Books

ALT - Pseudonymous Work

Published under a pen name. HARD MODE: The author generally never writes under their own name.

Debut Work:

An author’s first work. HARD MODE: The author is widely regarded as having a profound impact on the genre/topic.

Local to You:

The author lives in or writes about a location local to you (city, state, province, territory, etc.). HARD MODE: The author has spent a significant amount of time there, but wasn't born there.

Stranger in a Strange Land:

The primary PoV is dropped into a completely unfamiliar situation or location. HARD MODE: Not portal fiction or isekai.

There Is Another…:

Not the first in a series. HARD MODE: Series has 5 or more entries.

Bookception:

Features a book-related aspect. HARD MODE: Something other than a book, like an author or library.

Water, Water Everywhere

The title refers to some form or body of water. HARD MODE: Not liquid water.

ALT - A Change in Perspective

Written in third-person perspective. HARD MODE: Second-person perspective.

Disability Representation:

A main character has or gains a disability to which they must adapt. This disability must be grounded in reality: if a 4,000 year old Prince of the Shokan lost an arm, that would count; if he became a werewolf, it would not. HARD MODE: The piece is at least partially from their perspective.

Questions, Complaints, Whines, General Commentary, Shitposting

Older Than You Are

Published before your birthdate. HARD MODE: Published before 1924.

Now a Major Motion Picture:

The work has been adapted into a show or single episode, movie, play, audio drama, or other format. HARD MODE: The adaptation is regarded as better than the original work.

What’s Yours Is Mine:

Theft, piracy, fraud, or espionage is a major topic or plot point. HARD MODE: No MacGuffins.

One Less:

A book that’s been on your TBR list for a long time. HARD MODE: Overlaps with at least one other bingo square theme.

It’s About Time:

The passage or manipulation of time is a major theme or plot driver. HARD MODE: Backward in time, not forward.

Among the Stars:

Features space, astronomy, or stardom. HARD MODE: The title references the theme, too.

Eazy, Breazy, Read-zie:

A light, popcorn-worthy read that’s not real deep (see also “beach read” and “airport novel”). HARD MODE: You actually read it while on a vacation/staycation.

Mashup:

A combination of two or more genres or non-fiction topics. HARD MODE: Unusual combo, like fantasy thriller.