#keep grind motivational speech

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Dialogue

A Guide to Writing Better Dialogue

Consider the following criteria:

The dialogue must move the story forward. After each conversation or exchange, the reader should be one step closer to either the climax or the conclusion.

Reveal relevant information about the character. The right dialogue will give the reader insight into how the character feels, and what motivates them to act.

It must help the reader understand the relationship between the characters.

Tips for Better Dialogue

12 tips to writing forward-focused dialogue:

Keep it brief

Dialogue shouldn’t go over for pages and pages. The best dialogue is brief.

You don’t need to go into lengthy exchanges to reveal an important truth about the characters, their motivations, and how they view the world.

Pair the dialogue down to the minimum that you need for the characters to say to each other.

Avoid small talk

In the real world, small talk fills in the awkward silence, but in the world of your novel, the only dialogue to include is the kind that reveals something necessary about the character and/or plot.

How’s the weather? doesn’t move the plot.

If you’d like to show that your character doesn’t like awkward pauses, work on characterization and scene description.

Instead of using mind-numbingly long exchanges, show the character’s discomfort by describing how she taps her fingers against the window pane, or takes a series of sharp sighs.

Small talk can water down the effectiveness of your scene.

Instead, pick exchanges that capture the essence of the moment, and bypass small talk altogether. Let that be an understood nod between you and the reader, and dive right into the action.

Don’t info dump

While you can certainly use dialogue to learn more about your characters, you shouldn’t use it to dump a whole lot of information on the reader.

If you must info dump, don’t do it in dialogue.

It may slow dialogue to a grinding halt. It may sound awkward.

What’s the difference between info dumping and revealing relevant information?

Info dump is a large amount of exposition given all at once, and left for the reader to sort out.

Relevant information is more subtle, and it’s dispensed a little at a time.

Give your characters a unique way of speaking

Every character, just like every person you know, will have a unique way of speaking and delivering their thoughts.

Some people are more forceful and deliberate.

Others are more passive and meandering.

You can honor these (and other) different styles without rambling.

One method is to focus on word choice.

Example: To show that someone is rather gruff or abrupt, go towards single syllable or somewhat quick words, like “yeah.”

Same basic concept but different delivery, based on character.

Of course, word choice alone can’t dictate character.

You’ll do most of this through characterization, but word choice should subtly support and reinforce characterization.

Also establish a pattern of speech:

Does the character speak in a sharp staccato, or a deliberate, flowy manner?

By knowing how the character (especially the protagonist) speaks, you can create consistency whenever the character dialogues with others.

Be consistent

Remember to be consistent with your characters.

Someone who speaks in a self-depreciating and shy demeanor won’t automatically become bold and acerbic.

When your characters speak, they should stay true to who they are.

Even without character tags, the reader should be able to figure out who’s talking.

Create suspense

Use dialogue to increase the suspense between characters.

It’s human nature for people to withhold what they’re truly thinking or feeling.

People leave a lot unsaid, and this is also true for the characters in your novel.

To create a realistic interaction between your characters, you must honor the fact that most people leave a lot of things unsaid.

But that doesn’t mean that the reader can’t be privy to what’s being left unsaid.

As a writer, you can build the scene, show the characters’ motivations and desires before the scene, and let it play out, with the reader wanting a resolution that doesn’t quite happen.

Answer the following questions to setup your scene for suspense:

Does one character have the upper hand in the scene?

Is the other character seething just under the surface?

What does the reader find out through the exchange?

You can control all of this through dialogue.

Honor the relationship

Characters tend to speak differently based on who they’re speaking to.

A character will speak to his mother differently than he does to his best friend. That’s not a shift in consistency.

It actually gives more depth and realness to the character. You can still stay true to the personality you’ve created by using the same speech pattern.

Show, don’t tell

“Show, don’t tell” is the writer’s mantra.

When writing dialogue, it’s easy to start “telling” what the characters are feeling instead of showing it.

