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cleolinda · 2 years ago

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Varney the Vampire: A Preface

I want you to think back to what it’s like to reread your old work from years ago—your old stories or poetry, your old school papers, or even your old tumblr posts. Sometimes you’re actually kind of pleased, sure, but I want you to really go back and locate yourself in the heady cringe of that feeling.

In related news, I'm going to pick back up with the Varney the Vampire recaps I started in late 2010 CE. I got about nine chapters in, and then something, who knows what, derailed my life, as things tend to. Like, I'm used to this, it happens with the regularity of a lunar cycle. But I like writing about vampires (clearly), and since I feel like Dracula has been tread pretty thoroughly in recent times, I figured I might go back to something different; we had some lively discussions about Varney back then.

But 2010 was a time before A Lot of Things happened. I was in my early 30s at that point, so I won't say, "Oh, I was so young," but I had a very different energy as a blogger 12-13 years ago. So I've decided to rewrite the recaps a little—some more than others, some not much at all. I just feel like I have a really different perspective on the first chapter in particular, in 2023.

As before, I'm using the full, unabridged text. It is hideously long, something like 230+ chapters, but go big or go home, I figure. The thing is, I was using the files hosted at the University of Virginia, and now you can only get those through the Wayback Machine, but they are still usable for now. I have various backups saved, but I do want you to be able to see that I am, as ever, Not Making It Up.

I'm also not going to quibble anymore as to whether James Malcolm Rymer or Thomas Peckett Prest wrote this behemoth. Per Wikipedia sources, scholars seem to agree that it was all or mostly Rymer. When it's mentioned that they figured this out based on his dialogue style, I went... yeah, that checks out. Because it sure is A Style, and I'll be honest, the repetitive filler dialogue in chapter 10 was such a speedbump for me that I just threw up my hands and said, "I don't know how to recap this. Something I can't remember now is going on in my life and I Cannot. I no longer Can."

Well, it's the 2020s and we're gonna. Like I can't tell you how much stress I do not have about this. I've had covid three times and also spinal surgery. Varney the Vampire can no longer hurt me.

To start, this ordeal has a preface—apparently written upon the occasion of collecting the serial into book form—wherein The Author expresses his gratitude for "unprecedented success of the romance of Varney the Vampyre." First off, Rymer uses "vampire" and "vampyre" interchangeably, because fuck me for caring about consistency, I guess. Second, as Wikipedia notes,

It first appeared in 1845–1847 as a series of weekly cheap pamphlets of the kind then known as "penny dreadfuls." The author was paid by the typeset line [YEAH, I NOTICED], so when the story was published in book form in 1847, it was of epic length: the original edition ran to 876 double-columned pages and 232 chapters. Altogether it totals nearly 667,000 words.

For comparison, all of Lord of the Rings plus The Hobbit is 576,459 words. I sure do blanch every time I see those numbers! It's fine. We're gonna be fine. Back to the preface:

The following romance is collected from seemingly the most authentic sources, and the Author must leave the question of credibility entirely to his readers, not even thinking that he is peculiarly called upon to express his own opinion upon the subject.

"Seemingly" is doing a lot of work here.

Nothing has been omitted [for real, nothing down to the tiniest fly-swat has been omitted] in the life of the unhappy Varney, which could tend to throw a light upon his most extraordinary career, and the fact of his death just as it is here related, made a great noise at the time through Europe, and is to be found in the public prints for the year 1713.

I've seen more than one Dracula multimedia art project where people recreated the letters and diaries and recordings in the book (have you heard my whole thing about how Dracula actually was a cutting-edge techno-thriller back in 1897?), but I've never heard of anyone creating ARG-style media for the Totally for Actual-Fact Real tale of Sir Francis Varney the Vampire, and I think it would be hilarious if someone did.

I won't belabor the entire preface, but what I do want to touch on is Rymer's mention of "unprecedented success." Varney is actually standing on the shoulders of a vampire giant, and it's not the one we would think of. Nowadays, our big touchstone—the influence so great that most works either evoke it or take the trouble to say "Our vampires are different"—is Dracula, obviously. Which was published exactly 50 years after Varney, in 1897. But Varney's touchstone is Polidori's short story "The Vampyre" (1819). And for most of the 1800s, this was everyone's touchstone. Per Wikipedia (which I'm going to lean on for how concise it is, but I concur with this from my own research as well):

An adaptation appeared in 1820 with Cyprien Bérard's novel Lord Ruthwen ou les Vampires, falsely attributed to Charles Nodier, who himself then wrote his own dramatic version, Le Vampire, a play which had enormous success and sparked a "vampire craze" across Europe. This includes operatic adaptations by Heinrich Marschner (see Der Vampyr) and Peter Josef von Lindpaintner (see Der Vampyr), both published in the same year. Nikolai Gogol, Alexandre Dumas [note: I have the Ruthven play he wrote around here somewhere] and Aleksey Tolstoy all produced vampire tales, and themes in Polidori's tale would continue to influence Bram Stoker's Dracula and eventually the whole vampire genre. Dumas makes explicit reference to Lord Ruthven in The Count of Monte Cristo, going so far as to state that his character "The Comtesse G..." had been personally acquainted with Lord Ruthven. [...]

In England, James Planché's play The Vampire, or The Bride of the Isles was first performed in London in 1820 at the Lyceum Theatre based on Charles Nodier's Le Vampire, which in turn was based on Polidori. Such melodramas were satirised in Ruddigore, by Gilbert and Sullivan (1887); a character called Sir Ruthven must abduct a maiden, or he will die.

Back when no one gave a shit about copyright, Polidori's work was spun out into a cottage industry of knock-off stories and plays, an entire horror zeitgeist. Lord Ruthven was, for 78 years, who you copied, who you riffed on, who you parodied, what Count Dracula is to us now: the archetypal vampire. The Big Guy. And Varney is clearly cut from his cloth—the ostensible gentleman who worms his way into the lives of respectable, unwitting people. Unlike Dracula, there's no foreigner Othering, no "historical basis," no undercurrents of contagion and infection, no ambition to make the world his wine-press, none of that; Ruthven is a simpler figure, but the dominant one of this time no less. He is a stranger who shows up in the middle of London high society, icy and distant, his eyes “dead grey”—stern, yet somehow compelling when he cares to be. And when he cares to be, you're in trouble.

And this is the cultural consciousness when Francis Varney shows up.

[Chapter one will go up sometime this week, March 8-10 or so.]

#varney the vampire #vampires #vampire studies #honestly I am nervous about what I want to say about the first chapter #not sure it's gonna go over very well #long post #welcome to hell it's my blog #tv tropes warning. here is your rope to climb back out

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the-lunar-library · 5 months ago

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Writerly Questionnaire

Questionnaire by @davycoquette

This is a very in-depth questionnaire for writers, suitable for original fiction writers, fanfic writers, and people who aren't writing but who are messing around with OCs. It's a lot of fun and I'm glad I stumbled over it.

Original post here.

About You

When did you start writing?

Very, very young. I would write and draw picture books about horses. Occasionally I finished them. The first chapter “book” I completed was called Starlight's Fury and heavily based on The Silver Stallion and similar wild horse stories. It was also only 3100 words. Short chapters, big writing, and lots of illustrations.

Are the genres/themes you enjoy reading different from the ones you write?

Sometimes. I have no interest in writing romance novels from the 1960s, but if I can find them cheap secondhand, I will snatch them up. I'm trying to think if there's themes I seek out without wanting to write them myself, and I sort of have the opposite... I tend to avoid stories centered on love triangles, but in my original fiction, I keep writing relationships that, if they aren't exactly triangles, veer awfully close. Eider-Diarca-Yew, Charmian-Jimson-Rigmor, Akantha-Alexandros-Genesius, and, yes, another one for the fourth book. In my own mind, I can declare these aren't love-triangly love triangles, but possibly I am kidding myself.

Is there an author (or just a fellow writer?) you want to emulate, or one to whom you're often compared?

I wrote last week about how Tanith Lee greatly affected my voice was I was developing it in the mid-2000s. The combination of her conversational tone and unexpected imagery really struck me, and I still find myself looking back to her and thinking how she would approach certain narrative moments.

I once heard a professor say that Emily Dickinson's writing style “scared him” because it was so spare and direct, and, my golly, I would love to be able to do that, and it's something I keep in mind when heading into heavier subjects. (I don't always want to scare the reader, but I often want that direct impact.)

Recently, my mother read The Alice Network by Kate Quinn and said its style reminded her of mine. But I don't think there's anyone I've been often compared to.

Can you tell me a little about your writing space(s)? (Room, coffee shop, desk, etc.)

I love the idea of writing in a cozy coffee shop, but the truth is that I would probably be too distracted. I tend to write in my bedroom, cross-legged on the floor. When I was younger, I mostly wrote longhand and would snatch whatever writing time I could, during free periods, in cars, that sort of thing; I would take my writing notebook to school and on trips.

What's your most effective way to muster up some muse?

The muse, she does not come when she's called. She likes music though. A lot of the time, any music will do, just to create a sense of shut-in-ness and a barrier from the world. If I'm writing something emotional, then I might go for really emotional music. (I wrote the last chapter of The Stars Are Fire with “Weight of the World” on repeat.)

But I don't rely on my muse if I can help it. When I was younger I did, and my (original) first drafts spanned years, and en route I often ran out of interest and momentum and they languished unfinished. So now, when life allows it, I try to set time aside (a 30 minute block, say), and that's for writing (includes editing) and you just have to sit and write, sorry, but yes, you may take breaks between paragraphs. This allows me to write much more quickly, and the idea that I won't be working on this first draft for years affords me a light at the end of the tunnel. I don't expect it to always work, but right now, it works enough.

Did the place(s) you grew up in influence the people and places you write about?

Yeah, somewhat. Relatives' homes, different areas where they lived (the differences in scenery, animals, overall moods), and then where I grew up, traces of it have shown up in my writing. As for people, that's a tricky thing to cop to, basing characters on people you know. I don't have any characters that are one-to-one analogues of people I know. When it comes to antagonists (dangerous territory), I try to draw more on my own negative traits and bend or exaggerate them rather than settle scores writing someone I know as a villain.

Are there any recurring themes in your writing, and if so, do they surprise you at all?

Ones that I've noticed include guilt, a sense of being cursed, conflict between once-friends, untrustworthy romantic interests, large snakes, learning how to break free/express anger in a useful way. They're not surprising. Not that I'm an edgelord or something, but these are things I'm interested in, these are things that I think make for really powerful stories.

I could also sweepingly say DEATH, because that is something I return to, though I think more in fanfiction than in original fiction. Lost Savior, Elysion, Death and Ker, The Stars Are Fire, parts of The Muse Trilogy, definitely parts of the unposted Fate stuff – they all focus on mortality and what it means for you (the person dying) and how you cope with it (the person surviving).

I'm sure there are themes that would surprise me, but that's the sort of thing a reader figures out before the writer does.

Your Characters

Would you please tell me about your current favorite character? (Current WIP, past WIP, never used, etc.)

I'm the author, and I'm irresponsible, and I'm saying Alexandros, the trickster prophet from To the Ravens. He's not my favorite in that I think he's particularly admirable. You could definitely pick a better role model. But I love writing him. He's creative, intuitive, over the top, very fun in how he talks and how he acts. He can be warm and reassuring and heroic. He's beautiful and eloquent and he can cut right to the heart of the person he's talking to. But he's always operating from an angle, coming up on your side. He spins explanations quickly, he lies with a smile, and he never looks back. He's exhausting, but so fun to write.

Which of your characters do you think you'd be friends with in real life?

I feel sorry for Diarca, and he's shut up in a mirror, he could use a friend. I would also love to be friends with Wuxle, just an absolutely steady presence, someone who will watch your back when you're in danger while undramatically pointing out you're maybe not making the best decisions. I could see myself befriending Akantha and Karyai and probably even Kokkonas, though we might bicker a lot.

Which of your characters would you dislike the most if you met them?

It's probably too easy to just list off antagonists, particularly the ones who head into Actual Villain territory. Among the “good” or more neutral characters, I think I'd find both Charmian and Yew sometimes frustrating in real life. But then, their bad decisions are part of why their stories happen. I don't think I'd actually dislike them, but there might sometimes be words exchanged.

Tell me about the process of coming up with one, all, or any of your characters.

I don't have any one method. With Eider, I set out to make her very appealing – I designed her to be extremely beautiful for that fairy tale factor, and I wanted her to be very brave and earnest in the hopes the reader would really get behind her. So there were a lot of deliberate choices made in her creation. Similarly, Arsen was intentionally written to evoke gothic romantic hero tropes, hopefully to examine them in an interesting way. Other characters come along in a more as-you-go sort of way. I've talked about how Jimson was originally a more villainous character, and I'm not sure what exactly changed him – the needs of the story versus how I felt while writing the character – but he definitely circumvented my plans. Akantha was originally a defiant trickster character, but researching the lives of Greek women in antiquity ended up being more interesting to me, so I wrote her well within those confines, defying them in a more slowly building way.

Right now, I'm brainstorming a possible ghost character, but at this stage I don't have much set in stone – some world-building ideas for where the ghost comes from, some tropes I might use for their personality. I think part of this process is going to involve reading different ghost stories from different sources and seeing if that shakes any interesting ideas loose. From there, I might just start listing possible tropes, origins, arcs, regardless of whether they're good, and see what connections form. Or maybe I'll work on a different character from that project and the arc of that character could end up shaping the ghost's arc secondarily. It's still early enough that things could head in so many directions; the ghost doesn't even have a name yet.

Do you notice any recurring themes/traits among your characters?

Many! There's the stuff I mentioned above, like Yew, Charmian, and Akantha all considering themselves cursed in some respect. I see some similarities between Jimson and Alexandros, these charmers who have some pragmatism behind their smiles. Mabry and Yew are also somewhat similar, bold, irreverent, even having some similarity in their designs with their long sleek hair and big dark eyes. Charmian and Akantha both deal negatively with arranged marriages. These characters aren't identical, but they share some themes and ideas I've been turning over and exploring from book to book.

How do you picture them? (As real people you imagined, as models/actors who exist in real life, as imaginary artwork, as artwork you made or commissioned, anime style, etc.)

