#fears of a writer

[thryth-gaming]

Representation within and beyond Me

This is familiar territory for me.

This thread by Gail Simone is great one that goes into the differences between allegory and direct representation.

Allegory is a pretty strong tool for creating a way to make one story or character appeal to a wide variety of people from different life experiences because the story represents some form of common ground between those grounds. She points to the way the X-Men have been a variably effective allegory appealing to a variety of marginalized populations.

Which is great.

I remember that the last time I got excited about a D&D race was when I read the section on Yuan-ti in Volo's Guide to Monsters. There's a section about the psychology which tried to explain why the yuan-ti were so evil. However, a lot of their justifications were relatable life-experiences and I realized at some point that if you removed the "and this makes them evil" that was appended to most of these bits... the yuan-ti were very much neurodivergent coded.

It came with that mixed bag of their neurodivergence being used to explain why they became evil. But still, here was a playable ancestry that I had found some serious personal overlap with. And in the nine to ten years since the release of that book in 2016 I've played a large number of yuan-ti and each of them was neurodivergent and somewhere on the ace/demi sexual spectrum.

Heck once you add in the way the yuan-ti's primary culture feels very fascist and very eugencist, with some strong parallels to corporate ladder-climbing in the way yuan-ti and their gods devour each other to move up, and the way the culture outright lies about the origins of species (granted that's a revelation only as recent as Candlekeep) then it becomes even more relatable to my position as part of white America growing and seeing layer after layer pulled back from the propaganda of our culture to the rot underneath.

Zihu Asutali, a yuan-ti celestial warlock trying to escape her oppressive culture.

Caress Melani, an ace paladin in service to a benevolent goddess associated with sex and sex-work (Sharess).

Proper Ruin, an artificer from Tal'dorei who had the good fortune to never need to mask.

None of this relatability was deliberate on the part of WotC. Like I said, they were trying to use some typically neurodivergent psychological traits as an explanation for why they are pre-disposed to evil. And the yuan-ti, or at least the Serpent Kingdoms specifically, are still dipped in an aesthetic that is a problematic mix of Southeast Asia and Central/South American as a shorthand for exotic evil cult. So I don't think they quite realized how much the Serpent Kingdoms' brand of evil follows American corporate/nationalist ideology.

This was a suspicion that was confirmed when Monsters of the Multiverse came out with a new version of yuan-ti with all the neurodivergence replaced by a bland statement of "they can be good or evil" and a picture that is admittedly neat but also very European with blonde hair and a hooded tunic with brooch that looks more Celtic or Nordic.

As soon as they decided they'd allow for yuanti to be good, they were immediately set to Euronormative and neurotypical. It was such a huge lost opportunity.

It was just such a disheartening confirmation that they linked all the neurodivergence they described to an inability to comprehend morality. A similar occurrence happened when I got ready to play Zihu and started gushing over the coming challenges of roleplaying a character without what humans considered "normal" emotions. And the GM, very much trying to help, suggested "what if your patron fixed you and gave you emotions." And boy did I deflate fast and very politely said "okay... I guess" or something to that effect.

I've rambled on this on my YouTube channel in the past with a bit moreof the publication history of the Yuan-ti included.

Likewise, there's all sorts of these unintentional allegories in my writing and even game design. The Changeling playbook was an allegory for struggling with realizing my own neurodivergence long before consciously admitted to myself that I was neurodivergent instead of using language like "substandard genius" or "broken" as I had in my youth to explain why I was consistently intelligent but still could not get a handle on how I was meant to act.

The situation of the Community and supernaturals in general from Divine Blood is the same. Most of them are able to pass as human, but they aren't. And there's nothing predatory or dangerous about them any more than there's danger in normal people, they are normal people. They're just not human and often process thoughts in very different ways. And the very fact that there should be nothing wrong with just being who they are upfront and public... but instead they kept secret and some were born outside the Community such that they grew up without knowing what they really were.

Since the personal revelation of being both asexual/aromantic and neurodivergent it's had some impact on my writing. I've been struggling to find a way to re-approach Divine Blood (and finally write a second novel) with this knowledge now conscious in the forefront. But it really helped me polish the Changeling into the version that reached Slayer's Survival Kit. I also deliberately drew on my experience as an expat for The Visitor and my self-esteem issues for The Forged.

