shadowriel

[shadowriel]

2024 Fic Writer End of Year Roundup

Answer and then tag three or more creators to keep the game going!

Thanks to everyone who tagged me! I've been a bit out of touch with the fandom this year, but I always love this community we've made ourselves. If you see this or are mentioned below, consider yourself tagged!

1. How many words did you publish on AO3 in 2024?

Almost 22k

2. How many fics did you complete this year?

Just 1 (but it was a banger!)

3. How many in progress or ongoing fics did you start this year?

I've started 3 new fics, adding to my ever growing list of WIPs

4. What was your favorite thing you wrote?

Whiskey Over Wine (aka the country Feysand AU I didn't know I needed). It's completely self-indulgent but also incredibly descriptive and well-written?? I'm currently drafting the Nessian instalment, and it's reminding me how much I love the setting.

5. What piece was your most experimental or different from your usual style?

Probably Until Sunrise, which was my gift exchange fic for @witchlingsandwyverns. I am normally a modern AU girlie, but I really thought the perfect gift would stray from that and incorporate the kind of emotions/dynamics that work better in a different setting. I'm so so happy with how it's turning out so far - I think it's a great combination of my typical banter with an added level of yearning!

6. Did any fics surprise you - either while writing or their reception?

is this what home feels like? which is the recent Feysand nanny/single dad AU I started. I've had this idea at the back of my mind for forever, and it really surprised me when all the bubbling thoughts finally clicked into place.

7. Do you have a fic you wrote and loved that went under the radar? (This is your sign to reblog/repost it!)

Maybe is this what home feels like? ... I was too anxious to make a Tumblr post about it, so it was a bit under the radar in terms of me talking about it

8. Who is an artist that inspired you?

So, so many! @witchlingsandwyverns and @velidewrites come to mind, but I have a million pieces of fanart that live in my head rent-free. I don't know if they have Tumblr but @/flavie5dub on IG has me in the best kind of chokehold.

9. Who is an author that inspired you?

Can I just tag everyone for this??

@howlingcaptaincommando (@talons-and-teeth) directly helped contributed to the brain rot that is masked!Az in from the ghost of your lips (to the haunting of mine). I genuinely heard @tunaababee shrieking about Cowboy!Rhys as I wrote Whiskey Over Wine, so that was incredibly motivating.

And these people inspired me in so so many ways: @yourstarsmyscars @thesistersarcheron @foundress0fnothing @damedechance @wilde-knight @separatist-apologist @the-lonelybarricade @reverie-tales @bearbluebooks @witch-and-her-witcher @thelovelymadone @foreverinelysian (and genuinely everyone in UBC)

10. Who is a new author you discovered?

I'm pretty sure this is the first year I read a fic by @bibliophiliaxvignette , and I was lucky enough to have her as my secret Santa for the gift exchange! Our vibes match so well, so her writing has been an amazing discovery.

And @the-new-ribbon! Their gwynriel makes me such a giggling mess, and I love it!

11. Did you do any collaborations? How did it start?

None this year!

12. What accomplishments are you proudest of?

My proudest accomplishment is that I actually found joy in writing! 2024 was an incredibly challenging year for me and, for most of it, writing felt impossible, but I'm glad there were times that it provided a much needed escape.

13. What did you learn about writing or creating this year?

It's an ongoing lesson, but I've been realizing more about how to make writing more sustainable for me. Like in many aspects of my life, I push myself too hard and that often leads to burnout. That's definitely something I'm working on.

14. Any advice you’d like to share with new or aspiring writers?

Above all else, have fun! Write the kind of fics you want to write, and try not to get lost in the struggles of writing "better" or producing more content.

15. What are your creative goals for 2025?

To not put too much pressure on myself!

I'd also really like to reprioritize all my old WIPs and give myself permission to abandon some (even if I feel myself attached to them). Beyond that, I've been dying to do a full re-write for the STEMinist fics (but that may be something for 2026)

[shadowriel]

I will never stop gushing about how much I love this fic! It’s everything I love about gwynriel and more, written in a way that’s equally swoony and heartfelt. Thank you so, so much for such an amazing Christmas gift 💗

Final Chapter of Pinky Promise is up!

This has been so fun to write and I'm so thankful to @shadowriel for giving me the inspiration and the opportunity to write this! This is the first multi-chapter fic that I've finished, so I'm super excited!

A HUGE shout out to @temperedink beta reading for me and being an absolute gem. Don't think I'd have finished this without her!