I'm able to draw them, and that's another way I refine their characters. (Though in many cases, I don't draw them until after the project is finished.) Even so, it's not perfect. I can draw a figure with the necessary traits, but it doesn't necessarily capture the character. I still feel like I haven't ever properly drawn Arsen, and though I've gotten closer with Diarca, he's still elusive. Still not entirely pleased with any pictures I've done of Genesius – I don't think I've quite gotten his maturity, maybe. Real people do sometimes influence the characters' designs; I'd been watching lots of Poldark ahead of writing The Price and Prey of Magic, and my goodness, Aidan Turner and his deep sultry voice definitely passed some DNA on to Arsen.

I realize though that's not quite the question. How do I see them in my mind, as real people or drawings? I think it's closer to real people, but real people whose faces are still sometimes a bit blurry and uncertain to me.

Your Writing

What's your reason for writing?

I've always done it, and I've always been considered good at it (for my age group, when that was still applicable). As with a lot of writers, there's a sense in which writing's difficult and I drag my feet, but simultaneously I can say that I love it, I get an emotional and even a physical sense of well-being from it. It makes me feel accomplished, it organizes my thoughts. Being able to write, especially original projects, often feels like it's a sign of my mental health being good. When my mental health isn't as good, writing fanfiction allows for a lot of comfort and fun, emotional release, and interacting with other fans. (Which is not to say I only write fanfiction when things are going wrong in my life – don't worry about that! But for years I felt like I couldn't write original stuff anymore and fanfic gave me a way to keep writing.)

In a more exterior way, there's a quote from the Matilda movie that I can only paraphrase, but which has always stood out to me: That writers send their books out like ships to bring messages to people. I'm not claiming to have very deep material, but I think about how much enjoyment other writers' books (and fics) have given me, and I would love to pass that on as a writer.

Is there a specific comment or type of comment you find particularly motivating coming from your readers?

All comments made in good faith, even criticism, are generous gifts. But the comments that really stand out tend to be specific – lines people liked, twists that surprised them, theories they have. One comment I remember from years and years ago was an anon on Fanfiction.net who noticed I updated a certain fic the same day every week, and that made them look forward to that day all week. Another reviewer said that years after first reading it, they still quoted one of my fics. Learning that is so touching and I'm feeling all fuzzy writing about it now.

As for criticism, I've definitely gotten it, and while I don't always agree with it, I think I can tell when the reader's put thought and honesty into their feedback. So even if I don't make the changes they suggest, the feedback is still valuable. Other times, the critic's been exactly right, and even if the feedback comes too late for me to change a project, I can still keep it in mind as I write new things.

In general though, comments in and of themselves are motivating. You might know people are reading a fic, you might see the hit number going up, but not hearing what people think about it is discouraging.

How do you want to be thought of by those who read your work? (For example: as a literary genius, or as a writer who “gets” the human condition; as a talented worldbuilder, as a role model, etc.)

It's that Matilda quote again. I really, really want you to enjoy my writing, whether it's original or a fic. I want you to read it and remember it years later, and it gives you a warm nostalgic feeling, taking you back to that time in your life. When it comes to characters and world-building, I hope people find them intriguing and worth studying for their own writing, and I hope the themes and my takes on them resonate with people. But the real thing, the crucial thing, is that I hope you like my writing and remember it.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

It's hard not to think of an answer that doesn't come from someone else. It's also easier to focus on shortcomings. Part of the problem is that quality is subjective, so something I really like about my writing could be just the thing a given reader hates.

I think I'm capable of some good poetic language. For some people, it might shade too purple; other people might say it doesn't go purple enough. Some would say that if I like a line, I should make like Faulkner and kill it, but I don't subscribe to that motto. If you let all your darlings live, will you let some awful cringey lines survive? Yeah, probably. But experience will make you better able to hear what sounds awkward and what doesn't, and, honestly, better that your writing be awkward and memorable than serviceable and anonymous.

What have you been frequently told your greatest writing strength is by others?

People note my descriptions, my dialogue, especially funny one-liners. Readers have also liked (or at least been affected by) my emotional endings, particularly in fanfic. On reflection, my fics' endings tend to be received pretty well.

How do you feel about your own writing? (Answer in whatever way you interpret this question.)

It's tiresome to harp on, but I do see a lot of flaws in my writing. I often feel my plotting is weak and I can fumble when it comes to internal rule-/world-building.

On the positive side, right now, at this point in my life (the last 7 – 5 years or so) I'm very happy that my writing's been happening, projects emerging quickly, projects getting finished. I can't know if that will last, but I'm grateful for it as it's happening.

As for the writing itself, looking at it separately from me, my feelings are complicated. Like many (most? all?) writers, I'm writing the stories I want to read, so that's fun. On the other hand, they're written by me, so I can see backstage, as it were, see all the scaffolding and compare the story to an ideal non-existent version of it in my head. So that harshes the fun.

I've written before that when it comes to my fanfic, I'm able to go back after posting and reread it and enjoy it a lot. But rereading my published stuff doesn't offer much relaxation – I'm too caught up in things I can no longer change. I still feel that way with The Price and Prey of Magic and The Escape of Lady Aigle, but with To the Ravens, I have been able to go back and reread it, at least some sections. And while I still see small things I question and wish I could go back and alter, I do enjoy rereading it. I don't know if I've turned some corner or if there's just something special for me about To the Ravens.

If you were the last person on earth and knew your writing would never be read by another human, would you still write?

If I'm looking at this literally, I think I would be too depressed to write. But looking at it theoretically, at the broader question – or maybe just hoping that my initial depressed paralysis would be temporary – yes, I think I would write even if I didn't expect anyone to read. I have writing projects that I never plan on sharing. I have a diary I don't ever want anyone who knows me to read. My favorite fanfic has never been posted, and I'm still torn on whether it ever will be. Like I said above, writing makes me feel good. So if I'm the last human, I think writing would help. And I think I'd want to document things, just in case someone ever did come along.

When you write, are you influenced by what others might enjoy reading, or do you write purely what you enjoy? If it’s a mix of the two, which holds the most influence?

I don't know if anyone can write with such selfish purity, if they're intending to share their work. (Again, see my favorite fic, just for me, utterly self-indulgent. But even there, I didn't write it without ever considering what other people would think of it. The barrier of outside criticism was lower, but it was still there.)

So yeah, I think about the audience, in terms of making my ideas clear, or trying to make sure I'm not unwittingly offensive or insensitive, and then, yes, what they might enjoy. On the other hand, I'm very much writing the stories I want to write. My fanfic is mostly for niche JRPGs from the 2000s, 2010s, not exactly white-hot fandoms; even within those fandoms, I don't think I'm writing the subjects or characters that will get the most hits. As for the original stuff, if I was going for mass appeal, all three novels would be markedly different. I don't think I would've written a book about a second-century snake cult on the moon.

But I think there's a subtler answer. There's “readers” as in generic, mainstream readers. And then there's people who read my stuff. These are people I do and don't know, and if they like some of my writing, I'd like to think they'd enjoy more of it. I wouldn't want someone to read one of my fics/books and be majorly disappointed by another. At the same time, you can't expect to hit the target for every reader every time; that's unreasonable.

This answer is just getting more garbled. Yes, I do both. I have no idea what the percentages are, but I think generally it's always best to be true to yourself in writing, even if it might alienate some readers. Again, better to alienate and make an impression than to be palatable and easily forgotten.

#writeblr #writers on tumblr #indieauthor #writer questionnaire #meta #the price and prey of magic #the escape of lady aigle #to the ravens #don't even want to know how many typos there are

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creativitytheemotion · 5 months ago

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Inside Out reImagined - Read Me

Many of you browsing the tags I use are probably fans of Inside Out (2015). Some of you might even think that Inside Out is peak cinema.

I most likely do not share your views, and for that reason, I ask you to keep an open mind as you proceed.

If worst comes to worst, you can always just back away, add me to the AO3 Saviour list and forget I ever existed.

Okay?

Now, then, let's begin.

Also, CW: abuse, depression, possibly unwarranted hatred towards a children's movie

Backstory

Inside Out reImagined is an AU that came to me in 2019, as I was in a prolonged personal low. It was a time during which I was abused, gaslit and constantly told to reconsider my tastes in basically everything. I have since cut off all ties with the abuser, to the point where I can't even tell you his current social media, but experiences of the abuse, both in thoughts at the time and thoughts today, have come to shape the AU.

Largely, the AU is "about" the same things that the movie is about: funny emotion people controlling a girl's mind. However, as myself and the abuser were both constantly in pursuit of a Higher Creative Standard™, we may have torn Inside Out to shreds.

The abuser, of course, had no interest in piecing back the shreds to a cohesive story, or pursuing fanfic in any meaningful way after he ended up making enemies with the entire The Incredibles fandom. I did, however, and all on my own, I created a brand new worldbuilding for Inside Out from the ground up.

By November 30, 2019, the draft of the fanfic was largely complete, and in the hands of a neurotypical without ongoing trauma, could very well have entered editing and been published in its entirety as early as 2020. However, the abuse ended up reflecting on me and I slowly burned bridges without realising that I burned bridges, leaving me even worse off than I was when I started.

Since then, I always kept reImagined tucked away safely in the back of my mind, even as I pursued other fanfic projects. However, the only real impetus to actually finish what I started came when Inside Out 2 came along, this year. Since then, I have attempted to keep a steady schedule, but have been affected by burnout.

Broadly

The first seven chapters that are currently up (FanFiction.Net, Archive of Our Own, Wattpad) should be self-explanatory enough with regards to the worldbuilding, as I've written them targeting people who aren't even fans of Inside Out. However, just to reiterate:

The mind, in the reImagined AU, is dominated by two distinct forces: Imagination and Consciousness. Imagination represents limitless potential, and therefore, can be used to perform any sort of imaginable feat. However, Consciousness is responsible for keeping certain mechanisms of the mind in check, and acts as a balance for Imagination.

Imagination is subdivided into five elements, which is where the familiar five emotions come from. Consciousness can also be subdivided into elements, but this shouldn't concern you if you're not writing about the mind of a traumatised person, which Riley is not in this universe.

By the way, about Riley: in this AU, she's moving to China. I just felt like the stakes weren't high enough in the movie.

From this foundation - Imagination and Consciousness in interplay - as well as research on actual neuroscience, as well as how I perceive the mind to be, I've constructed a whole new worldbuilding for an Inside Out-like story. However, as I've prioritised the worldbuilding, the plot had to adjust accordingly. It wouldn't exactly be fun if Joy could solve every problem she came across via use of her Imagination, now, would it?

More?

I could talk endlessly about how reImagined addresses every single flaw and plot hole that I believe Inside Out to have. That being said, I fully realise that if you don't see these flaws, then I'll just be yapping into the void. Instead, I'm going to quietly continue working on the fic, and if you're interested (in either hearing more, providing concrit on my text, or providing me with juicy homemade art), you're always welcome to join the reImagined Discord: https://discord.gg/TnhzEmSMsP

#inside out reimagined #inside out #inside out fandom #inside out au

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cru5h-cascades · 5 months ago

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Session 2 (Chapter 5-6)

Spoiler shield! If you haven't played chapters 5-6 play them before reading this... also be prepared to see the story go from 0-1000 in these two chapters... holy fuck...

I've been stuck in a loop of saying "oh my god" and screaming for the past hour 'cause of what happens in chapter 5 & 6. Let's hop to it, starting off after where I left off my previous session...

The other mask variants we see in the launch trailer are just recreations of the famous bag man mask. And with this next detail I'm about to bring up, I'm pretty sure the proxy theory is done for...

In the same TV segment where the other bags are revealed to just be recreations we meet... well...

HIM. GUYS THAT IS THE EXACT SAME FUCKING TRENCHCOAT WE'VE SEEN THE SMILING MAN WEAR. AND ISN'T IT CONVENIENT THAT HE'S COVERING UP ALMOST ALL IF HIS FACIAL FEATURES??? THIS IS THE FUCKING MAN BEHIND THE SLAUGHTER. FNAF REFERENCE VERY MUCH INTENDED THANK YOU.

There was this one shot of him that I couldn't get (since I was screaming and shouting at this reveal) where you could see his eyes. I'm not gonna look up a playthrough just to get that shot so I don't put myself at risk of being spoiled but his eyes were pretty big and gave me Legend of Zelda BotW corrupted dragon eyes/TotK dragon Ganondorf vibes. Very purple...

In this crazy reveal we learn of the existence of the illusive Emiko, somebody this guy used to know. Naturally because of this person having such a similar name to the funny bag man, I had to do some research...

EXCUSE ME WHAT. SMILING CHILD? IN THE GAME ABOUT THE SMILING MAN??? HUH???

I THINK MY CHILD THEORY IS RIGHT IN SOME WAY. SURE I INITIALLY GOT THE NAME WRONG 'CAUSE OF THE TWITTER ACCOUNT BUT I WAS ONTO SOMETHING.

Sure, this could very well mean that the aforementioned Smiling [Child] mentioned in the TV segment is actually the culprit but I have my doubts a kid killed those girls 18 years ago and Eisuke, especially with a detail from chapter 6...

Anyways, with this reveal and another detail from chapter 6, I don't think Fukuyama did anything anymore. What is that detail exactly? Well...

We find out why Fukuyama was acting weird in chapter 6. It's 'cause he wasn't comfortable with Megumi confessing her love for him to him. So, not only did he not kill Eisuke, he wasn't hiding a body, either (my apologies sir lmfao)...

MEGUMI SAW EMIO AND LIVED TO TELL THE TALE. SHE RAN AWAY IN THE MIDDLE OF CHAPTER 6 AND TRIED TO USE THIS SPECIAL SPELL TO WARD OFF THE SMILING MAN (a spell I will refer to as the Smiling Spell) BUT FORGOT THE WORDS TO IT BUT OUR MAIN CAST WAS ABLE TO FIND HER BEFORE THE FUNNY BAG MAN SAID THE FUNNY BAG LINE.

Also pay attention to the fact Megumi never says anything about the Smiling Man looking child sized or anything like that. Yeah there's no way it's a kid doing all of this.

... Holy shit these chapters turned this detective story about solving a murder into a goddamn telenovela lol. This shit's getting REALLY interesting. I'm super excited to keep playing the rest of the game. Mystery Dude who's definitely the man behind the bag, prepare to be unmasked for real!

EDIT 8-30-24: I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT MAMA EMIKO FROM THE WEBSITE. THIS PROBABLY HAS TO DO WITH HER. PROBABLY. MAYBE.

