#I appreciate the comment but asking me about other WIPs is just getting so disheartening | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

simlicious · 5 months ago

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I'm so grateful for all your feedback and suggestions, thank you! I've had some things to deal with IRL and also needed time to think and brainstorm a bit more about all that has been said, my feelings, my personal reasons why I create, and why I share CC, but now it's time to acknowledge your replies properly!

This time, I will put your comments inside the post because tumblr likes to remove comments after some time has passed and I feel this is the easiest way to bundle all the feedback and my responses! Note: I edited the quotes to merge multiple comments by the same person together.

@frank-e-sleep-n-tea wrote:

"Maybe you can do an initial shot to show off the pattern, followed by what the pattern looks like in game"

Definitely, showing how the patterns look in-game is important to me, as well as giving everyone an overview of what patterns are included. I partly show a lot of WIP images so you can get a feel for the pattern in the game 😊 My WIPs are mostly done, the colors might change and I sometimes fix some quirks or tweak small aspects like the placement, but in general, they are finished enough to give a good first impression.

@medleymisty wrote:

"Look at the reblog chains of the posts with notes you want and see if you can find an “influencer” to hype you up maybe."

I've never consciously thought about that, but you are right, getting bigger blogs to reblog something will broaden the reach. I'm just not sure I have the guts to blatantly ask for that (and I do not want to seem like I use people for clout). But I think bigger blogs could use their influence by featuring other creators, regularly like @ice-creamforbreakfast does on fridays in her new feature showcase posts. I think it's a brilliant idea and we should definitely make that a trend! Even smaller blogs can post about their favorite creators, tutorial writers, modders, storytellers etc. If lots of simmers post about someone once a week, we can cover a lot of ground and that is a great way to show appreciation to all kinds of simblrs in our community. It is also a great way to showcase older, forgotten creations and give them a second chance to shine! How about #simblr feature friday 🤔

@simtanico wrote:

"I like showing them in game and just have an icon to represent the ones shown. I think it helps visually to have people imagine what it’ll look like both in menu and in game! (Also I feel you on the notes thing. I try not to think about it too much but it’s wild how some posts flop and others don’t.)"

It's a good point to mention the menu, I also want people to recognize the patterns and be able to find them in the menu (which is still a bit difficult sometimes since the menu thumbnails are so tiny). That is actually also a reason why I try to mix up my color schemes so that the patterns are easier to distinguish (though that might not be relevant for someone who has hundreds of my patterns anyway).

@gardenof-sims wrote:

"When I was playing TS3, you were the one-stop shop for patterns. Yes, there were the odd ones from other creators, but your quality is consistent throughout, and for me that's what counted. So in game shot on furniture and thumbnails is what I'd go for."

I appreciate the compliment! I definitely like showing off my patterns on furniture, you can often see the pattern repeat too, and see that they are truly seamless.

@aisquaredchoco wrote:

"You know, I really feel you on the notes part. It's kinda disheartening when someone else who makes things pretty much similar to what you make get more engagement. I've already given up questioning tumblr's algorithm and why it hates me, so I already settled with the fact that numbers are well, just numbers. It also feels satisfying when I see my stuff in someone's game screenshots (pretty rare moments, but still rewarding nevertheless). With regards to previews, I'd say do away with photoshopping and show the patterns the way they are in game, and sample usage on furniture and CAS stuff is very welcome too. You're already the GOAT in making ts3 patterns, I'd just like to remind you that, and just do what you always do best..💚"

@kevinvoncrastenburg wrote:

"I personally love the way you present your CC and I don't see the need to change anything if I'm honest. I also have to say that I never ever noticed any differences in the way your patterns look in game vs in previews. Maybe that's on me but I'm always satisfied with the quality of your patterns. Without exception. What I love the most is the transparency in everything you provide. I know what I will get and I can even, if necessary, pick and choose since you provide thumbnail files with each download. I certainly see variety, creativity and development in your download posts and really think you are too hard on yourself. I know it's not a matter of choice, and easier said than done to discard, but I'd just wish you could see what I and probably many others see. I see the hard work and appreciate it, a lot. About the notifications: I noticed that tumblr is swallowing posts. Everytime I log into tumblr I try to go as far back as I can until I recognize the "area" if that makes sense. On the way I see a lot of beautiful things, like them, comment etc. Later I also like to check my favorite tags and notice that my dashboard is not even remotely showing me everything the people I follow are posting. Maybe that's the answer but it's certainly not your way of presenting"

@wavingwheat wrote:

"I'm a cc hoarder and am going through an edit phase of which content and creators I REALLY want in game. Your work is so high quality and I really appreciate it. I echo what @kevinvoncrastenburg said about being too hard on yourself."

@nectar-cellar wrote:

"how about trendier patterns, color palettes, and models/furniture? if the presentation feels modern and on trend with current fashions/designs it can be more eye catching. maxis match or vanilla ts3 can sometimes look too much like it's stuck in the early 2010s for good or bad. also more, steady releases can help build consistency and momentum."

It's true that those original game meshes are just not exciting to look at for the most part! The sad thing is that they are still the best way to show off patterns because they are consistently well-meshed to display patterns in a clear and non-distorted way. About 90% of Conversions and new CC I try have inconsistent UVs that distort, stretch, blur, dissect, or otherwise maim applied patterns. A lot of them also have baked-in textures which may look like they are part of the pattern itself when they are not. It's a bit frustrating, I would love to use more contemporary stuff! Even most converted furniture has those problems. I'm open to any pointers to trendy CC that is well-mapped, I'd love to go on a good download spree 💜

Having a consistent color palette throughout a collection vs different swatches both has pro's and con's. Of course, that looks fantastic in the previews and is great eye candy, but it makes the selection process in the pattern menus a bit more difficult too (though most people probably click through a lot of patterns until settling on one anyway). I often edit patterns and add color channels that have not even been there in the original just to make them extra versatile. I then want to make the channels different enough for people to recognize that they can recolor them. I could also make those extra channels just one color but then people would just not know! And that in general make my patterns seem very colorful, and not exactly minimalist. Some people may prefer the minimalist design. But of course, that is where in-game pics can come into play. I could also show patterns recolored in two-color style even though they could have 4, just to demonstrate the versatility a bit more.

