A Fairly New Fandom (Semi-Guest Post starring Emery)

Today I finally got hold of my dear Emery for a chat about a certain Detective. No, it’s not Sherlock. *gasp* He’s actually Irish. And dead. He is technically dead. (Wait so was Sherlock). We basically are asking a bunch of questions and answering them. That’s not weird at all. Emery is in this lovely plum-colour :D and I am in black. (Like Valkryie) Or very dark grey.

note: I own none of the pictures/art in this post

What/who is Skulduggery Pleasant, for all the poor souls who have never heard?

AMAZING AWESOMENESS WITH ATTITUDE. Okay, okay, Skulduggery Pleasant (with one l) is a dead detective. Who is a skeleton. Held together with his own intellect. (Catie finds this very attractive).Yes she does. He is an elemental… which can lead us into another topic…. The magic disciplines. It is very rare to switch the discipline once it is learned, (almost like changing a college career). There is adept and elemental. Elemental is manipulating the four elements: water, air, fire, and earth. Adept comes in many forms and is basically everything else. For example Tanith Low can walk on walls, and unlock/lock any door. China Sorrows uses symbols to enhance fighting, to heal, etc. How does one get their magic? (This is one of my favorite parts) The names… Each person has three names, their given name (the one their parents give them), their taken name (the one that protects them from manipulation from other sorcerers), and finally their true name. This is where a mage gets their power. For example, Derek Landy is the author’s given name. His taken name is probably somewhere in the books series (he wrote himself in but won’t tell who it is), and his true name is EVIL.

Wise words. Ever noticed how Vile spells evil when you rearrange the letters? I feel a new theory coming on...anyway. Skulduggery Pleasant is the title character of a nine-book series for young adults by Derek Landy, the Evil One, blah blah blah, and is made of of bones, sass, and impeccably tailored suits. As Emery said, he is held together by pure willpower (or magic, whatever), which I find insanely, er,  interesting. Okay. I have a tiny crush on him (Catie, that is the biggest exaggeration I have ever heard. He is your soulmate) That’s completely normal, right? He drives about Ireland in his Bentley R-Type Continental, solving crimes, punching people, and saving the world from--er, with, Valkyrie Cain, his companion/assistant/annoyance. It’s great fun.

Favourite character?

This really isn’t a question because anyone you ask will always say Skulduggery himself is the best character automatically. He really is amazing (don’t tell him I said that his ego is huge). You realize how much you are really attached to him (and the series) in book 3 (The Faceless Ones). Oh, Skulduggery also drives a really nice car (or a bright yellow one when the bently is in the shop).

Now, now, his ego isn’t bigger than anyone else’s, he just isn’t afraid to talk about it. He is confident. And pretty darn funny.  

Favourite minor characters?

Tanith Low is amazing. She makes me want to be fit so I can fight and be awesome like her. She has always been my second favourite. And Fletcher Renn is great too. If any of you have read Hunger Games, he is a Finnick kind of character, at first you hate him, and then he is your favourite.

I like to compare Fletcher to Galinda. He grows on ya. I think their personalities are similar, and they have about the same amount of hair--Fletcher’s just sticks up more. And let’s not forget Kenspeckle and Clarabelle. HOW COULD I FORGET HIM!! (SPOILER: maybe bc he is dead? LANDY!)

And Val’s dad and mum.

"What are your intentions towards my daughter then? I hope just because you don't think you're going to be holding her hand or anything. Just because her knees are visible does not mean she is the kind of girl to hold the hand of a strange-haired boy on their first date" ~Desmond Edgley

And China. Yes, just... China. She is one of a kind.

Let’s talk about Stephanie/Valkyrie. Why is she so awesome (no spoilers about the end of Dark Days and beyond)?

She has a convincing reflection. She is a great fighter. It is fun to watch her character growth throughout the series. She is very independent, and is Skulduggery’s partner. ⅔ of her is a psychopath.  

I like Val because she is a bit different from any character I’ve ever read. She’s an INTP, for one thing, which is rare. She is likable, which is even rarer. She has flaws that are neither artificial nor off-putting. I do get angry with her though. She’s not some overdrawn feminist-in-your-face brat, nor is she just along for the ride--nor has she suffered any tragic loss that defines and cripples who she is. Both of her parents are alive (and intelligent, moreover). She loves them. She gets affectionately annoyed with them. She adores her baby sister. She makes bad choices and good choices and stupid choices. She’s a person, albeit a very sassy one--an actual, real, literary person, not just a bundle of insecurities or blond hair or independence filling the protagonist role.