The realization of my own writings and creations was immense. But the thing with the yuan-ti made me realize how easily a company can first draw me in and then alienate me. The key element here being that WotC didn't know the impression they were giving with the yuan-ti originally and thus when they answered our requests for people to no longer be depicted as inherently evil, they had no problem dumping that unintentional neurodivergent representation in the trash.

By comparison learning that Kim Howell, aka Parse, of Sentinels of Multiverse was canonically autistic was a much sharper emotion than than than my still strong attachment and identification with yuan-ti. This wasn't an accident. Parse was specifically noted as being autistic. The company wasn't going to rug pull me the way WotC had, because that depiction was intentional.

In addition, Parse is also like me in the way that she's got a belly and isn't the typical perfect physical ideal that superheroes lean into. Granted, she's very clearly in shape, which I'm very much not. Still it's great to know that there's this chunky lady out there in that universe as one of the more dangerous supers in the setting.

Another pitfall that Greater Than Games avoided with Parse is that they avoided making her autism the source of her superpower. Parse has a supernatural ability to analyze things down to a metaphysical level. It's very much the sort of thing a lot of well-meaning writers would imply as autism=superpower. But instead, she has an origin story very much separate from her status as an autistic person.

She'd been part of a project analyzing the programming of a rogue AI robot which had unknowingly been altered by cosmic energies. A burst of that cosmic energy carried through the programs is what altered her perceptions to the point of prophecy combined with truesight. Her powers are cosmic... not autistic.

So, I dearly love Parse. She's amazing and I'm desperately hoping she's part of the Disparation supplement for the Definitive Edition of the game... because right now GTG has stopped producing new projects due to the tariff situation. If not, I still have the older edition of the game in digital form.

Which brings me to another point in the same thread above where Gail makes another comment.

My stories tend to be a bit diverse with main characters often being very different myself and with very different life-experiences. from my own and I am dreadfully terrified that have dreadfully misrepresented some group. Especially on the characters I most love. Am I representing Lucretia's trauma properly in Bystander? Is Hel's disability representation appropriate in Divine Blood? There are certainly several origins that I would not have created if I was creating the characters today.

I don't have too much to say on this for the simple fact that my writing has not reached very far and I haven't heard much beyond my immediate circles. So I can only speak in generalities and paranoia.

I'd love to hire a sensitivity or cultural consultant. I got to work with James Mendez Hodes on Hunter's Journal and Slayer's Survival Kit in the last couple of years, and it is something I recommend to anybody. He pointed out several places where I had made an assumption that was limiting or had an implication that was not intended and he really helped me through that... especially with The Forged and The Visitor.

However... that was part of a project funded by Evil Hat. I live pretty much paycheck to paycheck with what seems to be an ever growing debt said paycheck has issues keeping up with. This has kept consultants and editors just out of reach of my wallet and this rankles at me (there are currently maybe three short novels waiting for me get the money for a professional editor).

In all honesty, I'm unlikely to ever find out. I don't have much reach. I'd be surprised if even a thousand people had read my original works. But that doesn't matter so much to me. I want to have added something good into the world and I don't want to cause even theoretical harm.

What I can say is that if I am ever lucky enough for someone to stumble on one of my books and opt to make it into some sort of 1-season and cancelled acclaimed and popular Netflix series, and I had any sort of control, then I would not be the main author on the project. Same if they were to get taken up for a comic adaptation or something similar.

I'd ask for writers of culture appropriate to the characters to be found and do stuff with my ideas that give more complete representation. I'm perfectly happy to be in the credits under "based on an idea by...".

Might as well add links to my stuff. I need to make myself market more.

My Itch store-front

My Archive of Our Own page

My Patreon for reading unreleased drafts

Both my Patreon and my AO3 have some of my unreleased first drafts on them. More on Patreon. The Patreon posts do require a membership, but only a free one.

I'm really bad at self-marketing.

[crsssie]

down the neck - spencer reid x sharpshooter!reader

"Stop breathing down my neck." You huff, glancing through the scope at the unsub.

"Well, I have to lay low too, no?" Spencer frowns.

"It doesn't matter." You squint, humming. "Hit the button and ask Hotch if I can shoot. Be fast."