I'm afraid I am not good at sniffing out trends or knowing how to match furniture and clothing to be particularly stylish. I've always thought of myself as a bit quirky in that sense and have pretty much given up on creating sims because they just looked horrific and distorted and I am inept at using custom sliders and make them work properly. Someone told me that you should never ever hit the randomize button when making sims but instead select a premade. I admit that hitting the randomize button is that is what I have done in the past and back then there weren't as many sliders, but now I realize why I have so many problems...and I only recently got the meaning of "base sim" and what they are used for and why they are so important. Of course I cannot get better without practice, but I would need to really start over with getting CC for that and everything and it just feels very overwhelming. Does anyone know a good source for a tutorial or CC shopping list like "basics to get for making decent sims"? Like skins, makeup, and how to layer that stuff so that it looks good. Are people even sharing their sims anymore? It's been ages since I saw a sim for download (maybe it's just my dash). I feel like I'm not a skilled simmer in the sense that I never even play the game anymore and just have limited CC in my game since I want it to load faster for testing CC. I forgot how to do all the cool shit you people do! 😭 But maybe I should ask other simmers to make some previews for me in their gorgeous games 🤔

@sweetdevil-sims wrote:

"Without exaggeration, your patterns are the best I've ever used in this game. Re: notes, it's possible that the posts aren't reaching too many people because you don't post downloads too often. If you have many patterns, dividing them into 2-3 posts could help with that. As for previews, it's fine IMO to do a "cover" image with patterns in w/e colors you want, then 2-3 images with the exact thumbnails of the patterns in-game (which really helps to see how they'll look in the catalog)."

Thank you 🥹

I honestly do not know how tumblr's algorithm even works. Some people get a viral post after months of not posting anything. But if I would post on a schedule then people would know when to look, which would make things easier. The problem is that I am not a structured person at all and I am terrible at planning and judging how much time I need for something. Life gets in between everything too, so consistency is very hard for me, unfortunately. I do dream about pulling off monthly releases though! And I want to find a way to work toward that goal.

@windermeresimblr wrote:

"I think your download posts are wonderful and don't think you need to change anything about them. Maybe splitting your posts like SweetDevil said may help the engagement (and/or showcase some more of your showstopping work)?"

Thank you 💜I think creating smaller sets could work in that regard. In my head, this is a huge deal though as I regularly have to hype myself up to publish anything. It feels like a big deal every time and a lot of effort. The way I create preview pics takes a lot of time , and also uploading the files, posting across social media, patreon, my website, tumblr etc. isn't exactly my favorite thing about sharing CC. And to do that much more often kinda scares me 😶‍🌫️ but it would probably also mean that I would establish a routine and things wouldn't take as long as they do now.

@baufive wrote:

"Your work is TOP SHELF! I understand the frustration - all of your hard work and you look at another's post and see four digit numbers for likes and they seemingly came out of the blue. One suggestion I might offer is to show the patterns in various color palettes. I have seen those real estate shows where people say 'I hate the color of this room' and buy another house. There are times where people can't see what is in front of them. Give CASt a workout! The other suggestion I would offer is 'brand reinforcement' in that - show a room with all your catalogue of patterns - transform a space the way you want to see it with just your offerings. Your work is consistent and it will play well with your other wares. Make people think about how to mix and match your patterns across your catalogue. I struggle with this problem - so many of us do. Your fans love you and are excited when you release something new."

🥰 thank you, you've got some excellent ideas! Showing off different color palettes would indeed be valuable, as it also shows the versatility of the patterns. I also love your "brand reinforcement" ideas, as this would also give my older collections some love. My followers could help me with that too by showing off their favorite patterns! I remember I did that many years ago, but that idea was not well-received back then. Maybe I can offer some kind of reward for the engagement🤔

@batsheba wrote:

"I think your patterns look great the way you present them! Just do you <3 Oh I forgot…. maybe tag some cc simblrs, so they can reblog your posts as well?!"

Thank you for believing in me! 💜 You mean tagging CC finds blogs? I might do that, even though it feels a bit weird to do (I fear that I may annoy those blogs, what if they do not want to feature me). But maybe the blogs appreciate it to be notified? I could check who featured me in the past though and only notify those!

@sims3thingsbymd3434 wrote:

"I love your Patterns. I go to look for yours before I download anywhere else. My suggestion would be to release a few at a time that you can display. My things I look for are what is recolorable in the pattern if it is at all."

Thanks for the love, I appreciate it! Smaller collections will mean that a single pattern matters more and gets more attention - I could do that with patterns that are very special to me or stand out from a crowd 🤔 I definitely want to show off the recolorability, as this is not a given with pattern downloads. I try to make it obvious which parts can be recolored by choosing different colors for the channels, but I do have patterns that are more complicated when it comes to recoloring. I could maybe explain or show how to recolor those!

@ice-creamforbreakfast wrote:

"Your patterns have never done me dirty and I appreciate your unedited previews. You're doing great imo 💜"

Thank you, that means a lot 🥰 I strive for a clean look that shows off the natural colors of my patterns.

@simdreams wrote:

"you ARE the GOAT in sims 3 patterns, and for me, your work speaks for itself - so detailed and high quality. but I get your frustration! sure you put a lot of work in them! I enjoy your preview style - straight to the point and realistic - and maybe baufive's idea can help? do some type of showcase of your patterns, like a lookbook of sorts?"

Wow, I'm flattered! Thank you! I think lookbooks are a great idea and tie in with what baufive suggested. I can also feature older patterns! I once did a lookbook with my patterns, which was a lot of work, but I put a read more section in there because it was a long post with all the thumbnails and everything. I got only a few notes back then though and no comments, it probably just was not obvious enough... but maybe it is time to try again!