Read on AO3 | Snippet below

When Gwyn opened the door, she looked panicked. As if she wasn’t sure how Azriel had guessed that she ran away to her own home, of all places. Or she was afraid he would storm inside and ransack the place. 

“Gwyneth, I told you I wasn’t going to let you leave my bedroom ever again. What was unclear about that sentence?” 

She huffed and rolled her eyes and he couldn’t hold back a smirk. 

There she is. 

[shadowriel]

I am so so glad you’re enjoying the fic so far!! Your comments and enthusiasm were honestly like my own Christmas gift. I feel incredibly lucky to have had such an amazing giftee, so THANK YOU for that 💖

Until Sunrise

Chapter 1: fates entwined like thread

Summary: Unable to sleep, Gwyneth Berdara decides that it’s time to find her royal guard a new hobby. Yet, between the palace grounds and a rundown tavern, her relationship with Azriel morphs into something more.

A/n: @witchlingsandwyverns It's me, your secret Santa! I'm incredibly excited and honoured to be able to give you this gift. I definitely had a fangirl moment when I realized I was assigned to you, and I've had so much fun getting to know you better over the past couple months. I hope this fic gives you a "hit of the goodshit."

Read here on AO3, and a snippet below:

Maybe it’s the late hour or the need for company, but that desire sparks aflame in her. It makes her fingers tingle as she sets her book aside. It burns the pads of her bare feet as she hurries across the ice cold marble flooring and pulls the door to her room open.

The effort forces a soft sound from her lips.

In response, Azriel turns on his heels to face her. Not startled, but surprised as he pauses mid-step. His hazel eyes widen, already scanning the space beyond them. A lifetime of training has ingrained the trait into him—to always be on guard, to routinely assess for perceived threats.

“Are you alright?” he asks, voice low. He strides towards her, a single scarred hand coming to rest atop the dagger fastened at his hip.

Gwyn nods, a quick dip of her chin. “I am.”

When he doesn’t respond immediately, she does what feels most natural and presses her palm flat against his broad chest. She applies the slightest amount of pressure, drawing his attention.

“Azriel, I’m perfectly fine.” With her free hand, Gwyn gestures to herself. “See?”

His gaze dips downwards at that, dark lashes fluttering like the beat of delicate wings. At the sight of her nightgown, Azriel’s brown skin flushes an enticing shade of pink. The colour only deepens as his eyes linger on the hand wedged between them before shifting to settle on her face. 

“Perfectly fine,” he repeats. His features remain stoic, except his tongue poking at the inside of his cheek. 

For the @acotargiftexchange

And bringing back some form of a gwynriel taglist: @foundress0fnothing @captain-of-the-gwynriel-ship @trashforazriel @sv0430 @sunshinebingo @shadowsxgwynriel @thelovelymadone @damedechance @talons-and-teeth @corcracrow @bibliophiliaxvignette

[shadowriel]

Until Sunrise

Chapter 1: fates entwined like thread

Summary: Unable to sleep, Gwyneth Berdara decides that it’s time to find her royal guard a new hobby. Yet, between the palace grounds and a rundown tavern, her relationship with Azriel morphs into something more.

A/n: @witchlingsandwyverns It's me, your secret Santa! I'm incredibly excited and honoured to be able to give you this gift. I definitely had a fangirl moment when I realized I was assigned to you, and I've had so much fun getting to know you better over the past couple months. I hope this fic gives you a "hit of the goodshit."

Read here on AO3, and a snippet below:

Maybe it’s the late hour or the need for company, but that desire sparks aflame in her. It makes her fingers tingle as she sets her book aside. It burns the pads of her bare feet as she hurries across the ice cold marble flooring and pulls the door to her room open.

The effort forces a soft sound from her lips.

In response, Azriel turns on his heels to face her. Not startled, but surprised as he pauses mid-step. His hazel eyes widen, already scanning the space beyond them. A lifetime of training has ingrained the trait into him—to always be on guard, to routinely assess for perceived threats.

“Are you alright?” he asks, voice low. He strides towards her, a single scarred hand coming to rest atop the dagger fastened at his hip.

Gwyn nods, a quick dip of her chin. “I am.”

When he doesn’t respond immediately, she does what feels most natural and presses her palm flat against his broad chest. She applies the slightest amount of pressure, drawing his attention.

“Azriel, I’m perfectly fine.” With her free hand, Gwyn gestures to herself. “See?”

His gaze dips downwards at that, dark lashes fluttering like the beat of delicate wings. At the sight of her nightgown, Azriel’s brown skin flushes an enticing shade of pink. The colour only deepens as his eyes linger on the hand wedged between them before shifting to settle on her face. 

