I know it’s a bit early to think of NaNoWriMo, but I just finished writing the first drafts of my September/October 2024 prompts (check the prompt hub for the titles and pairings), and a pairing–Bella/Benedict–caught my attention. (And phew! This gives me plenty of time before my work trip and vacation in August! I actually pulled off ten prompts in 24 days and that’s with watching the first two seasons of True Blood!).
Going back to NaNoWriMo, Haru actually requested Bella/Benedict, Anthony/Georgiana, and Darcy/Francesca. I had forgotten about Darcy/Francesca. I had planned Darcy/Eloise, but I may have to rethink that. Hmm.
I’m using these prompts as my inspiration for NaNo. I’m also including Fitzwilliam/Daphne. She’s going to try to make him jealous with the Duke of Hastings, but who is she going to fall in love with?
We’re going to have another Bridgerton and Pride & Prejudice xover. It’s going to be epic xover like Breakable Heaven (NaNoWriMo 2023) without the Enchantment and without Harry Potter… unless someone wants to whisper in my ear a fairytale plot that I can weave into it.
No title as of yet except poor Col. Fitzwilliam is involved in three love triangles (I know, who would have thought of him as a romantic hero other than in Not in the Slightest?)… and Bella is going to be gambling again. I so love it when she plays cards.
I might, in November, have a lyrics contest where you can suggest lyric titles from current pop music (like “Breakable Heaven” from Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer”) to name the fic. Maybe not. Naming a fic is so subjective. I wish I hadn’t used “Trump Card.” (Read Trump Card (Bella/Darcy) if you haven’t already.). I almost didn’t use it at the time and now I wish I hadn’t because it would work so well for my NaNo. Maybe I’ll have a contest for card related titles. I’ve already thought of “Royal Flush” but they’re not Royal. They’re members of the Aristocracy, but “Aristocratic Flush” makes no sense. *shrugs*. I’m thinking out loud.
Feel free to actually leave me a comment. There’s plenty of time to change course. It’s July. Suggestions? Thoughts? Fic titles? Do you like Taylor Swift’s new album and have a lyric suggestion? Did you adore Ariana Grande’s new album like I did? Shall we reference the Saturn cycle? We can make Anthony 29 and 1/2 years old? Do you play Bridge like my grandparents did and have some great card references? Is your head upside down because of the French, British, or American election? Can we do it even with a broken heart?
xo cen
Excentryke's Musings 
After looking at the prompt hub, it seems like we all have a lot to look forward to. Everything looks awesome, and can’t wait to read it!
I love how Fitzwilliam Darcy has become our fandom bicycle, lol. Just prop him up next to any other main character, and instant romance.
All of these Regency style stories are truly spoiling us. Definitely looking forward to your nano! I think it sounds intriguing as is, but if you’re looking for fairytale inspiration, I feel that Orpheus and Eurydice don’t get enough love… especially versions with a happy ending. That probably wouldn’t work with your project, but just thought I’d throw that out there.
Col. Fitzwilliam is in a love triangle? -gosh darn, better to just solve it by making the end result a polycule lol. Not actually serious. But super happy to hear that he’s getting some limelight.
Gambling Bella is great, especially because it gives her a level of agency that we typically don’t see any more canon compliant stories.
In regards to gambling related titles, here are a couple of ideas that may or may not strike your fancy:
”Full House”
”Aces Wild”
”Deuces High”
”Straight Hearts” (or hearts straight)
”Cash Out”
”Jackpot”
I haven’t heard either Taylor or Ariana’s new albums, but I’ve heard mixed things about them. Personally, I tend towards obsessing over albums repeatedly until I get sick of them, and then move onto my next fixation. Currently, I’m listening to LINKIN PARK’s new album of the instrumental versions of their most famous songs. It sounds deranged, but it’s really motivating to work out to.
Some songs that have banger lyrics, definitely not recent, include “Better Days” by Hedley (“I’ll keep praying I’ll make it/Like someone worth saving/I’ve still got some fight inside of me”), “Talking Body” by Tove Lo (“ Love, love, love, give me love/Anything you want I’ll give it up/Lips, lips, lips like his/Bite me while I taste your fingertips”), or you could even do some cheesy throwbacks from the 80s, including everybody’s favorite reference “Hold On” by Wilson Philips or even “What About Love” by Heart.
Personally, I enjoy reading your stories because it helps me disassociate from the reality that we live in. I don’t want the American election to happen, because if Trump wins, his project 2025 scares the crap out of me; it’s especially awful for teachers and education in general.
That being said, sorry this was so long, but wanted to let you know that people are reading your thoughts, and appreciate all of the work you put into this. Thank you for sharing and posting your work.
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