Conclusion

All in all, I get spooked easily by little things because I do not have the best self-esteem. I'm not the best when it comes to consistency or completing goals in a specific timeframe. That sucks sometimes, but I have to remind myself to get back up and try again, and sometimes just do the thing that makes me happy regardless of the notes. Because I know that you are my fans and support me and love what I do. And I'm grateful for people who engage in conversations and genuinely want to help! And in the end, those comments mean much more than hundreds of likes.

Thank you for believing in me and supporting me like you do!

I need your input

I feel like I am always working my ass off with my patterns but still, other pattern creators tend to have more notes. The algorithm and aesthetics have always been my nemesis. I know it is probably because I try to make my patterns look good in-game instead of looking good for previews. Brightness and saturation look vastly different in-game vs in the previews, and sometimes patterns are way too bright and too contrasting in-game if they look good in previews. I really want my default colors to work as-is so they can be used without recoloring them, but then also can be recolored, of course. I've done some patterns that are a bit too bright and too contrasting in the past, but it tends to bug me in-game after a while. What are your thoughts on this? I guess I have to figure out a good way to make them look good in previews while also making them look good in-game but it's so hard, especially because the trend favors very light and bright colors. What do you think, should I just make a preview that does not show them off at all, or maybe just a couple of them on a sim or furniture and provide only the thumbnail pngs that I always include in the download as a preview? Should I photoshop the previews so the patterns look bright and pleasant but then they will not look how they really look in-game? I just wonder what the heck the secret sauce is and how I can get some...

Maybe how my patterns look in-game is my strength and showing that off is better than just an overview... Do you have thoughts or suggestions?

#replies #feedback #personal insecurities #I am so grateful for the suggestions and feedback

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iamanartichoke · 4 years ago

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I don’t know when I became a total bitch that’s a lie, it happened this year. This year, which has been such an absolulute clusterfuck in every way imaginable, has taken away the last of my patience and left the field in which I grow my fucks barren. So I apologize in advance for the tone, but also at the same time, like it or leave it.

My post about not deleting your fics now has over 3k notes, from many fandoms, not just the MCU. In the grand scheme of tumblr posts, 3k is not that many notes, but it is far more than I ever intended it to get. I made that post because I was frustrated with going to my bookmarks and seeing lots of “this fic has been deleted.” It seemed like every time I went to my bookmarks, more fics were gone. I made that post because I wanted to vent about it. In case you couldn’t tell from the clappity hands, it wasn’t meant to be a serious post. (I mean, when have I ever in my blog written a post like that and expected to be taken seriously? Pretty much never.) I wasn’t out to shame authors who delete their fics, nor imply that I (nor any other reader) is entitled to your work, forever and ever, always, amen.

I was frustrated about a Thing and I made a post to vent and then I moved on with my life.

It wasn’t that deep.

But it keeps turning up in my notifications like a bad penny. And because of who I am as a person, I go through and I read the commentary and the tags that are added, because I like to read what people have to say. So suffice it to say, I have read every single thing that has been added. Tons of people agreed with me and used the post as a space to vent their own frustrations over the fanfictions that have been lost to the void over the years. But some people took it extremely personally, and I -

Look, I get it. Writers put their work out there; they spend countless hours on it, for free, in the little pockets of time they manage to carve out between work, school, and whatever other irl obligations they have. All they ask for in return is some appreciation in the form of comments and kudos and, if it feels like they’re not getting it, they feel disheartened and maybe lose interest.

I get it, because I am a writer too. I also put my work out there. I also feel disheartened when something I post isn’t as well-received as I hoped. I also have lost interest and set things on the back burner.

But the way my writer brain works is, I may set the story on the back burner but it doesn’t set me on the back burner, if you know what I mean. It eats at me. It creeps into my thoughts and into my feels and becomes an itch I need to scratch. I need to write it because the story is already living rent-free in my head, and there’s not that much room in there; if I can evict it onto the page and share it with others while I do so, then more power to me.

Which is why I also agree with the perspective that writing itself is a reward - seeing your fic posted, finished, there to be read over and over again, even if you’re the only one reading it (because you wrote it for yourself in the first place; you wanted to read it and it wasn’t written and so you wrote it and you, the audience of one, is enjoying it, goddamn it).

If not getting enough comments and kudos while you’re writing is a deal-breaker for you, if it makes you want to delete your fics and leave the platform and never come back, then that’s cool. You do you, babe.

But also, your feelings about how well received your work is or isn’t is also kinda a you problem. Once your work is out there and has been shared, the audience who did read it is allowed to feel sad when one day it’s inexplicably gone. Furthermore, taking that fic down prevents someone (or many someones) who joins the fandom later from discovering your fic down the line and enjoying it and, yes, commenting on it.

I’m sorry that your fic didn’t get enough attention while you were writing it but that doesn’t mean you don’t have and will never have an audience who appreciates your work.

I comment on fics as much as I can. If I don’t have the mental energy for a comment, I leave kudos. I do this whether I’m reading a WIP or a completed fic that was posted in 2012. I am not alone in this. I know because I still get comments on my older, completed fics. Every once in a blue moon, a comment will pop up in my email like a little present, and I love that.

I’m not a hypocrite. At least, I try not to be. I realize I made that post and, regardless of my intentions, it has been shared and spread and people are going to add their own thoughts to it, because that is how tumblr works. I would have reblogged the post itself, except that I realized that while I care just enough to get irritated about it and want to say something, I don’t care enough to engage in an argument about it.

So I made this post to get my feelings out, instead of stewing on them silently. I don’t care if it gets notes or not, but I do hope that people at least see and recognize my original intent behind that post, which was this:

You are free to delete your fics if you want to, for whatever reason you want. No one is saying you can’t. But your readers notice when you do, and get sad about it, and are free to say so. That doesn’t mean we think we’re entitled to your work. It just means we miss it. As a reader, I miss the stories that have been deleted. As a writer, that is why I will never delete mine. That’s it.

#fanfic things #charlotte writes #fandom wank #idk how to tag this

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fanoftheimagines · 3 years ago

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Regarding Engagement

A few weeks ago, I started doing a weekly post called “Friday queries.” The goal was to raise interaction and engagement with me and my writing. I really wanted to interact more with my followers about my fics and fandoms. But I have gotten no response. Not getting engagement or interaction is so disheartening and demotivating.