#emio #emio the smiling man #famicom detective club #th1nking out l0ud

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dp-marvel94 · 2 years ago

Text

Face to Face- Chapter 55

Summary: When Danny went through the ghost catcher, he expected to be cured of the ghostliness that had haunted him since the accident, not to wake up on the lab floor with his parents saying he’d been overshadowed but everything’s back to normal now. But why does Danny Fenton cry himself to sleep to then dream of flying? Why does Phantom, the ghost who was supposedly possessing Danny remember a life that wasn’t his? Most of all, why do both the human and the ghost feel that something vital is missing, in their very soul? Or: Trying to cure himself of his powers one month after the accident, Danny accidentally splits himself but neither his ghost nor his human half know that that is what they did

First -> Last -> Next

Word Count: 4,666

Also on AO3 and Fanfiction.net

Note: I'm back with a new chapter! It's been a minute; I've been busy with Invisobang but I'm excited to be done with the writing and onto the editing process. Also, notice, we finally have a final chapter count! More about that and my Invisobang story in the end note.

With no school and no alarm set for the morning, Danny happily slept in. He slowly blinked awake to soft golden light, rolled over, and…. drifted in and out of sleep for another hour at least.

He woke up again to the light shifted. A glance at the clock: 10:30. The boy scrolled through his phone for a while before his rumbling stomach convinced him to get up.

Down in the kitchen, Danny enjoyed a bowl of cereal. He hummed happily, mind going over plans for the day. No school! Other than a bit of homework, he was free. He could just relax, watch TV, hang out. Maybe Sam and Tucker would want to do something or…

He dropped his spoon, the thought hitting him. “I should go see Sidney.” The other ghost had no idea that he was back to normal now. And he still had so many questions, so many plans to make.

Mind made up, the half ghost put his bowl in the sink. Ghostly keen ears picked up on voice downstairs; his parents must be working. He should check with them before going out.

The boy opened the basement door, briefly knocking to get the adult’s attention.

“- doors for the portal are a good idea. But wouldn’t ghosts be able to just phase through the steel?”

“What if we came up with some kind of phase-proof paint?” Dad raised a hand, turning to look up at the boy at the top of the stairs. “Morning, son.”

“Morning.” Danny started down the stairs. “What are you guys talking about?”

“Installing steel doors for the portal.” Mom turned on her stool. “We haven’t had problems with ghosts coming through but it could become one. Especially if more natural portals are opening up.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose. “That couple who showed up last night came through a natural portal, you said.”

“Yeah.” The boy nodded, going on to explain everything that had happened with Johnny, Kitty, and Shadow at the concert.

Both adults nodded as the story finished. “So there was another natural portal.” Dad said. “We really need to work on a way to track and map out those.”

“We could modify the Fenton Finder and-” Mom started, already switching to problem-solving mode.

Danny held up his hands. “Before you get into it, I came down here to tell you I’m going to go see Sidney.”

A worried look crossed each parents’ face, eyes flickering to the portal.

The boy shook his head, interpreting the look. “I’m not going through there. I was gonna go to the school and see if I can use his portal.”

The worried looks eased slightly but… “So you’re still going into the Realms?”

Danny nodded at his mom’s question.

The woman’s brow furrowed. “You won’t be able to call us if something happens.”

“I’ll stay in the lair.” The boy shook his head, voice placating. “I’m not going to go flying off to some random place without a plan. And I’ll be with Sidney if something happens. He knows his way around.”

The parents traded a look, silently communicating. Finally, Mom sighed. “Alright. Be back before dinner.”

A smile cracked on the halfa’s face. “I will.”

“And-” Dad said pointedly, causing the boy’s smile to dip. “Tell your friend we want to meet him.”

“Yes.” Mom nodded vigorously. “You can bring him over whenever. Even today! We really want to pick his… brain?” Her brow wrinkled at the phrase.

“Core?” Dad shrugged, eyebrow raised.

Danny laughed. “Alright. I’ll see if he wants to come over later.” He started turning to leave. “I’ll see you guys later.” He stepped up the first stair, mind already planning. He’d walk to the school, sneak in. Invisibility and intangibility were good for that….

He paused, core suddenly itching. He could walk or…

Deciding, Danny summoned the rings. Once. Twice. It took three tries for them to pass.

His parents gave him curious looks. “What are you doing, Danno?”

“Well, um. I was going to walk but…” The boy shifty awkwardly in the air, suddenly nervous. “I’m kinda itching to... And I haven’t really done it in a while but I really want to fly there.”

Another pair of concerned looks was traded. “Can you keep it up long enough to get there, son?” Dad motioned to his floating form.

“I think so?”

Mom raised a brow challengingly. “You think so? Danny, I don’t want you falling out of the sky.”

“Well.. I can feel when I’m about to change back. So I can land before them. And I can kinda still fly as a human so…” He shrugged.

“We did see that yesterday, Madds…” Dad nodded, a brow raised at the woman.

“Yes, we did…” The woman’s expression softened. “Go on then.” She waved him off.

“Yes!” Danny fist pumped, already zooming up the stairs.

“Bye son!” “Love you Sweetie!”.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Flying to the school was fast. And true enough, getting to Sidney’s locker was easy with his powers.

Landing in the hall, Danny cautiously looked to both sides. No one- teacher or custodial staff- was in the hall. He turned visible, opening the rusty door.

“Sidney!” He hissed, eyes fixing on his tarnished reflection. “I’m me, Danny.”

There was a long pause, leaving the ghost floating awkwardly. But…

The image rippled, the sudden movement startling the nervous boy.

“Sidney!” Danny exclaimed, realizing.

There was his bespeckled friend. Through the mirror, the other ghost waved excitedly, a grin spreading across his face. A clear invitation to come through.

The halfa touched the mirror and again it rippled, a familiar wave of green passing over. A cold feeling brushed Danny’s hand. Like before, the portal opened.

The halfa smiled. Taking a breath, he let his body relax, feeling liquid and boneless. He effortlessly slunk through the opening. Recoiling back into his proper shape, he emerged on the other side, into Sidney’s lair.

“Hey, Sidney! How’s it going?” With a smile, Danny held a closed fist up in greeting.

The other ghost blinked confusedly at the gesture, tilting his head in question. But he quickly caught on. Sidney tentatively raised his fist before he delivered the expected fist bump. “This is a nice surprise. It’s great to see you… Danny.” He trailed off slightly, eyes widening as he slowly withdrew his hand.

Danny lowered his own fist. “What?”

“You’re different…” The nerd’s brow wrinkled for just a moment. Then…. his mouth fell open, eyes sparkling with excitement. “You re-joined, didn’t you?!”

“Yes?” Despite the surety of the answer, his voice still pitched up in question. “How do you even know that?”

“I can see it! Your aura looks so much warmer.” The other ghost motioned. “And your core sounds happy!” Sidney gave a little clap. “So things worked out?”

Danny stared for just a second, mind working. More questions… what exactly was that about seeing his aura and hearing his core? But the boy shook his head, dismissing them for now. “Yeah!” He beamed. “That’s why I wanted to come see you. I managed to re-merge a few days ago and…”

In quick order, the halfa recapped what had happened in the two weeks since he’d seen his ghostly friends. Making up with his parents, practicing his powers, meeting the dragon ghost, and finally being able to fuse back into one person. “So yeah. It’s really great to feel like myself again. So…” He rubbed the back of his neck, then shrugging. “I kinda wanted you to actually met halfa-me and hang out for a bit.”

“Well then…” Sidney laughed, holding out his hand. “My name is Sidney Pointdexter. It’s nice to make your acquaintance.”

Grinning, Danny took the hand. “Daniel James Fenton-Phantom. You can call me Danny. I’m happy to officially meet you.”

The shake ended, both boys dropping hands. Then…

“Do you want to see my garden?”

“Yes! I’d love to.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“...And this is a tiger shrub.” Sidney pointed at the squat but bushy plant.

Danny studied it with wide eyes. So different from the plants he was used to…. Neon blue veins criss crossed the stems. Stripped flowers the size of his hand- black as the void of space and day glow orange, reminding him of his dad’s signature hazmat suit. And the fist sized fruits….

“Tiger fruit! That’s what I tried last time I was here.”

“Yep.” Sidney gave a nod. “Grown right here.”

The half ghost’s head turned, taking in everything. “This is incredible…”

It really was. Plants of every describable color-- and quite a few he had no words for – covered just about every inch of the roof and the courtyard below. Bed of pitch black lettuce. Trees with perfectly hexagonal pink leaves. A literally squirming vine with what looked like some type of gourd attached, except perfectly spiraled and covered with different colored polka dots.

A bit of awe leaked into Danny’s voice. “Really incredible, Sidney.”

The other ghost puffed out his chest slightly at the praise. “I’m happy to hear you think so, friend. I have been tending it for decades.”

The halfa nodded, appreciation just growing. “Mom and Dad are gonna want to see this.” His eyes widened. A sudden idea… “Pictures! I should take some pics.” His hand flailed, patting the top of his pants, up to his torso.

“What are you looking for?”

“My phone. I brought it downstairs with me this morning….” It should be in his pocket. Except his hazmat didn’t have any pockets. His hands suddenly froze. He’d transformed before leaving the house. Danny smiled sheepishly. “Guess it's in my other pants.”

“Pictures? Phone? Other… pants?” The poor guy looked so confused. “What are you talking about?”

The halfa lowered his hands. “So humans are okay being here for a little bit, right? Like, I’m not going to fall through your lair or something.”

“Probably not?”

That was good enough. Two flickers of his rings. Danny turned human. And…

“Wha!” His body sank into the roof. “I’m not even intangible!”

Sidney grabbed him. “You are not falling through the roof.”

“No, dude. I definitely am.”

“No.” The word was definitive, without question. “Close your eyes and say it. ‘I am not falling through the roof.’” The other ghost pulled up.

“I am not falling through the roof?” His feet touched down, solid on the concrete.

“You are not going to fall. You are solid. The roof under you is solid. You won’t fall.” Sidney continued.

He did feel solid…. “I won’t fall.” Danny said confidently.

He opened his eyes, just as his friend let go of him. The half ghost looked down. He dragged one shoe across the surface. “Huh. Solid.”

Beside him, Sidney nodded. “That’s how things work in the Realms for humans. As long as you think something is solid, it is.”

Danny raised a brow. “But if I think it isn’t…” Instantly, his shoes started sinking. “Heh.” He chuckled. But with just a thought, the boy stepped up, his perspective shifting as the ground became solid again. “So humans are the ghosts.”

The other boy nodded. Then his eyes trailed down the halfa’s now human body. “So you can change back and forth.” There was more than a bit of awe to the words. “That was quite a light show, bub.”

“Like my magical girl transformation, huh?” He grinned. “Now. Why did I…” He reached for his pocket. “Right, my phone.”

He swiped the device out of his pocket, alighting the screen with the press of a button. No service of course but… he opened the camera app and pressed on the screen to take a picture. “Nice, it’s working.” Danny took a bunch of photos before swiping to the gallery. “Not too bad.” He gave an appreciative nod. The phone camera couldn’t really capture the vividness of the colors or the real depth of the scene. But it wasn’t bad for a phone camera.

“Whatcha got there?” Sidney leaned over his shoulder. “Jeepers!” The ghostly nerd’s eyes widened comically. “How’d ya do that?”

Danny shrugged. “I just took a picture on my phone.” He held out the device. “Want to see?”

The other ghost eagerly took the device, holding it close to his face, father away, and then back. “Phone… like telephone?”

Danny nodded.

“This is a telephone?! Where’s the cord? The rotary dial? How are you supposed to give your pal a bell?” Sideny turned the device once, twice, before his finger brushed the screen. The image swiped to the next picture, causing Sidney to freeze, startled. “I didn’t mean to do that.”

The halfa laughed. “It’s a touch screen. You just changed the picture.”

His friend unstiffened at the words, eager fingers returning to the screen. “It takes photographs like a camera… but there’s no film. And it’s a telephone.” His voice trembled with awe. “This is like something out of Science Fiction Quarterly.”

“You think that’s impressive,” Danny grinned, full of mirth. “Wait until I tell you about the internet.”

“.... What’s the internet?”

That inquiry led to an hour, at least, of fielding questions. Sidney zipped around the garden, excited and awestruck. Danny chuckled, appreciating his friend's enthusiasm.

“The modern world’s wonders never cease.” The ghostly nerd ran a hand over his hair. He suddenly stopped in his pacing.

“What?” Danny pushed off of the tree he was leaning against, standing fully.

“Can you take a picture of me?” Sidney asked sheepishly.

“Sure.” The half ghost shrugged, pulling the phone out of his pocket. He positioned the device in the air. “Smile.”

The other ghost did so. A few presses of the button and Danny presented the images.

There was Sidney, floating in front of the tiger shrub. His glow blurred the image slightly, his edges fuzzy but…

“Jeepers. That’s amazing.”

“It looks pretty good.” The half ghost shrugged mildly. “Wanna take some pics with me?” He held up the phone, turning the screen towards the pair and…

A flurry of activity. The friends made silly faces at the screen. Danny gave Sidney bunny ears. More pictures of the garden, of the ghostly nerd picking fruit and watering the plants. One from above, the image perking into the courtyard. The empty halls of the school. Outward, facing the open Realms with its purple doors and swirling clouds.

Danny lowered the phone. “Mom and Dad are going to love these.”

Sidney lowered the watering can. “They can visit too, if they want. I do wanna meet them.”

A nod. “Yeah. I was supposed to ask you about that. They’re really excited to pick your brain. Do you want to come over with me after this?”

The other ghost laughed, before shrugging. “Righto! That sounds neat. We’ll fly over after lunch. I want to see all those new fangled personal computers and flat TVs!”

Danny held out his phone, wearing a smirk. “Behold. A new fangled personal computer!”

Sidney rolled his eyes, returning to inspecting one of his vines. “And I can talk to your folks about taking you to the Ghost Writer’s library.”

“Mom, Dad, and Jazz were really excited to learn about that too.” Danny chuckled.

“If Ghost Writer is okay with it, I’m sure they can visit some time too. And my lair too, if they want to see it in person.”

A nod. “They’d like that.” His brow furrowed, a thought tickling his brain. His family actually planning to visit the Realms….

“My parents and sister can’t come through your portal though. We’ll have to figure out how to get here from ours…” Danny turned, surveying the green atmosphere. “Our portal can’t be that far. I did end up here by accident. Let’s see, I came from that direction…”

Danny turned, facing the front of the school and… he breathed, his core pulsing strangely. He couldn’t see anything but…. an odd sound, a humming tickled his core. There was… a pull.

Sidney must have picked up on his odd expression. “What is it?”

The half ghost pointed. “The portal’s…. That way.” He suddenly felt more sure. “Yeah. If I go straight that way… maybe for thirty minutes or so?”