Instead of your character saying, “I’m angry!” describe how the character’s body is closed--tight lips, narrow eyes, deep breaths.

Don’t underestimate your reader.

The reader likes to see the scene, pick up the cues and come to the conclusion, instead of being told what to think. Your dialogue shouldn’t be completely on the nose, and explain exactly what the character is feeling.

Most people -- including your characters -- aren’t always aware of how they feel.

And sometimes, what they say they feel is different from what they truly feel.

Use dialogue to reveal characters, but not directly.

Body language is also an important part of dialogue, and should be written into every scene. It gives the reader important clues that they’ll use to recreate the scene in their mind.

Minimize identifying tags

“He said, she said” gets boring after a while.

And the answer isn’t to switch out those “said” tags with other words like “enthused” or “shouted”. (When it doubt, “said” wins out.)

Not only is it boring for the reader to constantly see “he said” or “said she”, it may be disruptive.

Identifiers take the reader out of the immersive world of your story and reminds them that you, the author, are relaying a story.

That can be pretty jarring, and it can happen if you use identifiers too often.

Of course, you can’t not use identifiers.

They’re vital for establishing who’s speaking, but can be minimized by doing the following:

Creating a unique pattern of speech.

Using descriptive follow ups. (e.g., “That’s not what I said.” Vincent reached for the rock.)

The second option can show what the characters are doing to further emphasize their words, or add context to the scene.

Greetings and goodbyes aren’t always necessary

While it’s only polite to say hello and bid adieu, it’s not necessary in novel dialogue to document these courtesies.

You can use exposition for salutations, but do avoid writing a blow-by-blow.

Set up the scene by describing how the character enters or leaves the scene.

Avoid speeches and soliloquies

Most people, in conversation form, do not have the privilege of extended speech.

They’re almost always interrupted because who wants to listen to someone natter on and on?

Read it aloud

During the editing process, you should always read your manuscript aloud, but do pay special attention to your dialogue.

If the dialogue doesn’t seem to flow, or you’re tripping over your words, it’s not going to sound right to the reader.

Even though you’re not capturing every part of a conversation in your dialogue, everything that’s written should sound like an actual person said it. If not, it’s time to erase and try again.

Source Writing References: Worldbuilding ⚜ Plot ⚜ Character More: Formatting Dialogue ⚜ Children's Dialogue ⚜ Dialogue Prompts

[blkgirl-writing]

I love your touch starved Gale so much 😭❤️ honestly it's so tender and yum haha

Do you have an A-Z/Alphabet NSFW thing for Gale??? 🙏

I do now!!! I totally forgot abut Alphabet stuff, if ya'll want one for every character let me know, I'm working on Astarion right now!

Gale Dekarios NSFW alphabet (x reader)

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Gale is kind and caring, he will always make sure you get what you need before he really relaxes. Sex isn't over for him until you're taken care of, aftercare is a part of the sexual experience to him.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

Creampie every time, though after eating you out he has stopped to cum on your thighs.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self-explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

Not that much of a secret since anyone who looked at his underwear knows, it's self jerk off underwear. Honestly I think he's used them during battle when you look extra hot. Trying really hard not to show that he's pleasuring himself.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Gale is fairly experenced, having a few mortal hookups/relationships and obviously a long fling with Mystra that left him a bit sexually traumatized (and generally very traumatized). He's had enough sex to know what he wants but still open to try new things.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Side fucking is his favorite for sure, it's easy to get away with while camping with the others as well. Also plowing you from behind while you lay on your stomach is a favorite, as he can kiss your neck or hold down your waist.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

Very serious. Once he gets in that mood there's no getting him out of it.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

He's trimmed for your pleasure, otherwise he'd definitely just forget.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

Gale is a great mix of romantic, passionate, and filthy. Everything does hand in hand very well, he can absolutely run a train through you in astral protections with gangbanging you with literally just clones of himself, but he will still whisper sweet and romantic things, still check if you need to stop or if anything is too much.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Gale cry jerks like all the time lmao. Guilty masturbation is something he has mastered. Thinking about you before you get sexually involved? he will feel guilty.