The past few months, I’ve been trying to fight an overwhelming bought of writer’s block. Interaction and engagement help refuel me and motivates me to write. It makes me feel like people actually want to read what I write. I don’t want to quit posting or stop writing, but I really need interaction. I know writers aren’t entitled to your support, but I really want something to show for all the work I’ve put in. Discussing my WIPs and posted fics with my followers will honestly help me spark inspiration and hopefully get me back to writing regularly. Active participation is the best way to help me get fics out quicker. My motivation increases tenfold when my readers show interest, give me feedback, and interact with me. Like, I get so little interaction and feedback. And it really kills my motivation. I appreciate every single person who has ever commented on my fics or interacted with my ask box. Anything, no matter how small, sticks in my head for ages. It fuels me and makes me want to keep going. I just feel like there are so many people who read my fics passively, even the requested stuff. And it’s so frustrating.

There are tons of posts talking about how engagement is low, the like to reblog ratio is stark, and people aren’t sending in messages as much. And I can’t help but feel this is true. Like others, I hardly get any asks, messages, reblogs, or comments these days. And its super discouraging. And I know that I as a reader need to do better too. But I just want people to be aware of the problem.

I just want to hear your thoughts on my writing. If you don’t know where to start, that’s why I have the Friday queries prompts. Honestly, I just want to talk to you about my fics. Ask me questions, tell me what you liked/disliked. Anything, really.

Engagement means reblogging, commenting, messaging, etc. It’s an important part of keeping fandom active. Writers struggle to stay active without active participation and engagement. Supporting your creators is the best way to keep things going.

#blog #friday queries

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broccolianddandelion · 6 years ago

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13 Todobaku Fic Recs

I’ve been following the BNHA fandom for approximately two seconds, but within this time Todobaku has become my indisputable OTP. (The evil soul who introduced me to the fandom via her divine artwork (@anatchie) favors Bakudeku, and I feel a little disloyal now, but what can you do?) Over the past months I’ve read a lot of Todobaku. My gift to you is a baker’s dozen of my (admittedly idiosyncratic) favorites, the ones I return to time and again. As always, check out the author’s tags before reading. They’re there for a reason.

The indelicacies of nitroglycerin (T, 50.2K) by yeetin. - “Don’t you think Bakugou is pretty?”

Todoroki looked up, after having apparently caused the untimely deaths of his three friends. Uraraka was doubled over, clutching her throat as bits of food sprayed from her wheezing mouth, Iida had somehow mini-Recipro Bursted his way through the floorboards and was struggling to get back out of the crater, and Midoriya… Midoriya looked like he needed an ambulance. Or an immediate blood transfusion at least, his face was so white.

This fic has one of the most indelible scenes of drunk Todoroki I’ve ever read. A little angsty, a lot funny.

I want to reconcile the violence in my heart (T, 28.1K) by @callalilalma - You had one job, you piece of shit! his brain yells at it. Just pump fucking blood in my veins, don’t fucking give yourself to half and half!

This fic got me fascinated with the idea of Bakugou as an unreliable narrator. I may be halfway done with a remix from Todoroki’s point of view. I’ve probably listened to the Muse song thousands of time by now. (I’m a slow writer.)

i want you (to want me) (T, 18.5K) by shaekspeares - “You know what,” Bakugou exhales angrily, more to himself, and then suddenly is leaning over Todoroki where he sits, arms by his sides and face close to his. “It doesn’t fucking matter. I can think whatever the fuck I want of you. I’m gonna beat you no matter how much better than me you think you are.”

“When you’re not having a tantrum, I actually respect you a lot,” Todoroki corrects. Mainly because he means it, but also because he’s starting to know how to get Bakugou to pull the face he’s pulling now. “You’re an admirable person in some ways.”

“Fucking hell,” Bakugou says, his shoulders sagging and his expression comically disheartened. “I- what’s next? You gonna declare your love for me mid-battle?”

“I don’t think so, no,” Todoroki replies, instinctively, then freezes, thinking about it.

“I’m fucking- going,” Bakugou continues, undeterred and jittery. “Fucking weirdo.”

He hastily grabs his bag and stomps off, and Todoroki sits very still.

Oh, dear.

He thinks he may have missed a few things while redefining his feelings.

One of my favorite characterizations of Todoroki. Hilarious and sweet getting together fic.

Lock and Key (E, WIP) by @autochorystalize - Bakugou made a choked, gravelly noise before croaking out a low, “You can’t be serious.” His fingers ached to blow up everything in the room.

“I’m sorry, young man, but you can’t change reality! This sometimes happens.” Recovery Girl clicked through his file, adding a new symbol in a previously empty slot. - - - A pair of eyes discreetly locked on to an explosive blond plowing his way forward, parting people in his path. He recognized the kid, of course. Anyone in the underbelly of society would recognize him, after the publicity of both UA’s Sports Festival and the events leading up to All Might’s fall. The uniform he was wearing cast away any doubts about the young man’s identity. It was a bit of a surprise that the little firecracker presented as an omega. - - - - - - - - - Or: there are certain types of evil that seemed too distant, archaic violations and perversions that would never actually threaten bright-eyed heroes-in-training in the clean, modern world...but sometimes those evils aren't as distant as one might think.

The fic that changed my mind about abo. The world building is mind blowing. Delves deep into social issues that are all too real. This can be a hard read at times (check the tags) but is absolutely worth it. Also I’m dying for Bakugou and Todoroki to get together.

nothing lingers passively. (E, WIP) by @ii-mo - A faint tickling sensation under the bridge of his nose was all the warning he received before Bakugou gripped the lapels of his uniform and hauled him in. The scent of the Alpha's peaking rut shot through him like a bullet, ricocheting off his insides and settling to quiver at the bottom of his gut, still warm.

Cross- eyed, Todoroki wrinkled his nose where it nearly met his classmate’s. He should have expected that reaction, honestly.

