#I am saying this as both an avid fanfic reader

[thateclecticbitch]

Stede and Ed are literally both fem in their own ways yall just need to stop using queer men's self-expression as a justification for why they have to imitate heterosexual bedroom dynamics in your fanfiction.

[sicklyworm]

Hi yes I would like to hear your thoughts on Shang Qinghua and his characterization (both in canon and in fanfic). I've always really enjoyed the fics with the like,, BAMF!Shang Qinghua tag, but i also can't decide if his cowardice is an act or not, if that makes sense? Or if it's a bit of both.

Oh my gosh thank you for this ask. Please forgive me anon for the absolute rant that's about to happen because of it!!!

I'm going to break down this ask into chunks so properly and thoroughly answer every part of it!

Starting with,

SQH's cannon characterization:

I spent several hours trying to type out a good yet manageable description of his characterization but I found that no matter how hard I try it's a bit too long for a reasonable Tumblr post.

So instead of just ditching this like a normal person I instead started on a essay going over Shang Qinghua's characterization with quotes and analysis!

At the moment of posting it is not currently completed but I'll make sure to reblog this post with the link to the document once it's done!

Now moving on to,

SQH's characterization in fanfiction:

I'm an avid fanfiction reader myself so I see a plethora of different authors writing different arcs for SQH so obviously he's going to act differently in each one.

The thing I think makes or breaks alot of fanfiction with him is whether the author can properly distinguish between their voice and his. As a highly relatable character a lot of us writers can have a pretty hard time distinguishing him as a character from ourselves! When this happens writers can accidentally take bits and pieces of themselves that don't quite match up with him and kind of force them into the characterization of him!

There's also like the cases of hyperfeminization or character bashing but I feel like those are more of a generalized problem then something SQH specific.

Next is,

Is SQH actually a coward or was it just an act?

This question was one I wrestled with quite a bit when I was first starting to dissect his character.

He plays dead and grovels easily when he feels threatened yet displays tremendous courage when it has to do with MBJ. Whether it be saving MBJ from falling to his death or from MBJ'S own uncle, he is necessarily putting himself in danger just for the safety of someone else.

These behaviors by definition conflict with SQH being a coward but It still feels incomplete to just say "he's not a coward case closed." Because he does act incredibly pathetically at times and has betrayed quite a few people!

So after a bit more deliberation I came to the conclusion that "his coward status is determined by his personal connection towards the subject"

If the subject is not close to him or his heart then it is completely subjected to all of SQHs shady and cowardly tendencies. Even if the subject is kinda close to him I believe these cowardly behaviors will definitely cut back some but under enough threat he will ultimately choose his own personal safety.

But in the case he has a deep emotional connection to the subject he seems willing to show tremendous courage and bravery in order to protect said subject.

Example of this playing out in cannon is:

The Sect - low emotional attachment = full rat bastard mode.

Shen Yuan - mid emotional attachment = normal level of courage but will cave under pressure.

Mobei-jun - high motional attachment = huge levels of courage that won't cave under pressure.

✧✧✧

Extra:

My ADHD was going off the rails with this post so I have no idea how coherent it is.

Anyways i am also a big fan of the BAMF!SQH tag and would love if you dropped off some recommendations in my ask box!

[sufferu]

Your fantastic writing skills gave me angst I demand compensation. Lol. You gave me a lot to think about and I have to say, in my nearly 9 years of being an avid fanfic reader. A writer never made me THIS invested.

After being abandoned by everyone, do you think subaru will go to Priscilla? She was the only one who saw his side.

I have to say tho I get Subaru's side more. He can't control RBD. If anyone had the power to bring back loved ones they would. I'm sure Ferris wouldn't hesitate to save crush. I think everybody is so upset that they tunnel visioned and didn't do right by him. Everything is outside of his control. He doesn't choose to come back. But he is, so he tries to save more people everytime.

Subaru obviously has issues. And I don't like the way the re zero narrative punishes him for using RBD. Meanwhile, Al is over here spaming reset with no consequences.

The world hates Subaru and the rest of the cast blame him. He is trying harder then ANYONE to LIVE, but they call him a suicidal monster.

I’m so glad that you’re enjoying my fic! That is some high praise right there, lol: I do hope to meet those expectations going forward ;)

Though I will say…I am approaching this from a slightly different angle. For starters — this will be a lot clearer in the actual chapter than it was in this ficlet, but Arc 5 does not go the same way it does in canon, hence how Subaru managed to save EVERYONE and capture/kill literally every attacking Archbishop in Priestella. This is the main reason why everyone is so angry and devastated. If it were canon Arc 5, things might have gone differently. …Then again, Arc 8 DOES exist. So maybe we would have ended up in this situation someday regardless.

But also…well.

Return By Death isn’t JUST a powerful ability that Subaru has access to: it is the epitome of weaponized self-destruction, in which he can literally sacrifice himself over and over again for the sake of those around him whether they like it or not. He is fully capable of taking all their pain on himself, of placing himself in unimaginably horrible situations on other people’s behalf, and doing it for…maybe even all of eternity, depending on how things go. If you’ve ever read The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula K Le Guin — Subaru has the potential to basically become That for the entirety of Lugunica. And even worse: if he’s employed as a knight, it is arguably his sworn duty to do exactly that, because a knight is a profession in which one lays down their life for the people they want to protect. What does that turn into when the knight can do that again and again, indefinitely?

The cast of Re:Zero shows every sign that they would absolutely fucking hate the idea of being reliant on something that disgusting. Julius sacrifices his reputation to try and keep Subaru alive, Tivey and Hetaro declare that throwing away one’s life for a cause is a fucking joke, Ferris has this whole thing about valuing life to the point where just a hint of Subaru being suicidal sends him into an actual nervous breakdown, Vincent is raked through the coals for his attempt to sacrifice himself for his country just that one time by both the narrative and the people around him, Arc 4 exists — there’s A Lot that points to most of these characters finding the idea of this cycle of repeated sacrifice bring just AWFUL, and even to the idea that they’d actively take offense to someone attempting to do such a thing on their behalf.

There is one exception to this rule, however, and that is Priscilla Barielle — who actively praises subjects that sacrifice themselves for her, who forces Aldebaran to reset whenever he does something she doesn’t like, who praised Subaru as a brilliant knight when he was (narratively speaking) at his very worst, who symbolizes the mechanisms of fate itself, who’s final moment involved her sacrificing herself for her homeland, and who is in every way the pinnacle of the Sword Wolf that Vollachia praises as the ideal subject (VOLLACHIA, mind you, which is a nation that has the whole Muspel contract going on). Priscilla is an actual monster, an awful personality, and the antithesis of the themes of Re:Zero. So her siding with Subaru in this instance is — completely in character, but it’s one of the most damning things I feel I could have done.

(I am glad that someone was able to actually connect with her though — was afraid that I made her too cartoonishly evil lmao)

As for what’s happening to Subaru now…well, you’re right about the end of that duel being the rock bottom of his character’s state in this fic. But — just because he was fired from his post doesn’t mean he’s being ABANDONED. They can’t afford to abandon a time traveler to be left to his own devices, first of all. But also, even in they’re all Very Angry with him right now…all these people still love him an awful lot. There’s a reason Wilhelm decided to duel him for the position and take the blame for his removal all upon himself, instead of doing something that would leave Subaru more at the mercy of public opinion. And there’s a reason Crusch’s idea of “suicide watch” was basically, “Hey, Wilhelm, do you want a new grandchild?” instead of something like “Let’s imprison him in the catacombs of the Kingdom.” They DO care about him. That’s the problem.