A hand moved to rub his chest. That pull…. He’d felt something like it before, the metaphysical connection between his two halves. This was similar but… dimmer, with a different flavor, on a different wavelength. Danny’s nose wrinkled. “That’s weird, right? I feel like… I just know where it is.”

“It’s not that weird.” The nerd shifted awkwardly in the air, face scrunched up in thought.

There was something to that look…. “What is it?”

Sidney looked down, fiddling with his fingers. “It’s normally taboo to talk about another ghost’s… death unprovoked. But you did tell me some about it… and I have an idea about your portal…”

Danny’s eyes widened, understanding. “Sid, just tell me what you’re thinking. I won’t get upset.” The words earnest and gentle.

“Alright.” The other ghost sighed. “It’s pretty common for a ghost to be linked to their place of death or their grave. And you did say the portal is where you died….”

The half ghost frowned. “Linked? Linked how?”

“Like you can always find your way back, no matter where you are. Or some ghosts can see or hear what is happening there from a distance. Like… hear a loved one talking at their resting place.”

The hestance in those words… “Sidney, are you…”

“Linked to my grave? Yes. And… to my locker.” His voice lowered, arms wrapping around himself.

Danny paled, heart squeezing. The implications there….

The other ghost rubbed his face. “A bully locked me in there, right before spring break. I remember yelling for hours. But no one came. No one cared no matter how much I banged on the door or cried or…” His voice trembled, tears glistening in the corners of his eyes. “I had my pocket knife in my front pocket. And it was so stupid but it hurt… everything hurt so much…” For just a second, neon green cuts welled on his wrists, the marks gone in the next blink.

“Sidney…” The half ghost stepped forward, his warm living hand covering his friend's cold ghostly one. “I’m so sorry.”

The nerd rubbed his eyes. “My first life ended too soon but… “ He shrugged. “I’ve got another one and it’s been pretty good. Besides, we were talking about you, not me.”

“Alright… but you can talk to me about it if you want.” Danny paused for a second, then sighing as he accepted Sidney’s nod of acknowledgement. He wasn't going to push… “So… I probably am linked to Mom and Dad’s portal then.”

“That or you’re sensing your lair.” The ghostly nerd’s brow wrinkled. “Are you feeling a pull, like you really want to go there?”

Danny considered. “Maybe?”

“Try transforming. Maybe if you’re a ghost, it will be clearer.”

The halfa obeyed, the rings flickering once before passing over his body. Now in ghost form, he floated off the ground.

“Are you feeling a pull now?”

Danny’s brow furrowed. “It’s… louder?” The hum danced at the edge of his perception. “Like… the line is thicker?” Fishing line as opposed to the previous spider silk. “Line’s not really the right word though. It’s more liquid?” He shook his head. “It feels like someone turned up the contrast on a photo but… no, the pull’s not any stronger.”

“That is strange…” The other ghost rubbed his chin.

The half ghost wanted to roll his eyes. ‘That is strange’… how could Sidney even make sense of what he was trying to describe? It didn’t even make sense to himself.

Instead of commenting, Danny shook his head. “What did finding your lair feel like?”

Sidney looked up. “Well, I woke up floating in the middle of all this green. I was really confused but there was this… pull, in my chest. All I could think about was following it. There was something at the other end, somewhere I needed to go. So I followed and I found the school.”

He definitely wasn’t feeling anything that desperate….

“Maybe your lair is forming but it isn’t done yet.” His friend suggested.

“That’s a possibility?” Danny raised a brow.

The other ghost shrugged. “You’re a halfa. Anything’s possible.”

Said halfa also shrugged. “I guess we should just follow the link and see what happens.”

“It’s as good a plan as any. Now…” Sidney grabbed the basket full of freshly picked fruits and vegetables. “Let’s go eat.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The two enjoyed a meal in the cafeteria, chatting about books and movies. It turned out Sidney was a big fan of science fiction and Danny had just read H.G. Well’s “The Time Machine” for school.

Both full after the delicious lunch and the conversation drawing to a close, Danny stood up. “We should get going.”

The other ghost nodded. Then hurrying to the other end of the room he grabbed a cloth bag. “Here’s some food for later, things from the garden. And….” He presented three glass jars with holes in the top, a bit of soil, and… “That’s a cutting from my tiger shrub. That one’s spotted squa-pump-chini. And midnight arugula. I can show you how to plant them once we get to your portal. They’ll need a bit of water. And lots of talking to. That’s the most important part; they won’t grow unless you tell them they’re doing a good job.”

Danny laughed. “That sounds like something Sam would say.” He’d have to show her these.

“I’m serious. Realms plants are very sensitive to emotions. Feed them some good ones and they’ll be flowering in no time.”

“You got it, boss.” He took the jars, carefully placing them in the bag and the bag on his back.

The pair floated towards the school’s entrance. Sidney pushed the doors open, motioning to the swirling green atmosphere. “After you.”

And with that, the half ghost took off, following the strange hum of the portal through the uncharted Realms and back home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The flight back to the portal was much less eventful than his last trip. Danny passed that same sideways river. (Revir Syawedis, Sidney said it was called.)

That same floating island, covered in trees. (“Skulker’s island.” The ghostly nerd shivered at the words, hurrying past it.)

A school of now-more-familiar blobs swirled around them, a few approaching to nudge at both boys curiously before darting back to their group.

Sidney scratched one between the eyes, the little things letting out a hum. “Ah. Spotted blobs. Always friendly little guys.”

“Spotted? But they’re all one color?”

“Watch.” Sidney instructed, ectoenergy flickering in his hand. The blob trilled, body flashing with…

“It does have spots.” Danny laughed, eyes crinkling in happiness as the green and purple spotted blob darted back to its school.

The pair continued on, darting past more floating rocks. Above that floating highway the two biker ghosts had driven one. More confusing, twisting masses of stairs.

And barely twenty minutes after leaving Sidney’s lair…

“We’re here.” The almost anxious buzz in Danny quieted at the sight of the floating pillar with the tiny metal frame on top.

It was Sidney’s turn to look amazed. “Your parents made that!”

Danny nodded, flying down to meet the cliff near the bottom. His friend followed. The two circled as they flew up.

“I’ve seen this plateau before. It’s right next to the infinite highway.” The full ghost offered.

It was the same purplish rock as last time, interspersed with hand and foot holds. But…

The halfa blinked. “That wasn’t there before.”

Danny eyed the staircase carved into the rock. He reached out, touching one of the steps. His fingers brushed the surface and… he shrugged, confused core settling. Something about this felt right…

“Danny.” Sidney nudged him, pointing.

There was the outline of a door, carved into the rock. Both reached out to touch….

A cold, electric flicker sparked from the half ghost’s core.

His friend said what Danny was already sensing. “It feels like your aura.”

The feeling radiated…. home, belonging, safety.

Danny smiled. “So it’s a lair in progress, huh?”

He could almost picture the cozy room behind the door….

Dismissing the image, Danny flew up. “It’ll be ready soon.”

Arriving at the top, he landed. His eyes crinkled up, pleased at the little tufts of purple grass, spreading across the bare rock. Or… he drug his shoe across the surface… actually, it was packed dirt.

Sideny eyed the area approvingly. “This will be a great place to plant those cuttings.”

“Once Mom and Dad take a look, yeah.” Thinking of them….

Danny floated forward, approaching the portal. His hand parted the green mist. The action tickled his mind, a reminder of his dream. The place where he died and where he was re-born….

Shoulders relaxing, he flew through.

The boy started calling even before he was through. “Mom! Dad! I’m-”

The clatter of two chairs cut off the word, both adults jumping to their feet and wielding whatever tool they’d been using weapons.

“Home?” Danny finished.

“Oh, Hi sweetie!” Mom dropped the wrench on the table, pulling down her goggles. “And you brought your friend! Sidney, I presume.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” The full ghost nodded, offering a hand to shake which the woman accepted.

“Danno!” Dad grinned. “And Sidney!” Another handshake, this time so enthusiastic that the nerd bobbed up and down like a balloon. “Nice to meet you, kiddo!” The adult’s brow furrowed, gaze flickering to the portal. “We really need to make a doorbell for that thing or something.”

“We really should. When we build the doors, we’ll need a way for Danny to open them from the Realms side too.”

“Maybe some kind of DNA lock?” The other adult suggested.

“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.” Danny nodded.

“We can discuss it later.” Mom waved off. “And speaking of the Realms…” The woman’s eyes narrowed slightly, serious and concerned. “I thought you told us you were coming back through Sidney’s portal, Mister.”

“Yeah. I did…” The halfa shrugged, suddenly sheepish. “But I brought Sidney with me!” He motioned to his friend. “And we found out my lair is forming right under the portal! And!” He swiped the bag off his back. “We brought food from Sid’s garden! And these plant cuttings.” Danny shoved the jar with the tiger shrub cutting forward enthusiastically. “See!”

Dad accepted the jar, studying it with wide eyes. “Check it out, Madds!”

The mother’s gaze flickered to the jar, then back to her son. Her expression softened. “Alright. I’m glad you’re back safe.” She ruffled his hair. “It sounds like you had quite the adventure.”

“Mom!” Danny shrugged away, complaining like any normal teenager.

“Is this one of those new fangled personal computers?!” Sidney interrupted from where he was floating over one of the lab tables. He pointed excitedly, apparently distracted by one of the parents’ inventions.

“Afraid not.” Dad chuckled. “That’s the Fenton Finder!”

“Fenton Finder? What does that do?”

The question was enough to send the man into an excited invention ramble, the full ghost listening intently with wide eyes.

Danny watched for a minute, feeling the warm heaviness of a transformation coming on. He flickered back to human and stretched, his hands reaching over his head. “Man. I flew for a while.” His stomach grumbled. “I need some human food.”

With a word to his friend, Danny started up the stairs.

His mom interrupted. “Have you done your homework yet?”

He paused, eyes widening. “I hadn’t even thought about that.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I guess I should…. Sid, I’m going to get a quick snack and work on homework for an hour or so. My room’s upstairs if you wanna hang….”

He trailed off, seeing the other ghost wave him off, still intent on the conversation with his parents. Danny blinked. How did this keep happening….

With a silent chuckle, Danny walked up the stairs. His parents getting along with a ghost again… who would have thought?

Note: I hope you enjoyed the chapter! As always, I eagerly await ya'lls' thoughts, especially as this fic wraps up; there's one more chapter after this-already written- and then an epilogue which I only just started on. I'm super-excited at see this all come together. And about my Invisobang story! I am writing a sequel to my first Invisobang fic which was called I am you(and you are me). This new story is set right after D-stabilized. A rough blurb is below. Consumed with worry and scarred after watching Dani almost die, Danny begs her to come home with him and meet Jazz. He wants to see her safe and happy and taken care of so badly. An important reveal also weighs heavy on him – Dani isn’t the only living clone… and the other is him. He needs to tell her the truth; maybe that will convince her to agree to the idea of telling his parents. And she'll stay in Amity Park, by his side where he'll never have to worry if she's safe ever again. Meanwhile, Dani has mixed feelings. She's still reeling from the loss of her clone siblings. Danny’s unexpected worry and care make her uncomfortable in light of that… and her guilt; she did hurt him and help him get kidnapped twice. How can he care about an imperfect, a mistake like her? But having clean clothes and a bed is wonderful and things aren't so simple, after learning that one of his clone brothers is alive. Will Dani accept the help she needs and let herself be loved? Or will she push Danny and Jazz away and run again? There will be lots of sibling fluff and bonding. Misunderstandings and emotional conversations and healing. I'm very excited to share what I've been working on soon!

#Danny Phantom #Face to Face #Double Danny #my fic #Split Danny

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the-yandere-cryptid · 2 years ago

Note

Heyy I hope you're well ❤️ I havent seen any activity on this blog for a while but whenever youre feeling up to it, would you share your favorite fics that you ever wrote? Top 5 or just whatever comes to mind. Feel better ❤️

imagine if you will: me, thinking "oh, what a nice way to return to my blog and also rant about some of my favorite stories." I take like 30 minutes to link some fics with little author notes about why they are my favorites. Tumblr shits, and all of it is lost. I am very normal and cool about it. ANYWAYS. 5. Thinking Outside the Box - Hanzo / Reader / Cassidy(McCree) This one was just a fun request that turned into a fun story, I find myself thinking about this one often--I'd love to expand on the idea in an original story at some point.

4. Conference - Carlos Oliveira / Reader BARKBARKBARKBARKBARK--ahem. This one was more about the flirting than the actual smut, but even I was impressed with how well both turned out. Plus, Carlos.

3. How Noble - Professor Venomous / Reader

Most of my best fics usually come from the random bursts of inspiration that have me writing 5k words in a single night like a madman. Less time to lose motivation = More attention during editing, meaning they come out nice and polished. I had always wanted to do a story with a Fetlife-esque social media aspect, and it turned out exactly how I wanted it to. Though, I have considered going back and sprucing up the smut itself. 2. Christmas Gift - Karl Heisenberg / Reader While not my #1 favorite overall, it's easily my favorite in terms of the smut. Since writing porn over and over can get stale, I really relished in the breath of fresh air that was this story. I could tell when I was planning that the premise could be really unique, so I gave it my all to make something exciting even to me and I think it really shines through. 1. What You'll Do - Michael Myers / Reader This fic, when I planned it out, was much more shallow than it wound up being. I still remember the first chapter, going from an unattached opening to writing 13k words in 3 days, exhausted yet compelled forth like a puppet. It turned out way different, my characterization of Michael is shoddy at best, but the story just erupted out of me, and wound up becoming the piece I feel has the most soul out of anything I've ever written, especially in the second chapter. I do plan on writing a 3rd and final chapter at some point, but that would probably require an insane burst of motivation like the ones that created parts 1 and 2.