Alpha Bakugou Katsuki is allergic to suppressants, and Todoroki Shouto is a Beta with a grudge. Together they strike a deal that swiftly becomes more than either of them had bargained for.

As of this writing there is one more chapter left in this story, and I can’t wait to read it. Fascinating take on the biology of alphas and betas.

Proximate Cause (T, 5.3K) by @daddyissuesandgrenadehands - “It seems our dear Bakugou has punched a teacher.” Shockingly, there’s no sarcasm in Nedzu's voice. “Midoriya was involved somehow too, but we aren’t sure how just yet. This is quite serious, as you can imagine.”

Aizawa wouldn’t be opposed to a Nomu slamming his head into the ground a few more times. Maybe one could just come and finish the job for good this time. All he wanted was one freaking day of peace. Goddamit Bakugou.

A serious catalyzing event, yet some of the best wry humor I’ve encountered.

rule 02: stay (M, 23.6K) by @altinsky - The vampire leans in close, expression utterly business-like in its seriousness.

And the last thing Katsuki remembers is the feeling of a tongue touching the bleeding wound at the juncture of his throat, the feeling of inexplicable anger, the fleeting thought of — this guy is so fucking dead — and then, nothing.

(or: katsuki is a vampire hunter who, thanks to a series of misfortunate circumstances and his potent werewolf's blood, somehow ends up striking a deal with the most aggravating vampire in existence)

As I rule I don’t particularly like creature!fics, but this fic, perhaps inspired by the BNHA Halloween art, captivated me. Great use of canonical elements in an AU.

Starting Over From Ground Zero (E, 38.5K) by @xenophonspeaking and HyacinthAtropa - What would their relationship have been like, if Bakugou’s pride hadn’t stood in the way? Would they have been friends, or would things have mostly stayed the same? Would Bakugou have been happier, more open and honest about his feelings and wants and needs as a person? Would he have accepted and even appreciated the comfort others offered him, rather than always keeping people at arm’s-length in an effort to maintain an image of independence and strength?

Todoroki didn’t know.

He didn’t know. But he wanted to.

Abruptly, like a bolt of lightning, he realized he actually had the chance to find out.

(Or: that one where Bakugou has temporary amnesia and Todoroki is tasked with caring for him until his memory returns, but ends up falling in love with the part of Bakugou that Bakugou has always kept hidden away instead.)

For obvious reasons XenophonSpeaks was one of the first Todobaku writers I discovered, and this is one of my two favorite fics from a talented writer. I’ve been pleased, though not surprised, to see its kudos steadily rising over the months. A sweet getting together story, great use of the amnesia trope, hot lovemaking.

then, be mine. (M, 32.5K) by TDRKBKGO - The way things always trucked onwards despite the ruthlessness of it was a constant fucking boulder in Katsuki’s smooth machinery because he had no time. One thing happened after another and he was content, of course - he didn't want to stand still. In fact, that was probably the one thing he couldn't stand the thought of doing. But it meant leaving things behind.

This fic should have hundreds more kudos. I want to write a love letter to this writer, if it wouldn’t be super creepy. One of my favorite tropes — getting back together — angsty, some of the best-written (though not necessarily the smuttiest) smut I’ve read in BNHA.

Tracing the Sharp Edge of You (T, 4.7K) by hellsinki - “Why do you hate Midoriya so much?”

“Why do you fucking ask? Why not just assume?”

Why not just assume? He had tried that, but something just didn’t add up.

“Because it doesn’t fit your profile.”

This is my take on the reason behind Bakugou’s rocky relationship with Deku based on their canonical interactions, set in a soft todobaku narrative. It’s not what you have been reading up in the fandom, but this is what I think could be a very plausible reason. Fair warning: Not exactly Deku-friendly.

This is a Todobaku fic, but it is actually a fascinating take on Bakugou’s relationship with Midoriya. If you read the comments you can see that a lot of readers didn’t understand (or appreciate) what the writer was doing. A refreshing read that I return to when I want something different.

Without Hesitation (T, 8.2K) by @xenophonspeaking - The first time Bakugou told Todoroki he was in love with him, he thought he’d die.

My other candidate for favorite fic from XenophonSpeaks. This fic makes my angst-loving heart sing, and there are some great ensemble comedic moments.

Yellow Umbrella (G, WIP) by veemon - When Todoroki’s interest finally catches Bakugous attention it may be too late for them to make up.

I adore this fic, and it launched my obsession with manipulative!Midoriya. I eat that shit up now. A rare G-rated abo story. I can’t wait until it updates.

you are my sun. (T, WIP) by TDRKBKGO - “‘Why’d he have to go and become the Moon’, he said" Shouto leans forward where he sits in a cherry tree on the verge of springing into full blossom, rubbing his temples.

“Because he went and became the Sun.”

This fic blew my mind, and it’s breaking my heart that it hasn’t been updated in months. I was speechless when I finished the first chapter. Bakugou’s the sun, and Todoroki’s the moon, and the way the story maps onto canon is extraordinary.

#boku no hero academia #my hero academia #bakutodo #todobaku #bktd #tdbk #Todoroki shouto #bakugou katsuki #bnha fic rec #fic rec

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leonidas1754 · 2 years ago

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I've been struggling with writing as of late.

Finishing a story has always been a challenge, and frequently I start or work on one of my myriad WIPs, nothing new and not a problem. I do this for free, I don't need to finish a damn thing if I don't feel like it.

Learning to write for myself was a process, but I like to think I've mostly gotten there. I write first and foremost a fic I want to read myself, and if others like it, that's cool too, but it's not necessary. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean lack of response doesn't get to me sometimes. And that's what's happening now. Usually it's not a big problem, I get bummed but I keep on trucking.

But this time around... Not so much, and it's not hard to see why. I put my heart and soul into this story, I worked so damn hard on it, and it seemed like there were at least a handful of people enjoying and following it. But when I posted the last chapter... Nothing. A handful more kudos and two single comments, one of which I had to delete because it was literally just a demand that I write more, not even saying much about the fic itself.

