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More manga we’ve stumbled across: My New Life As A Cat by Konomi Wagata. “Nao Kazushiro is a normal high school student — until he gets in a traffic accident and winds up in the body of a cat! At first, it’s all fun and games as he gets used to his new feline form, but then the novelty wears off and hunger sets in. Luckily, he’s picked up by Chika, a cute girl his age who gives him food and a home off the streets. Will Nao (now Nyao) develop feelings for her? Or will he wake up in his human body once and for all?” This new graphic novel series is available now from Seven Seas Entertainment.

image c. 2024 Seven Seas Entertainment

Social Media: Official FABP Twitter: https://twitter.com/foxandburger Michael: https://twitter.com/foxnakh https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9xoFQrxFTNPMjmXfUg2cg Burger: https://twitter.com/L1ghtningRunner

TigerTails Radio Season 15 Episode 17. Join the Discord Chat: https://discord.gg/SQ5QuRf For a full preview of events and for previous episodes, please visit http://www.tigertailsradio.co.uk. See website for full breakdown of song credits, which is usually updated shortly after the show. If you like what we do and wish to throw some pennies our way to support us, please consider sending a little tip our way. https://streamlabs.com/tigertailsradio/tip * Please note, tips are made to support TigerTails Radio and are assumed as made with good faith, so are therefore non-refundable. Thank you for your support and understanding.

This week, Savrin and Fuzz hang out all cozy like and discuss the pressing matters of the day- Anthrocon quickly pivoting on their art show rules and musical cats speaking for the dead. And con stuff. Then Savrin talks about some shows they've watched and tries to vaguely discuss what the heck is going on in FF7 remake.

Outro music by FASSounds from Pixabay

Intro music by Brentin Davis from Pixabay

Links~
Vintage Furry Content: "I'm not going to post this kind of thing often, but... Pro tip : It's generally seen as horribly insensitive and trashy by polite society to name drop a recently deceased person to win points in a petty internet argument." — Bluesky (bsky.app)

Anthrocon, Inc.: "After hearing our attendees and artists loud and clear, we have revisited the Art Show policy to bring it in line with the feedback we’ve received. Our update can be found attached. We want to be clear: AI-generated artwork is NOT supported nor allowed at Anthrocon." — Bluesky (bsky.app)

Flamin' Hot Cheetos Are Sending Kids to the Emergency Room | City of Ate | Dallas | Dallas Observer | The Leading Independent News Source in Dallas, Texas

Southpaws | creating and promoting The Queer Agenda | Patreon

Telegram chat - https://t.me/+Ma4PTE0IsWVmMDQ5

Episode 553 - The 7 Fingered Furry - This week, Savrin and Fuzz hang out all cozy like and discuss the pressing matters of the day- Anthrocon quickly pivoting on their art show rules and musical cats speaking for the dead. And con stuff. Then Savrin talks

Sometimes maybe the publisher isn’t the best at describing a work. Here’s what they have to say about the new graphic novel Spero: “Taking up a defensive home base within the city of Vurgstraad, a council of ancient sorcerers have spent the last hundred years fending themselves off from a barrage of attacks by The House of Bayek. While three generations of Bayek have tried to destroy Vurgstraad, a counter-weapon was born within the heart of the city. A weapon with the ability to recapture the hearts of those once condemned to evil. A weapon known as The Heartbreaker. Hidden deep within a mysterious crystallized universe, a secret race of caretakers have waited for this weapon to be claimed by The Chosen One. A hero said to be the sole champion capable of wielding it. The Breaker of Hearts. The Healer of Worlds.” And, by the way, a rabbit. Somehow they skipped that part. But we’ll tell you! We’ll also mention it’s written by Garrett Gunn, illustrated by Martha Webby, and available now.