“Perfectly fine,” he repeats. His features remain stoic, except his tongue poking at the inside of his cheek. 

For the @acotargiftexchange

And bringing back some form of a gwynriel taglist: @foundress0fnothing @captain-of-the-gwynriel-ship @trashforazriel @sv0430 @sunshinebingo @shadowsxgwynriel @thelovelymadone @damedechance @talons-and-teeth @corcracrow @bibliophiliaxvignette

[shadowriel]

Chapter 2 of Pinky Promise is up!! @acotargiftexchange @shadowriel

Chapter Summary: Gwyn gets smashed and calls our favorite Grump.

Read on AO3

“Gwyneth?” His voice was hoarse, surprised, and Gwyn could have sworn there was a hint of concern there. 

“The job is mine, Assriel.” 

There was a moment of deafening silence. 

“Assriel.” 

“You heard me.” 

“You’re drunk,” a statement, not a question. She could hear humor in his voice. 

“Besides the point.” 

“Where are you?”

Gwyn scoffed. “Don’t change the subject!”

“Gwyneth. Where. Are. You.”

[shadowriel]

Ohmygoshhh babe I genuinely squeaked out loud when I saw this notification!! I’ve only just read the description and am filled with such immense gratitude that I’m tearing up. You really plucked my dream fic from my heart and typed it out. I can’t wait to devour every last word!! I’ll see you in the comments and of course in your DMs!!

To my wonderful @acotargiftexchange giftee @shadowriel I am so excited to reveal myself!! I couldn't wait a moment longer! When I saw you were my giftee I was thrilled! I am a huge fan of your writing and fangirled for a moment. It has been such a joy getting to know you and I hope we key smash in each others DMs from now on because your taste is impeccable and I love you.

My gift to you is Pinky Promise, a spicy and sweet workplace rivals Gwynriel inspired by everything that is good about romcoms. I took inspiration from Ali Hazelwood, Sally Thorne, and Emily Henry and I hope it makes you giggle and kick your feet like all romcoms should!

Snippet below the cut! Read on AO3

Speed walking as quickly as she could into her office, Gwyn huffed as she dropped her overlarge purse onto her messy desk.

“You’re late.”

She spun to glare at her office mate.

“I am two minutes late.” She snapped.

“You still used the word late in that sentence, Berdara.”

Azriel smoothly stood and strolled around his desk to lean against it with his arms crossed, staring at her.

Gwyn rolled her eyes, refusing to admit she didn’t have a retort to that.

Also a huge shout out to @temperedink for being my beta reader and my cheerleader all throughout this process!

[shadowriel]

Okay here's a little tidbit!!

I'm getting so excited for you to read it! 🎄❤️

+++++++++++

Speed walking as quickly as she could into her office, Gwyn huffed as she dropped her overlarge purse onto her messy desk. 

“You’re late.” 

She spun to glare at her office mate. 

“I am two minutes late.” She snapped. 

“You still used the word late in that sentence, Berdara.” 

Azriel smoothly stood and strolled around his desk to lean against it with his arms crossed, staring at her. 

Gwyn rolled her eyes, refusing to admit she didn’t have a retort to that.

Ohmygosh are we getting gwynriel workplace rivals?! Either way I’m already obsessed!

The dynamic between them is so perfect here. I can already get hints of what I’m guessing may be slightly chaotic, flustered Gwyn and effortlessly smooth (and annoyingly perfect??) Az. I can’t wait to see what you do with them! I’m shrieking and sending you kisses through my phone screen 😘

[shadowriel]

Bestie!! It's been a minute. I am finally feeling the creative juices flowing and I'm getting so excited!

I'm wondering if you would like a snippet of your gift? Or would you like to be totally surprised?

Your Santa🎄❤️

Eeek I’m so excited too! I’m definitely not saying no to snippets - I’ll gladly devour anything you send my way 💗

[shadowriel]

Azriel Week | Day 2 - Scarred

@azrielappreciationweek

ੈ✩‧₊˚

Azriel and Gwyn are drawing hearts and constellations to each other’s hands.

ੈ✩‧₊˚

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A post shared by PositiveWitch🌙 (@positivewitch)

[shadowriel]

blood is romantic you guys are just cowards

[shadowriel]

Okay some holiday themed questions!!

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

What was the best part of your day today?

And a Gwynriel themed one! What do you think they would get each other for Winter Solstice?🎄❤️

Hello!! So many great questions!

