#awesome readers are awesome

[okamirayne]

Hi! I've been rereading BtB these days, and I realized there's something I've been wondering. How do you come up with such accurate metaphors to describe such abstract concepts?

Two examples that come to me are, when the psychiatrist explains the nature of a fracture psyche and compares it to a loose fist, and how integration/functionality is similar to tighten the fingers of said hand. The other one is when it's explained Shukaku's internal fail-safe mechanism to contain his trauma, is searching and killing one of the twins each night, and repeat the process all over again the next day.

There are, of course, more descriptions that are outstanding among the serie, but these exacts ones, personally struck me like lightning. I don't mean to intrude in your privacy, I was just wondering how was the process in constructing such complex imagery. Did you expect to reach such depth? Was it carefully crafted and cultivated or more along the lines of unexpectedly unavoidable once you were in the trenches of writing?

Truth is, ten years ago, I would have benefited a lot had I known how to express both of these situations with words. About the fractured psyche I used to described it as grabbing water with bare hands, but it was never a satisfying metaphor all in all :"D

The magic of writers I guess, the first time I read your works I felt like a kid that watches the rabbit being pulled out of the hat for the first time.

Obligatory, english-isn't-my-first-language warning/apology in advance.

Love you author <3

Hey there @dirty-tako 💖!

Wow! Firstly, thank you for your patience as I finally get round to responding to your lovely message. And also, thank you so much for crossing the language barrier to reach out to me 💖🫶🏼💖. I would never have suspected it wasn't your first language and wish I could command another tongue as eloquently and brilliantly as you! 🙏🏼

I've been rereading BtB these days, and I realized there's something I've been wondering. How do you come up with such accurate metaphors to describe such abstract concepts?

Ah! So, so chuffed to hear that you've revisited BtB recently, my lovely. Thanks for jumping back into that world. As for how I come up with my metaphors?

I honestly don't know how to answer that, luv. Pictures flood onto my mind-screen and I literally just write what I see, or what the characters 'say'. When I'm in flow with my writing, the imagery often takes care of itself. The two examples you gave of Dr Mushi and Shikaku are perfect examples of that. I 'saw' both those metaphoric instances playing out visually and I just scribed what I saw - it tends to come organically from the characters, if that makes sense? I know that sounds quasi-woo-woo but that's the honest to gods' truth. I wish I could say there was a specific process I used, but it always tends to come from the characters that I'm inhabiting when writing from their POV.

There are, of course, more descriptions that are outstanding among the series, but these exacts ones, personally struck me like lightning. I don't mean to intrude in your privacy, I was just wondering how was the process in constructing such complex imagery.

Gosh, thank you for your very kind praise of my writing. I don't find it intrusive of you to ask, sweetie, and I'm touched you find my insanity a point of interest. 😅💜 The process is always 'character driven' for me...I don't even know if it's helpful explaining it that way, but I can't think how else to describe it. When I'm in their skin, the metaphors tend to flow from them given their model of the world or the moment.

Did you expect to reach such depth? Was it carefully crafted and cultivated or more along the lines of unexpectedly unavoidable once you were in the trenches of writing?

Absolutely the latter, Tako. Unexpectedly unavoidable. You nailed it with that. Very much a spontaneous and organic process when it comes to the metaphors and descriptions unless I need to describe a very specific structure or do my research on Japanese architecture, specific items, or particular interior designs etc. in a scene.

Truth is, ten years ago, I would have benefited a lot had I known how to express both of these situations with words. About the fractured psyche I used to described it as grabbing water with bare hands, but it was never a satisfying metaphor all in all :"D

Oh wow! 😍 Now you see, that's such an interesting and unique take; the image you've described gives a whole different feel to a fractured psyche because you've gone with an element that is so deliciously nebulous and lends itself well to the mind. How can you hold onto consciousness with your bare hands? Beautiful. I love that.

It's strange isn't it? While you say it didn't quite hit the mark for you, for me, I find your example such a brilliant take on the mind. I could go wild with that water analogy. See? You've inspired a whole flood of images for me by sharing your personal visual perspective on the fractured psyche. I bloody love it!! 😍

The magic of writers I guess, the first time I read your works I felt like a kid that watches the rabbit being pulled out of the hat for the first time.