[solarkindred]

Sun Wukong x Dragon!Male Reader

An idea stuck in my head. Tempted to make a fanfic(i am considering it as i write this lol) but imma do this first so i get into some kind of flow. Reader will have a name(sorry) but human appearance is up in the air somewhat for you guys.

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Wukong couldn’t help but stare. He never could control his body when Huanglong was involved. It was naturally attracted to the dragon. Be it of awe or affection, he was just had to have Huanglong in his mind.

And now was no different. Sun Wukong, Huanglong and kids were in Pigsy’s Noodles shop. The kids were having an eating competition with Pigsy aggressively scolding them (that by no means is stopping them) while the Monkey King and the Yellow Deity sat in one of the more secluded booths, drinking a soothing tea. Not that it was working since Huanglong was glaring daggers into Sun Wukong’s form.

Sun Wukong glanced away from his… ex-lover? Wukong certainly didn’t consider Huang to be that but it would seem the dragon did. With an avid fury too. Sun Wukong slid further down the seat, face reddening. He took a cup of lukewarm tea and brought it to his lips, biting back a groan of disgust, afraid that if he spoke Huanglong would kill him on the spot.

The stone monkey looked back to Huanglong, taking in the dragon’s human form. His H/C hair was pulled into a messy man bun while the other half cascaded off his shoulders like beautiful waterfalls, bright yellow streaks came from the roots near his forehead. He wore clothes similar to Wukong’s, only black with yellow and gold accents and much more scaly in texture. Huanglong had four orbs floating behind his head, the highest orb being black, the left being blue, the right white and bottom red. Sun Wukong knew they represented Huanglong’s four younger brothers; Ao Shun of the Northern Sea, Ao Guang of the Eastern Sea, Ao Ji of the Western Sea, and Ao Qin of the Southern Sea.

Now, where would Huanglong fit into this family? Well, since his brothers took to the seas, Huanglong took the lands. All of Earth is protected by Huanglong.

It was hefty task that he probably couldn’t take on himself, no matter how hard he tried, Sun Wukong admitted to himself.

“Sun Wukong.”

The stone monkey jumped at the sound of his name, straightening in his seat and curling his tail properly on his lap,”Y-yes?” he squeaked.

“You wanted to speak with me?” Huanglong said slowly, a quiet entrancing hiss in his words. Wukong had will himself to not jump across the table and kiss Huanglong. Gods he missed the sound of his name coming from those lips. “Yes.. yes I did, ahem..” Sun Wukong cleared his throat, once again flushing at the feeling of having Huang’s attention on him. He didn’t notice the tip of his tail swinging.

“I.. I wanted to talk about that day.” Huanglong’s already sour mood turned several degrees more sour, electrifying E/C eyes glaring holes into Sun Wukong,”What about it? There is nothing to say.”

“Come on, Huang. We both know that’s not true..” Wukong tried, already itching to completely change the subject that he brought up. ‘Deep breaths, Wukong. He hasn’t torn your head off yet, you can still do this.’ he comforted himself. Taking a breath, he clutched the cold cup in his hands,”We both have things to say about then. A-and I plan to say them.” He spoke resolutely despite the slight stutter, warm gold eyes steely but wavering, his inner coward was begging him to stop. To run away again. Sun Wukong had always listened to that voice. But today, today was the day he would ignore it and face at least one of his problems.

“… I see.” Huanglong whispered, leaning forward onto the table and placing a gentle hand onto the teapot. His hand glowed slightly and before long the pot was steaming again. He poured the tea into his cup and took a sip,”Then how about we start with you, hm?” The dragon said, half lidded eyes unmoving from Sun Wukong’s.

Sun Wukong gulped, words of retreat bubbled in his throat but he swallowed them down before they could come out,”… Okay,” he cleared his throat and shuffled,”First things first, I want to say I’m sorry.”

Huanglong simply blinked. And Wukong already felt exhausted from those few words. He felt heavy, his armor felt more weighty than before, as did his eyes. He blinked the fatigue that tried to settle in his bones away, sitting up taller and gulping down his chilly tea.

He forced words to spill out of his mouth,”I know… I know a simple apology won’t suffice. It never will and I… fuck, I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to leave you there, to fight that demon on your own. I… I’m a fucking idiot. And I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you, even if it takes millions of tries and millions of years to do so.” Sun Wukong felt like throwing up. Those few sentences felt like sandpaper on his tongue and sticky bile was climbing up his throat. It wasn’t that he was disgusted by the situation, he was just so violently uncomfortable that he felt sick. The cold tea wasn’t helping…

Huanglong, basically being an expert on Sun Wukong’s behaviors, saw the discomfort in the tan furred immortal. Huanglong’s finger twitched against his cup, hands wanting to cradle Wukong’s face and pepper him in kisses, forgive him for his act of abandonment and just return to how life was before. But his still wounded heart won’t let him, afraid of being hurt again. Instead, Huanglong made a compromise,”I accept this apology.” Wukong seemed to light up at that,”But,” the monkey’s shoulders drooped,”I do expect numerous attempts to fix what you have broken. You broke much more than our relationship. This apology is but a beginning, the end is far.”

Sun Wukong let out a resigned hum but nodded. He went stock still when he felt a warm hand on his. “But, knowing you, my King, the end is never far.” Huanglong smiled fondly as the red that burned brightly on the ear he had whispered to. Leaning back and removing his hand, Huanglong stood from the booth,”Thank you, Pigsy, for your hospitality. I will have to repay you.” he lightly bowed to the short pig, who was holding two noodle-stuffed kids by their throats. The pig smiled,”Ah, don’t worry about that! You’re welcome here anytime.”

Huanglong nodded,”Thank you. I bid you all a farewell.” With that, the legendary dragon disappeared in a sparky display.

MK tilted his head back to wiggle his eyebrows at his mentor, who was still sat at the booth like a statue,”Oooo, someone’s got a crush!” He teased. MK’s tease seemed to bring Sun Wukong back from whatever plane of existence he was, he chuckled, face blooming red,”Hah. I wouldn’t call it a crush, kiddo… it’s complete infatuation.” Wukong hummed dreamily, hearts in his eyes.

MK grimaced,”Ew. Get that look off your face. You look weird.” Wukong didn’t hear him. He was too busy thinking about kissing Huang again.

——————

“WITHOUT A HEARTBEAT”

Im only on episode three and im already gay for an immortal monkey lmao

[virologikal]

𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐬𝐤 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞

@nshtn requested: 3, 5, 10, 17 for Wesker (I love your Wesker takes too ahh)

⸻ ⸨ Thank you for the many questions you sent in and I am glad you like my takes so far! I hope you don't mind me splitting some of the questions up in multiple posts so I can better tag them to the relevant characters ⸩

𝐖𝐄𝐒𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐀𝐒𝐊𝐒:

3 - NoTP? I don't really have a strict NoTP for Wesker (or any characters, to be honest - I think all dynamics can be interesting to explore depending on how it's done and what the focus is). However, if we are talking about some form of intimacy or even trust at some point, I'd say the least likely I could see him with is Excella. I'm happy to be convinced otherwise, but from my point of view it feels like she is merely a tool to him, and he doesn't exactly hold her in high regards rather than consider her both useful and ... nice to be around, probably? She is gorgeous and ambitious, and clearly admires him to a point where it would cater to his ego, but I doubt he'd be interested in anything more than that.