It’s not a movie, but the show Dash & Lily is slowly becoming an essential Christmas re-watch for me! It might be my favourite, but I also really love the Home Alone movies for nostalgic reasons.

One of my favourite holiday traditions is when my siblings and I try to stay up all night on Christmas Eve. There’s usually midnight baking and board games and Christmas movies, and we always have lots of fun.

I’m just waking up this morning, so I’ll say the best part of yesterday. It was overall a great day, but the best thing was the bubble bath I treated myself to in the evening!

Ooh solstice gifts? I always imagine Az getting Gwyn a weapon or books. Either way, he probably spent months finding the perfect gift and it’s something that ends up being incredibly meaningful to Gwyn.

I think Gwyn would give Az something handmade. She thinks it’s silly and he absolutely adores it. A friendship bracelet maybe?! One he never takes off.. Ugh I love them!

Hope your day is amazing! ❤️

[shadowriel]

Okay a productive Secret Santa message will come but I just had to tell you that I’m rereading LOTB (thank you) and I forgot how oblivious Bee is! 🙄😂 love her tho

PS we most definitely will be key smashing in each others DMs once all is revealed!! 🎄❤️

Ahaha she is SO oblivious (but yes we still love her)!

Sending you all the best wishes for the week ahead 💗💗

[shadowriel]

House of Wind squad x Star Wars 🎃

Art by me

Nessian as Han Solo and Princess Leia

Gwyn as Rey

Emerie as Ahsoka

[shadowriel]

from the ghost of your lips (to the haunting of mine)

→ Chapter 1: MASK ON (Read on AO3)

Pairing: Gwynriel

Summary: The rules of the haunted maze should be simple: no using electronics of any kind, no climbing the walls, no touching the actors. Yet Gwyneth Berdara has a difficult time keeping her hands to herself when a man dressed as the Grim Reaper catches her attention... and follows her inside.

Read a snippet below:

Audibly swallowing, she digs out eight dollars in cash and swiftly places it in his upturned hand. Her fingertips brush against his stark black gloves in the process, against the leather that stings with the icy cold of the wind. A gasp threatens to escape her, but she bites down on her bottom lip to stifle the sound.

The Reaper is silent—for all of one moment—and Gwyn wonders if he felt it, too. The shock of electricity sparked by the barest touch, that leaves her wishing she could do it again. 

“You may have seen it on the waiver,” he says finally, “but I must remind you of the rules.”

Gwyn leans forward until she’s perched on the tip of her toes, attracted by the gravity of him.

“No using electronics of any kind. No climbing the walls. No touching the actors.”

He tilts his head down towards her. As his hood shifts, Gwyn catches a glint of mischief in his darkening hazel eyes.

“And if you didn’t hear that, I’ll say it again.” He draws out each word in a gravelly rasp. Another dare, Gwyn can’t help but think, as he says, “No touching the actors.”

Gwyn nods absently, unable to stop herself from misconstruing his warning as an invitation. Erratic thoughts flood her mind in successive flashes: leather gloves digging into the skin of her thighs, that masked face panting harsh breaths against her neck, those beautiful eyes devouring her whole, pupils expanding until even the flecks of gold in his irises appear black. 

But she signed a waiver, she reminds herself. The Reaper just said as much.

And yet…

And yet, it sounds like he needs her to touch him. Like he craves being the one to grant permission when she finds herself desperate to give in.

Gwyn lets a hint of that desperation show. That desire that he seems to match. She peers at him through long lashes, not bothering to hide the sweltering heat of her gaze.

Teetering on what feels like the edge of more, she watches as the Reaper’s fingers strain against the waiver he still holds. The paper crumples at the edges, one bad decision away from being torn to shreds.

Ever the professional, however, he clears his throat and continues speaking in an unwavering voice. “You’ll know you’ve reached the far end of the maze when you see a white ribbon on the gate overhead.”

He folds Gwyn’s waiver in half, then precise quarters. Then folds it again.

Stepping aside, he uses the paper to gesture towards the maze’s entrance. She’s met with another flash of his eyes. This time, paired with a wink.

“Good luck,” he tells her. 

And then Nesta loops her arm around Gwyn, and pulls her inside.

[shadowriel]

from the ghost of your lips (to the haunting of mine)

→ Chapter 1: MASK ON (Read on AO3)

Pairing: Gwynriel

Summary: The rules of the haunted maze should be simple: no using electronics of any kind, no climbing the walls, no touching the actors. Yet Gwyneth Berdara has a difficult time keeping her hands to herself when a man dressed as the Grim Reaper catches her attention... and follows her inside.