The magic of readers and writers connecting in the worlds that come spilling outta the ether. It's beautiful. I'm so ridiculously happy that my words touched you and vibed with you, luv. That lifts and lightens my spirit! Thank you for connecting with my work and for reaching out to connect with me. I appreciate you so much. 🥰🙏🏼

Big Love coming at you, dear reader 💜🫶🏼💜

[thestarbirdfromtheashes]

TO THE PERSON WHO WENT THROUGH AND BINGED MY WORK AND KUDOSED 9 PIECES LAST NIGHT...ILU. THAT WAS SO NICE OF YOU. <3 <3 <3 <3 *heartsplosion* <3 <3 <3 <3

[ckingsbridge]

Hi Cordelia - just want to send you some good vibes and I hope you had a fantastic Independence Day holiday! Best of luck on finishing Cash Plays and everything else churning in that amazing brain of yours!! Love your work and I wish you all the best ❤️

That’s very kind, thank you so much! You brought a big smile to my face today. :D

[mariequitecontrarie]

1. Favorite fic of yours is up in the air between All of Me and Love Beyond the Sea. AoM!Belle and Emma have helped with my own body issues and I now can really relate to LBtS!Belle and her issues with lactose. Props to you for creating so many relatable characters for your fics!

Thank you! I’m so glad you find my characters relatable and they help you see the best in yourself. 

Annnnnnnnnddddddd you just gave me an idea for a scene in LBTS I’ve been stuck on! This is why I love memes, asks, and dialogue with other writers and readers because you never know where a great thought is going to come from!

Tell me what you like about my fic.

[abovethesmokestacks]

porzellaneinhoernchen replied to your post “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (7/7)”

Perfect! thank you so much for sharing this story with us �� it's just a masterpiece!

Thank you so much for those kind words! ^_^

[authorquestionmark]

So I read Damaged Package in one sitting yesterday and loved it so very much and came to check out your tumblr and the first thing I saw was a catws gifset and now I think I love you too. (I'll write a real review for your amazon page next but needed to let you know.)

Thank you so much!!!!!!!!! Trav and Deacon hold a special place in my heart. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. 

And LOL! Yeah, I’m kind of in love with Bucky. Not as much as Steve though :)

**hugs** to you. Thank you for reviewing! xx

[okamirayne]

Hi Rayne,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From your lips to the Lady Muse’s ears!

Big love and thanks. 💜🥰💜

[thestarbirdfromtheashes]

To the person who went through and left kudos on no less than 10 of my fics yesterday...ILU.

[ckingsbridge]

Thanks so much to everyone who responded to my suturing question! I have a much better handle on the scenario now. You guys are the best! :D

[daemonrolling]

There are some beautiful people in the world

[fuchsiamae]

...I was just going to ask about your Portal Bride story... Then I found it! And it's so WONDERFUL! It's got a great connection to Portal and The Princess Bride, but it doesn't follow either so closely that it's just a name-changing copy. Excellent! I look forward to more.

gghsahjklgdfs thank you

It's soooo lame but I like the idea and I plan to continue it, I just have to finish my schoolwork and scrape together my writing mojo

[heartsmadeofbooks]

Someone just sent me a message to ask me if they could translate Not Alone into Italian.

Oh. My. God.

Really? Excuse me while I go flail on my own for a bit.

[okamirayne]

Hello lovely human whom I have loved for… 13 years? Damn. Silly question for you. Since I simply adore your writing, and that includes your answers to asks. I would love to see inside you brain regarding ships I have seen you re-blog about over the years. Like if you were to read a fic for that ship what would you want to see from it, from plot to dynamic etc. I’ve seen you post about Ricky’s, merthur, destiel, sterek—anyways that’s who I can’t think of at the top of my head… any secret ships?? :o anyways you’re amaaazzzinggg tha bessttttest. Patiently waiting for the day I get to finally throw money at you for whatever you publish. I’ll go feral for it. I owe you after 13 years ~ 🐝 (Oooh! Has the UK finally let you watch the new TWD content 😩)

Hello fellow Earthling (Little Bee 🐝) whom I deeply appreciate and am sending all the big love to for taking the time to write me this delightful message. 💖 So wildly happy to hear from you! Thanks for your patience as I get to messages. 💜

I would love to see inside you brain regarding ships I have seen you re-blog about over the years.

Like if you were to read a fic for that ship what would you want to see from it, from plot to dynamic etc. I’ve seen you post about Rickyl’s, merthur, destiel, sterek—anyways that’s who I can’t think of at the top of my head… any secret ships??

Ah, Rickyl...absolutely my OTP of TWD.