Another pit authors often fall into is depending on a hobby/interest or physical features to define a character. Not so with Valkyrie.   

 Very well put.

Favourite Villain?

Favourite in the sense of wow-so-awesome-but-so-awful would be Lord Vile. Otherwise, Vaurien Scapegrace, the Killer Supreme.  

The Killer Supreme, the Zombie King, give it up for Vaurien Scapegrace (bk 2)! He is not a proper villain,(I think he might object to that) (I almost put he would be very offended by that statement) but he is really funny. And in Kingdom of the Wicked, he references Doctor Who. Scariest villain for me was Tesseract, because he was the only person who could kill Skulduggery. But the Faceless Ones are freaky too. And their followers are even more so. I also like Billy-Ray Sanguine. He is an american assassin who can burrow through walls. (I also hate him with an unadulterated loathing due to an event in book 5, Mortal Coil, you will know when you read it).

Favourite discipline?

Teleportation is probably my favorite. It is the most useful for a lazy, ordinary person like me. But if you were in a fight, the only thing teleportation helps to do is flee. Elemental is great in saving your life. Like if you get hurled off a cliff into the ocean you can just use the water to buoy yourself up. Or (as a last measure) you can use earth to turn yourself *SPOILERS for book 1!*into a statue (Ghastly, bk1).*End of spoilers* There are so many avenues of adepts. I can’t talk about them all (though I may try).

Teleportation obviously. Elemental seems like the most well-rounded. Symbols are useful.

But I think I would love to have wall-walking. Can you imagine the look on people’s faces when you just go and sit on the ceiling? I bet you could be an excellent dancer, since you could shift your center of gravity around, which would enable all sorts of ‘impossible’ feats. Hmm...

What’s the best book (or the best scene(s) from the books thus far)?

Kingdom of the Wicked and, though I hate to say it, Mortal Coil. The scene in Death Bringer with Val at the airport is one of my favourites.  

Mortal Coil is heart wrenching. Just… OKAY MOVING ON BEFORE THE TEARS START. *whimpers in the background “Gainith!”* Why is it you are so deeply attached to the books that have destroyed your heart? Anyway, Gosh! They are all so good! I am thinking I really like The Death Bringer (because of the Darquesse scene toward the end) and Kingdom of the Wicked. I am not the kind of person who rereads books, but when i finish these my first thought is to turn back to page one. The first two are more setting it up for the rest of the series, after that they get better. Much better. So don’t give up. Another great feature is that these are technically kids books (they are found in the “x” section at the library). The reading level is for a twelve-year-old (Note: these may be a bit too intense for sensitive 12-year olds like myself. Was. Think N.D. Wilson level of scary), so they are quick reads; very easy on the eye. If you aren’t accostomed to fight scenes (like I was), at first it is difficult to read them, but the trick is to read it fast. It flows that way, and I enjoy them more now. [most of that probably should have gone under the last question]

Anything that bothers you about the series?

I don’t like how Val learns necromancy (bk4). Even if it makes her battles even more epic, I wish she would just keep to elemental.

Yeah. Necromancy in general bothers me. However, SP doesn’t violate my fantasy rules, which are 1) it has to be good 2) any powers characters have that are viewed as non-evil should stem from natural, special ability and 3) the fantasy world has to be clearly defined (aka a completely different scenario from this reality--no actual, biblical magic/witchcraft/alteration of events. Bryan Davis toes the line here). Anyway.

Another thing I dislike is his habit of killing/maiming people ruthlessly. Just...why? Some of the action scenes can get a bit graphic and they make me feel a bit queasy. Actually, in my view there’s a teeny bit too much fighting/action. I tend to get a bit bored and wind up skimming--which I rarely do--during fight scenes. Unless they contain Tanith. YESH.