image c. 2024 Source Point Press

Bandit, BcB and Abbey try pizzas with randomly selected toppings, including one with the worst kinds! See more at: http://www.TheRaccoonsDen.com FACEBOOK: http://www.Facebook.com/TheRaccoonsDen TWITTER/X: http://www.Twitter.com/TheRaccoonsDen FURAFFINITY: http://www.FurAffinity.net/user/TheRaccoonsDen INSTAGRAM: http://www.Instagram.com/TheRaccoonsDen TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@theraccoonsden Fursona Art in Thumbnail by Olive: https://www.instagram.com/olives_garden13 Featuring Music by: Aki Tanuki: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW_Izh5Cbgp6regPR9_ra1Q MDKai: https://midekai.bandcamp.com ❤ GOJII ❤: https://gojii.bandcamp.com Gitaroobear: https://gitaroobear.bandcamp.com Rhythm Bastard: https://rhythmbastard.bandcamp.com E.Wolf: https://m.soundcloud.com/user-287387399 #TheRaccoonsDen #TRDs9 #PizzaRoulette

There’s something so perfectly fannish about a comic book series called Unicorn Vampire Hunter. It’s written by Caleb Palmquist and illustrated by Daryl Toh. “A young woman named Jezebel moves to a magical marsh to live with her uncle, Seamus the Wizard and his puppies that never grow old. One day, Jezebel wanders into the dark forest and almost falls victim to a vampire. Luckily, her life is saved by a unicorn, who gores the vampire with his horn, killing it. Jezebel and her uncle welcome the unicorn into their family, but things are about to get dicey…” Find out how in this new series from Scout Comics.

image c. 2024 Scout Comics

And so in a flash, the shortest month of the year has been and gone. Welcome to March, and the theoretical end of winter (or summer if you’re like me in the south!).

I know we were hoping to have the Coyotl Awards open for nominations at this stage, but there have been a couple of behind the scenes snags preventing this. We are hoping to have this resolved as soon as possible – nominations will be running until April, so there is still no shortage of time to have this resolved.

Update: The Coyotl Awards are now open for nominations. See here for more information: https://coyotlawards.com/2023-coyotl-awards/

Part of the reason for this has been the recent resignation of Maddison Scott-Clary from running the Coyotls. Maddie has been magnificent in keeping the Coyotls running over the last few years, but she has announced her intention to step down after completing her commitments to finish off the 2022 awards. The 2023 awards are primarily being handled by the FWG officers, but we will be opening up for a volunteer to take on Maddie’s role as the Coyotl Chair. To put yourself forward as a candidate, simply message myself (J.F.R. Coates) on telegram or discord.

Maddie has done a fantastic job with the Coyotls for a few years now. We look forward to having her successor in place to start the preparations for next year’s awards.

Everyone at the guild is hoping for the best for one of our members. Kirisis (K.C. Alpinus) has been hospitalised in Sweden while attending Nordic Fuzzcon. Her husband, Ocean has been providing updates on Twitter. We’re all hoping the best for Kirisis. I am sure any well-wishes would be gratefully received by Ocean in this difficult time.

I also wish to remind you that we are open for guest blogs across the year. Topics can relate to anything around the furry writing community or furry writing as a whole. Submissions to the blog can be made at this link:

https://forms.gle/icEUzYtZQ5tFE6w47

As usual, we have the current open markets:

Tales From The Guild: Blood And Water – Deadline March 31st 2024
F/F Non Erotic Anthology – Deadline August 31st 2024
Indecent Exposure – Deadline When Full
This Is Halloween – Deadline When Full
Furry Femdom Erotica – Deadline When Full
Isekai Me! – Deadline When Full
Children Of The Night – Deadline When Full
Furry/Lovecraftian/Erotic/University Themed Anthology – Deadline When Full
Beyond Their Pale – Deadline When Full

Please also check out the latest and upcoming releases from guild members:

The Enigma Letters, by Harry Wozzeck. Released February 3rd 2024.
Kelpie Thrall, by Frances Pauli. Released March 3rd 2024.
Quicksilver, by Anastasia Spinet. Released March 6th 2024.
Far Flung, by Utunu. Released July 3rd 2024.

If you are a Furry Writers Guild member and have an upcoming release you would like shared on the blog, please feel free to let us know!

As soon as we have the nominations open for the Coyotl Awards, we’ll be sure to update this blog and share it on our socials. Keep an eye out for that announcement!