5 - Out of all your fanworks that include Wesker, which is your favourite? When it comes to writing, definitely my fanfic The Unquiet Grave, because I get to explore his character both in past settings as well as think of ways to bring him into the current game lore. I just like prodding this character like a bug under a microscope. Otherwise, my fanart for him referencing a quote from Hannibal (TV series) is likely my current favorite. It took me roughly a month to finish, and is the only piece I currently have of just Wesker (I just love to paint Chris and Wesker together tbh^^)

10 - What's your favourite piece of fanart for Wesker? Honestly? Impossible to decide. There are so many amazing pieces of fanwork out there, be it in writing or art. I have a few pieces an old friend did back when we used to roleplay which they did for my portrayal and that I still hold very dear and close to my heart, so maybe those stick out a bit. But otherwise - I can't possibly decide on just one thing. All art or edits you find on this blog that I reblogged count as favorites, I'd say!

17 - What's a book, movie, or show you think Wesker would like? Funny enough, I have a headcanon post in the making that pertains to how Wesker perceives media (since there is a recurring theme of him not getting some media related jokes etc.)

To make it brief for the moment: In my interpretation of him, prior to the Mansion Incident he doesn't have time (or take the time) to really sit down and enjoy a tv show or movie, due to the many tasks on his hand. He has to juggle his work for Umbrella, his double-agent plans to leave them and take the research with him, lead the S.T.A.R.S. team as captain without attracting suspicion and at least pretend to have a social life of some capacity.

Once he starts spending time with Chris, he eventually lets him distract him and he actually sits down with him to do "regular person" things (at least for a while, until Umbrella informs him about their plan to use S.T.A.R.S. as test subjects during the Mansion Incident). During this time I imagine Wesker's interests would likely be directed towards anything sci-fi, due to the scientific approach to fictional settings in many shows or movies. Maybe not exactly Star Trek level (though Wesker being a Trekkie is a hilarious crack headcanon), but I'm thinking Event Horizon, Total Recall and, yes, Matrix (we simply cannot ignore the fashion inspiration of RE5 Wesker okay).

As for books, he definitely is an avid reader in my portrayal. Of course mostly scientific works, but also works about human studies (mostly so he could build up knowledge about interpersonal relationships, manipulation tactics, etc.). His special interest in my portrayal being sealife and diving, he would also read a lot about that, including sharks, as I also headcanon he considered Neptune as some sort of "pet".

[luvly-writer]

“You are my sunshine”

Part 18: we were too fkn drunk

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Jason Todd x Latina! Reader

Warnings: none

Status: Finished

Author’s note: None of you have any idea how much I love you guys and reading your feedback. Little story time, I have been an avid reader ever since I was a child, literature was always my escape. When I got to middle school and high school, teachers would love anything that I wrote and they along with my friends would say that I was somewhat quite gifted at writing at both english (which is my second language) and Spanish (it being my first) and yet i was always insecure of showcasing it. I took to writing these fanfics cause i wanted to practice and polish my storytelling skills, in case i get the chance to write a book in the future so writing and reading your feedback and seeing how much you guys are loving it, MAKES ME SO SO SO HAPPY!! SO THANK YOU ALL FOR READING I LOVE THAT YOU ARE FINDING ENJOYMENT IN MY WRITING AND I HOPE I AM ABLE TO SHINE A LITTLE LIGHT OF JOY IN YOUR DAYS WHEN YOU READ!! ENJOY!!

Taglist: @lorosette @screeching20s @milas-teapot @izukuisbaby @alecmores @writing-for-the-hell-of-it @unofficial-jaytodd-wife @graywrites5567 @addictedtothefictionalworld @randobeetlehouse

Series masterlist:

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<3

[reading-stains]

some cool observations I figured out after asking myself what makes a good fanfic

I wanted to randomly talk about how wonderful fanfiction is. Like really. It’s genuinely one of the most wonderful experiences being here has to offer. I’ve been having a really tough time these past few weeks, and the only thing that keeps getting me through a day has been to sit down and read a couple long fics. I’m an avid AO3 reader (don’t you dare suggest any other platform for me for reading, I like the organization okay), which yeah means I don’t read as carefully as the next person but I do read like 90% of the fic so that means something right? Reading a whole 300,000 words a day, while still having time to cook three meals separately, have a two hour tutoring session, and some space to freak out over my AP scores has got to be a superpower.

Anyways, my point is this: fanfiction is fucking amazing. How many ways worlds can come together, how many times characters can fall in love and it doesn’t get boring is just that, fucking amazing. The amount of great material I’ve found has been stellar. And since I’ve had so many hours to waste the past two weeks, my urge for fanfic reading has been consistently there. Which is strange to me because I’ve barely wanted to read, period. Academic, casual, printed, or online for months. But fanfiction is perfectly centered in what I love.

Yet I was thinking how do you make a good fanfic? After all, there’s so much, some of it is just better than the rest. And I figured I’d explore that.

Firstly, there’s the whole charm of fanfiction, since there’s something powerful in having characters you know. I’d like to highlight that it’s entirely possible and true that people can have completely different experiences in the fanfiction world. There’s Y/N and its whole self insert genre, and there’s the whole original characters' situation in universes that are explored within the OG material. Of course there’s a whole sub division of fanfic readers that love it, adore it, write it, and consume it, and who am I to judge? I guess when I say good fanfiction in this post, it’s about how good character based fanfiction works out. Because in my eyes, good fanfiction challenges the framing of a character, and works to develop a tangible change in both internal and external measures. For example, I was reading this two part (not-yet-fully-completed-but-doesn’t-really-end-in-a-cliffhanger-so-it’s-okay-as-someone-that-doesn’t-like-reading-uncomplete-stuff-I-give-the-green-light) Spideypool fic where the ship mainly worked as an empowering device for the story of Peter Parker (spoilers guys, he’s Spider-Man) finding connection, with his boss (it’s Harry Osborn :o), with his fellow superheroes, with his dying aunt, with his new boyfriend, and finally, with himself. The fic works with multiple characters to develop the plot. Good character based fanfiction in this case revolves about the multiple relationships developed between said explored characters. Because characters are fundamentally different from the source material, writing them and giving them needs and actions that feel indebted to the original want of the characters and balancing their choice from said wants is hard. It’s a fine line, tying it all up. Developing something independent from the original material to some extent, from a possibly canon compliant conversation to a whole different universe, and using that independence to further an enrichment of a world or character is necessary. Otherwise, stories bring themselves to a stalemate. Otherwise, stories bring themselves to lack character and connection to the reader. 

Meanwhile, in I Was Screaming Your Name Through The Radio (a musician!au Soukoku fic) works with incredible storytelling design, using a past and present narrative as well as work with the characters' feelings and journeys with the description of music and their lyrics. Good fanfiction, here, uses positively impacting narrative tools to develop a good, tightly done story. In the fic, the development of falling in love, betrayal, heartbreak, and healing are explored. The way the characters connect, disconnect, and reconnect is just amazing. And the way that connection or lack thereof is explored works well with the narrative style of story. Two POVs, each having two time spaces. These POVs worked around the release date of Corruption, the fictional song the two main characters created together in the fic. The interaction between time settings allowed to further explore the characters’ memories and experiences wholly. It was a better choice than to write linearly. Much more entertaining as well. This is good fanfiction, using the narrative to explore and enrich once again the story. 