Now don't get me wrong, no one HAS to comment or anything, even if you commented on previous chapters. And kudos are nice, I guess, others enjoy them more than me, and I've been able to enjoy them more since turning the hits off. But it kinda comes back around to like...

Passive consumption is the mortal enemy of fanfiction. It is so, so disheartening to put so much effort into your work, to put yourself out there, time and time again, only to get nothing in return. To get people just taking your work and give you nothing. Kudos are nice, but let's face it, they are the single most low-effort sign of appreciation ever. You hit a button. That's it. Even likes here on Tumblr are more significant, as there's a tab where you can view things you've liked. A kudos can feel much like you've tossed me a dime. A kind gesture for certain, but not worth much in the end. Plus, they're extremely easily missed if you don't have Emails turned on, like a great many don't because they become annoying spam a lot of the time. So chances are, if that fic is old, the author won't even see your kudos, turning it into an almost entirely meaningless gesture.

And it feels so selfish to complain like this, sure, but at the same time, what I'm so selfishly complaining about is essentially the perception of readers being selfish themselves. How many times have I seen people discussing the old eventuality of artists leaving communities because of art theft? It's referenced a fair bit, I'd say. (And artists definitely have similar problems in fandom, but this isn't about that) Does anyone even notice if a writer disappears? Unless they get lucky and manage to have a fic utterly explode in popularity, probably not, and even then it's more likely it'd only be noticed if the fic stops updating. Once it's done, people move on.

I haven't written in a month. I've poked at my WIPs, tried to write, but I can never get more than a sentence or two, or edit a WIP some, before I just give up because it's not there. I put so much effort and love into my writing and it's just... It's difficult to keep doing that when I feel like I'm the only one who even cares.

Maybe that is selfish and whiny and whatever else. But in this day and age where people are told more and more to value their work, to not sell themselves short, is it really that odd to be a bit upset that your work that you're not even asking money for doesn't get any appreciation?

Also, I swear, if I see one more "Ao3 should let us leave more than one Kudos," I'm gonna fucking scream. I constantly see posts about how people want a way to show more appreciation and it feels like they'll do fucking anything except leave a comment.

Listen, you do not have to comment. At all. If you have nothing to say, don't, leave that Kudos, they're still a good thing even if I have problems with them. If you have such extreme social anxiety that saying "I love this story" is too much, been there was like that, it took time to overcome. But for the love of god, if you have something to say, SAY IT.

Leave that "Second Kudos!" comment, tell the author what part of the story you liked best, how the story made you feel, if it's multichapter say what you're looking forward to most! Just give us something, some sort of sign that you aren't just taking a fic and throwing it away like a used napkin.

I've stopped replying to comments when all I have to say is "thanks for commenting" because it just feels like groveling, like I should be appreciative that they took the ten seconds to leave a simple comment. Simple comments are still good, they're still important, but I feel like writers shouldn't have to show their gratitude for them so someone thinks they should keep commenting. This is a more niche thing, but I've seen it here and there, both from writers apologizing for not immediately replying and from readers saying that lack of response discourages them from commenting at all.

Just show your appreciation for the free content you're given, for crying out loud. It is not that hard, I promise, and it will mean a fuckton more to the author than the actual effort it took to do it.

#Simon Says #Delete later probably #Passive consuption is the enemy of fandom in general but especially fic

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creideamhgradochas · 6 years ago

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Thanks to the lovely @interestedbystanderwrites for taking the time to answer these! Get to know more about lovely Cass, go give her a follow and then show her some love!

These questions are from this list. You should check it out, there’s 50 questions all together and they’d be great to ask your favorite fic writer!

1) How old were you when you first starting writing fan-fiction?

Ha! I was a teenager and it was Backstreet Boys – and smut didn’t exist the same way it does now but that’s another opinion for another day. What I wrote then was cutesy and romantic, probably because that was what I was daydreaming about, I guess. Just a reminder that my blog is NSFW if you’re under 18.

2) Do you prefer writing OC’s or reader inserts? Explain your answer.

I think I can get more depth from an OC but you also risk the Mary-Sue and you may pigeonhole your OC in race, sexuality etc. That can really open a can of worms with the reader, which is wholly understandable. Reader inserts are great in the way you can make it 100% person to the reader. They should imagine themselves (if that’s their choice) and not feel that the writer has alienated them in any way somehow but it is still difficult to please everybody.

3) What is your favorite genre to write for?

I like fluff – I like things that make you smile at the end, give the reader a little cuddle to maybe brighten their day.

4) If you had to delete one of your stories and never speak of it again, which would it be and why?

One that never made my masterlist – a Spider-Man super angst titled “How Long Do You Want to be Loved?”. I thought it as okay, pretty good even – but I guess people just want Bucky or Sebastian smut haha I hear you all!

5) When is your preferred time to write?

Morning when the little guy is napping ☺ Evening is hard because it’s when I play adulting catch up… or try not to fall asleep on the couch.

6) Where do you take your inspiration from?

I have a very overactive imagination, always have. And for most of my fics, I guess it’s pretty obviously the beautiful aesthetics of Sebastian Stan and to a lesser extent, Bucky Barnes.

7) In your Time Only Flies When You’re Around Series, what’s your favorite scene that you wrote?

Chapters 27 and 28 of TOFWYA – more so 28 as you get a pretty interesting insight into Sasha’s and Sebastian’s ways of coping when they’re out of sync. Long story short, they’re a mess.

8) Have you ever amended a story due to criticisms you’ve received after posting it?

Luckily – none! The joys of a smolblog maybe?

9) Who is your favorite character to write for? Why?

I love writing for Buckster – he’s a complex devil and has a lot of layers to work with and a body to die for. Thumbs up for the material, Sebastian.

10) Who is your least favourite character to write for? Why?

As per mentioned before – Peter Parker. That fic scarred me.

11) How did you come up with the title for the Time Only Flies When You’re Around Series?

It’s actually a song lyric as are the first few chapter titles: Belinda Carlisle – Valentine

I made a rule about you, I made a plan // For getting my feet back on the ground // Bury my face in clouds, for hours on end // But time only flies when you're around

12) How did you come up with the idea for the Time Only Flies When You’re Around Series?