Until then, keep safe and happy writing.
J.F.R. Coates

台湾南部首场毛兽贩售会 BeastAges 开创兽迷活动新纪元

We caught this announcement from several places. Here it is from World of Reel: “Pixar is developing a new movie, this one set to be the first musical in the toon company’s history. The movie is titled Ducks and its main characters are exactly what the title suggests. Pixar’s upcoming slate already includes Elio, Toy Story 5, and Inside Out 2 — the latter being released this summer, the other two in 2026. Ducks seems to be eyeing a 2027 launch.” You’ll know when we do!

image c. 2024 Pixar Animation Studios

Recently there was a major announcement from the world Magic: The Gathering, the famous fantasy card game. “Welcome to Valley, the bucolic and vibrant home to the animalfolk of Bloomburrow, Magic‘s first all-animal plane. It’s a place where big adventures await even the smallest who are bold, inquisitive, and heroic, while those with more homespun and peaceable yearnings can enjoy the tranquil life… But peace is endangered in Valley as the delicate balance of nature is threatened, and the elemental calamity beasts and the Great-Night Owl imperil the lives of its inhabitants… The animalfolk will have to band together to defend their homes. Led by Mabel, a mousefolk mother and reluctant hero, a party will strike out to investigate what has befallen a neighboring town. Along the way, they’ll be joined by a remarkable companion from a faraway land.” Keep up with the Wizards of the Coast to find out more. As usual with Magic: The Gathering, the artwork for Bloomburrow is absolutely gorgeous.

image c. 2024 Wizards of the Coast

Social Media: Official FABP Twitter: https://twitter.com/foxandburger Michael: https://twitter.com/foxnakh https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9xoFQrxFTNPMjmXfUg2cg Burger: https://twitter.com/L1ghtningRunner

作者玛丽洛德用人工智能图像作书封面 美国展 Furlandia 取消其嘉宾资格

TigerTails Radio Season 15 Episode 16. Join the Discord Chat: https://discord.gg/SQ5QuRf For a full preview of events and for previous episodes, please visit http://www.tigertailsradio.co.uk. See website for full breakdown of song credits, which is usually updated shortly after the show. If you like what we do and wish to throw some pennies our way to support us, please consider sending a little tip our way. https://streamlabs.com/tigertailsradio/tip * Please note, tips are made to support TigerTails Radio and are assumed as made with good faith, so are therefore non-refundable. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Somehow we missed this new graphic novel, written and illustrated by Norwegian author Dina Norlund. “Syv is a snowcat and the youngest in a family of princes. When his father dies, Syv and his brothers are all in line for the throne. Eager to become kings themselves and wary of how well-liked Syv has become by the citizens, Syv’s brothers send him on a dangerous quest to find the long-lost magical crown that once belonged to their royal ancestor, the Eldking. Legend says that the snowcat who finds the crown will break the curse on their land and bring great honor to the family. But failure could mark Syv with three black stripes, and he’d be banished forever. Along his journey, Syv will face dangerous beasts, dark powers, and the ever-lurking sand foxes — sworn enemies to the snowcats. But when Syv discovers the truth about the legend of the Eldking and his magical crown, he’ll have to learn the new meaning of honor and find another way to break the curse.” The Snowcat Prince is available now from Oni Press.

image c. 2024 Oni Press

1. Introduction
2. Section 1: Understanding Fursuit Teeth
3. Section 2: Designing Your Fursuit Teeth
4. Section 3: Step-by-Step Guide To Making Fursuit Teeth
5. Section 4: Tips & Tricks For Masterful Fursuit Teeth Making

Article Content

• What Is A Fursuit?
• What Are Fursuit Accessories?
• Furry Badge
• Ring
• Collar
• Piercings
• Props
• Name Tag
• Cooling Vest
• Where Can I Buy Fursuit Accessories?
• How Expensive Are Fursuit Accessories?

Introduction

Welcome to your crash course in crafting the perfect set of chompers for your fursuit! Whether you’re aiming to create a grin that’s irresistibly cute or a snarl that’s delightfully fearsome, understanding how to make fursuit teeth is your ticket to elevating your character’s charisma. This guide is all about demystifying the process, ensuring that even beginners can tackle this project with confidence.

Section 1: Understanding Fursuit Teeth

At their core, fursuit teeth are the secret spice that adds flavor to your fursuit’s expression and personality. They’re not just about aesthetics; they’re about bringing your character’s inner world to the outside.

 

Definition and Role

 

Fursuit teeth are the bespoke dental details that give your fursuit’s smile its unique character. Whether you opt for subtle pearly whites or menacing fangs, these additions are key in portraying your character’s species, mood, and personality. It’s all about choosing the right bite to match your furry friend’s bark!