What would I want to see from a Rickyl fic? Plot/Dynamic etc? Well. It always depends where in the timeline, you know? I mean, for me TWD sadly lost it way plotwise (which can happen with long-running series) so I would love to just ERASE CHUNKS OF IT 🤦🏻‍♀️. There's what I'd write and then there's what I've read, you know? I tend not to read fanfiction when writing fanfiction, oddly enough. But with these two I'd love to see them navigate a slowburn connection through any given shitshow scenario depending on the timeline of the show (The Farm/The Prison/Govenor/Negan/TOWL)...it really depends on when and who is in the picture (at least regarding Rick, seeing as Daryl shys away from relationships) and what craptacular event the characters are having to survive...to say nothing of what struggle they might be going through mentally/emotionally. Daryl coming to terms that he's got feelings for a dude? Rick straddling the fence between crazy and stable and getting hit with a wave of "wait a second I'm feeling ten kinds of different about my ride or die best friend". 🫶🏼

That season Rick exited held so much potential after that fight 😭👇🏼

For me the relationship aspect is usually set against some backdrop of big story (oh god, you see what I'm like? I can't even manage a one shot - WHY AM I LIKE THIS?) because that fleshes out tension and emotional intimacy. I have various little plot bunnies that hop around at random when I see these two pop up on my dash.

Outside of Rickyl: I have big love for Donnie (Daryl/Connie)

…but that ship never left the harbour despite all the legit wind in its sails...so, so sad and waste of a beautiful character (Connie) 😭.

Oooh! Has the UK finally let you watch the new TWD content 😩

YEESSSS, my dear!!!! FINALLY! I literally just finished watching The Ones Who Live (sadly, i was never sold on the Richonne pairing, but I can appreciate the storyline, even if I don't feel the dynamic between those two at all - despite Andrew Lincoln's absolutely phenomenal acting, he's undoubtedly one of my fav actors). DARYL DIXON airs in a few days time (1st August), so I'm preparing myself and girding my damn loins for what might come bursting out of a burrow in my fangirl brain. If they don't have some kind of Rickyl reunion at some point in TWD-verse, I shall have to generate at least 10 different headcanons for myself. 😏

Merthur...

Oh god...this one HURTS. It will never NOT hurt. Huge potential for pre-ENDING and post-ENDING (can't even say it). I've enjoyed reading some post-ENDING scenarios in fanfic as well as those that take place before the ...ENDING....either way, there's so much deliciousness surrounding prophecy, Arthur's ignorance of Merlin's magic, Gwen and all that jazz. There's a lot of canon to support the ship, which is great as I like to stay in the canon world as much as possible when writing fanfiction. I'm not a massive AU fan. Ideally I try to get it to read like 'this could legit have happened' - with a lot of creative license, sure. Would definitely enjoy exploring post and pre ENDING. Two whole different worlds, especially a modern era fic. Dynamic? Their banter is awesome. The loyalty. The social challenges standing in the way (to say nothing of the whole 'oh by the way I'm a warlock' issue). Then of course a modern day setting brings with it its own challenges and delights. It's a pairing full of wonderful temptation.

Destiel....

Oh hell, it's a no-brainer with these two. From start to finish. Dynamic-wise? I cannot stand weak Castiel. So a strong, "I am the one who pulled you from hell and I can toss your ass back into it" Castiel rather than the fawning cas-trated Castiel is an absolute MUST for me personally. I can't stand the weak Castiel who takes shit from Dean...I lamented the death of his balls and self-respect. Dean...just a whole bag of angst and complicated homophobic issues. As with most ships I ship, certainly the m/m pairings, I personally need both males on an even keel. That's how I roll and that's what I look for in what I read on the occassions I'm reading fanfic. The Supernatural plot murdered my willingness to suspend my disbelief a few seasons in and totally lost me. But I would personally stick with the Lucifer threat and stay in that mythological playground if exploring a plot with these two. Cas would still be funny, he'd just not be a total wetwipe when it came to dealing with Dean's shit.

Sterek...

Big caveat. Reading/writing these two requires me to look a few good years POST Teen Wolf series -- so basically when Stiles is older and working his big brain badassery in some bureau or the other (FBI or otherwise)...this is the whole 'even keel' coming into play. He has more power (or energy) in the dynamic; same banter, but levelled-up chemistry and a bit rawer. So...older Stiles teaming up with Derek and let's go wandering into that delightful forest of possibility. So many paths the plot bunnies could go bounding down.