Finally, there’s the greatest, most important aspect for a good fic. A great story. I wanted to highlight my first auditive fanfic in my life, and the only author I’ve been so unquestionably loyal to since I first heard her story: Mira Miraculous Ladybug Fanfiction on YouTube has forever been feeding me with rich stories, great jokes, and heartbreaking tears. What A Catch works as a creative outlet of all the powerful characters and their archetypes, and applies both a challenging reframe of a character and great narrative control. The story begins with all the main characters of the series as adults, in a wedding, unaware of the twisted memories that Hawkmoth has influenced. The story develops and explores something further than the previous two discussed factors. Before getting to that though, I want to clear up, I love romance fanfiction. It’s what I read 99.9% of the time. But I also enjoy stories that further the relationship not just with internal plot devices. The story of Marinette and Adrien is a long one, especially in the real world when the show’s been airing since 2015. However, there’s a magic in exploring something outside situations while adapting the narrative to continue the story already explored. Developing mayhem, confusion, stakes, as well as creating character growth within the flaws and victories that come with the challenges set in a fanfiction is important. Essential. Otherwise, fanfics turn into retellings, lightly chipping away the power of a story and beginning to re-make something already done. Archetypes are tools to work on choices, wants, and needs of a plot device. Characters breathe and feel with their own choices, wants, and needs along said plot. And stories? They make characters and feelings and experiences simply real.

In conclusion, what makes good fanfiction? In my humble opinion, it brings the following things. As expressed previously, first of all comes the challenging reframing of a character where depth is furthered or a new role is given. Consequently, the character keeps its original charm and familiarity while still developing a growth within the story and itself. Secondly, there’s the usage of palpable narrative control. Using narrative and literary devices to explore a story creates a better execution to the plot and the whole experience of the tale being told. Additionally, I’d like to plug in here that this requires good grammar and developed vocabulary (this doesn’t mean you need to be wordy or overwhelmingly poetic, just enjoyably readable). Thirdly, there’s the banger. The true reason stories can be done over and over again: they’re not being done over and over again. A good fanfic tells something new, explores something better, explains something different. A good fanfic has originality in its fundamental magic. For something to genuinely work as a banger in my book, you have to tell something I haven’t heard before. Something that will capture the reader. You can read a hundred coffee shop AUs, but did all of them make you feel the same, did all of them make you taste the need for more? Probably not. Because some of them will have something more than the fundamental establishment of the AU. Because there’s something new under the surface of the plot. I’ve listed three very different fanfics. One was clearly driven in canon spaces, another in a completely alternative universe, and the final one works after the culmination of the work explored in the original material. Fanfiction is endless, and it’s powerful. People may spit on its masterpieces, but we know its beauty. And it is as dashing as the sun, it is as changing as the ocean, and it is perfectly fitting of the puzzle that we’ve created for our comfort, our mind, and our heart.

Thank you for reading this far! 

Happy reading <3 PS: This was the Spideypool fanfic in case anyone was interested

[seiya-starsniper]

Rules: 10 (non-ancient) books for people to get to know you better, or that you just really like.

Tagged by @wintersmitth and @bluesundaycake, thank you both for thinking of me!!! I definitely saw a few books on both your lists I'll be adding to my to-read goals for this year :)

This was a bit of a challenge as I was a very avid reader of novels as a teenager, then just…stopped for about a decade. I still read, but I transitioned over to graphic novels and Japanese manga, developed a massive fanfic addiction…and then read 77 books in 2022 LOL. But these are the books that have left a mark on me over the years.

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice - I first read this in 2003 when I was far too young to be reading it but well…what can you do hah. This novel single handedly jump started not only my vampire obsession, but my obsession with the supernatural genre and supernatural romance in general. I am pretty sure I have a monsterfucker fixation because of Anne Rice ahahaha. I’ve reread this novel many times over the years so it is very near and dear to my heart.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Teenage me and adult me LOVED the hell out of this book. The imagery, the loneliness, the prose, I could read Gatsby over and over again and fall in love with some new piece of it. When the copyright expired last year, I went ham on reading as many spinoff novels as I could. I still have one in my queue of things to read actually. 

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess - My first foray into psychological horror. Goodness I absolutely devoured this book, and I know it’s controversial for a variety of different reasons (mostly the ending change), but it was the first time I had really read a book with a protagonist that was just absolutely unhinged and unapologetic about it. That being said, I personally prefer the original ending to the Kubrick film ending, I don’t care what my fellow Americans say, it made perfect sense to me.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Was I 100% the target demographic for this book series when it was being published? Absolutely. Did I go completely feral when each book and movie came out like a basic young adult? Yes indeedy. Are its overarching themes still relevant today and plenty of people, including people involved with the movie, seem to miss entirely? YOU BET. I have a very soft spot for this series, and I’ve been on the fence about reading the prequel. If anyone has any thoughts, I’d love to hear them!

World War Z by Max Brooks - Max Brooks my beloved. Zombie Survival Guide was my first exposure to him as an author, but World War Z really made me think about how people would react to a zombie virus, or any virus that affects the world. It was unfortunately rather prophetic when Covid rolled around :/ But I think that is partially the brilliance of it. I have a signed copy of the book that I hold very near and dear to my heart. I still read passages from the book from time to time and highly recommend it.

Fullmetal Alchemist - As I mentioned at the beginning, I tapered off novels and moved into graphic novels/manga, but in all honesty, none have left nearly as lasting an impact on me as Fullmetal Alchemist has. It is by far one of the best series I have ever read in my life. Do you want philosophy on the value and meaning of life? A realistic depiction on the horrors of war and genocide? Well written female characters that are not tropes? Endless short people jokes? This series is for you!  

Wolfsong/Green Creek Series by TJ Klune - I know TJ Klune is more well known for his YA books, and they are fun, but generally not for me. But this. This book series is what got to me. Still gets to me! If you want queer romance + found family + werewolves with none of the squick of omegaverse tropes, this series is absolutely for you. I had initially read the series for @lyriclorelei because she had heard the third book in the series featured an ace character, and that particular character is in fact, my blorbo. I love him. I cried throughout his entire book because I love him so much. 

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall - I credit this book with jump starting my reading binge in 2022. I knew from reading Green Creek that there was a lot more queer fiction out there, but this was the first time I had ever seen fake dating outside of fanfic and well…I got hooked! At my core, I am a romance reader at heart, and I was pleasantly surprised to find all the ways the genre had evolved since I stopped reading. Truly a fun introduction to get back into reading for me.

A Marvellous Light/The Last Binding series by Freya Marske  - MY. HEART. Do you want queer wizards? A unique magical system that has not been done before? A murder mystery tied to a curse? Enemies to lovers? Queer self-awakening? This book and series has all of the above! It is absolutely fantastic and I am SO EXCITED for the final book to be published at the end of this year. Just cannot say enough good things about it.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy - In addition to romance, I found myself binging celebrity memoirs in 2022, and Jennette McCurdy’s was the best. She’s an incredibly witty writer, and I found myself laughing and crying in equal parts throughout the book. It is, in fact, a rather triggering book considering what she went through, I definitely found myself triggered a few times, but, it was a really eye-opening thing to read, and I absolutely recommend consuming it via the audiobook because her delivery is just fantastic. 

Tagging: @valeriianz @sans--seraph @the-cloudy-dreamer @rooftopwreck @historyandqueershenanigans @introvertbibliophile @mallory-x @quellawrites @aquilathefighter and whoever else wants to do this! A few of you tagged me in the other ask game, and since I already did that one, I'm tagging you in this one :3

[sinsiriuslyemo]

How to Write a Fic Summary (Dos and Don'ts)

First of all, let me just open this by saying that I am by no means the authority on what constitutes a great summary. I'm still to this day am working towards mastering this craft, and I've been writing fanfic for over fifteen years. So, I'm going to come at this not just from the perspective of a writer, but also through the perspective of a reader. We all know a good summary when we see one, right? Creating them is hard, but I think we can all agree that identifying them is much easier.

