersonalSites #BloggingCommunity
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Writers and bloggers, does this happen to you?
You sit down to write a weeknote or some journal entry, but suddenly, one of the topics becomes really long and you decide to split that off into its own separate post. You continue with your original piece (back to square one); but it happens again. 😅
View full note: https://burgeonlab.com/notes/2026/0712-152352/
Syndicated via #Indiekit
#weeknotes #bloggers #bloggingcommunity #writingcommunity #indieweb #writers #blog #blogs #blogpost
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Writers and bloggers, does this happen to you?
You sit down to write a weeknote or some journal entry, but suddenly, one of the topics becomes really long and you decide to split that off into its own separate post. You continue with your original piece (back to square one); but it happens again. 😅
View full note: https://burgeonlab.com/notes/2026/0712-152352/
Syndicated via #Indiekit
#weeknotes #bloggers #bloggingcommunity #writingcommunity #indieweb #writers #blog #blogs #blogpost
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Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Stores or Other Physical Places I Wish Still Existed
#WritingCommunity #WriterCommunity #BloggingCommunity #BloggerCommunity #WednesdayWeeklyBloggingChallenge #Challenge #Wednesday #blog
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“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview (Grand-Finale Week)
“Skylar, did you have fun tonight with Jorge?” Dad asked me upon my entrance inside the house after two hours spent at the upscale diner and a matinee at the movies. And now, both my parents were waiting up for me in the living room with expecting looks on their faces.
“We did, but remembered that we had school tomorrow,” I replied as I took off my jacket. “Jorge gave me his undivided attention and I did the same for him.”
“And are you excited for this Wednesday when you’ll see him again?” Mom asked eagerly.
I inhaled sharply. “I am, but-“
“Ah-ah, no ‘buts.’ This is a week dedicated to you and you alone, Skylar, as your peers are hoping that you’ll make the right choice,” Dad cut me off. “Don’t you think that you deserve to have a bit of happiness of your own, especially with a boy like Jorge who grew up with you?”
“Enrique grew up with me back in the day as well,” I replied meekly.
Mom scoffed, rolling her eyes as she motioned to sit in between her and Dad on the sofa, the TV playing some reality show on mute. “Enrique Pinero’s your grandparents’ favorite, not ours,” she stated. “Yes, his family is well-to-do and they have their connections as well, but the boy is too enigmatic for my and your father’s tastes. That, and I heard that he’s too deep with that Simmons huzzy and her friends. No, Skylar. You and Jorge are meant to be together. Fate is binding you two, and everyone believes that you two need to make it official.”
But not everyone thinks the same way, I wanted to shoot back. “Well, Jorge did say that he wants to continue fighting for me as long as possible,” I replied before giving my parents a recap of what’s been said at the restaurant.
“Sounds like Jorge knows what he wants, and it’s not Simmons,” Dad intoned. “And he’s right with you needing to make the best choice for everyone, even when it means making everyone else unhappy. But your mother and I will not be so forgiving if you choose that Pinero boy or not choose at all. That year-long project is still in effect, and you can’t afford to fail senior year. Not when everything that you dreamed of is in close range for you to touch.”
“And think about the opportunities you’ll enjoy if you choose wisely- and I mean, if you choose Jorge,” Mom added. “You being given a place at the Fernandez table, being the favorite in all the students’ eyes and given many passes by the teachers, being voted ‘Cutest Couple’ in the school yearbook by your classmates. All of that and more can be yours, but not if you make the wrong choice.”
“And what about Greenlee?”
“Forget her for a moment, boy, and think about what you’ll leave behind if you don’t do what’s best for everyone,” Dad admonished me sternly. “As long as she doesn’t try anything reckless or put you in harm’s way, you won’t have to fear her. All you need to do is the right thing.”
All I could do is just nod. They just didn’t get it because they didn’t have it bad growing up like I did as a queer kid in a very conservative state in the Deep South. Or maybe they didn’t want to get it at all or just don’t care about the consequences…
You’ll never forget the first time! “Edge of Seventeen” is reaching the final several chapters all this week, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!
#EdgeOfSeventeen #AmFinishing #AmPromoting #AmWriting #BlackAuthors #BlackBloggers #BlackCreators #BlackWriters #BloggingCommunity #ContemporaryFiction #CreativeWriting #DailyGrind #ExclusivelyOnWattpad #FinaleWeek #GrandFinaleWeek #InTheKnow #LGBTQFiction #MondayMadness #MorningDriveCheckIn #NewWeek #PartyInJuly #PersonalBlog #PlansForTheWeek #SneakPreviews #SpecialBlogPost #SpecialWeekOfUpdates #SpringSummerMadness #SummerMadness #SummerToRemember #SummerWattpadGames #Wattpad #WattpadWriter #WriterSLife #Writers #Writing #WritingCommunity #WritingPromotions -
“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview (Grand-Finale Week)
“Skylar, did you have fun tonight with Jorge?” Dad asked me upon my entrance inside the house after two hours spent at the upscale diner and a matinee at the movies. And now, both my parents were waiting up for me in the living room with expecting looks on their faces.
“We did, but remembered that we had school tomorrow,” I replied as I took off my jacket. “Jorge gave me his undivided attention and I did the same for him.”
“And are you excited for this Wednesday when you’ll see him again?” Mom asked eagerly.