 

Types of Fursuit Teeth

 

Depending on your character’s vibe, you’ll find yourself choosing from a menu of styles:

 

Realistic: 

For those who want to keep it true to life, these teeth mirror the look of actual animals or humans.

 

Toony: 

Go big or go home! These exaggerated teeth are all about fun, adding a cartoonish charm to your suit.

 

Sharp:

Bring out the predator in your character with teeth that scream ‘fierce’.

 

Flat: 

Ideal for the gentle giants of the animal kingdom, flat teeth are all about a softer, kinder look.

A Set of Canine Fursuit Teeth 

Image via Pinterest

Materials Overview

 

Picking the right material for your teeth is like choosing the right tool for a job. Each option has its perks:

 

Polymer Clay: 

 

A fan favorite for its flexibility and the fine detail you can achieve. Plus, it’s tough as nails after baking.

 

Resin: 

 

When you’ve got a winning design, resin lets you replicate it perfectly. It’s durable and customizable with paint or dye.

 

Foam: 

 

Light as a feather, foam is your go-to for those oversized, toony teeth that won’t weigh down your suit.

 

Thermoplastics: 

 

For those who like to play it by ear, these materials are moldable with heat and cool into a solid form, offering a nice balance between ease of use and durability.

 

Choosing your material is about balancing aesthetics, comfort, and practicality. As we move forward, we’ll guide you through each step of the teeth-making process, from sketching out your design to attaching those pearly whites to your fursuit. Get ready to bite into the fun of fursuit crafting!

Section 2: Designing Your Fursuit Teeth

Now that we’ve got the basics down pat, it’s time to sketch, scheme, and sculpt your way to the perfect fursuit teeth. This part of the journey is where your creativity gets to shine, so let’s dive in!

 

Planning Your Design

 

First up, grab your pencil and let your imagination run wild. Sketching your design before you start crafting is like drawing a treasure map; it guides you to your goal. Think about the character your fursuit represents:

 

Are they a sly fox with a cheeky grin?

 

A noble wolf with a dignified demeanor?

 

Maybe a fantastical dragon with teeth that spark fear and awe?

 

Your sketches will help you decide on the size, shape, and style of teeth that best fit your character’s personality. Remember, this is your creation—there are no wrong answers here!

 

Material Selection

 

With your design in hand, it’s time to choose your crafting companion, a.k.a., your material. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

 

• Polymer Clay is your go-to for detailed, hardy teeth.

 

• Resin works wonders for creating multiple copies of a single design.

 

• Foam keeps things light and is perfect for those exaggerated, cartoon-style teeth.

 

• Thermoplastics offer a happy medium, being easy to shape and solid in form.

 

• Consider not just the look you’re going for but also think about the weight and feel of the material in the suit. Comfort is key, after all!

Image of Flatter Fursuit Teeth

Image via Reddit

Safety Considerations

 

A little PSA before you get down to business: safety first! Whether you’re baking, molding, or sculpting, make sure you’re doing it in a well-ventilated area. And always, always read and follow the safety instructions of the materials you’re using. Crafting is a lot less fun with a side of ouch or whoops.

 

Bringing Your Design to Life

 

With your design sketched and your material picked, it’s time to bring those teeth out of your imagination and into the world. Whether you’re molding, sculpting, or carving, keep your sketches close and your creativity closer. This is your moment to play god (or dentist) and craft the bite that brings your character to life.

 

Remember, perfection is not the goal here—expression is. So if your first attempt isn’t quite what you envisioned, no sweat! Every mistake is just a stepping stone to mastering the art of fursuit teeth making.

 

Stay tuned for the next chapter, where we’ll walk through the step-by-step process of crafting those gnashers, from initial sculpt to final attachment. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty (figuratively speaking, of course)—it’s going to be a blast!

• Consider not just the look you’re going for but also think about the weight and feel of the material in the suit. Comfort is key, after all!

From fursuit commissions to art commissions, Fursonafy has your back "They where extremely understanding and patient. They provided fast response times and amazing communication" Edward

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Alright, creative crafters, it’s showtime! You’ve got your design, you’ve chosen your champion material, and now it’s time to get hands-on. Follow these steps to turn that sketch into a snazzy set of fursuit teeth that will make your character smile, snarl, or smirk with style.