#yandere talk #everything in my life must give me extreme difficulty

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lowkeyorloki · 3 years ago

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Hello it’s BC anon so anyway here’s why I think y/n is gonna do the dumping but basically you said awhile ago that Loki has more to lose from this relationship (i don’t remember if it was in an ask or in the notes of a chapter but it stuck with me) and also Ive been rereading older chapters for clues (and also bc I just really love asis) and really paying attention to what loki says and does and you can tell he’s really committed to her and the relationship bc he invites her into his family and stuff! He also straight up tells her he’ll never leave her in the Thor’s birthday chapter. So while I think he is suuuuuper pissed at her and he is going to fight with her, she is going to be the one to end things! Also ooooo I haven’t thought about what I’d do in the situation, tbh I like to think I’m better at communicating than y/n and therefore wouldn’t end up in this situation but yeah no that’s wishful thinking on my part lol. I don’t think I’d dump Loki he doesn’t deserve that and he’s been nothing but good! Anyway I hope your tests go well I’m sure you’re gonna ace them❤️

BC Anon: omg no wait BC anon back bc no if I was actually y/n I never would even make it this far in the fic bc I would’ve dumped Loki when I found out he kept narvi a secret from me LMAOOO good thing I am not actually y/n or the story would’ve been much shorter and less interesting

OKAY you're an absolute king for that second message because tbh? As you should. Like asis is super fun but certainly not any type of guide for someone's real life and if your partner keeps an entire CHILD hidden from you then yeah you should probably leave. The reason it "works" in asis is because 1) it's Loki and 2) it is FICTION and a fantasy. Literally nothing about this fic would play out in real life and that's for the better but to read/write it... hehehe that's totally different ;)

Also I love how much you are analyzing the fic! I'm glad that me saying Loki has more to lose in the relationship resonated with you, because it is a pretty big piece of info! And he is v committed as well. So is y/n, just as much as Loki, but the difference is that Loki has his life established and y/n does not. Like, Loki is where he's going to be for the rest of his life and doing what he's going to be doing for the rest of his life. College is not forever, so you could argue that y/n is in somewhat of a transitory spot right now. It doesn't change how much they love each other, and they both certainly have some sort of idea that they want to end up together, but it's worth acknowledging that y/n is still figuring out what she wants her life to look like overall. That's something Loki has already done. The Thor birthday chapter is a pretty solid example of all that.

You also brought up that Loki said he would never leave her in that chapter. That's a good observation. The two delve more into that idea in the second bookstore chapter - the one with Loki, Y/N, and Narvi. (Protip: if I were you, or any other asis reader, I would re read that chapter before next week's update 👀)

Annnnyyywaaaayyyyy :) I also want to think I would react better than y/n is but I honestly have no clue. On top of that, I don't know what a relationship with Loki would look like in an AU where he isn't some type of public figure (be it a God or that guy who totally ruined NY ten years ago) and I think that if we all had 0 idea of who Loki was, we would be more selfish (and not only that, but more willing to simply acknowledge his faults) because he wouldn't be someone we have an established connection to. Most of us have been Loki fans for YEARS, but in asis, you've known him for less than one and have no prior knowledge of him. It's a totally different dynamic than if one of us were actually inserted into the story.

THANK YOU FOR THE MESSAGE AND GOOD LUCK WISH I just gotta get through the next two weeks and then my school schedule gets manageable again!! I'm v excited for that to happen :)

#also i've edited the chapters up to 30 could you tell #lol no more jumping btwn past and present tense and also i make the ~ in the middle of the page now instead of to the side #and i think it looks SO much better #ANYWAY you don't have to respond to the tags i'm just rambling and putting off my logic hw #BC anon #ask #asis #asis spoilers

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writingquestionsanswered · 2 years ago

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Hello!! I wanted to ask a question about editing out repeated phrases.

Particularly if I focus on facial expressions too much. I know that I can describe body language and tone of voice, ect, but I found that I focus on the face a lot. Example like “they looked surprised” “Their face looked horrified” “they kept their expression neutral” (simple examples) Do you or anyone have any examples of what can be said instead?

But I have problems with other repeated phrases as well. One of the problems being how to find them in my chapters. Like, how to find out what you’re repeating more than once if you don’t know already. Do you know how I could do that?

(If you answer can you please tag me as “cupid” ? Thank you so much!!)

Facial Expressions; Finding Repeated Phrases

Describing Facial Expressions

There are two issues with your examples:

-- "They looked surprised." -- "Their face looked horrified." -- "They kept their expression neutral."

Issue #1 - "They looked surprised" is not a facial expression. It's a a statement of emotion.

Issue #2 - When you state a character's emotion, you're telling the reader how the character feels, not showing them with facial expressions.

Let's try these examples again, only this time using facial expressions to show the emotion rather than stating it directly:

-- "Their jaw dropped and their eyes opened wide." -- "They placed a trembling hand over their mouth and backed away." -- "Their straight-lined lips and impassive eyes gave nothing away."

Those are facial expressions, and those are descriptions rather than statements. Which isn't to say you can never just say "They kept their expression neutral." In practice, that probably sounds better than "their straight-lined lips and impassive eyes gave nothing away..." But the point is you cut down on the repetition of "they looked this" and "they kept their face that" by showing when you can, and telling when it just sounds better.

If you need help knowing what facial expression, body language, and internal cues go with different emotions, I highly recommend getting yourself a copy of The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. You may also be able to borrow it from your local library.

Finding Repeated Phrases in Your Writing

Option #1 - Read, Find, Zap

Read your first three chapters in one sitting and pay close attention. Keep an eye out for phrases and uncommon words that seem to be popping up a lot. Highlight them, then make a list when you're done. Now you can do a "find" search for those words and phrases in your WIP and replace them with other things.

Option #2 - There's an App for That

Editing software like ProWriting Aid, Grammarly, Hemingway App, and others will go through your writing and search out repeated words/phrases and cliche phrases.

Option #3 - Alpha, Beta, Crit

Alpha readers, beta readers, and critique partners are a way to get other eyes on your writing, and part of what they can do is let you know what words and phrases you overuse.

I hope that helps!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I've been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I've learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

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Visit my Master List of Top Posts

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#writing tips #writing help #writing advice #wqaadvice

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iwriteasfotini · 7 months ago

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This was really fun to read! I related to a lot of it even though I have limited writing experience, I am working on my first big project and it's been fun and educational. The bit about if a scene is boring to write it will be boring to read definitely resonated with me. Sometimes I find a scene boring only because it's not AS exciting as a scene I am working towards, but I'd hate to reread a chapter and say to myself, "well that was dull."

And I think the advice to not write linearly is so important. I'm doing most of my writing linearly right now but I'm super inspired to work in this way. I have also written the occasional future scene because I get totally hung up on it, literally can't think about anything else. And then I just have to word vomit it out.

I have no qualms with rereading my own writing right now, thankfully. And I'm refraining from posting until I feel like the work is in a finished place. I don't like pressure, so a posting schedule with a WIP to me is just a source of severe anxiety and likely writers block. Plus I like to be able to make changes. But I also feel waiting to post is testing my patience as I'm excited about the story but have to wait to share it.

I think being in a writing block (a span of time when you are trying to get a lot of writing done, not to be confused with 'writers block') means staying off social as much as possible and consuming very little media. For me it's all about time; I don't have time to do it all. If I'm writing, I can't spend hours reading or online because then I don't have any time to write.

I started writing my fic because I've always wanted to be a writer, and I realized I was never going to get better at doing it if I didn't WRITE! So I'm working on a fanfic to both get my story idea out but also to just write a lot of words. The more words you write, the better your writing will be.

Finding long chunks of time to work can also be really helpful. It takes me roughly four hours to write the first draft of a chapter. And it takes me about 30 minutes to get flowing with my writing. I strive for four hour chunks of time, but I can do a lot in three as well. An hour though, not even worth it anymore. Instead I'll reread or edit or something that I can pick up and put down faster.

And the comment about not outlining. Cheers to that! My outlines consist of a list of a few chapter titles ideas and sometimes I just brain dump in a long form format. Honestly I rarely ever go back and reread those brain dumps. And sometimes I do and think, "well I took that plotline in a totally different direction than I envisioned."

Personally I cannot write lying down. But I do often put on my special screen glasses, even though I don't wear glasses, because they just get me in the writing mood. I also listen to music, which I could also argue against, but I have some specific playlists built and it's mood music. It helps me not get distracted by my environment and tells my family members to try not to interrupt me while I'm working.

The last thing I'll say is there is a big difference between telling yourself "I can't" and thinking "well maybe I'll try..."

How I learned to write smarter, not harder

(aka, how to write when you're hella ADHD lol)

A reader commented on my current long fic asking how I write so well. I replied with an essay of my honestly pretty non-standard writing advice (that they probably didn't actually want lol) Now I'm gonna share it with you guys and hopefully there's a few of you out there who will benefit from my past mistakes and find some useful advice in here. XD Since I started doing this stuff, which are all pretty easy changes to absorb into your process if you want to try them, I now almost never get writer's block.

The text of the original reply is indented, and I've added some additional commentary to expand upon and clarify some of the concepts.

As for writing well, I usually attribute it to the fact that I spent roughly four years in my late teens/early 20s writing text roleplay with a friend for hours every single day. Aside from the constant practice that provided, having a live audience immediately reacting to everything I wrote made me think a lot about how to make as many sentences as possible have maximum impact so that I could get that kind of fun reaction. (Which is another reason why comments like yours are so valuable to fanfic writers! <3) The other factors that have improved my writing are thus: 1. Writing nonlinearly. I used to write a whole story in order, from the first sentence onward. If there was a part I was excited to write, I slogged through everything to get there, thinking that it would be my reward once I finished everything that led up to that. It never worked. XD It was miserable. By the time I got to the part I wanted to write, I had beaten the scene to death in my head imagining all the ways I could write it, and it a) no longer interested me and b) could not live up to my expectations because I couldn't remember all my ideas I'd had for writing it. The scene came out mediocre and so did everything leading up to it. Since then, I learned through working on VN writing (I co-own a game studio and we have some visual novels that I write for) that I don't have to write linearly. If I'm inspired to write a scene, I just write it immediately. It usually comes out pretty good even in a first draft! But then I also have it for if I get more ideas for that scene later, and I can just edit them in. The scenes come out MUCH stronger because of this. And you know what else I discovered? Those scenes I slogged through before weren't scenes I had no inspiration for, I just didn't have any inspiration for them in that moment! I can't tell you how many times there was a scene I had no interest in writing, and then a week later I'd get struck by the perfect inspiration for it! Those are scenes I would have done a very mediocre job on, and now they can be some of the most powerful scenes because I gave them time to marinate. Inspiration isn't always linear, so writing doesn't have to be either!

Some people are the type that joyfully write linearly. I have a friend like this--she picks up the characters and just continues playing out the next scene. Her story progresses through the entire day-by-day lives of the characters; it never timeskips more than a few hours. She started writing and posting just eight months ago, she's about an eighth of the way through her planned fic timeline, and the content she has so far posted to AO3 for it is already 450,000 words long. But most of us are normal humans. We're not, for the most part, wired to create linearly. We consume linearly, we experience linearly, so we assume we must also create linearly. But actually, a lot of us really suffer from trying to force ourselves to create this way, and we might not even realize it. If you're the kind of person who thinks you need to carrot-on-a-stick yourself into writing by saving the fun part for when you finally write everything that happens before it: Stop. You're probably not a linear writer. You're making yourself suffer for no reason and your writing is probably suffering for it. At least give nonlinear writing a try before you assume you can't write if you're not baiting or forcing yourself into it!! Remember: Writing is fun. You do this because it's fun, because it's your hobby. If you're miserable 80% of the time you're doing it, you're probably doing it wrong!

2. Rereading my own work. I used to hate reading my own work. I wouldn't even edit it usually. I would write it and slap it online and try not to look at it again. XD Writing nonlinearly forced me to start rereading because I needed to make sure scenes connected together naturally and it also made it easier to get into the headspace of the story to keep writing and fill in the blanks and get new inspiration. Doing this built the editing process into my writing process--I would read a scene to get back in the headspace, dislike what I had written, and just clean it up on the fly. I still never ever sit down to 'edit' my work. I just reread it to prep for writing and it ends up editing itself. Many many scenes in this fic I have read probably a dozen times or more! (And now, I can actually reread my own work for enjoyment!) Another thing I found from doing this that it became easy to see patterns and themes in my work and strengthen them. Foreshadowing became easy. Setting up for jokes or plot points became easy. I didn't have to plan out my story in advance or write an outline, because the scenes themselves because a sort of living outline on their own. (Yes, despite all the foreshadowing and recurring thematic elements and secret hidden meanings sprinkled throughout this story, it actually never had an outline or a plan for any of that. It's all a natural byproduct of writing nonlinearly and rereading.)

Unpopular writing opinion time: You don't need to make a detailed outline.

Some people thrive on having an outline and planning out every detail before they sit down to write. But I know for a lot of us, we don't know how to write an outline or how to use it once we've written it. The idea of making one is daunting, and the advice that it's the only way to write or beat writer's block is demoralizing. So let me explain how I approach "outlining" which isn't really outlining at all.

I write in a Notion table, where every scene is a separate table entry and the scene is written in the page inside that entry. I do this because it makes writing nonlinearly VASTLY more intuitive and straightforward than writing in a single document. (If you're familiar with Notion, this probably makes perfect sense to you. If you're not, imagine something a little like a more contained Google Sheets, but every row has a title cell that opens into a unique Google Doc when you click on it. And it's not as slow and clunky as the Google suite lol) When I sit down to begin a new fic idea, I make a quick entry in the table for every scene I already know I'll want or need, with the entries titled with a couple words or a sentence that describes what will be in that scene so I'll remember it later. Basically, it's the most absolute bare-bones skeleton of what I vaguely know will probably happen in the story.

Then I start writing, wherever I want in the list. As I write, ideas for new scenes and new connections and themes will emerge over time, and I'll just slot them in between the original entries wherever they naturally fit, rearranging as necessary, so that I won't forget about them later when I'm ready to write them. As an example, my current long fic started with a list of roughly 35 scenes that I knew I wanted or needed, for a fic that will probably be around 100k words (which I didn't know at the time haha). As of this writing, it has expanded to 129 scenes. And since I write them directly in the page entries for the table, the fic is actually its own outline, without any additional effort on my part. As I said in the comment reply--a living outline!

This also made it easier to let go of the notion that I had to write something exactly right the first time. (People always say you should do this, but how many of us do? It's harder than it sounds! I didn't want to commit to editing later! I didn't want to reread my work! XD) I know I'm going to edit it naturally anyway, so I can feel okay giving myself permission to just write it approximately right and I can fix it later. And what I found from that was that sometimes what I believed was kind of meh when I wrote it was actually totally fine when I read it later! Sometimes the internal critic is actually wrong. 3. Marinating in the headspace of the story. For the first two months I worked on [fic], I did not consume any media other than [fandom the fic is in]. I didn't watch, read, or play anything else. Not even mobile games. (And there wasn't really much fan content for [fandom] to consume either. Still isn't, really. XD) This basically forced me to treat writing my story as my only source of entertainment, and kept me from getting distracted or inspired to write other ideas and abandon this one.