I inhaled sharply. “I am, but-“
“Ah-ah, no ‘buts.’ This is a week dedicated to you and you alone, Skylar, as your peers are hoping that you’ll make the right choice,” Dad cut me off. “Don’t you think that you deserve to have a bit of happiness of your own, especially with a boy like Jorge who grew up with you?”
“Enrique grew up with me back in the day as well,” I replied meekly.
Mom scoffed, rolling her eyes as she motioned to sit in between her and Dad on the sofa, the TV playing some reality show on mute. “Enrique Pinero’s your grandparents’ favorite, not ours,” she stated. “Yes, his family is well-to-do and they have their connections as well, but the boy is too enigmatic for my and your father’s tastes. That, and I heard that he’s too deep with that Simmons huzzy and her friends. No, Skylar. You and Jorge are meant to be together. Fate is binding you two, and everyone believes that you two need to make it official.”
But not everyone thinks the same way, I wanted to shoot back. “Well, Jorge did say that he wants to continue fighting for me as long as possible,” I replied before giving my parents a recap of what’s been said at the restaurant.
“Sounds like Jorge knows what he wants, and it’s not Simmons,” Dad intoned. “And he’s right with you needing to make the best choice for everyone, even when it means making everyone else unhappy. But your mother and I will not be so forgiving if you choose that Pinero boy or not choose at all. That year-long project is still in effect, and you can’t afford to fail senior year. Not when everything that you dreamed of is in close range for you to touch.”
“And think about the opportunities you’ll enjoy if you choose wisely- and I mean, if you choose Jorge,” Mom added. “You being given a place at the Fernandez table, being the favorite in all the students’ eyes and given many passes by the teachers, being voted ‘Cutest Couple’ in the school yearbook by your classmates. All of that and more can be yours, but not if you make the wrong choice.”
“And what about Greenlee?”
“Forget her for a moment, boy, and think about what you’ll leave behind if you don’t do what’s best for everyone,” Dad admonished me sternly. “As long as she doesn’t try anything reckless or put you in harm’s way, you won’t have to fear her. All you need to do is the right thing.”
All I could do is just nod. They just didn’t get it because they didn’t have it bad growing up like I did as a queer kid in a very conservative state in the Deep South. Or maybe they didn’t want to get it at all or just don’t care about the consequences…
You’ll never forget the first time! “Edge of Seventeen” is reaching the final several chapters all this week, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!
#EdgeOfSeventeen #AmFinishing #AmPromoting #AmWriting #BlackAuthors #BlackBloggers #BlackCreators #BlackWriters #BloggingCommunity #ContemporaryFiction #CreativeWriting #DailyGrind #ExclusivelyOnWattpad #FinaleWeek #GrandFinaleWeek #InTheKnow #LGBTQFiction #MondayMadness #MorningDriveCheckIn #NewWeek #PartyInJuly #PersonalBlog #PlansForTheWeek #SneakPreviews #SpecialBlogPost #SpecialWeekOfUpdates #SpringSummerMadness #SummerMadness #SummerToRemember #SummerWattpadGames #Wattpad #WattpadWriter #WriterSLife #Writers #Writing #WritingCommunity #WritingPromotions -
📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
Q2 2026 Law of Five Reading Bingo Progress
It’s time for a Q2 progress review on Nic’s (Dragon Rambles) Law of Fives reading bingo challenge! I’ve now read 29 books for this challenge, with most of them counting…
The post Q2 2026 Law of Five Reading Bingo Progress appeared first on The Wallflower Digest.https://thewallflowerdigest.co.uk/books/q2-2026-law-of-five-reading-bingo-progress/
#Blogging #Blogger #BloggingCommunity #RSSFeed #Bookstodon #BookBlogger
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📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
Q2 2026 Law of Five Reading Bingo Progress
It’s time for a Q2 progress review on Nic’s (Dragon Rambles) Law of Fives reading bingo challenge! I’ve now read 29 books for this challenge, with most of them counting…
The post Q2 2026 Law of Five Reading Bingo Progress appeared first on The Wallflower Digest.https://thewallflowerdigest.co.uk/books/q2-2026-law-of-five-reading-bingo-progress/
#Blogging #Blogger #BloggingCommunity #RSSFeed #Bookstodon #BookBlogger
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📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
Reading Roundup: June 2026
I said goodbye to Adrian Mole, which means I'm back free to get back standalone novels again!
The post Reading Roundup: June 2026 appeared first on The Wallflower Digest.https://thewallflowerdigest.co.uk/books/reading-roundup/reading-roundup-june-2026/
#Blogging #Blogger #BloggingCommunity #RSSFeed #Bookstodon #BookBlogger #Reading
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📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
Reading Roundup: June 2026
I said goodbye to Adrian Mole, which means I'm back free to get back standalone novels again!
The post Reading Roundup: June 2026 appeared first on The Wallflower Digest.https://thewallflowerdigest.co.uk/books/reading-roundup/reading-roundup-june-2026/
#Blogging #Blogger #BloggingCommunity #RSSFeed #Bookstodon #BookBlogger #Reading
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“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Sneak Preview
“I think that you should consider joining the student showcase,” Trevor said as he, Liam, Alyssia, and I met up at the school’s student center with cups of coffee (iced tea for me under Jace’s instructions) on hand. “Who knows what talent you’ve got hiding under you? And believe me, bro, I’ve seen your designs. The cocktail dress inspired by the Cherokee rose is kind of my favorite.”