Okay...I'm not even sure if any of that properly answered your question about the pairings you mentioned, luv??? 😅 I hope so?? Feel free to let me know if not. I could write essays on my thoughts with these pairings and all the other ones sitting in their respective little burrows, deep in my dastardly brain. So sweet that you'd be interested in my rabid plot bunnies. Just need to teach them how to produce ONE SHOTS.

Patiently waiting for the day I get to finally throw money at you for whatever you publish. I’ll go feral for it. I owe you after 13 years ~ 🐝

I just...right in the heart. I can't formulate a proper response to this but I am prepared to teach an interpretive dance to someone who can masterfully perform it on ice. Because it deserves ice. There's too much nuclear-powered heat coming off my face. Thank you so much. You made my heart do some hardcore base drumming which counts as a cardio workout right now. THANK YOU for the love, fun ask, and support, sweetheart ❤️💜❤️

[okamirayne]

Helloo, another BtB fan coming out of the woodwork lol

I completely second anon’s post about your humor, I find myself giggling like an idiot at ungodly hours re-reading your work more nights than I feel confident disclosing (as well as seconding the ask about burnout and your mental health, I would hope the majority of Okamirayne stans understand the absolute necessity of mental health breaks in the arts, and if not then there is a strong minority of your fans that will fight anyone who prioritizes the product over the author 👊💥)

Anyway….

I’m not much of a writer, and I think most ppl have articulated my feelings in asks much better than I could ever hope to, so this is just me writing a long winded “I AGREEEEE” to already existing asks. But god, when I found the BtBverse my eyes were opened to how amazing fics and headcanons can add on to already existing universes and characters. Maybe this is elementary level reading comprehension, but I’ve never been able to get immersed into worlds like I have in your fics. Normally when I read, I feel outside of the world, reading dialogue and an occasional sprinkle of world context that helps me understand what’s going on, and so many fics I read seem to relegate the characters to caricatures of their main personality traits (shikamaru is lazy, neji is a hardass, naruto is goofy, ino is obsessed with self-image) but in your writing I feel like you give so much respect to each and every character, adding the context of WHY they are the way they are in the canon universe. You’ve expanded so much of their characters that I pretty much think of your universe as canon (Kishimoto..and his disrespect of his female characters..jaded me from the canonverse a long time ago) More than reading words on a page (or a screen, I saw one post a while ago where you had a printed out copy of BtB and I’ve been yearning for one ever since), I feel like I’m actually inside your universe when I’m reading. I can actually see the entire scene you’ve laid out. Again, this is probably beginner reading comp, but when I read your work I’m actually imaging each character and their perspective, looking through their eyes (and yours) from every possible angle — what are they seeing, how does it coincide from what I’ve read about the other character’s pov, etc etc etc.

This is a giant ramble to basically say, not only am I grateful to have such a brilliant and beautiful work in the Shikaneji fandom, I am also grateful to have been exposed to your writing. I’ve always been a stem girly, but reading your work has opened my eyes to the beauty of what writing is capable of. BtB has helped my brain reintroduce its love for reading, something I thought I lost long ago. Of course, I am constantly yearning for more and more HHU installments, but, to reiterate already existing asks and comments, I am so incredibly grateful for the already existing work that you have produced. I hope that whatever your future holds, whether it be more HHU chapters, your own independent worlds, or just doing whatever the hell you want, you keep on writing. You probably know this already, but you have such incredible writing skills, and I’m sure whatever you decide to do in your future will be brilliant.

- love letter from a longtime fan

Hello there, Long Time Fan!💖

So ridiculously excited and happy to hear from you! Thank you so much for making the time to hit me up here on Tumblr with this phenomenally kind, sweet, thoughtful and all out awesome message. I'm gobsmacked but will endeavour to respond. 🫶🏼💜

Firstly, so chuffed you enjoy the BtB humour, luv. *high fives* Solidarity in the giggles to dilute the angst! I also thank you for your support regarding my burnout and what you mentioned about prioritising the author over the product. That means a lot and I appreciate it, especially when there is so much content flooding out to be consumed and the pressure to create feels immense at times. 🫠💀

I’m not much of a writer, and I think most ppl have articulated my feelings in asks much better than I could ever hope to, so this is just me writing a long winded “I AGREEEEE” to already existing asks.

Just the fact that you took the time to write to me, means everything. I love, appreciate, respect, and treasure every single comment or response I get - as they are as individual to me as the person writing the feedback or sharing their thoughts at the other end of the screen. Each message or comment reads different and hits different to me and are uniquely precious. 🥰

But god, when I found the BtBverse my eyes were opened to how amazing fics and headcanons can add on to already existing universes and characters. [...] I’ve never been able to get immersed into worlds like I have in your fics. Normally when I read, I feel outside of the world, [...] so many fics I read seem to relegate the characters to caricatures of their main personality traits [...] but in your writing I feel like you give so much respect to each and every character, adding the context of WHY they are the way they are in the canon universe.