 

Step 1: Creating the Mold (If Applicable)

 

If you’re going down the resin route, you’ll start with a mold. Think of it as the blueprint for your masterpiece.

 

Sculpt Your Masterpiece: 

 

Using a material like clay, sculpt the tooth exactly how you want your final product to look.

 

Make Your Mold: 

 

Once your sculpture is just right, use silicone mold-making material to create a mold. Pour the silicone over your sculpted tooth, following the product’s instructions to a T.

 

Cure Time: 

 

Patience is a virtue. Let the mold cure as directed before moving on to casting your teeth.

 

Step 2: Sculpting or Molding

 

For those using polymer clay, foam, or thermoplastics, you’ll sculpt or cut your teeth directly from your material of choice.

 

Polymer Clay: 

 

Get kneading and sculpt the teeth based on your design. Use tools to add details and texture as needed.

 

Foam: 

 

Draw the tooth shape on your foam, then cut it out with precision. You can use sandpaper to smooth edges or shape the foam further.

 

Thermoplastics: 

 

Heat the material according to instructions, mold it to your desired shape, and let it cool into its final form.

Photo of Fursuit Teeth Being Implemented Into A Foam Base

Image via Twitter

Step 3: Baking or Setting

 

Polymer Clay: 

 

Once you’re happy with your sculpted teeth, bake them in the oven according to the clay manufacturer’s instructions. This step is where clay turns into durable teeth.

 

Resin Casting: 

 

Mix and pour your resin into the silicone molds you’ve created, then wait for it to set. Voilà, you’ve got teeth!

 

Step 4: Painting and Finishing Touches

 

Now for the makeup phase, where your teeth get their final look.

 

Painting: 

 

If your material isn’t the color you desire or you’re looking to add details, now’s the time to paint. Use acrylics for polymer clay and resin teeth. Just a few strokes can add that much-needed realism or cartoon effect.

 

Sealing: 

 

Apply a sealant to protect your paint job and give your teeth a glossy or matte finish, depending on your character’s needs.

 

Step 5: Attaching to Your Fursuit

 

You’re in the home stretch! Attach your teeth to the fursuit head using strong adhesive (for hard materials) or by sewing them in place (if you’re using foam). Ensure they’re secure and positioned just right to capture your character’s expression perfectly.

 

And there you have it! Step back and admire your handiwork. Whether your fursuit character is a cheeky trickster with a mischievous grin or a noble beast with a regal smile, those teeth you’ve just crafted are the cherry on top of a fantastic creation.

 

Next up, we’ll share some pro tips and tricks to make the process even smoother and your results even more impressive. Stay tuned, and remember, practice makes perfect—and a bit of playful experimentation makes the journey all the more fun!

Section 4: Tips and Tricks for Masterful Fursuit Teeth Making

Congratulations on making it this far! By now, you’ve got a snazzy set of teeth ready to bring your fursuit’s smile, snarl, or smirk to life. But before we part ways, let’s dive into some insider tips and tricks to elevate your fursuit teeth crafting game. These nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve a professional finish, even on your first try.

 

Embrace the Power of Reference Images

 

Never underestimate the power of a good reference image. Whether you’re aiming for realism or cartoonish charm, having a visual guide can be incredibly helpful. Study images of real animals or artwork to understand how teeth are shaped and how they sit in the mouth. This can inspire your design and help you nail those intricate details.

 

Practice Patience in Sculpting and Curing

 

Patience truly is a virtue in crafting. Take your time when sculpting or molding your teeth. Rushing can lead to mistakes that are hard to correct later. Similarly, give your materials—whether it’s clay, resin, or thermoplastics—the proper time to cure or set. Trying to speed up the process can compromise the quality and durability of your teeth.

 

Experiment with Textures and Finishes

 

Adding texture can make a world of difference in the final look of your teeth. For instance, subtle indentations on polymer clay can mimic the natural grooves of teeth. When painting, consider using a mix of gloss and matte finishes to create a more lifelike appearance, especially if you’re going for realism.