Read a snippet below:

Audibly swallowing, she digs out eight dollars in cash and swiftly places it in his upturned hand. Her fingertips brush against his stark black gloves in the process, against the leather that stings with the icy cold of the wind. A gasp threatens to escape her, but she bites down on her bottom lip to stifle the sound.

The Reaper is silent—for all of one moment—and Gwyn wonders if he felt it, too. The shock of electricity sparked by the barest touch, that leaves her wishing she could do it again. 

“You may have seen it on the waiver,” he says finally, “but I must remind you of the rules.”

Gwyn leans forward until she’s perched on the tip of her toes, attracted by the gravity of him.

“No using electronics of any kind. No climbing the walls. No touching the actors.”

He tilts his head down towards her. As his hood shifts, Gwyn catches a glint of mischief in his darkening hazel eyes.

“And if you didn’t hear that, I’ll say it again.” He draws out each word in a gravelly rasp. Another dare, Gwyn can’t help but think, as he says, “No touching the actors.”

Gwyn nods absently, unable to stop herself from misconstruing his warning as an invitation. Erratic thoughts flood her mind in successive flashes: leather gloves digging into the skin of her thighs, that masked face panting harsh breaths against her neck, those beautiful eyes devouring her whole, pupils expanding until even the flecks of gold in his irises appear black. 

But she signed a waiver, she reminds herself. The Reaper just said as much.

And yet…

And yet, it sounds like he needs her to touch him. Like he craves being the one to grant permission when she finds herself desperate to give in.

Gwyn lets a hint of that desperation show. That desire that he seems to match. She peers at him through long lashes, not bothering to hide the sweltering heat of her gaze.

Teetering on what feels like the edge of more, she watches as the Reaper’s fingers strain against the waiver he still holds. The paper crumples at the edges, one bad decision away from being torn to shreds.

Ever the professional, however, he clears his throat and continues speaking in an unwavering voice. “You’ll know you’ve reached the far end of the maze when you see a white ribbon on the gate overhead.”

He folds Gwyn’s waiver in half, then precise quarters. Then folds it again.

Stepping aside, he uses the paper to gesture towards the maze’s entrance. She’s met with another flash of his eyes. This time, paired with a wink.

“Good luck,” he tells her. 

And then Nesta loops her arm around Gwyn, and pulls her inside.

[shadowriel]

I love modern AUs that are like. So specific. I just read a fanfic where the characters were pharm techs in a CVS. The author described their job vividly, from organizing meds to collecting insurance info. It’s so evident that either they’re in that field or are really passionate about it and I love that like okay OP go write about your life to me I’ll read your memoir delivered in fanfic AU style.

[shadowriel]

When I say that I was shocked and delighted that you said you would marry smut and fuck angst....obsessed.

I feel like you're my long lost best friend. I am resonating so much with what you're saying. The Nanny was such a fundamental piece of my childhood! I also adore early 2000s rom-coms, love Hozier, and LOVE Ali Hazelwood. And Book Lovers is my favorite Emily Henry book by far. I think my favorite part of Emily Henry (and book lovers specifically) is how much I fall for her characters. When I'm reading one of her books, the characters feel like well loved friends that are telling me their story.

Could you tell me what it is about Love on the Brain that you love? And also Book Lovers?

I just got home from a loooooong day of class. And now I'm fighting the battle of resting tonight or getting ahead on some assignments...the constant struggle. 🎄❤️

omg maybe when all is revealed, we can shriek with each other in our DMs?!

I love so much about those books! They're generally light-hearted and fun, but I think the emotional depth and the connections between the characters is what has really stuck with me. In Love on the Brain, there's that huge paragraph sent between characters that lives in my head rent-free. And there's this sort-of quiet comfort in that book, when they're making space for each other in their lives. Like when they're simply existing in the same place? I eat that up.. (and have been trying to re-create that feeling in my own LOTB-inspired fic).

I enjoy similar things about Book Lovers. I love the chemistry between the leads and the emphasis on the sister's relationship. There's just something about that book that fills my heart in the best possible way, especially when Emily Henry leans into the trope of "unlovable" characters and lets them fall in love so deeply that you can't imagine it any other way. Ughhh I just re-read this book, and now I'm tempted to go back and read it again!

I feel you on the long-day of classes! Rest is always so much better, but I usually end up wishing I'd done something productive. But I'm often catching up, not getting ahead haha.