Ah, you hit me right in the feels, luv 💖. I know I repeat this a lot but the characters are the most important part of the storytelling craft for me. If they have weird quirks or habits I wanna know what's behind it all and I am so delighted and touched to know that the deep-dive into these characters has engaged you and gotten you invested in the BtB-verse. I am glowing right now. The characters are the heart and soul of it all. Expanding on them, acknowledging them as the heroes of their own stories is so important - extrapolating from that, that's why each individual review means so much to me, because a person is a character on the other side of the screen with their own reasons for connecting with my work, and I acknowledge how varied that is for each person. 🥰

[...] I feel like I’m actually inside your universe when I’m reading. I can actually see the entire scene you’ve laid out. Again, this is probably beginner reading comp, but when I read your work I’m actually imaging each character and their perspective, looking through their eyes (and yours) from every possible angle — what are they seeing, how does it coincide from what I’ve read about the other character’s pov, etc etc etc.

In no way is what you're describing beginner reading comprehension. We never know what's going to connect with us. I am so touched by what you've shared here...especially as it relates to two of the most important elements of the storytelling craft for me. 1) To do justice to the characters 2) to deliver an experience for the reader, and if not that, then entertrainment and escape - but "an experience" is always what I aim for...and you've given me such an incredible validation with what you described in your message, so THANK YOU, so, so much...THIS is why I write and invest so much into the writing. So that someone can feel that sense of immersion into the world, into the characters. I'm beyond thrilled that you feel this way. 💖💜🫠🥰

I'm so thankful to have you as a reader and am just buzzing to have received this beautiful message from you.💖🥹💖

[...] BtB has helped my brain reintroduce its love for reading, something I thought I lost long ago. Of course, I am constantly yearning for more and more HHU installments, but, to reiterate already existing asks and comments, I am so incredibly grateful for the already existing work that you have produced.

💖....just, wow. Seriously. Thank you.

I hope that whatever your future holds, whether it be more HHU chapters, your own independent worlds, or just doing whatever the hell you want, you keep on writing.

Messages like yours remind me why I want to keep doing it. Thank you so damn much for the love, support, kindness, insight and amazing solidarity your words have expressed and gifted me with. 🥰🙏🏼 Receiving messages like yours will always mean more to me than I can ever do justice to in words (which is always a bittersweet irony).

Thank you. Sincerely. Wholly. Utterly. Thank You. 💖💖💖

[okamirayne]

Hiiii!!

I’m on a BtB binge after the last chapter ripped my heart out and stomped on it and I just wanted to tell you that you have such an amazing talent for sending your readers on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. The angst goes without saying, your ability to smash my feels into pieces is something i’m sure all of your fans can attest to, but god, my BtB re-read is making me remember how damn funny your writing can be! I genuinely never laugh out loud when I read, and yet Im smiling from ear to ear at Kiba and Naruto’s antics, and Shikamaru’s deadpan sarcasm is so my type of humor.

It’s such a crazy experience to be giggling my goofy butt off one minute only to have the rug completely ripped under me straight into the angst abyss, but man does it make it all the more powerful. I just have such an admiration for your writing ability (and i sure as hell feel lucky that you happened to corner the tiny but mighty shikaneji market). Thx for being u!!

Hiya Anon! 🥰 So, so happy to hear from you - thanks for reaching out to me here on Tumblr! 🫶🏼💖

I’m on a BtB binge after the last chapter ripped my heart out and stomped on it and I just wanted to tell you that you have such an amazing talent for sending your readers on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster.

😅😅😅 Aw, luv...what can I say? If I go down the angsty rabbit hole, I'm taking you guys with me *insert manic laughter* Seriously though, thank you so much for investing in the ride despite the rollercoaster - it's a joy to write for your pleasure and torture.

The angst goes without saying, your ability to smash my feels into pieces is something i’m sure all of your fans can attest to, but god, my BtB re-read is making me remember how damn funny your writing can be! I genuinely never laugh out loud when I read, and yet Im smiling from ear to ear at Kiba and Naruto’s antics, and Shikamaru’s deadpan sarcasm is so my type of humor.