Sometimes I step away from the story and look at what it contains--zombies, vampires, walking, sassing skeletons--and I wonder if I’m actually reading this. From an objective, simplistic point of view it sounds so different from anything I’d be--or want to be--reading. But I promise you, the monsters and the magic and even the plots are not the point. The point is the characters. Yes. The characters absolutely make the books. They’re some of the best I’ve ever read, in this genre or any other. The rest is just framework and canvas.  

 

What are you going to do to Derek Landy if you get your hands on him?

Ooooo! I like this question! Well first I am going to thank him. Then strangle him. Then hug him. Then bawl on his shoulder. Also (if I have time), I want to ask him how he can emotionally kill his characters. When I write, I am very attached to my characters. They are my babies! And then to just *WHAM* and they’re dead… I don’t know how he does it. And he does it a few times. Especially when he doesn't kill the character but destroys them (think Peeta in Mockingjay).

My plan is very similar to that of Inigo Montoya’s. Just kidding. I will shake his hand and then make him write what I want him to write--with some weapon or other--and then I will torture him like he did Skulduggery that year. Note: I haven’t read the last two books. If he kills Certain Characters I may skip the torture and just give him a violent yet poetically just end.

Best quotes?

“Doors are for people with no imagination.”

“The sparrow flies south for the winter.”

“I try never to underestimate my opponents, no matter how stupid their beards.”

“And yet, most twelve-year-olds don’t believe in octopus people.” ~SP in KotW ((I reread the first book and found it!))

“We’re not retreating. We are advancing in reverse.”

Also see our Pinterest board for more extensive quotations.

Do you think you’ve found a SP fan? Here are some ways to tell:

Walk up to them and say, “the sparrow flies south for the winter.” If they duck, bravo! you’ve found one.

.

~Ask them if they show off. If they say, “No. I merely demonstrate my abilities at opportune times,” you’ve found one.

~Ask them if they have any rainbow dust. If they don’t think you’ve been watching My Little Pony, you may have found one.

~Walk up to them and say “Kenspeckle.” if they smile, frown sadly and/or sob, you’ve found one.

~If your supposed fan is wearing a skull, ask if that’s the original or if it was stolen by goblin things while they were asleep. Ask if the cheekbones were higher. If they chuckle understandingly, you’ve found one.

~Ask them if they like Gordon Edgley’s books. Say, excitedly, that you never met him, but one of his short stories was based on something that happened to you. This may be met with more crying or a knowing smile, depending on how far along the reader is.  

~Walk up to the suspect and say “Darquesse vs. Vile.” If their eyes light up and they get a fiendish/slightly guilty look on their face, you’ve found one.

~Sneak up behind them, wearing sunglasses, and, in a Texan accent, say “Have you seen my darned straight-razor? that **** girl took it from me.” If they whip around in terror, you may have found one. Or you may just have a really bad Texan accent.

~Walk up to them and say “Ganith.” this is slightly evil. Very evil. If they cry, you found one. You may also have a bloody nose. That is the only one I thought of. You can also tell which book they are on by this phrase.

We know that Landy is evil,

but there are things we like about him too. Such as...

I love how he puts all the different magic disciplines all in one book. You have vampires, warlocks, crazy gods, elementals, necromancy, etc. You name it, it is most probably in there.

I also love the characters. To be honest, that is my favourite part of this series. His characters are flippin’ amazing. They feel so real. Another thing is that it isn’t just another Harry Potter or Percy Jackson type series. It is its own individual thing. I have never seen anything like the story of a sarcastic, skeleton detective. It is balanced with both teenagers and adults.

TANGENT WARNING: (might I add, competent adults. Well, most of them. Okay. Some of them)

(Name one)

Skulduggery would say that he is very competent.

HE says that, but I quote him himself, “I have been known to be irresponsible, and it is entirely possible that is is happening again.”

Tanith. I win.  

Nope! I use the first book, “Did you find anything?” “We thought it was a foot print but it turned out to be, uh, more floor.”

Desmond Edgley? Never mind. “The most important thing to remember when holding a baby is not to drop it...to pick it up by the scruff of the neck...to pick it up by the ears?”

All right. You win.