Some of these tips, as well as others are from this reddit post, I just included the ones I personally use below. Others of them, I have learned along the way from studying my favorite authors. I wanna make it clear though that I'm still learning, as every writer is, even the ones who can rock a good summary.

Okay, here we go!

Treat the first line of your summary like the first line of the fic.

If you're an avid reader (and I mean, shit, you're here, you very likely are) then you know the importance of a good first line. Think about your favorite novel, or hell, even your favorite fic of all time. The one that you always return to when you need a guranteed good read. I'll bet you the first line sucked you in, or at the very least made you snuggle into your seat in anticipation of a cozy, amazing read.

Keep it short and sweet.

I've had experiences where a first line in the summary has made me wanna click on a fic. It's just as important as the first line of the actual story. It's the first impression, and first impressions are important.

Keep it clear

Sometimes when I'm writing a summary, I can get caught up in needing to give full context because I think the reader needs it in the summary, but this isn't always the case. Sometimes leaving out context is exactly how you make the summary concise and cohesive. Here's an example of such a summary:

"When a simple jewelry heist goes horribly wrong, the surviving criminals begin to suspect that one of them is a police informant."

This is the summary from one of my favorite films, Reservoir Dogs. It's short and sweet and simple (much lile the film itself). The context that seems important but that is missing from this summary is that these jewel thiefs are all strangers to each other, which makes the who-dun-it far more interesting as not even we know who to trust. But that detail isn't needed to explain what the movie is about, it's just a twist that makes the plot more interesting.

This brings me to the next tip ...

I don't know about you guys, but one thing that really bums me out is when I stumble upon a super compelling summary, but then it just keeps going. And going. And going. And — Oh my god, there's more?!?!

Don't get me wrong, sometimes you do need a lengthier summary, either because you're writing an epic or maybe it's because you're writing a dual perspective and want to be sure you include appropriate buildup for both your mains. Whatever the case may be, I would refrain from writing anymore than two paragraphs, at most.

The main thing to remember is rhat a summary shouldn't only be what your story is about. It should also include for the reader, why they should care.

Don't use tag terms in your summary.

Examples of this include Dark!Rafael or Daddy!Nevada

Save that for your tags, which everyone should make a habit of including and reading! If you want to include some short ones at the end of the summary just in case your reader doesn't read the tags, that's fine, but don't overdo it.

Don't say you suck at summaries.

Just to be perfectly clear, I have also been guilty of this... like, a lot. It seems like an honest and goofy way to entice your readers to just give your story a chance, because summaries are hard. And yes, they are hard, but you shouldn't rely on not learning how to write them. Just do the best you can, I promise you'll get better and better the more you practice.

Keep your themes in mind.

Imagine you stumble upon a summary that gives you action adventure vibes, only to find the story to be more of a dramatic tragedy. Bummer, right? Knowing your themes can help you craft a good summary, and give your readers appropriate expectations. Whatever you do though, don't include more than two themes as it can get a bit messy. Focus on one or two of the dominant themes of your story, and go from there.

Take a page from the greats.

One of the best things you can do as a writer is to study other authors. That goes for summaries as well. Read some of your faves and try to decipher their formula for the summary, then fill in with the details from your own story!

In closing

Ideally you want your summary to reel your readers in with each sentence, like a fishing line.

The kind of story that has you clicking immediately, either to cuddle up and see if you can get just as sucked into the actual story, or immediately on a method to save it for them to read later when they have the time to get swept away. In my opinion, that's hard to do when the flow is broken up by a tag term, but this is just my opinion.

Okay... that is all.

[sirtouchstarved]

AWWW THANK YOUUUUU <333

I'm both an avid consumer of fanfiction, and also as someone who writes them, so I gotta say as a writer, thank you for all the love, you don't know how much it means to me, even the smallest interactions always become the highlight of my day. And as a reader, I've gotta say thank you to @caedmonfaith, @naromoreau, @ineffablepenguin, @entanglednow, @summerofspock, and so, *so* many others that have wrote so many gorgeous stories I adore and look up to, and also can't forget @ittybittytoostormy! You all are so amazing.

I could probably write a whole essay on how amazing fanfiction is, from so many standpoints, whether it be queer rep, creativity or fandom, I could go on. So I am so happy that fanfic authors are getting the amazing respect and love they deserve!!

It's Fanfic Writer Appreciation Day! So go on, appreciate the fuck out of those who generously share their ideas and talents with us. Today and every day after.

[okamirayne]

Hi Rayne,

I am an avid reader and a long time fan of yours.

I've been following your work for many years - starting all the way back from 2015 in highschool. I come back to your fics every now and then. It's one of those defining totems of the mid 2010s. I have specific songs, food, movies, fics, clothes that I remember when I think of this period of my life, and your fic is one of them. Shikamaru and Neji had me in such a chokehold that I remember feeling a little mad that you introduced me to this crack pairing (because there were no other fics to quench my thirst for them once I was done with BtB. Realisation hit me like ice water and I had legit fic withdrawals)

I remember binging BtB before an exam. Instead of preparing for the test, I decided to binge read the fic the whole night. Needless to say, my eyes were red and I had a terrible headache. Luckily, I was able to pass (with no flying colors, mind you, but I was able to score above fifty percent lol). But I didn't regret it at all!

You've influenced my writing style and the way I evaluate fics. I think you will forever leave a mark on whatever I write. I remember reading a blogpost about how we tend to absorb different styles of authors that we like as we get into our reading journeys. I have a very short list of authors I adore and yours is among them.

I remember reading about you working on some original fics many years and being so excited for them. I still check in every now and then, eagerly anticipating you publishing something someday. I'd love to support your creative endeavours.

I binged Naruto Shippuden recently and for some reason, Naruto and Sasuke really hit me hard at the end. Back in 2015, I was more drawn in by the side characters. I paid little attention to Naruto and Sasuke.

But upon rewatching the ending, I went down this rabbit hole of trying to find fics exploring their dynamic. Their characterization. All that pain and juicy history. Sasuke is such an intense guy. Like this quiet walking talking live-wire. He can be easily reduced to this angry broody stereotype as I've seen many authors do, but something about the flavor of his hatred stands out.

Naruto to me is deep. So deep and I've been in this fandom for so many years trying to find the depth that I want from him in fanfics.

Yes, he has a sunny persona. But his thoughts are so enigmatic to me. I feel his sadness, his pain, his anger. His empathy. But I think this man can very evasive.

I am not able to put into words why I feel drawn towards the idea of Naruto and Sasuke. It's just I can't think of one without the other.

When it comes to them, I get so dissatisfied when I go through the fandom in search for the particular flavor of characterization that I am looking for but don't get.

That was the case until I went through Heaven Hold Us. I was like 'what the fuckk' because both of them had me in a chokehold in whatever handful of scenes they were in! You are a wizard!

I don't know how you did it again! I mean, it is to be expected. You took side characters like Neji, Shikamaru, Gemma, etc. from the show and elevated them in such a natural way. You expanded their world like bringing a camera lens in and zooming in on the parts Kishimoto had whispered about and painted them in vivid depth. It feels like such a natural extension of the story.

So it's only natural you would do Sasuke and Naruto justice. You've satisfied my craving; that itch for great charactetisization! I'd love to pick your brain on these two and how you view them.

Hope you are doing awesome as always and may lady muse always smile upon you~

Oh wow. Hi there lovely Avid Long-Time Fan! 💕 

What an absolute treat to receive your supremely kind message and the amazing, tantalising, chakra-pill-energising, love and support.