“Yeah, but that’s where Jessica began her road to stardom with dressing celebrities for all the award ceremonies and whatnot,” I remarked. “And you know the standards will be high. What if she becomes one of the judges on the panel and she’ll make sure that I am barred from the fashion world for good? Or what if my designs fall flat?”
“But what do you think will happen if your line becomes a success and you get some street cred?” Liam offered.
I shook my head no. “That’ll never happen.”
“Sean, be serious about this,” Alyssia commented, pausing to sip on her cup of cappuccino. “You only get one shot of making it big while you’re presented with this opportunity. Do you know how many freshmen would kill to be presented with this moment?”
“Bully for them,” I stated firmly. “Then they can have my spot while I stick with being under the radar.”
“Worrying that your parents and older siblings will get under your skin?” Liam asked.
Before I could reply, my cellphone ring with Ra’Keem’s number flashing on the screen. “Damn it,” I hissed. “I’ve been hoping to avoid this challenge from my therapist. Talking to Ra’Keem right now could spell disaster.”
“But you know that Dad and Pops won’t relent until you do,” Trevor reminded me. “You gotta do what you gotta do.”
I knew he was right. “Fine, but I know that this is going to bite me on the ass,” I said as I pressed answer. “Hello?”
A pause. Then, “It’s about time you picked up the phone, Sean,” I heard my brother’s cocky voice over the line. “Dad’s been hoping that you’ve finally got the sense to talk to someone other than your uncles and your cousins.”
“Well, I’m here now. So, to what do I owe this phone call?”
“Straight to the point, aren’t we? Fine, bro. I’ll play along. Look, I’ll be heading up to New York/New Jersey as the Falcons are playing the Jets, and Dad’s been on his spiel to make sure that everyone’s going to be there. It’ll be good for you to come along, but you gotta look like somebody. So Jessica’s coming over to Newport and make sure that you’re ready for your premiere.”
I knew that this was going to happen. “I actually have other plans,” I began.
“And they can wait until after your brother’s game,” came the sharp and condescending voice of my father as he got on the line. “This is going to be good for you to start bonding with all of us, especially Ra’Keem since he still thinks that you’d be better off with him in Atlanta. Or maybe give some thought to move in with Jessica in Savannah or bond with me and your mother as well as Jamal and Monica in Macon.”
I shook my head. “Well, you did say that the move to Rhode Island will be good for me,” I commented. “That, and I’m not keen on being with people who see me as an expendable accessory to your golden children’s campaigns.”
There was a chilling pause. Then, “You really don’t want to disappoint this family more than you already are, do you?”
That was it, folks. Time to end this now. “I’ve been disappointing you and everyone else since I was born and living with your in-laws,” I replied coldly. “So why should things be different now? As for the plans regarding the game, I regret to inform you that I will not be attending.”
“Sean, you are really acting too cool for us,” Ra’Keem’s voice said harshly. “Maybe it’s best that you don’t be with us for my game. You bring us down with your holier-than-thou attitude and all that shit.”
“Well, big brother, that makes it easier for me to say no and end this call right now.” And before I lost my nerve or let him or Dad say anything else, I ended the call…
You’ll never forget the first time! “The Passion of Sean Gillain,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!
#ThePassionOfSeanGillain #AmPromoting #AmWriting #Authors #BlackAuthors #BlackBloggers #BlackCreators #BlackWriters #BloggingCommunity #ContemporaryFiction #CreativeWriting #Creativity #DailyGrind #ExclusivelyOnWattpad #InTheKnow #LGBTQFiction #MidWeekCheckIn #NewMonth #PartyInJuly #PersonalBlog #PumpUpTheVolume #SecondHalfOfTheYear #SneakPreviews #SpringSummerMadness #SummerMadness #SummerToRemember #SummerWattpadGames #Wattpad #WattpadWriter #WriterSLife #Writers #Writing #WritingCommunity #WritingPromotions -
“The Passion of Sean Gillain” Sneak Preview
“I think that you should consider joining the student showcase,” Trevor said as he, Liam, Alyssia, and I met up at the school’s student center with cups of coffee (iced tea for me under Jace’s instructions) on hand. “Who knows what talent you’ve got hiding under you? And believe me, bro, I’ve seen your designs. The cocktail dress inspired by the Cherokee rose is kind of my favorite.”
“Yeah, but that’s where Jessica began her road to stardom with dressing celebrities for all the award ceremonies and whatnot,” I remarked. “And you know the standards will be high. What if she becomes one of the judges on the panel and she’ll make sure that I am barred from the fashion world for good? Or what if my designs fall flat?”
“But what do you think will happen if your line becomes a success and you get some street cred?” Liam offered.
I shook my head no. “That’ll never happen.”
“Sean, be serious about this,” Alyssia commented, pausing to sip on her cup of cappuccino. “You only get one shot of making it big while you’re presented with this opportunity. Do you know how many freshmen would kill to be presented with this moment?”
“Bully for them,” I stated firmly. “Then they can have my spot while I stick with being under the radar.”
“Worrying that your parents and older siblings will get under your skin?” Liam asked.
Before I could reply, my cellphone ring with Ra’Keem’s number flashing on the screen. “Damn it,” I hissed. “I’ve been hoping to avoid this challenge from my therapist. Talking to Ra’Keem right now could spell disaster.”