END OF TANGENT

His writing style takes some getting used to, but it’s unique. For example, I had a headache and Lu was reading a section of Playing with Fire to me, and she stopped and said “he uses their names a lot.” I told her to read it in an Irish accent. Bam! Problem solved. His pattern/word rhythm may seem a bit odd, but you just have to get used to it. Another thing that took some getting used to is how dark, almost morbid-feeling aspects of the book can be. But I attribute that to its being Irish too. I mean, have you ever heard traditional Irish stories? They’re dark. And possibly depressing. Landy definitely taps into that, but I really enjoy it now. It’s simultaneously dark and very lighthearted. I can’t describe it properly. Read the books.

Like Emery said, his characters are the best part--they’re simultaneously real and fantastic. What comes out of their mouths is a close second. I joke that “I tried copying down every clever quote from that SP book. The bad news, it took a long time. Good news, I have a new copy of the book.” SP ties with Sherlock for witty dialogue.

And did I mention the fandom references? there are tons of fandom references. OH MY GOSH ARE THERE! I don’t think I see half of them, I am so immersed in the book.

I won’t spoil, but so far I’ve caught allusions to The Princess Bride, Doctor Who, Sherlock, monty python’s ‘the parrot sketch,’  and LotR. There are a few others as well that I don’t feel like remembering right now.

Any advice for would-be minions? Where can I find these books?

The books in order:

Scepter of the Ancients (or just Skulduggery Pleasant)

Playing with Fire

The Faceless Ones

Dark Days

Mortal Coil

Death Bringer

The End of the World (not a proper novel--a miniature one)

Kingdom of the Wicked

The Maleficent Seven (stand-alone novel with Tanith)

The Last Stand of Dead Men

Armageddon Outta Here!* (also not a proper novel)

The Dying of the Light

*we think

(End of the World goes between Death Bringer and KotW. And Armageddon Outta Here is b

Don’t decide whether you love them or not until you’ve read at least through three or four. The plots in the first few are a bit on the weak side, and things just generally get awesomer in the fourth book.

Also, don’t forget it all like I did. Because there are so many references to the first books, and I forgot what happened. I also forgot who Remus Crux was, he is the detective nobody likes. So keeping tabs may help.

Sound advice.

Check the library. They may have the first few. (Usually up to three. Unless you live in England. Lucky you. *angry snorting noises* THE PAIN. I had to wait three months for Kingdom of the Wicked! THREE MONTHS BETWEEN BOOKS. NO WONDER I CAN”T REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. Grr.) There, there, dear. We console ourselves as best we can.  Then, if you get desperate for the later ones, Dark Days (4)--The Last Stand of Dead Men (8) are on Youtube in audiobook form. Keep in mind that you may just want to bite the proverbial bullet and buy them if you like them (Eventually you will. Save the hassle and buy them all now.), since the later ones have to be bought on amazon through individual sellers in the UK, they take a while to get here. Also, audiobook is a singularly frustrating way to read--it takes too long and you can’t shake the Irish accent for weeks afterwards. The plus side of the audio is a)Skulduggery’s voice--gah.  b) you learn how to pronounce names and c) it’s free & instant. Your choice. You could theoretically ask to borrow mine, I suppose...if you want to be refused.

From left to right:  Tanith, Skulduggery, China, Ghastly, Fletcher, and Valkyrie.

When is it Okay to Fangirl?

...I thought that, just for fun, I would compile a brief list of when (and when not) to fangirl. I find it a tricky business myself, but I hope this helps.

When to Fangirl...
~~at home during the day when you see something exciting.
Tom Hiddleston is coming to Shreveport? *cue squeals*
Your wonderful Australian friend is coming to visit? *cue squeals* 

exception: when an important family member is napping or suffering from a headache. The high-frequency noises can cause significant irriatation and/or pain. In this case it is wise to place a cushion, a hand, or some other muffling device over the mouth to prevent sound escaping. If this course of action is ignored, a sibling may volunteer to oblige you.

~~when with friends

Fangirling, like any other sport, is more fun in a group. If the area permits, fangirl away.

exception: when the majority of the group in no way share the fandom being fangirled over--especially if they're not fans because of family or conscience-related restrictions. That's just rude.

~~Online
Obviously, it's all right, or I wouldn't be here.

or something like that...

seriously though, you can't exactly smash your face on the keyboard in 'real' life. And sometimes that's the only way to express yourself adequately.

I especially condone the tactful taking over of Tumblr posts...

'just Sherly things' are a particular favorite.