As an aside, I don't think this is a necessary step for writing, but if you really want to be productive in a short burst, I do highly recommend going on a media consumption hiatus. Not forever, obviously! Consuming media is a valuable tool for new inspiration, and reading other's work (both good and bad, as long as you think critically to identify the differences!) is an invaluable resource for improving your writing.

When I write, I usually lay down, close my eyes, and play the scene I'm interested in writing in my head. I even take a ten-minute nap now and then during this process. (I find being in a state of partial drowsiness, but not outright sleepiness, makes writing easier and better. Sleep helps the brain process and make connections!) Then I roll over to the laptop next to me and type up whatever I felt like worked for the scene. This may mean I write half a sentence at a time between intervals of closed-eye-time XD

People always say if you're stuck, you need to outline.

What they actually mean by that (whether they realize it or not) is that if you're stuck, you need to brainstorm. You need to marinate. You don't need to plan what you're doing, you just need to give yourself time to think about it!

What's another framing for brainstorming for your fic? Fantasizing about it! Planning is work, but fantasizing isn't.

You're already fantasizing about it, right? That's why you're writing it. Just direct that effort toward the scenes you're trying to write next! Close your eyes, lay back, and fantasize what the characters do and how they react.

And then quickly note down your inspirations so you don't forget, haha.

And if a scene is so boring to you that even fantasizing about it sucks--it's probably a bad scene.

If it's boring to write, it's going to be boring to read. Ask yourself why you wanted that scene. Is it even necessary? Can you cut it? Can you replace it with a different scene that serves the same purpose but approaches the problem from a different angle? If you can't remove the troublesome scene, what can you change about it that would make it interesting or exciting for you to write?

And I can't write sitting up to save my damn life. It's like my brain just stops working if I have to sit in a chair and stare at a computer screen. I need to be able to lie down, even if I don't use it! Talking walks and swinging in a hammock are also fantastic places to get scene ideas worked out, because the rhythmic motion also helps our brain process. It's just a little harder to work on a laptop in those scenarios. XD

In conclusion: Writing nonlinearly is an amazing tool for kicking writer's block to the curb. There's almost always some scene you'll want to write. If there isn't, you need to re-read or marinate.

Or you need to use the bathroom, eat something, or sleep. XD Seriously, if you're that stuck, assess your current physical condition. You might just be unable to focus because you're uncomfortable and you haven't realized it yet.

Anyway! I hope that was helpful, or at least interesting! XD Sorry again for the text wall. (I think this is the longest comment reply I've ever written!)

And same to you guys on tumblr--I hope this was helpful or at least interesting. XD Reblogs appreciated if so! (Maybe it'll help someone else!)

#creative writing #writers on tumblr #writing #writerscommunity #fanfic writing

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wikiangela-fanfics · 3 years ago

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My fics:

You can also find all of those on my Ao3 - wikiangela

Edit: added word count, and ratings wherever they apply, if a number of chapters is not specified, it's a oneshot

MCU (sambucky):

sounds like an angel (he might be a demon) - only Ao3 (rating M, 80 chapters, 150k words)

June 14th, 2025 (I've been waiting for you my whole life) - sounds like an angel bonus oneshot (rating T, 3.5k words)

When you smile (I melt inside) (3 parts, 14k words)

[untitled mcu defenders fic nobody asked for] - Ao3 (6 parts, 7.9k words) - WIP (not updated regularly, all parts can be standalone)

Merry Christmas (I love you) (2.6k words)

Heartbeat (1.7k words)

I chose you - Fictober22 (768 words)

Nobody warned you about me? - Fictober22 (750 words)

We all have our reasons - Fictober22 (985 words)

It's my name on the line. - Fictober22 (713 words)

I don't want you to do that. - Fictober22 (412 words)

I don't think this is your problem. - Fictober22 (867 words)

I'm not alone and neither are you. - Fictober22 (1k words)

911:

For a holiday (and forevermore) - only Ao3 (M, 30 chapters, 94k)

There’s no way that it’s not going there (with the way that we’re looking at each other) (6.8k words)

All I need is to call you home (rating G, 2.1k words)

burn for you (8k words)

“I will never leave you" (2.6k words)

"You being there was all I needed" (2.3k words)

1071 (1k)

I think he knows (3k words)

How would that even work? - Fictober22 (1k words)

No, anything but that. - Fictober22 (600 words)

Check that again, are you sure? - Fictober22 (925 words)

Sounds like a you problem. - Fictober22 (725 words)

Think! For once! - Fictober22 (1.1k words)

You're making my head hurt. - Fictober22 (1.2k words)

Yes. No. I don't know. - Fictober22 (1k words)

What are you doing? - Fictober22 (726 words)

You're looking but you don't see - Fictober22 + part two (2 chapters, 2.2k words)

Do we have a deal? - Fictober22 (1.4k words)

I never said that - Fictober22 (768 words)

Who said this is a good idea? - Fictober22 (rating M, 1.6k words)

Not on my watch! - Fictober22 (1.1k words)

Is this safe? - Fictober22 (523 words)

You know I'd do anything - Fictober22 (759 words)

I'm doing it, shut up - Fictober22 (1.4k words)

That's not why we're doing this - Fictober22 (635 words)

You love this, don't you? - Fictober22 + part two (rating M, 2 chapters, 3.4k words)

I know what this looks like - Fictober22 (1.1k words)

what the universe is trying to tell you (1.2k words)

You're my greatest gift (rating G, 2.6k words)

The one with groceries and bad coffee (G, 1.k words)

Fine - 6x10 coda (1.6k words)

don't know what I'd do if your tomorrow never came (1.9k)

we got time (but we're only human) (1.6k)

I can't love you any more (than I do now) (2.6k)

I don't mind a detour (as long as I still get to be yours) (G, 1.4k)

me and you only equals love (E, 6.6k)

you're the one I want (G, 1.4k)

kiss it better (G, 1.5k)

stuck with each other (G, 2.5k)

I'm free in salt water (embrace the deep end, leave everything) (612 words, tw suicide, Maddie pov)

I'd marry you with paper rings (G, 3.4k)

Do I really have to tell you how he brought me back to life? (G, 2.9k)

what a mighty good man (G, 3.4k)

me, you, our kid and a dog (G, 4.7k)

you been looking for love (let me show you how it's done) (E, 12k)

I could get lost in the feelings (just say that you belong to me) (E, 15k)

baby, you drive me wild (E, 11k)

the next best thing (E, 9k)

I wanna spend my forever like that (G, 8.6k)

#sambucky #buddie #fanfic #my writing #fanfics #masterlist #destiel fanfic #sambucky fanfic #buddie fanfic #decided to make a new pinned post with all my fics #including the shitty ones lol #will be updated #wikiangela writes #fanfiction #my fanfic writing #if i messed up the links I'll fix it if I notice hah #the defenders #idk I'll be updating it with any new works I guess #fanfic masterlist

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thegeminisage · 2 years ago

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1, 17, & 30?

THANK YOU these are good ones

1. What was the first fandom and/or pairing that you wrote fic for?

oooh, my origin story. WELL. back in the early 00s on ffn one of the trends was novelizing video games. like, writing them as if they were on a shelf in a bookstore and nongamers could pick it up and learn the world and characters as well as people who had played it. as we know though a great deal of fanfic tends to go unfinished - it's just part of the medium. EYE however was absolutely desperate to read the end of an ocarina of time novel, and no one ever really managed to get past the first three dungeons...so i eventually decided to just write my own. it wound up being 36 chapters and 150k words (amazing!), and it was like. love and light to past me. she made some choices. ocs replacing main characters, character deaths, alteration of that iconic ending...but, i DID get to the end, which was my only goal, and i think that experience really formed the way i think about and write fic - always with the ending in mind. there are very few fics i've started that i did not finish, though sadly many of those fics are lost to the sands of time now.

17. What fic are you most proud of?

at the moment? probably how arthur got his groove back. i actually have an ao3 series for what i believe is my BEST work, but that one i think i rank the highest because like...when i go back and reread my own fic, which i do frequently (it's tailor-made to my tastes after all), this is the one i find myself wanting to change the least. i always kind of wish i could edit the others to tweak this or that pacing element or timing problem or whatever but i find very little to complain about with this one...not that anything is perfect, but it executed itself almost exactly how i wanted it to and i think it hits the pacing and beats of everything JUST right, and there's no major scenes that have elements i wish i had worked harder on or smoothed out more. when i need to read something that won't make me crazy it's always my first pick. every day i'm humbled by how much love was given to broken road but it's also sort of hilarious in a way because it's not my best work! not by a longshot! i firmly believe how arthur got his groove back is my best work - at least as far as what's up on ao3.

30. Tell us an idea for a longfic you want to write in the future.

answered this here!

[behind the scenes fic meme]

#liz answers asks #liz loves writing #anonymous #ask memes #loz blogging #sorta <3 #i feel comeppeled to add that actually i started a bunch of video games novelizations i didn't finish in my early teens #but it's because all i could think about was zelda #after this inital burst i finished most everything else #and the ones i didn't finish haunt me...

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just-like-playing-tag · 5 years ago

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A totally self indulgent compilation of my favorite works on this blog of the year June 13, 2019 - June 13, 2020

I wanted to do this for the blog's first anniversary but then completely forgot about it lol.

The following lists are all in chronological order according to the date each post was first published.

Top 10 panel edits:

#1: Don and Gilda - Chapter 138: Demon serch (1)

Date: Jun 14th, 2019

Time: ~ 1:30 h

My very first redraw from my very first edit posted here, so it deserves an honorable mention. Back then I was young and inexperienced, I didn't even apply a gray filter (lmao I was so unskilled I even unintentionally scratched the picture, I hadn't realized until today). I'm actually very happy my first redraw was of Don, boy deserves all the love.

#2: Emma and Ray - Chapter 140: I’m Here!

Date: Jun 28th, 2019

Time: ~ 1 h

Back then this looked like so much work to me!!! And to this day, I think it turned out pretty well. I'm particularly proud of how the bow turned out. This is one I was really proud of right after having finished it; it gave me the confidence to try redrawing bigger areas. Also, the edit were I first applied the opacity of layer / opacity of brush for the gray filter that would have stuck with me.

#3: Krone's birthday edit

Date: Jul 15th, 2019

Time: 15 mins

I don't know I just really like how Krone's hair vanish to a more sketch-like style here– and consequently, how I managed to replicate such effect. I think Krone's beautiful.

#4: Emma, Norman and Ray - Chapter 153: Coward

Date: Oct 4th, 2019

Time: 4:07 h (and 67 layers lmao)

Probably the single panel redraw I'm the most proud of. That Norman panel was beautiful and very poignant at the end of a chapter I adored, so I believe it deserved all the time I've spent working on it. It's far from being perfect - the back of his head is too plain, and the difference between my brushes and the original brushes is pretty visible - but I still like it very much and am extremely attached to it. The horn looks kinda big but I honestly believe it to be more of an issue with the original than with what I had redrawn lol. Funny enough, the whole picture didn't make it to the final edit and had to be trimmed.

#5: Full Score Trio - Chapter 154: A Breakthrough

Date: Oct 11th, 2019

Time: 29 mins

I don't have a particular reason for this I just think Emma's hair turned out amazing. It took just half an hour and I didn't even use references like. Wow. @Redrawing skills where did you go please come back

#6: Mujika and Queen Legravalima - Chapter 158: The Reason I Was Born

Date: Nov 17th, 2019

Time: 2:09 h

Sis I love this so freaking much. The shift from redrawing almost exclusively people and clothes to redrawing this mess was so fun and refreshing. Even though it's a mess I think it turned out very clean and overall it looks beautiful? I remember after finishing this I felt so powerful, like now that I had redrawn this thing I would have been able to redraw anything I set my mind on lol.

#7: Emma - Chapter 161: Never Be Alone

Date: Dec 13th, 2019

Time: 57 mins

Again no particular reason except this is a very cute Emma and I think the redraw turned out pretty well. There's this big lock on the left that doesn't make a lot of sense but overall I really like it. Cute Emma is cute, and I love her determination.

#8: Emma - Chapter 166: Going Back Home

Date: Mar 9th, 2020

Time: 3:45 h

I'M SO FREAKING PROUD OF THAT RIFFLE I have not the slightlest idea why this took so damn long BUT I'M SO PROUD OF IT

#9: Norman's birthday edit

Date: Mar 21st, 2020

Time: 1:04 h

This is cool! I didn't know I could manage to draw this, but I did it! The feathers were particularly hard to clean but I think they turned out fine.

#10: Full Score Trio - Chapter 174: A New World (part 1)

Date: Apr 6th, 2020

Time: 2:11 h

I just think they're very pretty? I can't understand if I like Ray's face a lot, or not at all, but I think overall there was a lot to redraw and it turned out pretty cute! Sorry Gillian.

(Also insert pretty much every panel from the chapter 177 Isabella edit– I've spent so many hours on basically every panel there's no way I could choose only one).

Top 5 edits as whole:

#1: Emma and Ray - Chapter 140: I’m Here!

Date: Jun 29th, 2019

Complessive time: 2:57+ h

The very first edit I'm actually proud of; I'm really attached to it. It's the first edit I had put all of my effort into, and I remember feeling anxious people would have left it without notes. It kinda feels weird to think about it now, because I really don't care about notes anymore; yet, it somehow makes me happy to think that past-me wasn't let down. Thank you @neverlandstrio for your support, you may not remember but it really meant a lot to me back then! And it still makes me smile. You're the best!!!!!!

#2: Mujika and Queen Legravalima - Chapter 158: The Reason I Was Born

Date: Nov 20th, 2019

Complessive time: 7:12+ hours

This whole edit was an hella wild ride. It's midnight before a school day, when I think: "Mh, it's been a while since I last made an edit, why not make one about Musica and the queen from the last chapter?" And seven hours after this was born. I'm particularly proud of the queen's redraws on the 3rd, 7th and 9th picture (ofc), the areas which have been redrawn are pretty huge yet I think the difference with the original is almost impossible to notice?? @Redrawing skills where did you go please come back (part 2)

#3: Emma - Chapter 174: A New World (part 1)

Date: Apr 12th, 2020

Complessive time: 6:53+ h

I think the panels that were selected work very well together, especially considering the close-up / full body alternation. I love Emma, and I've always been kinda sad noticing that edits that focus one her take the less notes... She deserves all the love. Also, fun fact: for the last but one panel, I had redrawn Emma's whole left ear before remembering she doesn't have one, so I had to redraw the panel from the start. Besides from the error with the ear, the reason why this (and all the others after) took so long is because official panel take way longer to clean.