"Hotch, we have a clear shot."

"I have a clear shot."

"Snippy—"

"Fire."

You click your tongue, pulling the trigger once to hit the unsub's hand and a second to snipe the gun out of range as Morgan flies into the place. You watch through the scope as Spencer looks through the binoculars, and you only start to sit up when you see Morgan pull the unsub out. Then, you actually sit up and start packing up.

"Stop breathing down my neck." You huff.

"You weren't complaining when I—"

You hold a finger to your lips, pointing at your earpiece as Spencer blinks, laughing when you hear a cough in your ears from Hotch.

"Sorry."

"Need I remind you both of—"

"Nope." You puff out your cheeks, slinging the gun around to your back as Spencer raises a brow. "Actually, I think Reid needs a quick reminder. He'd love to go through another HR meeting about how we shouldn't be fraternizing with—"

"We're good, Hotch." Spencer cuts you off, rolling his eyes at you. "We'll see you back at the station."

"You're driving." You mumble, turning off your mic. "Two dollars and I'll drive. Four dollars and I'll make a stop at McDonalds."

"And for five?"

"I'll sneak in a kiss plus everything else."

"I think that can be arranged." He hums, pulling out a five as you press your lips to his, tongue swiping over your bottom lips as he chases when you pull away. You stick your tongue out teasingly as you take the five, craning your neck so that his lips would hit your neck instead. "Hey."

"I'll drop a ten if you—"

"Reid."

You laugh as Spencer jolts straight, pinching the bridge of his nose at the sound of Hotch.

"Turn off your mic next time."

"Roger that, sir."

You're too busy laughing the rest of the way back to be able to drive. (but spencer has no complaints when you hand him back the five with a chaste kiss to his lips).

[thingswedontunbox]

[hayatheauthor]

Creating Fear in Your Characters: A Writers Guide

Creating authentic emotions is vital for immersive storytelling, which is why I decided to make this series on how to write different emotions. After exploring rage, and sadness it's now time to delve into fear!

Fear is a powerful emotion that can manifest in various ways, from subtle apprehension to paralyzing terror. Here's a guide on how to write fear effectively, covering different aspects of your characters' behavior and reactions.

Facial Expressions

Fear often manifests first in facial expressions, conveying the initial shock or unease. Describe these expressions to immerse readers in your character's emotional state:

Widened Eyes and Dilated Pupils: Show the eyes widening in response to a sudden threat, with dilated pupils indicating heightened alertness.

Tense Jaw and Clenched Teeth: Mention the clenching of jaw muscles or teeth, signaling internalized stress or anxiety.

Furrowed Brow and Raised Eyebrows: Describe the furrowing of the forehead and raised eyebrows, revealing worry or confusion.

Quivering Lips or Lip Biting: Note subtle lip movements like quivering or biting, reflecting nervousness or fear.

Frozen or Stiff Facial Muscles: Highlight moments of fear-induced immobility, where facial muscles become tense and rigid.

Body Language and Gestures

Fear can also be expressed through body language and gestures, showcasing your character's instinctual responses to danger or threat:

Backing Away or Recoiling: Describe your character instinctively moving backward or recoiling from the source of fear, signaling a desire to retreat.

Raised Shoulders and Tensed Posture: Show how fear causes the shoulders to rise and the body to tense up, indicating readiness for fight or flight.

Trembling Hands or Shaking Limbs: Mention the trembling of hands or shaking of limbs, reflecting nervousness or anxiety.

Covering Vulnerable Areas: Describe your character instinctively covering vulnerable areas like their neck or torso, symbolizing a protective gesture.

Fidgeting or Restlessness: Note any fidgeting or restlessness, such as tapping feet or wringing hands, as signs of inner turmoil and fear.

Vocal Cues and Dialogue

Fear can alter vocal cues and dialogue, affecting how your character speaks and communicates their emotions:

Quavering Voice or Shaky Speech: Describe the voice quivering or becoming shaky, indicating nervousness or fear.

Rapid Breathing and Gasping: Mention rapid breathing or gasping for air, showcasing the physical impact of fear on the respiratory system.

Stammering or Hesitant Speech: Note any stammering or hesitant speech patterns, reflecting the character's struggle to articulate their thoughts coherently.