 

Example Realistic Fursuit Teeth 

Image via DeviantArt

Secure Attachment Is Key

 

When attaching the teeth to your fursuit head, ensure they’re not just aesthetically pleasing but also securely fastened. Loose teeth can be a distraction and may even pose a choking hazard. Test different adhesives to find one that works best with your materials, or if sewing, make sure your stitches are tight and hidden.

 

Maintenance Matters

 

Lastly, remember that your fursuit teeth, like the rest of your suit, require care and maintenance. Clean them gently after use, especially if they’re painted, to keep them looking sharp for your next event. Store them in a way that avoids pressure or strain, which could lead to cracks or breaks.

 

Learn from Every Project

 

Each set of teeth you create is an opportunity to learn and improve. Don’t be discouraged by imperfections; instead, view them as stepping stones towards mastering the craft. Share your work with the community, seek feedback, and learn from the experiences of fellow fursuit makers.

 

Armed with these tips and a bit of practice, you’ll be well on your way to crafting fursuit teeth that add the perfect touch to your furry creations. Remember, the journey of crafting is as rewarding as the final product. So keep experimenting, keep learning, and above all, keep having fun with it!

 

That’s a wrap on our beginner’s guide to making fursuit teeth. We hope you’ve found this journey informative and inspiring. Whether you’re new to the furry fandom or looking to hone your crafting skills, remember that every detail you add to your suit makes your character more vibrant and alive. Here’s to many more successful crafting adventures ahead!

 

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Author

Xege Kheiru

Jennifer is an ex-costume designer turned fursuit maker, better known by her fursona's name Xege Kheiru. Under this alias she has written extensively for the Fursonafy blog and many others on the topic of fursuit making and general information about the furry fandom.

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The post A Beginner’s Guide to Making Fursuit Teeth appeared first on Fursonafy.

We love the first line of this description: “In a world where nightmares are more than just bad dreams, stuffies are the last line of defense against the things that go bump in the night. When Becky Burns experiences a great loss, a stuffie named Fenny is assigned to protect her. But Fenny soon realizes that she may be in over her head, and it may be more than just monsters that Becky is facing.” Keepsakers: Defenders of the Dark is a new black & white graphic novel written and illustrated by Tayson Martindale (the artist behind Thunderfrog). It’s available now in paperback from Invader Comics.

image c. 2024 Invader Comics

现代兽圈文化先驱马克-梅里诺去世，享年 71 岁

For those who don’t know you, can you introduce yourself and your work?
Hello! My name is Cedric G! Bacon, or occasionally Batced but primarily by the former. I am a writer and editor, former publisher of Thurston Howl Publications, and you might’ve seen my work in things like Furry Trash, Foxers and Fur-iefs, Lost in Time, Leave the Lights On, ROAR 11, and Thrill of the Hunt. I’m something of a bat-of-all trades, writing where an idea takes me, but I’m probably best known for horror and erotica, sometimes merging both.

Do you see a difference between diversity of authors and diversity of characters? Or are they intrinsically linked? Are there any common failings you see amongst furry fiction?
I think usually when you’re writing about diversity it helps to have knowledge of the subject so that your character would ring true instead of seeming like a trope or a just a stock character plucked from your brain’s casting call. I remember reading the book Trigger Warning by William W. and J.A. Johnstone (never mind the fact that William Johnstone, famous for his western novels, had been dead for almost twenty years when that book came out and so his relative uses the older man’s name on “new” work) which was replete with condemnations of the higher education and even diversity classes, which are shown to be ridiculous and coddling and rewarding for the most minimal of efforts, including a scene where the “protagonist” is made to feel shame for being a war veteran. I think the author—whom I suspect is someone in their 60s—just regurgitated whatever it is they’re spoonfed through far-right media and believed that that’s what diversity and especially the need for diverse conversation, is really like, and after reading I was just left uncomfortable that there are people who would rather retain the status quo as it is instead of trying to make changes to broaden diverse opportunities where there might not be any.

As welcoming as furry fiction is, I do think there is this absence that keeps diversity from being much wider than it is. There are some truly well meaning individuals but it’s almost like not enough gets spotlighted or put out and it is a shame really. Part of that also falls on those who could have a voice and a platform but do not use it, or perhaps have used it and are burnt out by it. That I can understand due to how hard it can be trying to make the conversation happen and you’re met by many walls and find you can’t quite cross the bridge you’d like to make inroads. Little by little it will get better I feel as more will come to the fandom and wish to write stories that do showcase more voices that you would not typically find, but it does take time. Which I also do think is on our side.