“But you know that Dad and Pops won’t relent until you do,” Trevor reminded me. “You gotta do what you gotta do.”
I knew he was right. “Fine, but I know that this is going to bite me on the ass,” I said as I pressed answer. “Hello?”
A pause. Then, “It’s about time you picked up the phone, Sean,” I heard my brother’s cocky voice over the line. “Dad’s been hoping that you’ve finally got the sense to talk to someone other than your uncles and your cousins.”
“Well, I’m here now. So, to what do I owe this phone call?”
“Straight to the point, aren’t we? Fine, bro. I’ll play along. Look, I’ll be heading up to New York/New Jersey as the Falcons are playing the Jets, and Dad’s been on his spiel to make sure that everyone’s going to be there. It’ll be good for you to come along, but you gotta look like somebody. So Jessica’s coming over to Newport and make sure that you’re ready for your premiere.”
I knew that this was going to happen. “I actually have other plans,” I began.
“And they can wait until after your brother’s game,” came the sharp and condescending voice of my father as he got on the line. “This is going to be good for you to start bonding with all of us, especially Ra’Keem since he still thinks that you’d be better off with him in Atlanta. Or maybe give some thought to move in with Jessica in Savannah or bond with me and your mother as well as Jamal and Monica in Macon.”
I shook my head. “Well, you did say that the move to Rhode Island will be good for me,” I commented. “That, and I’m not keen on being with people who see me as an expendable accessory to your golden children’s campaigns.”
There was a chilling pause. Then, “You really don’t want to disappoint this family more than you already are, do you?”
That was it, folks. Time to end this now. “I’ve been disappointing you and everyone else since I was born and living with your in-laws,” I replied coldly. “So why should things be different now? As for the plans regarding the game, I regret to inform you that I will not be attending.”
“Sean, you are really acting too cool for us,” Ra’Keem’s voice said harshly. “Maybe it’s best that you don’t be with us for my game. You bring us down with your holier-than-thou attitude and all that shit.”
“Well, big brother, that makes it easier for me to say no and end this call right now.” And before I lost my nerve or let him or Dad say anything else, I ended the call…
You’ll never forget the first time! “The Passion of Sean Gillain,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!
#ThePassionOfSeanGillain #AmPromoting #AmWriting #Authors #BlackAuthors #BlackBloggers #BlackCreators #BlackWriters #BloggingCommunity #ContemporaryFiction #CreativeWriting #Creativity #DailyGrind #ExclusivelyOnWattpad #InTheKnow #LGBTQFiction #MidWeekCheckIn #NewMonth #PartyInJuly #PersonalBlog #PumpUpTheVolume #SecondHalfOfTheYear #SneakPreviews #SpringSummerMadness #SummerMadness #SummerToRemember #SummerWattpadGames #Wattpad #WattpadWriter #WriterSLife #Writers #Writing #WritingCommunity #WritingPromotions -
📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 Stars - I will have to re-read this one, audio was a mistake and I didn't get it until too close to the end!
The post Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay appeared first on The Wallflower Digest.https://thewallflowerdigest.co.uk/uncategorized/picnic-at-hanging-rock-by-joan-lindsay/
#Blogging #Blogger #BloggingCommunity #RSSFeed #Bookstodon #BookBlogger #Reading
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📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 Stars - I will have to re-read this one, audio was a mistake and I didn't get it until too close to the end!
The post Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay appeared first on The Wallflower Digest.https://thewallflowerdigest.co.uk/uncategorized/picnic-at-hanging-rock-by-joan-lindsay/
#Blogging #Blogger #BloggingCommunity #RSSFeed #Bookstodon #BookBlogger #Reading
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Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Websites I Wish Still Existed
#WritingCommunity #WriterCommunity #BloggingCommunity #BloggerCommunity #WednesdayWeeklyBloggingChallenge #Challenge #Wednesday #blog #TheInternet
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“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview
Old Cover, New Cover to be Released July!“Good morning, Centennial Grove High! It’s not only midterms week, but it’s also Homecoming week as our Grizzlies get prepped to take on Merck-Barnes High School’s Red Devils,” the cheerful voice of the school secretary chirped as everyone was filing through the halls. “And beginning with tonight’s town-hall meeting in the school gymnasium, our school’s having a week’s worth of events to celebrate our school spirit! Make sure to focus on your grades if you want access to the after-game school dance on Friday and get your tickets to Friday’s game and dance!”
“It’s the week of school spirits and excess good-time fun,” Rhea harrumphed as she, Shandi, Andretta, Andelle, and I met up at our lockers. “If not for this year-long senior project, I’d be glad to stay home and thrash to some KISS or Linkin Park on Friday night. But I think that I might have a fair shake at being crowned queen.”
“Any of us could be crowned Homecoming monarchs, Rhea,” Shandra stated as she shot a brief glance. “Some more than others, given the current circumstances.”
“Well, my main worry is how everyone will be jockeying me to choose whom I’ll be official with- Jorge or Enrique,” I remarked as I unlocked my locker and got what I needed for the morning. “Add in Greenlee and her gang as well my family and the guys’ families, and I have a real party on my hands.”
“But the other option is to fail senior year and possibly repeat the grade,” Andretta remarked. “Mama and Daddy say that Uncle Julius has been acting strange lately and Aunt Mary Ella’s been miffed at him as I don’t know what.”