Sudden Silence or Lack of Verbal Response: Show moments of sudden silence or the inability to respond verbally, highlighting the overwhelming nature of fear.

Repetitive Phrases or Vocalizations: Describe repetitive phrases or vocalizations, such as muttering prayers or chanting reassurances, as coping mechanisms in fearful situations.

Reactions and Physical Responses

Fear triggers various physical responses in your characters, showcasing the body's instinctual reactions to perceived threats:

Increased Heart Rate and Sweating: Mention the character's heart rate increasing and sweating profusely, reflecting heightened physiological arousal.

Dilated Pupils and Heightened Senses: Describe dilated pupils and heightened sensory perception, as the character's senses become more attuned to potential dangers.

Muscle Tension and Rigidity: Note muscle tension and rigidity, as the body prepares for action or defense in response to fear.

Nausea or Stomach Churning: Show how fear can lead to feelings of nausea or stomach churning, as the body's stress response impacts digestive functions.

Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response: Highlight the character's instinctual response to fear, whether it's a readiness to fight, a desire to flee, or a state of frozen immobility.

Types of Fear and Emotional Depth

Different types of fear can evoke varying emotional responses in your characters, adding depth to their portrayal and the narrative:

Startle Fear: Describe the sudden, reflexive fear triggered by unexpected events or loud noises, leading to a quick, intense reaction.

Apprehensive Fear: Show the lingering sense of unease or dread that accompanies anticipated threats or impending danger, heightening tension over time.

Terror: Depict the overwhelming, paralyzing fear that arises from extreme danger or horrifying experiences, impacting the character's ability to think or act rationally.

Phobias: Explore specific phobias that trigger irrational and intense fear responses, shaping how your character navigates their environment and interactions.

Trauma-Induced Fear: Address fear resulting from past traumas or experiences, influencing the character's behavior and emotional resilience in present situations.

Verbs and Adjectives for Writing Fear

Here's a list of verbs and adjectives to help you convey fear effectively in your writing:

Verbs: tremble, cower, gasp, quiver, shrink, freeze, recoil, sweat, pant, gulp, shudder

Adjectives: terrified, anxious, alarmed, horrified, shaken, jittery, panicked, petrified

[mamawasatesttube]

beef no one at dc thought about but that i would love to see: cassie sandsmark finds out steph (on bruce's orders) nearly got tim exploded to death, when he is the very last one of her emotional support idiots alive, and she does NOT forgive, and she does NOT forget. she will be holding this against steph (and bruce, but that's a whole other list and also this ain't about him) until her dying day. Fucka You, Basard.............. if this moron gets exploded she'll fucking snap because she can't take any more grief. did you even think of that..... no!!!! smh!!!!!!

[sotc]

as fun as it is to talk about the sillay crow family dynamics, i'm soo interested in what this means for the crow familia going forward in a darker lens.

im mostly speaking from the perspective of a rook de riva who romanced lucanis btw <3

illario brought the axe down on his own head after failing to take first talon. he's imprisoned except to play house whenever caterina wants to see him around for family dinners before tensions inevitably shove him back into the cage he's been left to like some house pet lmfao. it's actually kinda fucked up and as a certified sicko i love it. especially considering the casualness in which lucanis describes all of this. crows gotta be a little unhinged<3

But!!! while lucanis was right that illario's reputation is ruined forever as a traitor crow beaten to his knees before every house that doesn't exactly free house dellamorte either. Talon houses will want their pound of flesh of illario for nearly trying to put antiva under venatori control. and yet lucanis refused. house dellamorte showed mercy. they are breaking the rules, making exceptions. this is not how the crows operate and there should--WILL be retaliations for it. illario left this house bleeding in his attempt to claim first talon and their blood is in the water now with house dellamorte having a sole heir who blatantly exposed a weakness and seemingly has no lineage to take after him.