I was just writing some stuff, pissfarting around and all of a sudden I’d written something similar to what Chapter 22 ended up being and that’s how it all began. 150k words of nonsense really.

13) Do you have any abandoned WIP’s? What made you abandon them?

Many – but there is a long Bucky multichap fic that deserves more of my attention. As his story has evolves via MCU, the story has changed a little.

14) Are there any stories that you’ve written that you’d really love to do a sequel to?

I write one shots to TOFWYA, I don’t think I could write the sequel to it though. I’ve considered a full fic for Take Me to the Water but I doubt I will for an AU. Any sequels will be little one shots so at this stage, there is nothing planned.

15) Are there any stories that you wished you’d ended differently?

I ended Next Year very kitsch – I regret the last sentence as it currently is: You gave him a small smile, overwhelmed by his words. “I love you too, Bucky Barnes.” Blurgh.

16) Tell me about another writer(s) who you admire? What is it about them that you admire?

How much time do you have for me to talk about @whostheblondegirlwriting? Truly. My fandom soul mate. We are separated by far too many kilometres and time zones, but between her job and me mummying, we’re chatting at all hours of the day. She is a true gem and I adore her.

17) Do you have a story that you look back on and cringe when you reread it?

Luckily, it’s not available on A03 or Tumblr, but it’s still online elsewhere because I thought about it a few weeks ago – it was a Lords of Dogtown fic… and it was not good. Saying that, anything before that I would cringe at anything I’d written anyway ha!

18) Do you prefer listening to music when you’re writing or do you need silence?

Definitely music or the sound of the baby monitor that I find quite soothing.

19) Have you ever cried whilst writing a story?

Argh. “How Long Do You Want to be Loved” messed me up. Too many parental feels.

20) Which part of your Time Only Flies When You’re Around Series was the hardest to write?

The proposal. I went over it a thousand times. I thought, should it be romantic, should it be grand, should it be this or that? How it happened, just a couple in love, in the city they love, being themselves just seemed to fit when it finally came together.

21) Do you make a general outline for your stories or do you just go with the flow?

I occasionally outline – but mostly I just write, write, write and then start toying with it afterwards. I’m constantly chopping and changing, but I’m not pedantic about planning. It isn’t that kind of fic. Other multichaps I put a bit more planning and emphasis on.

22) What is something you wished you’d known before you started posting fan-fiction?

You’re only as good as your last fic and its reblogs. If you’re going to get hung up on likes/reblogs/comments, you’ll never publish something again. But it can be bloody disheartening at times.

23) Do you have a story that you feel doesn’t get as much love as you’d like?

Time Only Flies When You’re Around? Haha busted my ass on that beast for over a year. It has the hits but likes and comments are encouraging when received. When. I always considered publishing it on Tumblr, but I don’t know. It’s freely available on A03.

24) In contrast to 23 is there a story which gets lots of love which you kinda eye roll at?

Smut talks – I think Heatstroke is a little silly. But it gets hits.

25) Are any of your characters based on real people?

Nope – any characters, inc OC’s are all fictional. I don’t know if I could handle people in my real life if they were like my OC’s!

26) What’s the biggest compliment you’ve gotten?

Any body that takes the time to leave a ‘yes!’, ‘omg’ to paragraphs of reiterating your story back to you – it’s amazing! Taking the time to leave a writer a comment makes our day.

27) What’s the harshest criticism you’ve gotten?

It still makes me laugh when I read it, not quite verbatim but it was along the lines of ‘I loved this fic but it’s gone a total 180. I’ll see how you continue but you know, I’m probably out of here’. While I know you can’t please anyone, it’s a strange comment. I’m old enough to appreciate constructive criticism. This was neither here nor there, but still hilarious!

28) Do you share your story ideas with anyone else or do you keep them close to your chest?

Back to my love, @whostheblondegirlwriting, we’re constantly taunting the other or beta’ing each others stuff when we have time to help the other (let alone write our own stuff!).

29) Do people know you write fan-fiction?

In real life? No. On this hellsite? I have made some amazing writing friends!

30) What’s you favorite minor character you’ve written?

Ollie in TOFWYA – she’s a completely stereotypical New Yorker, brash, in your face and on the other hand, Sasha’s best friend in the world and they’d do anything for each other. If you knew Ollie in real life, you’d absolutely hate her.

31) What spurs you on during the writing process?

People simply enjoying your work and letting you know is the most amazing aphrodisiac. I’ll never stop writing – whether it’s for myself or for other people to enjoy. Don’t ever be scared to let a writer know if you’ve enjoyed their work or if you haven’t, a writer should be able to accept your constructive criticism and will probably appreciate your feedback if you take the time to provide it respectfully! If you’re going to go on anon and talk shit, just don’t bother. It’s boring, childish and completely unoriginal. Shows true testament to your personality offline.

32) What’s your favorite trope to write?

Friends to Lovers. THEY WERE FRIENDS AND NOW THEY ARE… LOVERS!

33) Can you remember the first fic you read? What was it about?

Not a clue – but will assume it’s Backstreet Boys-related!

34) If you could write only angst, fluff or smut for the rest of your writing life, which would it be and why?

Smut will get you the hits but fluff is forever.

#milestone celebration #ask the author #interestedbystanderwrites

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fan-tastic-fiction · 8 years ago

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Fanfiction Author Profile Friday

This is the ninth interview in what I hope will be a long running series! I think people need to feel more connected to the brilliant authors behind their favorite fics, I also feel that fic authors need to be taken just as seriously as published authors and treated with respect and admiration in the same way. Making money should not be the only way to gain prestige! Some of the best peices of writing I’ve ever read have been fanfictions and they are often equal or superior to published stories. If you have a story or author recommendation, let me know! And if you have a question you’ve always wanted to ask your favorite author, message me and I’ll try to make it happen!

Pen name: feliciacraft

Age: 37

Is English your first language? Nope, though it’s my best and primary language.