“You guys don’t think that he’ll be working with Greenlee in wanting me to be with Enrique so she can have Jorge to herself, do you?” I asked.
“Damned if I know, but we gotta keep our eyes sharp and our ears to the ground,” Andelle stated. To me, “And you have to focus on these midterms and Jorge and Enrique courting you so everyone will get off your back.”
“Really, loser? I think that’s not fair for O’Hara to hog all the guys,” came the delightfully drawling voice of Greenlee as she, Jeannine, and Kendall sauntered over with matching smug sneers on their faces. “And besides, everyone who’s anyone knows that Skylar has to be with Enrique. That, and at least drop out of the race for the Homecoming crown.”
I vainly fought the urge to roll my eyes. “You’d know that I can’t bow out,” I shot back. “Everyone who’s been announced as finalists for the Homecoming court need to have a fair shot like you do.”
“Is that right?” Jeannine said sarcastically. “Come on, O’Hara. If you really have the proper school spirit, you’d do Greenlee a solid and drop out right now. Not just out of the competition, but from the school completely. You may be on the diving team and all that, but you really have no place here. Not as long as Jorge is making googly eyes over you when he should be doing so over Greenlee.”
“Lord Jesus, do you have a muzzle that your parents need to use on you?” Andretta spat. “Bitch, you come for my cousin and I’ll come for you and your lady mistress too! Same thing goes for your friend here. And Skylar here is destined to win the crown.”
Just as Kendall was getting ready to crack her knuckles, the bell rang that signaled for everyone to head to homeroom. “To be continued,” Greenlee said threateningly as she motioned for her friends to follow her.
I sighed as we got ready to do the same. “Batten down the hatches, girls, because a storm is coming to Texas by the name of Greenlee Simmons,” I intoned. “And whether or not I’m prepared, I gotta get through this long week.”
And that was the truth…
You’ll never forget the first time! ” Catch up with “Edge of Seventeen,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!
#EdgeOfSeventeen #AmPromoting #AmWriting #Authors #BlackAuthors #BlackBloggers #BlackCreators #BlackWriters #BloggingCommunity #Books #ContemporaryFiction #CreativeWriting #DailyGrind #EndOfTheWeek #ExclusivelyOnWattpad #InTheKnow #LastWeekOfTheMonth #LGBTQFiction #MidYearCheckIn #MondayMadness #MorningDriveCheckIn #NewWeek #PersonalBlog #SneakPreviews #SpringSummerMadness #SummerMadness #SummerToRemember #SummerWattpadGames #Wattpad #WattpadWriter #WattpadInkittPatreonTapas #WriterSLife #Writers #Writing #WritingCommunity #WritingPromotions -
“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview
Old Cover, New Cover to be Released July!“Good morning, Centennial Grove High! It’s not only midterms week, but it’s also Homecoming week as our Grizzlies get prepped to take on Merck-Barnes High School’s Red Devils,” the cheerful voice of the school secretary chirped as everyone was filing through the halls. “And beginning with tonight’s town-hall meeting in the school gymnasium, our school’s having a week’s worth of events to celebrate our school spirit! Make sure to focus on your grades if you want access to the after-game school dance on Friday and get your tickets to Friday’s game and dance!”
“It’s the week of school spirits and excess good-time fun,” Rhea harrumphed as she, Shandi, Andretta, Andelle, and I met up at our lockers. “If not for this year-long senior project, I’d be glad to stay home and thrash to some KISS or Linkin Park on Friday night. But I think that I might have a fair shake at being crowned queen.”
“Any of us could be crowned Homecoming monarchs, Rhea,” Shandra stated as she shot a brief glance. “Some more than others, given the current circumstances.”
“Well, my main worry is how everyone will be jockeying me to choose whom I’ll be official with- Jorge or Enrique,” I remarked as I unlocked my locker and got what I needed for the morning. “Add in Greenlee and her gang as well my family and the guys’ families, and I have a real party on my hands.”
“But the other option is to fail senior year and possibly repeat the grade,” Andretta remarked. “Mama and Daddy say that Uncle Julius has been acting strange lately and Aunt Mary Ella’s been miffed at him as I don’t know what.”
“You guys don’t think that he’ll be working with Greenlee in wanting me to be with Enrique so she can have Jorge to herself, do you?” I asked.
“Damned if I know, but we gotta keep our eyes sharp and our ears to the ground,” Andelle stated. To me, “And you have to focus on these midterms and Jorge and Enrique courting you so everyone will get off your back.”
“Really, loser? I think that’s not fair for O’Hara to hog all the guys,” came the delightfully drawling voice of Greenlee as she, Jeannine, and Kendall sauntered over with matching smug sneers on their faces. “And besides, everyone who’s anyone knows that Skylar has to be with Enrique. That, and at least drop out of the race for the Homecoming crown.”
I vainly fought the urge to roll my eyes. “You’d know that I can’t bow out,” I shot back. “Everyone who’s been announced as finalists for the Homecoming court need to have a fair shot like you do.”
“Is that right?” Jeannine said sarcastically. “Come on, O’Hara. If you really have the proper school spirit, you’d do Greenlee a solid and drop out right now. Not just out of the competition, but from the school completely. You may be on the diving team and all that, but you really have no place here. Not as long as Jorge is making googly eyes over you when he should be doing so over Greenlee.”