Do you believe progress has been made in the last few years?
Slowly and surely it has, but not nearly enough. When we ran Difursity Volume 2 through THP, our turnout was not as plentiful as we would’ve liked. However, I think we do have many essayists and non-fiction writers coming into the fold who have many things to say and ideas, so where Difursity Volume 2 did not have as much widespread reach as its predecessor, it did get a lot of ideas going for some that “Hey, I can express myself and my thoughts on this topic without fear of being shut down for being ‘uppity’.” I would love to see some more of that happen, and I would gladly do my part as well to get the engines roaring on more diverse volumes and work in the furry fiction community.

Does the degree of anonymity of a fursona being your public face help or hinder your goals as an author in the furry community?
I think engagement and talking with others and making connections helps in the furry community, as a lot of interactions do tend to be behind screens and keyboards so that face begins merging with the real person behind the fursona, so that even if your fursona is a winged canine-dragon creature and that’s not who you are offline away from the furry community, it doesn’t really make anyone who is already a fan or coming to know you think different about you. Your goals, I think, are what you want of them, and for me in the furry community, my goals were at the start to get back into writing after a long spell away, make connections with my peers, share some ideas with said peers, and learn new things along the way…maybe about the craft I’ve devoted a chunk of my life to or even about myself and my own worldviews. But as for if that degree of anonymity has helped or hindered those goals? I think they have helped, but it had to take a lot on my part to let any masks or walls come down and trust the other parties I conversed with, same as I imagine it would be for them when talking to me. It would only hinder if I was not able to do that and trust my peers and open up when needing help or advice, or actually developing friendships with a few I’ve been grateful enough to meet in person.

What do you think is the most important thing for a writer to do when considering diversity?
Patience. Absolutely the most important thing to keep in mind. If a writer is thinking about diversity, think first about what means and don’t make any assumptions and just do the first thing that you think you may know about diversity. Look around, talk to folk who have more experience or have some insight about their own struggles for diverse conversations.

There is this whole thing about “woke” but it’s a corruption of what it actually meant to be woke, in that it means keeping one’s eyes open at all times to the situation be it to the injustices racial, social, or political (and that’s a clue that anyone who is using the term to slag something that they don’t like with the most bad faith argument, you know that is someone to definitely side-eye). But when I say that it does matter to stay woke, it means exactly what it was supposed to mean, especially when thinking about diversity and ask yourself as that writer about why is there so much anger among marginalized communities and voices, and especially to stay woke and read the room to know that even though the answer may be complicated to discover, you as the writer will have an understanding about diversity and that need for more diverse voices instead of ones that regurgitate points that do not challenge anything or make efforts to make changes.

What book featuring diverse characters and/or written by a diverse author would you most recommend to people?
Not a book though it was based upon a book, so I’m going to cheat a little here, but I do think many should check out the 2020 HBO series Lovecraft Country, inspired by the book of the same name by Matt Ruff. By title alone would probably be put off by it due to the legacy which surrounds author H.P. Lovecraft and his very loud statements on race both in his letters and in his fiction, but that is actually something that is worked to the show’s advantage, as the main protagonist is a young black man who too has to grapple with being a fan of Lovecraft while knowing full well Lovecraft might not have enjoyed having him as a fan.

Executive produced by a woman of color in Misha Green, and with one of the producers being Jordan Peele, it already ticks of the box of diversity in a big way, but goes a step further with its cast, with Jurnee Smollett (whom I rather enjoyed as the real star of Birds of Prey when shy played Dinah Lance/Black Canary) alongside Jonathan Majors, Michael K. Williams, Jamie Chung, it furthers having diverse voices and roles with its focus on a young black man (played by Majors) and his family’s life in 1950s America, which is stark and uncompromising in its vocal disdain for people of color (loudly at that time, muted but still unfortunately in existence now) and right off the jump in the first episode, you have a scene involving a chase out of town by a lynch mob and threats of being lynched by racist policemen when the protagonists don’t leave a sundown town by the required time.