and nevermind that we know murmurs amongst the crows will linger about a first talon being an abomination. i know lucanis kind of handwaves it off as at the coffee date like 'there could be worst first talons' but baby boy, you have avoidance and denial issues this WILL become worse of a problem the longer it goes on. <3

more under the cut bc i didn't realize this was getting so long lol

but in comes fifth talon viago de riva. a bastard to the king of antiva who wants to strengthen the crown. a man who has been ruthlessly exacting and meticulous to get where he is now. and the scariest part is that he has ambition, always has, and knows he has more power than the king himself to make plays if he needs to. this makes for a dangerous (and sexy) combination. in comes his protege rook. casting silly family dynamics aside, viago knows this union between house dellamorte and de riva is extremely beneficial for both houses but also very dangerous. even he knows his ties to teia show a weakness in him that other crows may seek to exploit. and while i do think he may be sincere about wanting rook to find their happiness with lucanis as he has with teia - i truly think he will not shy from showing the importance of a 'political alliance/union' especially with first talon house dellamorte struggling from the blow after all is said and done.

and of course, by extension to de riva, house cantori and the beautiful lovely miss teia, will be extending her support to strengthen their houses but also herself from any opposition. as much as i love that she's kind of the heart that brings this fucked up lil familia together, i know she is just as cunning and clever to recognize what this alliance does for her too.

and caterina.. well, without going into a whole thought piece on her, she has built her (and her grandson's reputation) entirely to instill fear in others, even command enough respect to know she's the one running things while lucanis is just a stand-in as first talon. but what happens when caterina is gone? another dellamorte dead just like all the others. all lucanis has left is himself and his traitor brother. how does he handle illario? how does he fair being a leader to the crows when he didn't want any of this in the first place and no longer has caterina to guide him? how does he wish to pursue carrying the dellamorte legacy (if at all)? does he seek a protege of his own to take on after him? i can't remember who says it (viago or lucanis) but there's a line about how saving thedas will make their houses immortal (hot and very sexy) but also how far can that reputation protect house dellamorte, really?

i don't really have a point to all of this, this is all just stuff im simply chewing on and letting out into the ether because the ripple effect of repercussions with what illario did and what lucanis now has to deal with fascinates me SO MUCH.

[iamnothingbutaconcept]

"There is this terrible desire to be loved, and then this horrible yearning to be remembered. As god would have it, I can fulfil but one."

[melatonindeficient]

Mel and Jayce did more for Piltover and the undercity in like a week than mayor humdinger and the rest of the kitten catastrophe crew did in centuries, of course they got nuked

[finsplurtz]

Dude idk how to explain it but there’s smth about ur fics i love….if ur taking requests can u do one for yuuji? Hes kinda dumb and he was basically a jock before he got into jujutsu tech so one with some corruption kink?

— thankuu I’m glad u enjoy my writings, I try my best. Hope you enjoy this one too<3

dumb slut — yuuji.itadori

— dom ! male.reader x sub ! Yuuji Itadori

— contents : dumb yuuji (I love him) , corruption kink , virgin yuuji , is called a slut like once , overstim , creampie….if u rlly think abt it , passing out nd yeah.. mb if i got smth wrong

warnings : virginity loss erm think not much of a warning… blud is aged up btw

✩°｡ ⋆⸜ 🎧✮

You stared down at the pink haired guy with a confused look. … did he seriously not get the hint..?

You’ve been flirting and sending hints that you wanna sleep with him. At some point you almost gave up and thought maybe he was playing stupid to not hurt your feelings or something, but no he’s really clueless.

Something about that made you feel excited.

Yuji was popular, he’s surrounded by girls, you were 100% sure he knew about the wonders of sex.

“Uh.. you know what, we should hang out after school. My house. Just us two” you smile knowing he couldn’t turn you down.

There wasn’t any special occasion, you just wanted to hang out like friends and down a couple drinks. That’s what he thought at least.

For most of the afternoon you guys were laughing and talking about anything and everything, Yuji’s a lightweight so the littlest alcohol already had him fucked up.

“Ahh…Yuji tell me, any girls you’ve been with?” You ask taking a swig of the alcoholic drink.

“Hmm…. I’ve had like 3 or 4 girlfriends.. you?” You let out a small chuckle.

“I’ve had some yeah, I mean girls you’ve slept with..” you tilt your head looking into his eyes, god was he cute..

“Uhm……no I’ve never..” he flushed looking off to the side. You got closer and placed you’re hand over his thigh.

“It’s okay..I don’t judge….but god does it feel good” you glance at his lips and he stutters trying to move away.

“Y-yeah..? I mean y..yeah I’ve heard..”