💖🫶🏼💖 Thank you so much!  I’m honoured and very moved to know my writing and madness has had such an impact on you.

I've been following your work for many years - starting all the way back from 2015 in highschool. I come back to your fics every now and then. It's one of those defining totems of the mid 2010s. I have specific songs, food, movies, fics, clothes that I remember when I think of this period of my life, and your fic is one of them.

Whoa!  So amazing to know you still revisit the fics and that you’ve been on board since way back when.  Thank you! 🥰

Shikamaru and Neji had me in such a chokehold that I remember feeling a little mad that you introduced me to this crack pairing (because there were no other fics to quench my thirst for them once I was done with BtB. Realisation hit me like ice water and I had legit fic withdrawals)

Far be it from me (not that far, admittedly) to confess such dastardly sadistic tendencies but I’m honestly super chuffed to be responsible for such withdrawals - only because it means that what I put out there into the world of fanfiction resonated with you and touched you.  So, whilst I’m totally chanting “mea culpa”, I’m also really thankful you still took a chance on the BtB-verse. You’re awesome. Even if it did cause you to have one banger of a headache and compromised performance during exams *nervous laugh* Bless you. And kudos to you, btw, for scoring above that 50% despite the adverse effects of fanfic-bingeing! Hell, we’ve all been there lol, no regrets!

I remember reading about you working on some original fics many years and being so excited for them. I still check in every now and then, eagerly anticipating you publishing something someday. I'd love to support your creative endeavours.

Got me right in the feels. Thank you.  So. Damn. Much.  💕  Yes, I am still working on my original works – personal circumstances and unforeseen shitshows got in the way of them for a LONG time and have set me back, but still, I persevere.  I do intend to birth these babies.  I thank you for your patience and your willing to show support for my heartwork.  That means everything to me. Truly. 💕 

Naruto and Sasuke.  Ah, I loved reading your thoughts on these two.  I agree and feel the same insofar as their psychological depths remaining unplumbed.  It’s a juicy topic, for sure.

When it comes to them, I get so dissatisfied when I go through the fandom in search for the particular flavor of characterization that I am looking for but don't get. That was the case until I went through Heaven Hold Us. I was like 'what the fuckk' because both of them had me in a chokehold in whatever handful of scenes they were in! You are a wizard!

AW!  Bloody hell, that is another insanely awesome compliment and I’m so thrilled to know you enjoyed my portrayal of them.  I get exactly what you mean about searching for a ‘particular flavor of characterization’.  It’s such an amazing feeling to know that HHU has given you a hint of that flavour.  Especially when I was uncertain about treading into the ‘watch your step’ territory that is Naruto and Sasuke.  They are not as safe as crack pairings, and I would always want to do justice to them within the context of the BtB-verse.  If I have displayed some wizardry, then I’m so happy that you resonate with my particular strain of magic.  You’re who I’m writing for.  Or it wouldn’t impact.  So thank you for letting me know that it did/does.  You are magic right back at me. 💖

I don't know how you did it again! I mean, it is to be expected. You took side characters like Neji, Shikamaru, Gemma, etc. from the show and elevated them in such a natural way. You expanded their world like bringing a camera lens in and zooming in on the parts Kishimoto had whispered about and painted them in vivid depth. It feels like such a natural extension of the story.

Ah! Bless you so much for this.  That’s usually my aim when writing within fandoms.  To try to keep it as close to the original canon with wiggle room (sometimes, a fair bit of wiggle room) for divergence…so long as it doesn’t fundamentally bastardise the soul of the character.  One could argue against that, given that sexual preference or lived-through trauma might be considered (by some) as strong identity points, but I don’t write characters that way unless that’s the way they want to be written.

So, it's only natural you would do Sasuke and Naruto justice. You've satisfied my craving; that itch for great charactetisization! I'd love to pick your brain on these two and how you view them.

💜I’m incredibly happy to have fed your beast, my dear.  It never fails to bolster me to know that the characterisations are resonating with a reader.  The characters are, and always will be, the heart of the story.  You’re so kind and amazingly supportive to have given me this brilliant and beautiful feedback.  THANK YOU. I love learning what you love.  And as for sharing thoughts and picking brains when it comes to these characters, I’m all ears!

Hope you are doing awesome as always and may lady muse always smile upon you~

💖Aw, well rest assured that your message did a hell of a lot more than turn my frown upside down.  Lights in dark times are precious.  Thanks for shining your glowing support my way – you are immensely appreciated, sweetie. 

From your lips to the Lady Muse’s ears!

Big love and thanks. 💜🥰💜

[nostalgiafan123]

Look I am someone who can say I’ve read many fanfiction throughout the years. I’m fucking 25 I’ve read a lot of ships, tags, tropes, good, bad, dog shit you name it I’ve probably read it. I tend to not judge people with ships because it’s shipping it’s a stupid little thing we do in fandoms. Crack ships have had some of the best fanfictions won’t lie. However something I can confidently say is that straight women who read fanfiction tend to be another breed.

You may be wondering “why do you think this?”

Well random person on the internet let me tell you.

I have a friend whom I work with and we are both avid fanfiction readers. The only main difference between us is that she is a straight woman and I am very much not.

I was reading a fanfic today while we were slow and she has the AUDACITY to judge me. (It was a Steddie fanfic, never watched the show have no interest but I do enjoy the fanfic) she then tells me what she is reading…..and yall she has no place to judge me here….you wanna know what she was reading?????

Fuvking Voldemort/tom riddle x Fuckkng Hermione Granger fanfiction. 🤨 girl

I won’t lie I did straight up say it’s like reading Hitler x Anne Frank fanfic. Her excuse was it was time travel to before he became Voldemort 🫠 and I’m like girl. What the fuvk is wrong with you. Why can’t you be normal and just read drarry or Ron/hermione?

Love her to death I do she very much gives the “talk Valentina, ally” stchick but like she absolutely kills me when she tries to judge what I’m reading and is reading that.

[builder051]

Hi, this isn’t a prompt, I just wanted to say you’re one of my favorite writers for multiple fandoms and I really love your work. It’s actually been years since I first started reading fanfic, jeez it was since before I was even in high school, and I always find myself coming back to your fics. That’s all, have a good day🫶

Thank you! You’re so unbelievably kind. Hearing feedback from readers is so helpful, both in motivation to create content, and in just feel-good friendship.

I, too, was an avid fanfic connoisseur since age 12 or so, and I’m so glad you’ve had fun reading my writing. I have a hard time rating my stuff as teen, adult, explicit, etc. on AO3 as well as on here, though I do try consistently tag my work and provide content warnings. I hope I haven’t scarred anyone for life with my…unsavory content?

I’m so happy to receive kind messages like this; they definitely reignite my motivation to create and post. Tbh, I have two really well-developed fics (powers/no powers and chasing ghosts). I also have WIPs that are on my scratch pad that I need to type up and proof and post. I’m having a bear of a time keeping the stories concise (like < 2 or 3 k). I like introductions where we acclimate to the characters and who is speaking and acting, and I also like subliminal backtracking so we as writers and readers can refresh the ‘verse and assign the correct backstories to the characters in the categories in the ‘verse.

I also know the strong connections we develop with those knock-your-socks off stories, whether because of that one line or that one chilling description… I’ve had a hall’o’fame list since long before I started my own content. (There’s a link to that list in the expanded text of the bio at the top of the blog.)