~~When you meet Charles Dickens

~~In public

You love your fandoms; why be ashamed of them?

exception: in very tight spaces, such as automobiles. Or anywhere your screaming might carry, really.

exception 2: when your social skills have not developed past the point of creepiness (this mainly applies to attempts to make contact with a fellow fan).

exception 3: when mental fangirling causes awkward facial expressions.

When it's NOT okay...

~At Random Moments when Someone is Speaking to You: 

I know, I know--it's hard. I personally have a sort of mental pinterest board that I scroll through when I'm bored (no pun intended--just this once).  I'll suddenly come across something funny and fandom-related, and just burst out laughing, no matter the time, the place, or who I'm supposed to be listening to.

did I also mention it is okay to use as many Sherlock gifs on your own blog post as you want? 'cause it is.

  ...it can get awkward. If anyone has a remedy for this (besides actually listening), I'd be grateful.

~Weddings and funerals. Just don't.

~In the theatre.

Unless you do it very quietly. This is another hard one.

~When you see a favorite character's look-alike in public. This is the most difficult. Once in Destin we saw--and were forced to interact with--someone who looked EXACTLY LIKE MR. TILNEY. 

A very tricky situation to keep under control--we nearly lost it when he did the smirk. Keep calm and carry on, I suppose...

Well, there you have it--a quick guide to the appropriate place to express your appreciation for your fandoms. This is by no means exhaustive, so if you have any more, let me know. 

This also applies to fanboys, just to clear up any confusion.  

Do you have any tips on controlling fandom-related outbursts when forced from your lair?  

4 Fandoms in Progress, part 1

I thought it was high time I gave a brief overview to some fandoms I've been 'working on.' By working on I mean checking out, watching, reading, listening to, etc.--as opposed to have watched, have listened to, have seen live, have gotten the tee shirt,* etc.  This post has turned out to be much longer than I anticipated, and so I am stretching it into multiple posting opportunities. Yippee.
So, without further fuss...
1. Harry Potter
Ah, yes, the controversial one. Woo-hoo. As I was (well, am) growing up I rarely heard this series spoken of in anything more flattering than sarcasm, a metaphor for going with the flow and doing stupid things. Part of this is my family's general aversion to anything with a lot of hype (Mum's INTP and Dad's ENFJ with a very slight feeling preference. We tend to view humanity as a whole as being less-than-bright, and ergo anything that humanity in general likes must not be terribly intelligent. Faultless reasoning, no?). Of course, I have inherited a lot of this contrariness, and when you're contrary to what's contrary to most people, you get a double negative, ~~, which means you get a positive. Thank you, logic.
So, one day, I decided I would give HP a shot. It helped that our goodwill has a neat policy on paperback purchases--buy one for $.25, or buy five for a dollar. Dear Harry's first volume helped my miserly little self avoid paying five cents more per book. I've gotten much worse books to make that noble 5 before...
The proverbial elephant (not Gavroche's, alas) in the room with Harry Potter, at least in my circles, is the 'witchcraft.' I don't have time or inclination to go into my justifications here, but let me say that I don't think what Hogwarts teaches in any way resembles what twisted man might try to do to gain demonic power. It's an inherent, inherited ability.Witchcraft is a bit of a misnomer here. I'm not saying I'm completely fine with all of it, or that I want my younger siblings running around waving wands and screaming spells (since when do I like it if they're running around, screaming, or waving anything?); I'm just saying that thus far, I see nothing shocking or 'polluting' going on thus far.
And if I read one more 'Christian' article on why Harry Potter is demonic and is going to eat the children who read it, I may just explode.

^ and if you want something amusing, watch this. ^

      Now that the elephant has been shot, let's talk about the fun bits in no particular order!

~~I love J.K. Rowling's writing style--it reminds me of Roald Dahl and Rick Riordan (I'm aware that she came first, blah blah blah, but I read Percy Jackson years before I read HP.). She has all the charm** of the former, the engaging tone of the latter, and the hilarity of both. Very nice indeed.