“I can show you, yuuji..” you get closer and closer to his lip, he closes his eyes tightly and you quickly stuff your tongue in his hot mouth.

He tightly grabs onto your shirt, his tongue so stiff it kinda makes you laugh.

You quickly dig your hands into his pants and roughly stroke his dick making him moan in your mouth.

“Augn-! Mmphh…~” He tries to pull your hand off but it feel so good, he can’t bring himself to pry you off, instead his hips subconsciously start thrusting into your hand.

“..like it..?” You pull away looking into his glossy eyes, he shakes his head no and tries squirming away.

“Mm…I know you like it..feels good doesn’t it..~? I can show you something that’ll feel even better…” he looks at you with wide eyes and a red face.

.

.

“OHH FUCK- ACK—“ Yuuji scratched his stained bedsheets as you pounded into his used up hole. His lips were red and slightly busted from how much he was biting them, he felt sticky and sweaty but he was addicted.

“D..did you cum again..?” You said, panting like a dog. You had felt him tighten around you causing you to groan and dig your fingers into his plush skin.

“Ugh….aren’t you..tired..?” He turned around and he almost had hearts in his eyes. He smirked as best as he could and moved himself on your cock letting out more whorish moans.

“Holy shit..? Have I turned you into a complete slut for dick??” You laugh and wrap your hand around his throat bringing his back up against your chest.

“S..so full..! Nngh….HA—“ He screamed feeling you harshly thrust in him again, cum being pushed out of his gaping hole.

“T-TOO MUCH S..STOP Y-YN~!!” He saw sparks as he came one more time at the feeling of your hot cum pumping him again, his thighs trembled and he fell forward, completely passing out.

You watched your seed peek out of his hole making you twitch.

You ended up passing out next to him for the whole day. In the morning you woke up to your cock being slowly stroked..

You slowly open your eyes to find Yuuji straddling you and aligning your tip to his wet entrance.

“Just…one more time..”

a/n; did i slack off? a little yeah…..

[skcirthinq]

@qoldenskies made Donnie cry again. ... And Raph... And Leo! Alsooo Mikey and Splinter...

Anyway, read lay my curses out to rest !!

[reidgif]

daddy dom spencer moodboard

[gothamite-rambler]

Damian: Did you fear clowns in the circus?

Dick: No. Clowns are people who go out their way to dress and act like a fool to make people laugh. That's one reason I hate the Joker. I never got why people feared clowns either. My third cousin was a clown and he was the best; even went to college.

Damian (surprised): There are clown colleges?

Dick: Yeah, he said it was strange, but fun. I think he works for PBS now. Want to know what I was actually afraid of?

Damian: Was it heights?

Dick: No, why would you think that?

Damian (hesitation): Your… parents died that way. I didn’t mean to offend; it’s just how they died.

Dick smiled, not offended by the statement since it was true.

Dick: You’re fine. I never had that type of fear, except for this one time as an adult, but that was because a villain caused it. Heights are something I’m used to; they keep me connected to my parents and my old life. What I was actually afraid of were lions. The tamers weren’t always the best at their jobs, and… sometimes one of them lost a hand or a leg.

Damian: Oh… that makes sense. I thought you’d say elephants as well.

Dick: If you treat an elephant with kindness, they’ll give you the same. Lions terrify me; they’re just giant house cats with sharper teeth and claws. I also enjoyed Dumbo as a kid… he was so cute and relatable.

Damian: Because you both have big ears or mommy issues?

Damian snickered, closing his eyes at his joke. Dick ruffled Damian's hair playfully.

Dick: You’re getting too blunt, but you remind me of a slightly less annoying Bruce.

Damian pondered that comment for a moment before smiling at the semi-compliment.

Damian: That was nice of you to say, Grayson. Can you tell me more about what you remember from the circus, if it’s comfortable for you?

Dick: Sure! I can finally tell someone about a circus geek, and it’s not what you think it is.

Damian crossed his legs in a lotus position, eager to hear more.

[souenkun]

I need the pokemas anniversary to come soon so we can hopefully see volo go batshit crazy again for the second time!!!