Thanks for the wonderful, cheerful message. You know I’m still way underwater with schedules and stuff, but I’m attempting to put in some personal time where I can work on a project. (Currently cuddling in the hammock chair with my National Geographic is kinda the go-to). I have so many stories in my head, both as more Marvel fanfic, as well as OC modern/historical/fantasy ideas. I swear the little buggers come in like ear mites and start jabbering with all this dialect and dialogue and specific scenes. I’m running as fast as I can to put them to paper before they all fly away. It’s good fodder for self-pub on KindleVella, or, if it has a more substantial plot, something might turn out to be a note for this years’ NaN0. (Although I have three very lengthy unfinished manuscripts—I’ll settle on something later summer or fall.

I’m also looking forward to events, like CA birthday challenges in July, Marvel medical differences/chronic illness challenge in August, I think, and, of course, Whumptober ( + Inktober). No promises for consistency which any of that, but our new schedule (heavily reworked for consistency among the autistic and ADHD-diagnosed parties in our family. I am trying to take some private time a few times a day for undisturbed art and writing and magazine reading, but my attention span and lack of stamina contribute heavily to, well… some slow going.

Ok. I’ve talked way too much. 💝 to you, anon. Thanks for getting in touch.

[my-mt-heart]

I don't want to use your "ask" button for this, so my apologies. But I figured they seem to be an avid reader of your content, and you did invite me to add, so I thought that would be best?

I say this with all due respect, but I disagree. No Caryler or shipper of Donnie has good reason to believe in the possibility of a romance between the latter ship. I have yet to see a "good reason" from either side. When I ask for one, I don't get one. 

Stop conflating Daryl's relationship with Leah and Connie. They are not the same. Find Me dealt with multiple things, one of which was introducing what Daryl's attitude is towards intimate relationships and being able to communicate that in a way that doesn't reveal too much from Daryl verbally. Because that is probably where they plan to take Daryl in the long run; an actual relationship with a committed partner. With it being just them, alone. No other people around. Like it was with Daryl and Leah. Does that sound like Daryl and Connie to anyone or Daryl and Carol? 

And contrary to what Carylers and Donnie shippers continue to suggest, that episode Find Me (while sloppy and rushed) was not aiming to convince anyone that Daryl is your typical male, while sacrificing his psychological nuances. In psychology, Daryl would be considered someone who is high in openness, neuroticism, and at least above average in agreeableness. Meaning, he is more likely to settle into a pace and environment or way of living, because he thinks it is what he is supposed to do, rather than what he wants to do. That is how he tends to act, without his proper counterpart present (physically or mentally), which would be Carol. Daryl is childlike in a way with Leah and Connie that he doesn't get to be with Carol (because there is a healthy maturity there, but also because she's so damn stubborn). And he mirrors Carol. That is one of the reasons he seems so dismissive towards her. She's blocking him out, too. He doesn't mirror Leah and Connie, though. Have you ever noticed that children stare at things or people a lot? Daryl wanted to help Leah. Daryl wanted to help Connie and I think still does. It's not romance. And it will be totally confirmed once we all see the episodes to come. 

Angela Kang gets a lot of flack from the Caryl side but maybe we would rather have Gimple back on the ballot for showrunner? We all know how wonderful he was with Daryl. Kang is the one who has the task of building up a declining show, following the plot mostly, and having the creativity to use other characters to bring Caryl to where we want them to be ultimately (that's the hope, right?). Sure, we want Caryl now, but her vision for them has durable elements that work for us and them better long-term. Notice how there is still so much about them as people that we don't know and they don't know. She wants that there on purpose. All the best romances that are going to be long-term romances have that in mind. Otherwise, we'll just get a sappy fanfic. And I am not a Caryler who has been following their journey for years on end for a sappy fanfic, just because the thought of Connie and Daryl interacting unless for romantic intent is inconceivable for some of us. No, I don't agree with all her choices. But I agree with her vision. And the direction she is taking us to get there. 

Kang spoke of Daryl having a child element to him. Like, he is dreaming and wondering again. Carol is not quite there, yet. But she will be. Melissa McBride correctly dubbed Carol and Daryl as being "wounded children". If you look at Daryl and Carol's individual arcs since Kang took over, that is coming through loud and clear. They are both realizing that they don't have to be there for people the way they used to; the world will reorder itself, with or without them. Now, they don't have to survive just to survive. So now what? Well, they can live. Adults don't "live". They pay bills, they have obligations, appointments, engagements, work, inconveniences. Children don't. They dream, they explore; they imagine; they adventure. That is what all great children's books/movies do. I actually noticed a while ago how childlike Carol is becoming, myself, so it struck me when Angela Kang recently said Daryl basically is, too. 

Now, keep doubting if anyone wants to doubt. I am not trying to dissuade you. But stop presenting Find Me, Connie being around since season 9 and not being able to pinpoint one scene that was laced with romantic tension between Donnie, while topping it off with Kang, as actual "good reasons". As someone involved in law and counseling, they're not. It's doubt. Doubt is fine. Reconstructing Kang's style, and Daryl's relationship with Leah based on that doubt, is faulty though. 

And this response is not an accusation, nor a challenge or an insult of anyone's thought process. I say all of this in friendship and I mean that sincerely. 

Thanks my-mt. Hope I wasn't too long. I probably was, though.

You can use my ask button anytime you want. Couldn't have said it better myself. Really, I couldn't have.

[isthatbloodonhisshirt]

Hello! I’m an avid reader of your stories, if I’m being honest there’s probably no story you have posted I haven’t read, you’re my favorite sterek author since I decided to keep up with the fandom again, specially love the way stiles and Derek are equally gone for each other in your stories, in other fanfics there is always one who seems to be more invested in the relationship than the other so I’m extremely grateful you don’t have this issue, I also appreciate the way Stiles is very liked in your stories, after a while it’s a bit boring to me him being portrayed as The annoying-guy-that-has-no-game-going-on, and a huge shot out to my favorite original character of all the times, Merrak from What fresh twilight bullshit is this? I hope to see more works where the Hale family is alive and thriving and I guess that’s it I can’t wait to read the works you are currently writing

Hello friend! o/ 

Thank you so much, this is so sweet!! ;~; I really appreciate your kind words, and seriously, that is so nice of you to say, I’m really glad you like my stuff, thank you! 

I’m glad you like the mutual pining XD I love writing idiots in love, happy endings only please and thank you! XD And I honestly didn’t know there was a problem with Stiles being annoying with no game D: Poor Stiles :( He definitely has game, and said game’s name is Derek, and Derek is 100% all about that smartass man’s brain and ass (which is why smartass is the perfect descriptor of Stiles for him :P) And Derek just needs a hug. Like, constantly. And Stiles likes hugs so it works out for the both of them!!! \o/ 

And thank you!!! I always get so happy when people talk about Merrak, I love my angry little son XD My precious bean~ I am sorry I don’t write much alive Hale family (and that unfortunately doesn’t look to be forthcoming in the near future with the things I have in the pipeline) but I am glad you enjoy alive Hale Family and will put it on the docket for future fics down the line! 

Thank you so much for your kind words, for real, I know I always say this, but they do mean a lot to me and I really appreciate it <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

[ghostmacandcheese]

Heaven help the fools chapter 3

(Hello! I hope you like this fanfic. It’s going to be five chapters, that way I can put a good amount of detail into the story. It isn’t a Y/N reader, as the main character does have a name, and if it seems strange or annoying the way the conversations flow or the way things are described, sorry, that's just how i think and react to things. While most of the stuff in this is false, obviously, there will be a note at the end of each chapter letting you guys know what was actually real from personal experiences! Hope you all enjoy, i know i had a lot of fun writing this!)

Summery: you meet Steven in the museum gift shop and become fast friends, and maybe something even more!