~~And may I add that I had no idea the whole thing would be so very...British. I knew it was British, of course, but not that British. I love it. Most of that sort of fiction that I read is very, very American.
~~The Weasleys--I love them. I have had it from multiple sources that our house is somehow reminiscent of the Weasleys' home. I can't quite figure it out--we only have two redheads (quite enough if you ask me) and we certainly don't have troublemakers. Ahem. Maybe it's the gnome problem. Pesky creatures. But seriously, what's not to love about a family of redheads with lots of chickens and no money?

~~Hermione--I feel for that poor girl. During the first part of Prisoner of Azkaban  she reminded me of the year I tried to take VPSA classes and CC at the same time. It was an amazing but incredibly exhausting term and I don't recommend it to anyone without a Time Lord or equivalent.
I think Hermione had been my favorite character so far--perhaps she ties with Ron?

~~Hogwarts. I told Mom, 'It's like VPSA for wizards!' Except...you actually get to *meet* people. But now is not the time to start pouting about the EOTYG again.
It can't get more fun (?) than a giant old school in a giant old castle filled with giant old secrets and lots of curious young wizards. Unless there were a library. Oh wait. There is. :D

~~In general, this whole experimental exploration has just been loads of fun, and I am excited to continue. Alas, I only grabbed through book three from my dear uncle's collection, and the library doesn't have book four. So here I am, just (oh so calmly) twiddling my thumbs and waiting around for a random trip to Mississippi or the library to actually get the book I want. I'm thinking the former is more likely. I NEED ME BOOK, PEOPLES!
Let's just hope I survive to finish it. And who knows? Someday I may even watch a movie adaptation. Or eight. You might actually get some pictures someday. But right now, I'm just lurking around the Internet avoiding spoilers. Or trying to.
And I haven't even put a toe into the real fandom yet. It's so big, it's kind of intimidating--this thing is only a few months younger than I am. My sister and I have already had one public fan sighting. She was wearing a Gryffindor shirt, but we were too timid to speak to her. I feel like I'm on the brink of something huge, something exciting.
I need that fourth book.

So, what's your opinion on the popular wizard? Is it worth the price of obsession?
And if any of you experienced fans are reading, what do you call yourselves? Potterheads?
And has anyone run across a MBTI chart for HP that they think is accurate? Or do you just happen to have an opinion on the types of the characters? I'd love to hear it.

*actually not entirely true because I don't wear T-shirts. Oh well.
**charm...I think it's charm. Not sure what else to call it.

And be sure to stick around for part 2! In the style of Gatiss and Moffat, here's three one-word clues: Musical. Girl. Misunderstood.

That's not ambiguous at all...

How to Protect Your Conscience While Fangirling

...between you and me, why can't people think?
As implied in my INTJ fangirl post, I was reluctant to enter the fandom life because, to quote the Parrot Sketch, is seemed 'Silly, silly silly!" I saw (romantically) obsessive posts about characters/celebrities and these people popped into my head...

...and then those who weren't having crushes all over the place were moaning about how they were born in the wrong era/world/whatever and wished a time lord would pop out of nowhere and save them from their meaningless existence.

To be entirely, embarrassingly honest, I went through some of this a while back with the Percy Jackson books. Shhh!

I have such a hard time controlling my tendency to fall into escapism, because, as this picture so eloquently puts it,

Life becomes misery while I pine away after fictional characters and worlds. It's like an eternal pity-party. I really didn't want to go through that again. Ever. So when I started becoming more active on the internet, I decided I would try to stay away from exaggerated media-related mania of all sorts. I would read the books, and that was all.

 Ha. Hahaha.

It didn't work. 

Since I discovered some fellow fans who did not seem quite as silly as the others, I decided to check it out cautiously.

I didn't--and don't, want to consume my media like some people consume soda--pop the lid and guzzle mindlessly. For one thing, it makes you burp. For another, you're drinking high fructose corn syrup and don't even realise it!  Here are a few guidelines I've made and try to keep for myself to prevent falling into empty-headed ridiculosity.* I've even categorized them. 

Real People

~~Don't look up actors' personal lives. You will probably learn way more than you wanted to know and feel melancholy and despairing of humanity the rest of the day. Or week.

~~This is a long one...

Differentiate between what people can do and who they are. Someone's talent/beauty/personality is a gift--what matters about him/her as a person is what he decides to do with it. 

Let's say that you're looking at a portrait. This one will do.

You can admire it on different levels.

You could look at it and think 'that's pretty'--admiring the appearance of the subject.