How long have you been writing? Since around 4th grade. Tbh I resisted the call of fandom for a long time, until I felt bursting at the seams with words. I’ve been writing fanfiction (for the Buffyverse) for two years, debuting on Valentine’s Day of 2015 with a story for my OTP.

What do you think your strongest piece of writing has been? I’m partial to Edge of Sorry, Heart of Truth, a WIP Buffy Season 6 rewrite that opens immediately after Buffy’s self sacrifice. It’s my most ambitious project to date. The amount of time I think about it and plan the next chapter in my head is way past the threshold for obsession. :) Chapter 4, “I Am Not Resigned”, a stand-alone chapter I’m partial to, is my version of the funeral missing from the show. http://archiveofourown.org/works/3625725/chapters/8005827

For those reluctant to read a WIP, the Spuffy one-shot, “The Right Words”, gives you a good idea of my style, and my penchant for experimentation. This piece is told from the rarely used Second Person narrative, with intentional disuse of quotation marks around dialogue. http://archiveofourown.org/works/9284084

For Giles fans, my short fic, “Someone (Or, The Watcher’s Night Off Continues)” just won Best Romance category at the Headline Awards, surprising me perhaps more than anyone else. I’m grateful that people like it: http://archiveofourown.org/works/8433775

Your weakest? “New Territory” was my entry into fanfic writing. It occupies a fond spot in my memory, but I hope I’ve progressed since then.

What is your favorite website for posting your writing and why? I love LiveJournal for the connection I feel to my little fandom friends. Perhaps because I blog more than just my fanwork there, the blog feels “mine” in a way that social sites and large archives do not. For my Spuffy work, fans at Elysian Fields (a Spuffy archive) give the most consistent and insightful reviews. Lastly, it may take me some time, but I try to (eventually) upload everything to AO3 for archival purposes, because it’s independent, free, inclusive, enormous, and most likely to stick around for a long time.

What do you find most challenging about writing fanfiction in particular? Lack of time due to Real Life ™. :) I’m a working mom with two little ones, and I have a stressful career. My writing has been coming directly out of my sleep deficit, which I’ve realized does not a long-term strategy make. ;)

In your opinion, what can the fanfiction community do to encourage fanfiction writers to continue their art? Read, review, share, and recommend. I dabble in fan art for my own diversion, creating icons and banners for my stories and such, and my mediocre fan art gets far more likes and reblogs than my writing (which easily takes ten times as much effort). It’s a bit disheartening.

What was your favorite review or comment? I love all of them. :) I’ve recently resumed updating Edge of Sorrow, Heart of Truth after a long hiatus. One amazing fan on Elysian Fields is re-reading the story from the beginning for continuity, all 55,000+ words of it, and leaving me appreciative, encouraging reviews chapter by chapter. I’m beyond moved by the gesture. I’m not a fast writer, and I tend to rephrase a sentence a number of times before I’m satisfied with it. I’ve scraped whole chapters and rewritten from scratch because they just don’t feel right. Reviews are my rewards. They are the extra boost of motivation that helps me stay up at night and write after everyone else in the house has gone to sleep. They are the voice that stamps out bouts of negativity and self doubt and answers affirmatively when the *other* voice in my head asks, “How do you know if anyone would care if you update or not?”

What type fanfiction do you enjoy reading? Anything well-written. :) Good characterization, emotional resonance, moral ambiguities, sharp dialogue and beautiful language are my weaknesses. I’ll read anything that gives me (most if not all of) the above, regardless of pairings. I like to root for the little guys, relationships that are hard fought, against all odds. I tend to stick to canon ships in my own writing, and I’m Spuffy at heart, but I’ve read and loved all kinds of pairings (including unusual ones like Buffy/Tara, Angel/Joyce, etc.).

What are some of your favorite fanfictions or fanfiction authors? There’s a long list of them—no way I can be inclusive, so I’ll only name a few:

Rahirah’s Barbverse (@rahirah) is a must-read for any Buffy fan. With 131 works, including everything from one-shot comedies that are laugh-out-loud funny, to novel-length sagas full of intricate plot, from hawt, hawt smut to metaphysical insights about the soul, it’s got something for everyone. http://archiveofourown.org/series/514

Anaross’s most famous work, My Life Closed Twice, may have gone offline, but there are still plenty of gems to be enjoyed. The poet in me just loves her language (and her clever use of POV). http://archiveofourown.org/users/Anaross

For Spuffy fans addicted to angst, who like cosmic levels of emotional impact, and don’t mind tragedies befalling their favorite characters, Herself_NYC’s (@herself-nyc) Bittersweets series should fit the bill nicely. http://archiveofourown.org/series/118774

If you’ve never read anything from the late NanDibble, you’re in luck. Her stories have been uploaded to AO3 recently. Tight prose, a right-on Spike voice, a beautiful Spike-Dawn friendship, and original plot await your discovery. http://archiveofourown.org/users/NanDibble/

What are some major influences on your writing? My parents like to brag that I’ve been reciting poetry since I was two and a half, but it’s accurate to say that poetry remains my true love. I have a volume of T. S. Eliot’s collected poems that I frequently return to for inspiration as well as for comfort. Other writers/poets I aspire to include F. Scott Fitzgerald, Edgar Allan Poe, Franz Kafka, Sara Teasdale, and Sylvia Plath. I read Hemingway from time to time to reorient myself what a writing style on the opposite spectrum to mine looks like, and to remind me that while it’s fine to emulate a successful writer, it’s also OK to have a different voice that is my own. Lastly, since I’m playing in Joss Whedon’s sandbox, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank him for sharing the wonderful characters of the Buffyverse with us.

Anything else you would like to tell people about yourself? I love hearing from fellow Buffy fans and other fanfic/fanart creators! I’m on Tumblr obviously. If anyone’s on LiveJournal/Dreamwidth and we’re not already connected, feel feel to add me (same username) there.

I would like to thank the fantastic @feliciacraft so much for their time! I would like to encourage you to go and read their fanfiction! Remember to leave comments and kudos in support!

#fantasticfiction #author profile #author interview

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