Rather than be a straight adaptation of the novel, the series makes many, many changes by giving more roles for women and dropping some plotlines that were wayward in the novel and making things streamlined and tight. But one of the things that I did find to be a triumph was using the 1921 Tulsa race massacre as a major plot point, but the intriguing parts are the character development in this one episode that focuses on family, homosexuality, abuse, and how sometimes the roots of generational evil isn’t found in some dusty old tome like the Necronomicon, that it can be found within us as the individual unless we break the cycle. The show is violent, brilliantly choreographed, uncompromising in its language and historical framing (another episode takes place during the funeral for Emmett Till, and while we in the modern age can’t quite comprehend the real horror and drama of what happened to him, much like the Tulsa massacre using it in fiction I hope inspires the curious to look further and read and remember and equally never forget, hoping it doesn’t happen to someone else), sexuality and identity, all packed within ten episodes that, four years later, I still think was the greatest TV show on the subject of diversity I’ve ever watched.

And finally, where can we find your works?
I’m in the process of getting them uploaded to furaffinity and SoFurry, so just stay tuned for that eventual update. In the meantime, if you have these in your bookshelves, find me in:
Ironclaw: Book of Legends (“The Black City”)
Furry Trash (“One Night Last Summer”)
Slashers (“Komakino”)
Thrill of the Hunt (“Silhouettes”)
Foxers and Fur-iefs (“Getchoo”)
Lost in Time (“Spear and Fang”)
Leave the Lights On (“Wormwood”, “Old Garfield’s Debt”, “The Shambler in the Dark”)
The Electric Sewer (“The Jack”)
Species: Wildcats (“Wanderlust”)
Howloween (“Venus in White”)
Howloween 2 (“Upon Thy Grave”)
Swept Under the Fur Rug (“Ikezu”)
Furmiliar Spaces (“El Scorcho”, prequel to “Getchoo” in Foxers and Fur-iefs)
The Furry Cookbook (“The Flower of Carnage”)
ROAR 11 (“Poyekhali!”)
Furries Hate Nazis (“The Battler”)
12 Days of Yiffmas (“Yule Carol”)
Paw-ly Love (“Catch a Wave”)

Dear Papabear,

I have been thinking about learning quadrobics for a while [Papabear notes: "quadrobics" is the physical activity of running and other performaces while on all fours; it is typically a therian behavior, although some regular furries indulge as well]. I've always been more connected to my animals and fursona than I have been to my human self. I want to learn and be able to do it in school hallways, but I'm not sure how others will respond. Can you help me find a way to express my animalistic side to my peers?

Hazel (age 14)

* * *

Dear Hazel,

Unless you want to set yourself up for being mocked and hated, I would urge you to not try to "express" your "animalistic side" to the general public, whether at school or elsewhere, especially in a state like Texas, which is very conservative (this is a state where a student recently got expelled for growing their hair too long even though they kept it tied up and off her face during school, so imagine how they'd react to therian behavior). Such behavior in a school would likely not be tolerated by school officials. So, just don't. DON'T. DO. IT.

And, anyway, why would you want to? My first guess would be that, like so many people, you wish to be recognized as different and special, to get attention and, maybe, even adoration for your skills. We all like to feel special and to get attention, but believe me, please, you would only be setting yourself up for attacks and hate from people who don't understand furries or therians.

There is a time and a place for everything. School is not a place to act like a furry (or therian or otherkin, for that matter). American schools are where citizens get trained to conform, to be good cogs in the capitalist machinery. The social environment of the hallways, playgrounds, and classrooms of a school (in America, at least, but I'm sure in other countries as well) are a horror show of one-upmanship, cliques, posturing, bullying, teasing, and even physical violence against anyone who is different or seen as weak or weird. 

What IS the place for wearing fursuit gear or practicing quadrobics? Anywhere you can get together with people who have similar interests is great, but if you can't do that, I would suggest you practice your quadrobics in private places, such as in the woods (if available), at your home, or in other secluded places (as long as you feel safe there).

So, stop this notion at once that you somehow need to show your animal side to your peers unless you enjoy getting beaten up, made fun of, or being seen as a social outcast (the kind of person you see eating alone during lunch hour and getting tripped in the hallways).

Is that a harsh response by Papabear? I suppose, sadly, it is, but, Hazel, this is the world we live in. This is why people like you and me enter the furry fandom so that we can be among our true peers who will accept and love who we are.

Hugs,
Papabear