You could look at it and think 'how did she hold that pose so long? I would get so uncomfortable"--admiring the skill/ability of the subject 

You could look at it and think, 'that's a really interesting outfit and background'--admiring the set and content

You could look at it and think, 'oh wow. Those ruffles are great--how do they look so perfect? gah, I wish I could paint hair like that'--admiring the skill of presentation. 

At this point, unless you are an art expert or Sherlock Holmes, you don't know anything about the subject or painter. You're just enjoying the art for what it is, and not who created it.

I try to watch movies/shows the same way. All kinds of people have been given talent in so many areas, and they don't need to be 'good people' to have and use talent correctly. Don't get me wrong; it's doubly awesome when a good person is a good artist, or vice versa. But all too often people confuse the two.  

trying to avoid this...

I can fangirl about James Barbour's voice all day without for a moment implying anything other than that he has an amazing, well-trained voice.  That doesn't mean I think he's nice, or clever, or a role model. I can blabber on about what a wonderful actor Tom Hiddleston is without sacrificing my romantic ideals to him. I can pin as many pictures of JJ Feild as I like without thinking him to be an exemplary human being. I might just like his ears. And his smirk. Or the fact that he looks like Tom Hiddleston. Moving on...

You get the picture. I may jokingly swoon a lot, but I really do try to keep admiration of celebrities in check. Separation of the talent from the person works really well. Wholehearted admiration, from what I've seen, turns into unhealthy infatuation very quickly. And then you get stuff like this...

Stories
~~Analyze everything. When you like something, find out why.
 When you sort out the pros and cons, you appreciate the good and true in the story, but you also recognize any false arguments the book/show may be pressing on you. Eat the meat and spit out the bones.
Different people have different safe tolerance levels. I can separate the humanistic messages Les Mis might try to send me and concentrate on other themes (grace vs. justice, redemption, charity, etc.), or enjoy Sherlock, despite the language or twisted worldviews, while a friend or family member may not be ready yet--or ever.

You don't have to embrace everything to love a book or show--we should treat our media like we treat people (only we have more power of selection with media). When we really like someone, we acknowledge their faults and forgive them. Some people are good to be around because they inspire us to grow and learn and love. Some people we shouldn't hang around because they're a bad influence. It's a tricky business. So filter everything you take in. Think about it, compare it with other things--Bible stories, other books, movies, historical events, whatever, talk about it, discuss it.

 Only after I have things sorted out in my brain do I switch on the emotions and allow myself to fangirl. But when that happens, you had better look out.

 It's like checking your sleeping bag for scorpions before climbing in.

 In addition, you'll be able to explain yourself to others a lot more easily. Often I feel like I can't tell people I like certain things without them being shocked and horrified.

I can just hear "Oh, you're one of those..." running through their heads.
So, keep a disclaimer on hand.
Imaginary person 1: "Yes, I love Doctor Who."
Imaginary person 2:*awkward misjudgey silence* oh my gosh she's one of those brainless fans who slurp up all that evolutionary agenda without a moment's thought.
Imaginary person 1: "...I love how they explore sacrifice and love, and the historical episodes are really interesting. There are a few bits I don't agree with, but overall I think it's a great show. Have you ever seen any?"
Imaginary person 2: Hmm. This person has some good points. Maybe the show isn't as bad as I thought. "No, which doctor should I start with?"

Not that actual conversations work like that, unfortunately, but it's still a good idea to have some idea in case anyone has questions, no?

Problems with Escapism
Ah, the biggie. It took me months, but I finally (thanks mostly to Omnibus) understood why the idea of belonging to my fantasy worlds appealed to me so much. It's linked to this idea:

~~When you find yourself wishing to be part of an epic, remember that you are. I'm not going to delve too deeply into this, but the Bible is seriously the most exciting fantasy story ever written, with the best Hero and the best minor characters. Only it's not fantasy; it's real. All the others, at some level, are just imitating. It's the only book whose 'fandom,' if you will, actually gets to live in its world and participate in the adventure. I personally find that a bit mind-blowing.

If you've made it this far, congratulations!

Do any of you have any tips for thriving in the clutches of fandom?





 *yes, this is a word. I made it up. You have my permission to use it as much as you like.

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