It still feels like summer here in Florida, but I adore autumn. So when I came across the Autumn Tag over at Perfectly Tolerable, I knew I had to jump on that bandwagon, even if I’m a bit late.
Rules: Answer the questions, link back to the creator, and tag other people.
1. Hot Chocolate – what is your comfort book?
When I’ve had a bad day and find myself in need of a comfort read, I usually turn to fanfiction instead of books. I don’t know what it is about some fics that’s so soothing and comforting–exactly like a cup of hot chocolate. I love crossovers especially, and nothing’s better than an epically long story that’s actually completed. And boy, oh boy, have I read a lot of Harry Potter fanfiction in my time.
2. Pumpkin Carving – what is your favorite creative outlet?
Obvious answer, but writing. The only limit to what you can create is your imagination, and I have a very overactive imagination, so it’s a perfect fit.
For me, writing has always been about the characters. I love developing imaginary people, discovering their dreams, quirks, and backstory, and then making them suffer horribly. 😈
3. Falling Leaves – changes that appear bad but you secretly love?
I can get worked up over changes in movie adaptations of books and comics. I remember when The Fellowship of the Ring first came out, I was outraged that Arwen was the one who saved Frodo from the Ringwraiths rather than Glorfindel. In hindsight, that was a really smart change. It uses an existing character in an interesting way rather than introducing a one-shot character who goes nowhere. Plus, it gives a bigger role to Arwen, who’s one of the few women in a story that’s otherwise a boys’ club.
I’ve gotten more easygoing about movie adaptations taking liberties with the source material since then, but with all the comic book movies coming out, I definitely have opinions. So now, here’s an in-depth analysis on every change the DC and Marvel cinematic universes have made to comic book canon and my thoughts on them.
Just kidding. Let’s just say I can handle most changes, and for the ones I can’t… Well, that’s what fanfic is for.
4. Pumpkin Spiced Latte – something you love that others tend to judge
I guess some people judge others for reading comic books and watching cartoons, but I don’t hang out with those people. It’s just us geeks around here.
5. Bonfire Night – what makes you explode with joy?
I’m getting married next month (Exciting!) and am lucky enough to have found a fiance who’s totally cool spending the evening chilling on the couch and watching Batman: The Animated Series on DVD. “Explode with joy” is a pretty good description, actually.
6. Fright Night – favorite scary book or film
I’ve got a whole post on creepy books I adore, but I’ll give a special shout-out to the movie Crimson Peak. It’s so scary–and I usually avoid horror stories like an actual axe-wielding maniac, but Crimson Peak is just so deliciously gothic and gorgeous that I’ll watch it anyway.
7. Halloween candy – favorite thing to eat
Choosing one favorite out of all the wonderful food in the world is an impossible task. In the spirit of autumn, I’ll say I made these pumpkin cheesecake brownie bars the other day, and they turned out decadently delicious.
8. Scarves – your autumn ‘must have’ accessory
I live in Florida, so, uh… flip flops, I guess. 🤷
9. Fire – a book or film that burns your soul
Gotta be Harry Potter. Reading it turned me into a book nerd, so I don’t know who I’d be today without it. There are so many fantastic moments, memorable characters, and important themes in the series. It’s incredible and will always have a special place in my heart.
10. Toffee apples – a book or film that seems one thing but really has a different inside
I’m going with a comic book on this one. I’ve written before about how I didn’t have the best impression of Red Sonja, and seeing a busty woman in a chain-mail bikini on the cover made me fear I’d be getting something very different than the epic, sword-and-sorcery awesomeness that’s on the pages.
You should read Red Sonja, by the way.
And that’s it for the Autumn Tag! Try it if you like, and let me know so I can check out your answers. I’m tagging J.E Brand.
I hope you’re all enjoying autumn, and that the seasons is cozy and fun!
Kristen Brand 