#4: Isabella and her children - Chapter 177: Mother

Date: May 22nd, 2020

Complessive time: 13:41+ h (ahah.)

Lmao tbh I can't understand how this has so few notes it's like. Technically speaking, probably the best edit I've ever done. I don't even like Isabella that much, I haven't got the slightlest idea why I decided to spend so many hours on this. Anyway, I find the composition (full body on the left / headshots on the right) really good looking in this as well! And I think the redraws turned out fine, especially Isabella's.

#5: The Promised Neverland manga ending countdown→ 1/7 chapters: chapter 1 - Grace Field House

Date: Jun 9th, 2020

Complessive time: 1:59+ h

I don't know how I came up with that idea for the composition but I find it really beautiful??? I think it does a pretty good job conveying the sudden, terrific shift of atmosphere from the first chapter, and I think that sharp bridge is very nice. I'm very, very proud of this.

Honorable mention #1: Full Score Trio - Chapter 154: A Breakthrough

Date: Oct 13th, 2019

Complessive time: 3:44+ h (+ 1:13 h of working on a panel that ultimately didn't make it to the final edit)

A very good chapter, and the edit turned out surprisingly amazing??? All the redraws look great and make it almost impossible to distinguish them from the original; honestly I feel like I'll never be able to redraw so neatly again lol.

Honorable mention #2: Don and Gilda (+ Norman) - Chapter 160: Shackles

Date: Dec 11th, 2019

Complessive time: 3:14+ h

That one is really one of my favorite scenes; I'm telling you peoples, Gilda and Don are a blessing to the earth. I think I've never mentioned it, but Gilda's hair is a nightmare to redraw??? More specifically, it takes me h o u r s to fill the texture without making it look too weird, it's the worst.

Honorable mention #3: Norman and Ray - Chapter 179: Compensation

Date: Jun 6th, 2020

Complessive time: 4:16+ h

I was so glad to finally be able to make a Norman / Ray edit, and it turned out it was just in time before the series' finale. I like how it turned out and I'm pretty satisfied with the redraws (even though my sister helped me with the lineart of some panels - it was exams time and I really couldn't afford to spend more time on it), too bad we didn't have more chapters that focused on the boys. Ray sweetie one day I'll fix your ear it's just today's not that day.

Btw, I justed realized I have never done an Emma / Norman centered edit? I'll have to make one eventually. I remember considering focusing on them alone for the chapter 154 one, but then I thought "even if the manga is gonna ignore Ray, I will chose to do not" lol.

Top 5 long posts:

#1: Reconstruction of how the Grace Field children were settled in the three bedrooms

Date: Aug 28th, 2019

I just had really a lot of fun doing it. I love putting all the little things to their own place, it's so calming to do and that's why I love making this kind of things. Also, loved how @temporoom contributed to the post! It was so nice of them to add what they had noticed to come up with more exact conclusions, that's one of the things I love the most about the internet.

#2: A study of how many times the characters of The Promised Neverland call each other through the first season of the anime

Date: Sep 10th, 2019

I REALLY LOVE IT! I mean it *was* kinda stressing to note everything, but it was very also very satisfying to see everything methodically divided and organized! And it's not just that– it's also the fact that it looks good. That's one post I have fun rereading because it's actually pretty! Also, even though it can be very stressing to learn to use new programs and sites, it's always very satisfying to look at the final result. Again, I really adore compiling these tiny little details! I would love to make more posts of that kind if i had the time.

#3: The Promised Neverland musicals headcanons

Date: Oct 27th, 2019

I mean it's literally. Putting my two favorite fandoms together how could I not love it. This is another one I really enjoy rereading, I find all the musical / character associations so fitting! I really want to make a second part, I hope to find some time to do it.

#4: Considerations on the reward / eventual series' finales (and Emma's sacrifice)

Date: May 7th, 2020

It's always nice to put down all your thoughts regarding a particular matter. It can take a lot of time (at least for me it does because... I need time to think about things), but it's so satisfying to see all of them there once you're done. Bonus points when, like in this case, it was something asked by someone else because “Wow! Somebody wants to hear my opinion on this subject! I'm flattered (◍•ᴗ•◍)”

#5: Some other considerations on the series' finale and Emma sacrificing herself

Date: Jun 13th, 2020

Pretty much the same as above. It's like some kind of clarity when the post is done and signed. Another fun fact, I had to censore the post a lot; the first version was extremely sharp and harsh, but I believe it's right to express your opinions calmly and politely.

Bonus: A thread of what the tpn characters would wear at the Oscars

Date: Feb 9th, 2020

Imagining all the children in those pretty dresses makes me so incredibly happy (╥﹏╥) I go back to look at that post a lot. I really love red carpets, I love looking at pretty dresses!!!!!

Lmao it's so funny how the post of mine I like the most are also the ones with the less notes

Anyway this was just a personal report! You don't have to read it all (or any of it actually). But it was indeed fun making it! Here's to many more months in the fandom!!!

#This was supposed to be posted on July 13th as one year and one month since I made the blog #but Tumblr decided to be a jerk and deleted all of it 😊#So here we are #tpn #tpn manga spoilers #long post #Again this is just a personal report don't stress over reading all of it #But it was fun to make!#To the people I tagged: sorry for tagging you in this long post but also it would have felt weird not to do so? I hope you don't mind #It felt like... Giving credits foe something you've done y'know

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pixie88 · 4 years ago

Text

Bad Decision

Chapter 4 - Our Little Secret.

A/N: Queen B fanfiction. I’m currently editing and adding all my FF to my new account. All being added to my pinned masterlist on my profile. Let me know if you would like to be tagged!

Find previous chapters HERE under Queen B - Our Little Secret.

Word count: 1757

WARNINGS: ⚠️ Some adult language & Angst

Disclaimer: Characters are property of Pixelberry.

Pairings: Ian x MC - Lyla.

Enjoy!

"Lillian, I can explain" Ian tells her "How can any explanation make the fact you are sleeping with a student make this right? Ian, this is wrong on so many levels! Do you not care about your career?" she asks him.

I close the door, Ian turns to me for help "Lillian, I understand this looks bad but I promise this isn't how it started. When we first met I had no idea he was my professor nor did he know I was his student" "So when you did find out why didn't you stop it Ian?" Lillian asks him.

"Lillian, I tried, but the more I denied myself the more I wanted. I love Lyla, I'm even moving to a different university, so I can be with her without any repercussions" " So, you tried? It doesn't look like you tried very hard Ian! What do you two fuck between classes? I bet Lyla is an A class student in your class she has to be considering she's fucking her professor. Ian, how can you be so reckless?" Ian face turns to annoyance.

Lillian, Stop! I will not have you talk about or to Lyla like that! Yes, I have been reckless, but that is from my own doing!" Lillian face soften "Ian, I'm sorry! I just don't want this to blow up in your face and end your career you worked so hard for" (Lillian is right, I can't let Ian risk his career for me. At least not while he's still working here).

"Ian, your sister is right, maybe we should cool it until you start your new job. I can't risk you losing everything for me. So, I think it is best that you find a new TA for the rest of your time here. I'll see you in class." I put the graded essays on the small coffee table.

I go to leave the room, but I feel an arm on my shoulder "Lyla, No! Don't do this!" I turn to face him, his eyes are sad "Ian, I don't want to, but we have to," I see Lillian giving me an agreeing nod to the side of Ian.

"We can still carry on in secret, no one will know" his eye pleading with me (I have to tell him about Poppy) "Someone found out!" I tell him, and he pulls away "You're lying! You're just saying that, so I agree to take a break." "Ian, I wish I was, but I'm not. Poppy found out about us she had photo's of us. She was going to use them to blackmail me, but I managed to delete every copy she had and burn the paper ones. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry. I didn't want you to be a part of my mess" he gives me those puppy dog eyes I can't resist.

"Lyla, You should have told me. We could've dealt with that together" I smile "As much as I love you being my knight in shining armour, this was my mess" "No Lyla, It was our mess. You should've told me." he cups my face.

"I know, but so we don't have this problem again, I think we cool it just until you no longer my professor!" he lets go of my face, turns away from me and takes a seat behind his desk.

"Ian, I know it must be hard, but it makes sense and it's only for a few weeks. I think what Lyla is doing is very noble" she smiles at me.

"If that's all Lyla you may go. I'll get a new TA sorted from tomorrow." he doesn't look at me. I leave his office deflated. (Get a grip 8 weeks aren't that long).

2 Weeks later, I have only seen Ian in class I avoid being the first one there so it isn't awkward or at least any more awkward than Ian has made it. Ian avoids my eyes in every lesson and ignores me around campus. He got a new TA 2 days after I told him to get a new one.

I'm not sure Tony seems up to the job as Ian stressed when ever he's around. Ian's class has ended and I'm getting my stuff together to leave when I hear "Ian! It's so good to see you again" I look up to see Lexi approaching Ian's desk at the front of the class.

I hear his husky tone as I make my way to the end of the aisle to leave the classroom "Lexi, you're early" I reach the door when I hear her reply, "Oh, I thought maybe we could have a few drinks before Richard and Annie arrive" (Argh I need a drink and also a bath tub to drown Lexi in).

I send a quick text to Zoe asking if she was free tonight, but she has a lot of studying to catch up on so would probably spend the night in the library.

(Looks like your on your own tonight Lyla).

After I head home to change I found myself outside The Base Lounge a new club that opened last week. I make my way inside and take a seat at the bar and order a passion fruit martini.

After I don't know how many martinis I pull out my phone. I want to text Ian but I shouldn't, but I go against my better judgement.

[Hi Ian, I hope yuo are having a dreadful time on your date with Lexi!]

[You* Whoops]

PING (5 Minutes later)

[Lyla, I am not on a date with Lexi. We are just having dinner with a few colleagues.]

I laugh nearly falling off the bar stool.

[I bet that's not how she sees it. Now you're free for the making.]

[making*]

[Wait that's still not right taking*]

PING (3 Minutes later)

[Lyla, No one is going to take me. You said it was for the best!]

[That was sober Lyla's idea. She's stupid!! I dom't like her!]

[Don't*]

PING (2 Minutes later)

[Lyla, Are you drunk?]

[Well duh! Come on progessor you have a degree. I thought that was obvious!]

PING (1 Minute later)

[Maybe you should get your friends to take you home to sober up!]

[Professor*]

[ Haha, I would but Zoey was busy]

PING (50 seconds later)

[You're by yourself??]

[You know for a professor you are pretty dumb. Of courses I'm by myself if Zoey isn't here. I'm going to walk home after I have been for a pee. Do you know this place has shared toilets! I know it's new but that's just weird right?]

[Course*]

PING (30 Seconds later)

[LYLA, DO NOT WALK HOME! I'M COMING TO GET YOU! JUST STAY THERE!!]

[No need to shout. Well text shout haha. No I'm fine. I can walk. I'll see you in class tomorrow]

I hear my phone continuously ping and ring, but I ignore it and I make my way out of the club. I start walking in the direction I think my dorm is in.

(I feel like I've been walking forever, everything is spinning, Oh no I'm going to...) I run over to the nearest bin and puke. Once I've stopped I clean myself open with a tissue I have in my bag. (Not my classiest moment) "Are you ok?" I look up to find some guy with long black hair staring at me.

(Oh my god, I have hair envy) "Wow, I love your hair!" He smiles "Thanks, but are you ok?" "Yes, I am fine frank you, I mean thank you" "Are you on your way home?" I look at him confused.

(Oh god, he's one of these weirdos that bury young girls under his driveway) "STRANGER DANGER!" I scream at the top of my lungs as I move away from Mr. Perfect Hair. "Stay away from me" he seems shocked "No! Look, I was just checking you were ok. I did mean to scare you" I still back away from him.

"Keep away from me," I shout at him again. I hear a car pull up, the headlights light us up I turn I can't see who it is but because the light is blinding me but I soon recognize the voice.

"Lyla, there you are" Ian comes into view "I've been looking everywhere for you!" he turns to Mr. Perfect Hair "Can I help you?" Ian asks him. "I was just checking she was ok when I saw her throwing up in the bin over there then the mad cow started screaming stranger danger. She's fucking nuts mate." (Everything after that happened in slow motion) Ian squares Mr. Perfect Hair straight in the jaw.

He runs off and Ian takes my hand and leads me to his car.

He gets into the driver's seat, he seems angry "Are you ok Ian?" his jaw tenses "Ian, I said are yo..." "I KNOW WHAT YOU SAID, LYLA!" he shouts, "Excuse you!" "I'm sorry I didn't mean to shout, but you have no idea how worried I was about you!" "Ian, I'm ok!" "You might not have been! Why would you put yourself in danger like that?" "I wanted a drink and no one was free, Plus I was jealous!" I turn away from him.

"Jealous?" he asks I roll my eye "Yes, jealous of Lexi being able to be seen out in public with you and just in your company," he looks over to me with soft eyes "Lyla, This was your idea. I was happy to keep seeing you in secret, but you decided it was best." "Now I don't think it's best. Ian, I miss you," he quickly looks over to me with a smile before returning his eyes to the road.

"I have to admit I've missed you terribly, but you need to figure out what you want!" "Ian, it's you! I want you. I can't wait 6 more weeks, it's killing me now" I see him smirk.

He takes my hand and pulls it to his lips before placing a small kiss against my knuckles "I want you to, Lyla. But if we are going to do this we need to be careful, very careful! No one can know!" "Of course!" "Not even Lillian!" "Ok, but if we are trying to be careful for the next 6 weeks I don't think you should be seen dropping me at my dorm" "Where shall I drop you home?" I grin.

"At your place Professor!" I wink.

Continue reading this story here - Chapter 5.

#ian kingsley #ian x mc #ian #professor #belvoire #queen b #fanfic #choices #pixelberry

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wildwood-reader · 2 years ago

Text

Reading Update #6

November 6, 2022

Recently Finished

GRAPHIC NOVELS & COMICS

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell, illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks

Edition: Paperback

Final Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Final Thoughts: After my disappointing ebook reads (see DNF section), I really needed something to cheer me up, something I know is good, and since it was Halloween that day, I figured it's a great time to re-read Pumpkinheads. This story is so cute and beautifully illustrated, and I love the little plot twist in the end, it always takes my forgetful brain by wonderful surprise. Highly, highly recommend it. 💖

FANFICTION

Like a Cat in the Dark by ReyloRobyn2011

Fandom: Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

Kudos: ✅️

Final Thoughts: This was a short fic for Reyloween. The first half was cute, I enjoyed that; the smut was only okay but didn't dampen my overall enjoyment too much. Fun, quick read.