“Lord Jesus, do you have a muzzle that your parents need to use on you?” Andretta spat. “Bitch, you come for my cousin and I’ll come for you and your lady mistress too! Same thing goes for your friend here. And Skylar here is destined to win the crown.”
Just as Kendall was getting ready to crack her knuckles, the bell rang that signaled for everyone to head to homeroom. “To be continued,” Greenlee said threateningly as she motioned for her friends to follow her.
I sighed as we got ready to do the same. “Batten down the hatches, girls, because a storm is coming to Texas by the name of Greenlee Simmons,” I intoned. “And whether or not I’m prepared, I gotta get through this long week.”
And that was the truth…
You’ll never forget the first time! ” Catch up with “Edge of Seventeen,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!
#EdgeOfSeventeen #AmPromoting #AmWriting #Authors #BlackAuthors #BlackBloggers #BlackCreators #BlackWriters #BloggingCommunity #Books #ContemporaryFiction #CreativeWriting #DailyGrind #EndOfTheWeek #ExclusivelyOnWattpad #InTheKnow #LastWeekOfTheMonth #LGBTQFiction #MidYearCheckIn #MondayMadness #MorningDriveCheckIn #NewWeek #PersonalBlog #SneakPreviews #SpringSummerMadness #SummerMadness #SummerToRemember #SummerWattpadGames #Wattpad #WattpadWriter #WattpadInkittPatreonTapas #WriterSLife #Writers #Writing #WritingCommunity #WritingPromotions -
I've been continuously adding to my #junited page over the last week. Added a handful more of recent discoveries just now; and will share a couple more before the month ends!
https://burgeonlab.com/junited-2026/
Thanks for everyone who has connected with me about this cool community project! And thanks to the creator, Robert Birming.
https://robertbirming.com/junited-2026-blog-sharing/
#Junited2026 #bloggingcommunity #bloggers #blogging #blogs #indieweb #smallweb #blog
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I've been continuously adding to my #junited page over the last week. Added a handful more of recent discoveries just now; and will share a couple more before the month ends!
https://burgeonlab.com/junited-2026/
Thanks for everyone who has connected with me about this cool community project! And thanks to the creator, Robert Birming.
https://robertbirming.com/junited-2026-blog-sharing/
#Junited2026 #bloggingcommunity #bloggers #blogging #blogs #indieweb #smallweb #blog
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Just attended #IndieWebCamp Nuremberg remotely today. https://indieweb.org/2026%2FNuremberg
Some familiar faces but also new attenders! 👋 Everyone is welcome. It was nice to see what folks are up to. Excited for tomorrow's productive Create Day and demo afterwards!
The Bar Camp style breakout sessions were interesting too, lots of good ideas being thrown round the room during discussions. https://indieweb.org/2026/Nuremberg/Schedule
#indieweb #IWC #SmallWeb #PersonalSites #personalsite #personalBlog #BloggingCommunity
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Just attended #IndieWebCamp Nuremberg remotely today. https://indieweb.org/2026%2FNuremberg
Some familiar faces but also new attenders! 👋 Everyone is welcome. It was nice to see what folks are up to. Excited for tomorrow's productive Create Day and demo afterwards!
The Bar Camp style breakout sessions were interesting too, lots of good ideas being thrown round the room during discussions. https://indieweb.org/2026/Nuremberg/Schedule
#indieweb #IWC #SmallWeb #PersonalSites #personalsite #personalBlog #BloggingCommunity
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📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
The Dungeon Crawler’s Cookbook (Dungeon Crawler Carl #3) by Matt Dinniman
🚆🚆🚆 3.5/5 Trains - Better than book two, I like The Iron Tangle.
The post The Dungeon Crawler’s Cookbook (Dungeon Crawler Carl #3) by Matt Dinniman appeared first on The Wallflower Digest. -
📚 New Book Stuff on the #Blog!
The Dungeon Crawler’s Cookbook (Dungeon Crawler Carl #3) by Matt Dinniman
🚆🚆🚆 3.5/5 Trains - Better than book two, I like The Iron Tangle.
The post The Dungeon Crawler’s Cookbook (Dungeon Crawler Carl #3) by Matt Dinniman appeared first on The Wallflower Digest. -
“Ry’Mir’s Dive” Final Full-Length Chapter Preview
New cover, same story! See how it all ends!As the Devil of the Pool, it’s my duty to sort out who’s worthy of being part of the swimming and diving teams…and the ones who are too tainted for the pool.
#RyMirSDive #AmFinishing #AmPromoting #AmWriting #Authors #BlackAuthors #BlackBloggers #BlackCreators #BlackWriters #BloggingCommunity #ContemporaryFiction #CreativeWriting #DailyGrindSpecialEdition #ExclusivelyOnWattpad #FinalFullLengthChapterPreview #FinalSneakPreview #FinaleWeek #FullLengthChapterPreview #InTheKnow #LastWeekOfTheMonth #LGBTQFiction #PersonalBlog #SneakPreviews #SpringSummerMadness #SummerMadness #SummerToRemember #SummerWattpadGames #ThursdayRealness #Wattpad #WattpadWriter #WattpadInkittPatreonTapas #WriterSLife #Writers #Writing #WritingCommunity #WritingPromotions
The latter’s mainly for the ones who are not the typical breed of being the American athlete of color: the homosexuals, the retards, the ones who are from the gutter, the scholarship kids- you know, those whom my parents have taught me to shun altogether
And when I joined this team, I was already disgusted that Langley supported everyone and anyone from that spectrum as long as they were putting in the work. So from my freshman year to today, I made sure that the football team would scare off any newcomers or persuade them to be part of the Gridiron gang or the cheerleading teams.