That's so awesome to hear, Anon! We gotta have the humour in there to balance out the angst, right? It would be way too intense otherwise. I'm so chuffed you enjoy the banter and rapport between the characters! That's always good fun to write and I fist bump you on the deadpan sarcasm kinda humour. Love it. I'm so happy to know it's given you the giggles and smiles.

It’s such a crazy experience to be giggling my goofy butt off one minute only to have the rug completely ripped under me straight into the angst abyss, but man does it make it all the more powerful. I just have such an admiration for your writing ability (and i sure as hell feel lucky that you happened to corner the tiny but mighty shikaneji market). Thx for being u!!

Aw, heck.💖 I am so grateful for your support, Anon...I honestly to god am running out of ways to express my appreciation....maybe some interpretive dance? 😅

Seriously though....

💖💜 I am so GRATEFUL for your feedback and your kindness in engaging with the story and giving me this incredible response. I am bubbling with gratitude and feels right now...🫶🏼💜

🫠🥰

Thank You, so much...!💜💜

[okamirayne]

Redownloading tumblr to find 2 new chapters from the god of shikaneji — I am truly blessed

As a long-time Hiashi hater, I did not expect to feel for him so hard this latest chapter. And the scene where little Hiashi finds his father in a.. precarious situation while looking for his SICK mother — oof, poor kid!

Also I have a bit of an obsession with Tokuma Hyuga so I was so excited to see him sprinkled throughout the chapter. Not sure how much, if at all, his character will be utilized in your universe, but if he is going to be recurring I am so interested to see what you do with him — i eat up my crumbs wherever i can get them

I am waiting with bated breath to see what comes of all the characters, but there’s one handsome little guy in particular that I cannot get out of my mind — Akamaru! I hope my favorite doggy is doing ok in all of this mess, though with Kiba in the state he’s in, I assume all is not well.

One thing I cannot stress enough is how much your mental health matters to readers like me. I really appreciate you taking the time you need in between and outside writing, as well as sharing your experiences with burnout!

The BtB-verse has truly been such a gift and something I will never stop coming back to — even after the last update (whenever that may be, scary thought).

Hope all is well on your end!

@rosebudddyy 😍 AW! So awesome to hear from you! I'm absolutely thrilled to get your kind feedback and thoughts! 🙏🏼

As a long-time Hiashi hater, I did not expect to feel for him so hard this latest chapter. And the scene where little Hiashi finds his father in a.. precarious situation while looking for his SICK mother — oof, poor kid!

That scene was tough to envision. Getting into Hiashi's headspace is always interesting and intense territory, to say nothing of his heartspace...💔

Also I have a bit of an obsession with Tokuma Hyuga so I was so excited to see him sprinkled throughout the chapter. Not sure how much, if at all, his character will be utilized in your universe, but if he is going to be recurring I am so interested to see what you do with him — i eat up my crumbs wherever i can get them

Oh awesome! Tokuma! I'm glad you enjoyed his mention. I honestly have no idea sometimes which characters are going to make a cameo appearance, or whether they will occupy a bigger part of the stage - so its possible? I never say never now.

I am waiting with bated breath to see what comes of all the characters, but there’s one handsome little guy in particular that I cannot get out of my mind — Akamaru! I hope my favorite doggy is doing ok in all of this mess, though with Kiba in the state he’s in, I assume all is not well.

😢Argh, yes...Akamaru. That was a hella messy fight. Hopefully he'll make an appearance soon!

One thing I cannot stress enough is how much your mental health matters to readers like me. I really appreciate you taking the time you need in between and outside writing, as well as sharing your experiences with burnout!

That's incredibly kind of you, sweetheart. Thank you. 💖🥹 I hope my two cents of the burnout experience can help others who might be going through it. The world seems to have gone to hell in a handbasket at the moment and a lot of people are in overwhelm and running off fumes.

The BtB-verse has truly been such a gift and something I will never stop coming back to — even after the last update (whenever that may be, scary thought).

I'm so grateful to hear this and so thankful that BtB-verse is something that you revisit. That's why I'm doubtly thankful and so damned appreciative of the readers who take the time to connect with me and share their thoughts/feels/feedback etc. Given the burnout, that's the only motivation I've got to keep going with this. It's thanks to the kind reviewers and commentors such as yourself that the sense of community and connection (and the reader-writer-feedback-loop) remains and sustains my ability to 'keep on keeping on' with HHU, otherwise I'll lose steam. You're amazing and throughly appreciated. 🥰

I hope you're well, sweetie. 🫶🏼 A thousand thanks again!