Currently Reading

BOOKS

Magic of Thieves by C. Greenwood

Edition: ebook

Progress: 30%

Current Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Thoughts: The writing is pretty good and I feel very invested in the main character and her journey so far, growing up in this group of bandits. Recently, there was a little bit that made me cringe slightly, but I hope that won't get worse as the main character gets older. Please be good. 🥲

FANFICTION

Pain is only a Pulse by ReyloRobyn2011

Fandom: Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

Progress: Chapter 4/?

Up-to-date? Yes

Kudos: ✅️

Thoughts: This is another (still ongoing) fic for Reyloween and it's really fun so far, I'm having a good time. I love the use of different forms of story-telling in this such as text chains and Instagram comment threads, it makes the story very vibrant. 👌🏻 I'm looking forward to the next update, especially thanks to that plot twist at the end of chapter 4. 👀

Heaven Has A Road But No One Walks It by Silvestris

Fandom: The Untamed

Progress: Chapter 48/48/?

Up-to-date? Yes

Kudos: ✅️

Thoughts: Ooh, there was so much good stuff in the new chapter, I had such a great time. 😋

Fall of the Crimson Flower by AkatsukiShin (in artistic collaboration with brilcrist)

Fandom: Word of Honor

Progress: Chapter 2.5/7/?

Up-to-date? No

Chapters Behind: 5.5

Kudos: ✅️

Thoughts: Jeeeeeeeeeen!!!!! 🥲 Continue reading ffs or you have to push this to your backlog, c'mon girl, get your life together, this is embarrassing! 🙈🙈🙈

That's all for finished and current reads. 👻 DNFs and my backlog are under the cut.

DNF'd¹

BOOKS

Marked by Kim Richardson

Edition: ebook

Stopped reading at: 44%

DNF'd because: Like I said last week, technically the writing was somewhat okay but BOY, did the copy editor sleep while they were editing this book? Did the author even have a copy editor, or do any copy edits themself? I found myself silently correcting things in my head so damn often. At the beginning, it was only mildly irritating but the more I read, the more frustrating it got. Not long after posting last week's reading update, I also found myself suddenly very disinterested in continuing it. Like, I could already tell that even if I did finish it, I would not read any of its sequels, so really, what would be the point? 😮‍💨 so, my DNF cycle continues².

¹ Currently, I'm going through my ebook library, which is full of books I've owned for 7+ years and never read, trying to see just how many of them I'm even still interested in, since my reading tastes have changed a bit since I got them. My process for this is reading the first chapter (or trying to at least) and then seeing how much it intrigues me. If it does, I'll continue it and (try to) finish it, if it doesn't it gets DNF'd.

² But really, I'm glad to finally go through all of these books; at least once I've given them a shot and found they don't hold my interest anymore I don't have to feel guilty anymore for them being unread.

BACKLOG³

BOOKS

Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell

Edition: Paperback

Progress: Page 102/341

Current Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thoughts: This is a buddy read with my bestie, and right now it just doesn't fit the autumn vibe. We'll probably pick it back up some time after Halloween.

FANFICTION

Red Azalea by CeNedraRiva

Fandom: The Untamed

Progress: Chapter 112/135/?

Up-to-date? No

Chapters Behind: 23

Kudos: ✅️

Thoughts: The stars are still not aligned for me to continue it just yet, but I'm really excited for everything that's coming. 👻

Setting Fire To Our Insides by StarsAlignNomore

Fandom: The Untamed

Progress: Chapter 14/22/?

Up-to-date? No

Chapters Behind: 8

Kudos: ✅️

Thoughts: Y'know what, I think I will be ready to continue it soon; it fits my vibe hunger just enough, so we'll see. 😋

Impossible Life (Series) by Comfect

Fandom: The Untamed

Progress: Part 1/3

Finished Reading? No

Parts Behind: 2

Kudos: Part 1 ✅️

Thoughts: Not sure yet when I'll continue this, but I'm looking forward to Part 2.

³Backlog refers to books and fic that I've started reading but have since put on hold due to various reasons

#jengupdates #books #fanfiction #reading #booklr

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firexfled · 7 years ago

Conversation

Fell Childen (part 1/???)

Aspiring Tactician Morgan - Today at 6:53 PM

Prolouge: Son of Grima

How long has it been since the world fell into ruins? Days? Months? Years? It's been so long, I can't keep track. I can't even remember how long it has been since I got to see my mother alive. Ever since they announced her death, I had a feeling in my chest... Like no other. As if... She was still alive. They never found her body, so they presumed she died. As for Chrom, the past Exhalt, he was found dead. His body brought back. I remember seeing Lucina in tears. Holding her father's sword close to her. She was mourning, and had something that was close to her. As for me, I never did mourn. Sure, I did cry a little... I lied, it was a lot. Most of the time was before sleeping. Others was during study. As the years went by and the world continued to go into ruin even more by the fell dragon, Grima, we continued to fight harder for peace. One by one, our friends familes started to get slaughtered... Only leaving us children to defend our world. Lucina, the future exhalt, led the battle. As for me, I was their general tactician. I say "was" for a reason... A dark reason that I regret to this very day...

Some nights, I had these strange dreams. Dreams of seeing my mother, but... She wasn't like herself. She told me what and who I was. That in truth, I am the son of not only the greatest tactician, Robin... But I am also the son... of Grima. I continued to refuse the truth. But then when I look at the top of my right hand, it does look a lot like my mother's hand. If that is the case, then mother... Is mother really the fell dragon herself? In order to find out the truth behind everything, she gave me an option. One that I will always regret choosing. One is that I join her side and she would tell me everything I would want to know... Or that soon my body would be taken over by the fell blood and try to force me to commit homicide against one of my friends. As soon as I heard my options, I shoot up... As if I was an arrow let loose from it's bow and string. My heart was racing as I was trying to process everything. After a few days, I have decided... I packed up all my stuff... and fled in the middle of the night. And soon before I knew it, there I was, standing on the cliff, facing the six-eyed dragon, Grima... Those red eyes were burned into my memory, sending chills down my spine. And this is when I knew, at this very moment...

I am the son of Grima

Aspiring Tactician Morgan - Today at 7:05 PM

Chapter 1: One and the Same

After weeks of working for mother, Grima, I've gotten quite use to the surroundings of me. Even though it was pretty... Dark. But not all the time was it dark. It's actually quite interesting when you are done for the day or when you find a rest in breaks. Why? It's because I get to interact with someone very close to me. Her name is Morgan.(edited)

When I arrived, I met a perculiar firgure. The same size, height, attire, exactly like me... Except when the hood lowered, it was a female face. One that almost looks a lot like mine. Though her hair was quite messy and a bit longer, we practically looked as if we were twins. Grima explained to me that her name was also Morgan, and that she is the same as me... Well, not entirely. Different personalities, that is for sure. And we were differemt genders, as if we were part of a pararell dimension. But even so, she has that... glow around her. And it's like... One day I would be depressed, then she would cheer me up. And when she's depressed, I would cheer her up.

After talking with her, it turns out she used to have a father named Robin as well. Same name as my mother. I bet they both would look very similar, heh. We also talked much about our pasts. The same people we met, same situations, just different... Interactions. It was all very interesting. After a while, we made a promise. Even though we are not related by blood, we will look after each other's backs, no matter how big or small the situation gets. And to myself...

I promise to protect her

Chapter 2: Silence and Darkness

Today, me and Morgan was sent to stop the future children... More likely kill them. What choice did we have? Either way, they have to die... Right? Well... We were wrong. All that time of studying and planning our ambush and attack on them.... was all for nothing, as we failed

Now standing next to Morgan, head down as we stood in front of the throne room, where Grima sat at, my body trembled on the inside, my heart racing. Gods, I continued to think "This is it. This is where we die." I look over to Morgan to see her trembling as well, and I reached my hand out to hold hers, squeezing it lightly, whispering "It's gonna be okay. I'm here with you" I hope that would calm her down

Grima - Today at 7:23 PM

One job, one job! That's all these damn brats were given, yet they failed. The other brats live on! and here are these failures, with their heads bowed, right in front of me. "I am very disappointed in you two." My voice leaves my throat like a growl, and I narrow my eyes at the failures. "You were supposed to kill those damn kids, yet reports say that they are all still alive, why is that?"

Aspiring Tactician Morgan - Today at 7:25 PM

As I heard her voice, my heart began to race faster and faster. My head, still not looking up at the fell god.

Grima - Today at 7:30 PM

"Answer me, worms, now!" I growl again, glaring at these pathetic useless lumps of flesh. They should be better than this! they have my blood flowing through their veins! Ah, the girl finally looked up, her eyes meeting mine, but there wasn't fear in those brown orbs, oh no, she seemed very, very calm. The words that leaves her lips nearly set me into a rage! "If you want them dead so badly, why don't you kill them yourself?"

Aspiring Tactician Morgan - Today at 7:33 PM

"M-Morgan!" What the hell is she thinking?! Talking to Grima like that. Oh gods, she could be killed in an instant "What are you doing?!" I whisper to her "You realize what you just said?"

Grima - Today at 7:35 PM

I flicker my eyes over to the boy as he leans over and whispers into the girls ear, he was too quiet for me to make out any words, but I notice that the girl's lips start forming a smile as she whispers something back. What ever they are saying, I have a feeling that it would only make me want to burn them even more.

(Morgan's words: Don't worry, Marc~ I have a plan~)

Aspiring Tactician Morgan - Today at 7:38 PM

Wait, what plan is she talking about?! Did I miss something along the way? No, I know we never discussed anything about a plan. I shake my head, worried that we both might get killed together

Grima - Today at 7:41 PM

"You have quite the bite, young lady, I am afraid that I might have to cut that tongue of yours out~ or maybe rip your vocal cords from your throat?" I let out a dark chuckle, of course I would enjoy that very much, watching her bleed, and not being able to scream~ gods, just the thought of it makes me feel so alive!

Aspiring Tactician Morgan - Today at 7:44 PM

"No! Please don't!" I screamed out, quickly covering my mouth from my outburst. Gods, now I'M gonna probably get killed. Morgan, whatever plan you have, I have a bad feeling about it, at this rate.

Grima - Today at 7:51 PM

I glare at the boy, and snap my fingers, risen appearing and holding the boy down. And then I return my gaze back to the girl, and stand from my seat, my boots echoing against the floor. A slander hand grabs the girls chin, lifting it up, as I smile, before digging right into her throat, with my bare hand. My finger's grasping the very thing that allows the girl to make noise, and ripping it right out, there was a tearing sound, and a gurgle, I drop the removed pieces, and then turn and sit back on my chair. "...Make sure that she doesn't die of that wound, she still has use, after all~" I say to another risen, watching as it drags the girl out of the room, a trail of blood left where she was minutes before.

Turning my attention back to the boy, I grin widely. "Now, what should your punishment be~?"

Aspiring Tactician Morgan - Today at 7:54 PM

I try to get up to go after her. Gods, why did this have to happen? It's all my fault. I should have been more throughly with the planning and traps. "Why? Why did you do that? Let me go! I have to see her! She needs me!"

Grima - Today at 7:56 PM

"Now, now, darling~ Be a dear and be quiet for mommy, alright~?" I lick at the mess on my hand, as I think of what I should do to this boy. "Let me see here... how about I cut a finger or two off? perhaps a whole hand? hmm... decisions, decisions~"

Aspiring Tactician Morgan - Today at 8:08 PM

Oh gods, what is she saying? No, if that happens, I won't be able to fight like I use to. Mother, I need mother. Gods, think, Morgan, think think think. "Mother... Please... She had nothing to do with the loss! It was me... I didn't... I didn't check it all! I was the one who messed up! Please..." I cried, staring at the ground before closing my eyes tightly. Just let me go, please, I continue to think over in my head... Until I heard her voice....

Grima - Today at 8:15 PM

I suddenly get an idea. "You said you want to see her, right?" I motion a risen over to me, and then whisper into it's ear. The risen leaves, and comes back with a small blade, I take the blade, and stand up once more, walking up to the boy, and stabbing his eyes. "You better scream for me, dear~ I want to hear your misery and pain~" I whisper, as I hand the blade back to the risen. "Take him away, their punishments are over."

Aspiring Tactician Morgan - Today at 8:53 PM

Before I could process all she had said, I scream out in agony and pain as I felt the sharp blade piercing my eyes. I could feel the oozing warm liquid flowing down my cheeks. At this rate, I was wanting to die. But I didn't, just the pain and darkness that surounds me. All I could do was call out "Mother! Mother! Please! Mother!" I called out to the darkness, reaching my hands out

"Mother! Where are you?! Please!"

Grima - Today at 8:59 PM

I can hear his cries, and I just close my teary eyes myself, wanting to comfort him... but I can't... moving is too painful right now, the wound on my neck is excruciating. I just want to scream at the top of my lungs, but I can't, i can't even whimper, no noise comes out. So I am stuck here, in pain, and having to listen to the other suffer...

Aspiring Tactician Morgan - Today at 9:00 PM

And just like that... There was only silence... And darkness...

Chapter 4: Comfort Touch

I guess I fell to sleep, though I can't see. Only images I have previously seen was in my head. That was it, nothing but a sea of darkness. But where am I? "Hello?" I try to call out "Hello? Anyone there?" I try to stand up, only to fall back down. I reach my hand up to touch my eyes, only to feel a cloth that has replaced my open wounded eye flesh. I began to cry, which made the pain even worse, which made me cry even more. I never asked for anything like this. All I wanted was a normal life with a normal family... To live with mother and father... Happily... "Why... Please... Somebody... Anyone... Please!" I cry out once more

Grima - Today at 9:08 PM

I reach my hand to his, listening to his cries is painful... so very painful... I look at him from the corner of my eye, knowing that moving my head would be too painful. I want to tell him soothing words, but I can't, it's not fair!

Aspiring Tactician Morgan - Today at 9:12 PM

"W-who's there? Who are you? I can't see... Morgan? Morgan?" I tear up, remembering what had happened to her. The pain and sufferinf she has gone through. I failed her. I couldn't protect her. Only feel her touch my hand, I cry into it "Morgan, I'm so so sorry... I failed... I failed... I broke my promise.... I failed, I'm so sorry...." I cried. Gods, I'm so pathetic. Why does she have to be the one to go through pain? She's done nothing wrong! Morgan, please tell me you can hear me...

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