And despite being on the swim team, Battle and his two cronies- especially Parrish- knew that I could be trusted to keep their misdeeds out of the spotlight as long as I could exploit or ruin anyone unless they played ball with me and them.
Then came Ry’Mir Odoms from Missouri.
I course I knew all about him and what happened to him regarding Costello. That little brat put my uncle behind bars and my family was devastated. I initially hoped he was going to be wise enough to save face and leave the team and Harvick University all together. But once he started showing his balls, I knew that he had to go. And the football and cheerleading teams know it too. That’s why they’re all for what needs to be done: exposing his ass as the disgusting future pedophile that he and his friends are so all of them would be rightfully removed and I get what I deserved.
And if all else fails, Ke’Vante and his crew could easily put him and his Italian twink of a boyfriend out of their miseries for good.
Now that he refuses to quit, there’s nothing stopping me from enacting my revenge for my uncle Winston Costello. And I would make sure that the family name would be restored while no one would know who I am.
They think that they know me, but they have no idea.
And I’m still pissed off at Lancaster and his gang for standing up for him. Those Denzels and Vogues too! If they get in my way, all of Harvick University will be covered in their blood.
When the meet against Howard begins, there’s no going back! Bring it on, boys and girls, because the Devil’s got his pitchfork sharpened to perfection!
This Friday and Saturday, the final 4 chapters of “Ry’Mir’s Dive” drops and we’ll know the identity of the Devil of the Pool and see how it all ends! You’ll never forget the first time! Available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! -
Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Have You Ever Attended Your High School Reunion? Why?
#WritingCommunity #WriterCommunity #BloggingCommunity #BloggerCommunity #WednesdayWeeklyBloggingChallenge #Challenge #Wednesday #blog #bullying #mentalhealth
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“Ry’Mir’s Dive” Sneak Preview and the Next Book of the Series
Dr. Tucker’s office, the following day…
Sure enough, my usual teammates (Dioncel, Tre’Von, and Andre), Coach Langley, Chi’Anna & Ra’Nada (representing the Vogues with the former’s dad also in tow), Enrique (representing the Denzels),and I were in the good therapist’s office. Colton was also there with me, knowing that the final stage of this confessional was going to be mandatory if I was to not only gain closure with my past but also prepare me with the football and cheerleading teams, Dean DeGrawue, and “The Devil of the Pool.”
And despite the waves of nerves threatening to crash me out, I had to see this through to the end.
“Ry’Mir, last night was a long night for you and Colton,” Dr. Tucker stated after a bit of small talk. “It wasn’t easy for you boys to go beyond your comfort zone despite the consequences if you didn’t attend those gridiron boys’ party. How are you feeling at the moment?”
I inhaled deeply. “Honestly? I’m a mixed bag of emotions,” I admitted. “Mad because I was far from prepared despite all that we could do. Scared because ‘The Devil of the Pool’ could be watching and listening in on this without warning. And yet, I’m also feeling tired of having to run away from the past and ready because I want to be able to control my story from my point of view without being threatened with exiled or seen in a bad way. I just want this over and done, you know?”
“Including this session about Costello?” Tre’Von asked.
“Especially that.”
Dr. Tucker went into therapist mode as she grabbed her notes and pen. “Then let’s get started,” she said. “The days leading up to the eventual arrest of Costello, how was your mindset and headspace?”
With a nod from Coach, I dove right in. “Me having to play the games of survival with a man who can ruin your reputation if you didn’t warm his bed was like…it was like I was diving into the deeper parts of an inactive volcano,” I began. “I didn’t want to let him taint my body any more than he already had, but I also didn’t want to be sent to one of the state-run group run homes where kids like me were either beaten or left for themselves. So, I had to play the role of his young lover, let him take me into his pool house after coaching me on my diving techniques or when I had a meet for my school’s team or that in the YMCA.”
“Did your foster parents have any clue on what was going on?” Coach asked gently.
“If they did, I didn’t notice anything and I was wise enough to not let it show how I was hurting when I sat down. The man meant every word- if I didn’t comply or thought about telling Joel or Lois, he’d spin it to make them think that I came on to him and send me away without a fair chance,” I answered. “But on that fateful day, you can pretty much guess that things were about to go down south. Not for me, but for him…”
*********
FLASHBACK (The Day of Reckoning)…
The good news was that Joel and Lois had themselves an off day from their restaurant, allowing themselves time to step back and let loose.
The bad news was that they decided to go to the movies while believing that I needed someone to look after me while they were gone. And that someone, which was the worst news, was Costello because Joel thought that he could use some time away from his home and more time in theirs. “Plus, we know that he’s protective of you and says that you give him no trouble at all,” Lois said as she and her husband were on their way out the door. “So make sure to mind him and give him your undivided attention, Ry’Mir.”
As if I had any choice.