Pairing: just Steven x female reader

Warnings: some swearing, being the family disappointment, sleep disorders,

Genre: fluff, meet-cute, friends to lovers

Chapter 3: wasteland, baby

It had been about two weeks now since that first time going to the coffee shop with steven, and about every day after, the both of you found some excuse to hang out. He gave you regular tours of the museum, and even though they were all basically the same, you always said yes when he asked, purely to just listen to him talk so excitedly and passionately about his obsession. You've learned a lot about him since the first time you met him, and he now knew a lot about you, but that was just because he was so easy to talk to that you couldn't help but open up to him. He listened to everything really intently, and wouldn't interrupt unless he got excited. He was kind and seemed to genuinely care, and that made you feel important.

You learned that he had a sleeping disorder, lives alone, never had a girlfriend, and loves jazz. He likes to bake, but never has any time, and is an avid collector of tiny seashells. I don't think I've ever been happier to know someone can collect tiny seashells because they love the swirl pattern in their shells.

I roll over and check my phone, confirming my suspicions. It was 3 am, and I was still awake. Even worse, I was thinking about steven, instead of sleeping. “God, I need a hobby. D you think he's up now? Should I text him? Ugh, no, that would seem too obvious.” I get up out of bed and pace around the open floor in my living room, trying to figure out what I could do, and whether I should call him or not. I decide to pull out my earbuds and play my sleeping playlist, shuffling it until I found the perfect song. I lay on my bed while Wasteland, Baby by Hozier filled my ears. I close my eyes and let the song wash over me, letting it lull me into almost sleep when my music stops. I check my phone to see what's wrong and see steven is calling me! Shit shit shit what do I do? Do I answer? I mean, he'd probably be upset if I didn't answer, yeah, I'll answer.

“Hello?”

“H-hey, I wasn't sure if you'd be awake! Glad to see I'm not the only one with sleep issues.”

“Hmm, yeah, I haven't been able to fall asleep all night.” and it's all your fault, you absolute moron, do you know what this is doing to me right now?

“Was there something you needed?” I ask, trying not to sound rude so he wouldn't think I was angry.

“O-oh, uh, not really, I, uh, just wanted to um, I just wanted to talk to you, i-guess. If this is a bad time, I can go.” he sounded so sad, that I couldn't say no to him.

“No, it's fine, I don't have work tomorrow, so I don't care if I can't fall asleep right now. Anyway, what are you up to? Anything interesting to pass the time?”

“Eh, you know, just puzzles, books, anything to keep my brain active, I guess. What about you?”

“I mean, I was thinking of starting a painting, but I'm not really sure of what. Maybe something psychedelic so I can mess around with neons and glow in the dark? A huge canvas of glowing neon eyes would be pretty cool.”

“I-are you being serious?”

“I'll be honest, at first I was joking, but that actually sounds like a really cool idea. Like, it's one face in the light, and another when you turn off the lights? I don't know. I've got a big canvas and glow-in-the-dark paint, though, so I guess we’re gonna find out, huh.” I started heading to the back corner crawl space where I keep my painting supplies, and steven starts talking about the eye and its symbolism in Egypt. Eventually, he stops, and I realize I've been quiet the whole time I've been painting.

“Steven, why’d you stop talking?” I ask, thinking something happened or he fell asleep.

“Oh, sorry, I thought you found me boring and I was afraid I had put you to sleep or something.”

“Oh.” I chuckle, shaking my head. “I'm sorry, I just got so focused listening to you while painting I completely forgot to talk. If I'm being honest, I probably would fall asleep to you talking.” I hear a disappointed “oh” from the other end of the phone before I could finish my sentence. “No, not because your boring, because your voice is so nice and relaxing it makes me wanna fall asleep. I like sleeping to constant noise, and your voice has such a nice cadence that I could listen to you talk all night long and comfortably fall asleep to it. I didn't mean it rudely, don't worry.”

“O-oh, ok. So… you like my voice?” he sounded so timid, it was like a small child asking if their playground crush liked the drawing they made them.

“yes, steven, I like our voice,” I said with a smile. “I like a lot of things about you, actually. I like the fact that you love Egypt so much you could talk about it all day, that your hair looks really soft and is always slightly messy, and that you always listen with 100% interest to what I'm saying, even if you don't really want to, and that you respect my boundaries and personal space. I like the fact that you smell like an old library and the incense used in the Egyptian wing, and that you drink coffee every hour of the day and still look exhausted. I love how excited you get when listening to me talk, and how much you love your goldfish. I love a lot of things about you, steven grant.” I let it all out in one breath, feeling like I just shared a part of me I had never shared with anyone before. Steven was quiet for a while after that. Unbearably quiet.

“S-steven, are, are you ok?” I ask, nervous I had just ruined my only friend with my feelings.

‘I-you like all those things about me?”

“Yes,” I said, suddenly feeling really shy.

“You changed your wording, halfway through.”

“I-i did?”

“Yeah,” he said, sounding thoughtful. ‘You started by saying you like a lot about me, and ended by saying you loved a lot about me.”

“I-i guess I did, huh.”

“So, um, w-which is it?”

“What?”

“Do you like me, or love me?” he sounded about as nervous as I felt, which is to say, incredibly nervous.

“Um, I mean, I guess, kina both, if that's ok?”

“Yeah, that's ok. I guess I feel both too. A-about you, I mean, not me.” I laughed at that.

“Ophelia,”

“Yes?”

“Would you, um, many wanna, wanna go out somewhere with me? Like, on a date? Not to any restaurants or anything, I know you get bad claustrophobia and anxiety when it comes to restaurants, but maybe somewhere else, outside maybe? Like in the park? We can make a day of it! Um, if that's ok?” he sounded so sweet, so genuine. This was truly what it felt like to be loved. To be important. To be cared about.

“Steven, I would love to”

“Oh, great, that's just great! Yeah, um, ill let you know the time and place, ya? I'll get it all figured out, don't worry.”

“Oh, I trust you.”

“Ok, well bye I guess,”

“Bye steven, I cant wait.”

“Bye Ophelia. Love you, laters, gators.”

He-he just said “I love you” to me! This is the day I die from happiness! You're going on a date! With STEVEN GRANT!! oh, and now that you are excited about it, not only will you not sleep for the next 3 hours, but you also get to cash in that free anxiety ticket you'd been holding on to for a rainy day, how fun! Sleep well!

‘Well,” I mutter to myself, I guess I better at least try to sleep somewhat once I finish this painting.” I take a deep breath, letting the full events of what just happened 15 minutes ago fully hit me.

“OH, MY GOD I'M GOING ON A DATE! FINALLY! AND HE'S SOOOOO HOOOOOOT!!!” I start jumping up and down, super excited until one of my neighbors knocks on my door and kindly reminds me with his middle finger it's now 4 in the morning, and he'd like to sleep.

“Sorry,” I whisper, “I just got a little excited, ill be going to bed now.” I close the door and walk over to my bed, falling in it, giggling like a teenage girl. This is the best day ever!

*end chapter authors note*

Hello! Glad you guys seem to be liking this series so far! So, quick update, i know i said six chapters, but I’m making it five, so that way i dont have an entire chapter of stupid stuff that’s unnecessary! Anyways, aside from that, here’s stuff about me that i put in this chapter!

1) i love jazz, baking, and collection tiny things, including seashells, since i happen to conveniently live by a beach

2) i paint quite a lot, and the painting Ophelia makes is something i actually really want to paint soon

3) i have pretty bad anxiety and claustrophobia when it comes to certain places like restaurants, so i generally feel safer outside

Anyway, thanks for reading!