[cassowariess]

It was pretty dark that it was revealed that Rick didn't bother entering the Fear Hole to save Morty in the first place, but the fact that Rick went back to it after being told Diane was in there, and not only refused to go into it, but pinned Morty's photo to the wall (a photo he now keeps in his wallet) shows that Rick *is* moving on and healing from her death. His family here and now are what matter.

[itrainswhenurhere]

no offence but i can tell by your smut fics if you’re a virgin

[notyournecromancer]

I totally adore you and have always loved everything you’ve recommended on any platform. I’ve only read marauders fics though and not sure anything can top Jegulus and Wolfstar for me. But I’m curious what the Drarry fuss is about. Do you have any advice on where to start? Something to get me into the characters everyone loves, like Blaise, Theo etc. And then I’ll go down the AFTG and Raven Boys rabbit holes! And probably never sleep again. Or be productive. Etc. But I’ll be happy.

SWEET SUFFERING JESUS i cannot TELL YOU how happy this makes me. DRARRY RECS INCOMING BELOVED!

first and foremost, i simply must tell you of the journey that is Led by Light of a Star Sweetly Gleaming which is the most GLORIOUS wolfstar - hear me out, the sequel to this is a Drarry, called Pages of You . These are by the most wonderful writer @wolfpants - I won't embarrass them by emotionally leaking all over the internet but fucking hear me out, babe, you're gonna wanna read every drop of Drarry they have to offer. While you're having a stalk, go and check out Terrible People and Everybody Hates a Tourist.

Next up, another favourite of mine: Draco Malfoy and The Mirror of Ecidyrue. this badboy is good if you fancy a canon retelling with some fantastic twists and fixes thrown in. each year gets better than the last and I think its such an interesting take on the whole thing.

Alright, another FABULOUS one with such a good little twist: Way Down We Go by @xiaq - a phenomenal writer whose original works you should also absolutely check out. This fic actually has Harry as a Werewolf which I absolutely convinced myself was a plot twist until I later went back and read the tags and realised it was there the whole time. LOVE this one. so good. side note - the supporting cast? unrivalled.

Okay here we have What We Pretend We Can't See by gyzym. this was lovely - I thought the characterisations were really spot on for canon adjacent/continuation. adored this.

Now for something a touch more whimsical, may I present you something unlike anything else I've ever read ever in life? It's called Running on Air by Eleventy7 (they are on tumblr I believe but for the life of me I cannot find their @) anyway. this is just the most stunning thing. it sort of plays out like a movie in front of you while you read it. its gentle and clever and thoughtful and intricate and just one of the most creative stories I've ever crossed paths with. i challenge you not to fall in love.

Here we have Is This The Place by the most gorgeous writer @januaryfirstreads - I promise you you aren't going to find someone who loves drarry like this writer does. and its so clear in every word she writes. This one of her's is lovely, so soft and full of the love of these characters, it does them justice in the most beautiful way.

Alright, if you know wolfstar you probably know @brigid-faye - and if you don't, all you need to know is that I trust brigid with my life. one thing about brigid? these characters are gonna be treated so well its gonna be hard to let go of 'em. here's a drarry brigid wrote a while back, its all the things her writing always has. which is to say, nothing you wanna miss. It's called Breeze (Move Me).

Okay, if you're a Red White and Royal Blue fan, the one and only itsgivingcamp has a FABULOUS ONE which you can find here: it's called Red, Green and Toil Too . now, I may perhaps be biased, but I happen to prefer this to the original. but like I said, maybe biased. but also, correct.

Alright, some classics. I may have read some of these or started them/downloaded them but I fear I've rambled on long enough. so here's the failsafe drarry recs to lead you down the right track:

Dwelling by Aideomai

The Devil's White Knight by Orphan_Account

Harry Potter and the Welcome to the World of Grey by sobsicles

Chasing Dragons by The_Sinking_Ship

and lastly i'm going to do the cheekiest of little self recs. i have a multi chap drarry that will one day be finished called Cold Coffee and a banter-driven little Christmas-themed one-shot named The Weather Outside.

anyway, there are so many bloody more. drarry is the most wonderful thing. its also (in my opinion) so disgracefully canon that it's hard to escape once you get into it. (like hello? the train scene?) so I wish you the best of luck on this journey.

you just come and give me a shout when you're ready to yell about AFTG and The Raven Cycle. I am here ready & waiting!

love you bye xoxoxoxo