Soon after I came from a relaxing shower after a grueling workout session and a swim at the YMCA, the man was at the door with his shirt removed and his eyes were full of lust. “Such a pretty boy for me,” he said as he climbed on top of my naked body and started kissing my stomach and chest. “My, Lois and Joel are lucky enough to have you in their home.”
“Please stop,” I whimpered. “I’ll tell if you-“
“If you do open your mouth, no one’s going to believe you since you’ll be seen as a jealous liar and a little boy-slut,” he hissed in a seductive yet threatening manner. “You don’t want to make them mad at you, do you?”
I shook my head no, knowing that he was right. If I even dared to tell anyone about him grooming and molesting me, he’d paint me as the bad guy while he would get away with everything.
“Then you’ll play ball with me and I’ll make sure that you’ll be rewarded for your silence,” he said as he reached into his discarded jeans and grabbed some condoms. “Not only that, I’ll make sure that you’ll remember me as your first time. And I can be very generous to little pretty boys like you.“
All I could do was steel my tears from falling down my face as I let him place my legs on his shoulders before sheathing himself with the condom.
“Make this go away, God,” I thought to myself as he entered himself into me. “Let this nightmare end because I-“
“Oh, my Lord! Ry’Mir!”
My stomach dropped low to see a stunned Lois and her furious husband at the doorway, the latter ready to punch his friend in the nose. Only the man didn’t bother slowing down his pace as he ravished me. “J-Joel. Lois,” I whimpered.
It all happened so fast. One moment, Costello was continuously enjoying himself while I had to take it. The next moment, the man was thrown off of me while Lois wrapped me in a towel before sirens filled the air outside. “He liked it, you know?! Your little boy-slut was asking for it,” the disgraced man sneered as he was led away in handcuffs, Joel fighting the urge to knock the man out again as onlookers took in the sight outside.
“Ry’Mir, how long did he take advantage of you like this?” Lois asked while officers were by her side in the living room. “I’m not mad at you, honey. I need to know the truth.”
It was time to come clean as I finally let the waterworks go into overdrive and I told them everything. “I’m so sorry,” I bawled as I was wrapped in a hug. “Please don’t send me away. I had to keep quiet because he could paint me as the bad guy.”
“Son, you have nothing to be sorry for,” one female officer said gently. “We had him on our radar for a while, and your testimony will ensure that he gets what he deserves.”
“I agreed,” Joel grunted as his glare softened when he faced me. “Ry’Mir, I am so sorry I trusted that shithead into your care. If I had known, I would’ve gladly ended him sooner. The worst fact is that Lois and I were blind to the whole thing and the man had his sadistic thrill with other boys before you. So you’ve saved your life as well as those other boys.”
I only let the tears fall as I was gradually led into a whirlwind of testimonies at trials, days spent in solitude thinking, and even a period where I had to take basic therapy sessions with other survivors of child/teen molestation. But the moment the man was convicted and sent to prison, I made a vow: I wanted to bury the past and only move forward by focusing on my diving competitions and academics.
It was time for me to go forward, but in my own way…
***********
PRESENT-DAY
I inhaled deeply, not caring if the tears were cascading from my eyes as I knew everyone else was doing the same. “Some days were better than others,” I finished. “And before coming here, I had a few nightmares that left me sleepless at times for days. But I had to push all my feelings down and lock them away if I wanted to keep my eyes forward.”
“My God, Ry’Mir,” Ra’Nada said, stifling a sob as she accepted a tissue from a stone-faced Andre. “This whole story is…wow.”
“But now, we gotta deal with these people who seem to know about Ry’Mir’s story and are planning to expose him at the next meet,” Dioncel stated, crossing his arms. “And that’s today as we’re facing off against Howard.”
To me, “I hate to suggest this, bro, but you need to sit that meet out for your safety. These football trolls and cheerleaders aren’t playing around, and neither is Dean DeGrawue.”
“Well, the meet’s postponed for today since they had a lockdown scare,” Coach Langley stated. “But they’re going to meet with us the week after next. And I disagree, Dioncel. Ry’Mir said that he wants to tell this story for himself and keep control of the matter by his own terms.”
“But what happens if Ry’Mir gets jumped?” Andre asked. “Or worse? And we still have no idea on who this ‘Devil of the Pool’ is. Incredible!”
“Then that’s the chance I’ll have to make,” I stated. To my coach, “Can you get me that appointment with the school’s president?”
“Already done,” Enrique interjected. “He actually wants to see you for some reason, Ry’Mir. And I warned him that if he turns on you just because of your past, he’ll be answering to me and all the Denzels and Vogues.”
“That goes double for me,” Dr. Tucker said. “And yes, he knows about these therapy settings with you, Tre’Von, Dioncel, and Andre. And I told him that things are getting serious with your situation. So he’ll want to talk to you over tea. When is it?”
“Tomorrow. His private quarters, which isn’t far from the natatorium. You’ll be there after practice tomorrow.”
I nodded. “I don’t know how things will go after tomorrow, you guys, but I’m done running away from the storm. This time, I’m going to go into it.”
And that was the truth.
You’ll never forget the first time! We’re approaching the final ten chapters of ” Ry’Mir’s Dive (book one of “The Aqua Men of Harvick University” series),” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! This marks the start of the grand-finale extravaganza. Don’t miss it!
And Coming January 2027… Dioncel’s Story is Told! “Dioncel’s Winter” is Book Two of the Series.
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