How he jerks off is two different ways. The only way he can really cum is by grinding on something, his hand, the bed, his enchanted underwear, etc... But he doesn't need to cum. So he also jerks off with his hand behind the rocks near the beach in act 1s camp.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

This is gonna be a hear-me-out kind of situation.

Semi public sex kink. in front of windows, on balconies, middle of the forrest, etc.

lil bit of a jealousy thing, leaves hickies on your neck to show that ya'll fuck good.

he wouldn't do anything to harm you, so anything thats too 'harsh" is a no no for Gale.

thigh fucking kink?

sweaty kink?? cause battling? that whole speech was one of the most sexually charged things I have read.

lil bit of a breeding kink, not with actually getting pregnant, but definitely the deep creampies and keeping his cum in you.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

Gale cannot WAIT to fuck you in every single inch of his tower. Whenever he pictures fucking you, he pictures you in his home. It's kinda romantic.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

Honestly, any glance at you will get him going. Like an instant hard on. If he looks at you too long, boner. if he looks at your thighs or butt? Boner. Slightly low cut top? Boner. Battling? Boner.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

He would never do anything to hurt you, the most he'd do is wax play.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Giving. This man GIVES. He fucks to serve. He wants your pleasure, he doesn't cum til you do, no matter what. If that means he won't cum, then he won't cum. If he could spend all day between your legs he would.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

Sensual but fast and hard. This man pounds.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

He hadn't ever been able to not last a while before you, now, he can actually do quickies, which infatuates him for a while so you have a lot of quickies for a time. But usually everything lasts an hour or so.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

Gale is down to try just about anything you'd want, but he definitely already knows what he likes most.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

Shockingly he can go for awhile. He will need to just lay for a while because he definitely isn't made for long sessions, he just ignores his knee and back pain for you until he absolutely can't.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

We all know he will, can, and has used magic hand during sex. Does copies of him count as toys as well?

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Gale isn't one to tease much. Verbally, sometimes, yes, telling you how hot you are, how good you look, etc, while having no time to slip away to fuck.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

I feel like Mystra wanted him silent, so he's working on getting more vocal during sex. But he doesn't moan loudly, sometimes whimpers or gasps.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

Gale absolutely reads smut. We know this kinda from his diagram books basically, but I think he has a whole bookshelf dedicated to smut. His favorite being wlw.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Said this before but honestly? I watched something and that dick that was shown just screamed Gale to me, so I'm revising my HC and saying Gale is 7 inches, girthy, and curved upwards and slightly to the left, it absolutely fucks. Like tied with best dick of the group, tied with Wyll and his ribbed cock.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Gales sex drive is very dependant on you. If he's thinking about you or around you? very high. On his own? slightly above average.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Depends. After a long fuck, literally instantly after he checks to see if you need anything. after astral fucking he feels energized, after a quickie he feels a bit tired but fine overall.

-

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@shyminnie07 @makers-breath @claryvoyantfray @black-sapphic @fapqueen

(Consider supporting me on Ko-fi)

[femdomlieeh]

Riding your thigh (m)

Sub!Monsta X ✧ Dom!Fem!Reader

WARNINGS—nsfw ✧ thigh-riding ✧ praising ✧ degrading ✧ dirty talk ✧ mentions of spanking, breath play & oral sex ✧ BDSM ✧ pet names (mommy, babyboy, puppy, princess)

NOW PLAYING—vampire ✧ Olivia Rodrigo

[A/N.] This is unedited and I wrote this a long time ago but I want to prioritize my time and energy on writing new fics instead like

M.LISTS—random idols/groups ✧ latest updates ✧ read on wp

All rights reserved © femdomlieeh

✧ ੈ ✧ ‧₊˚ * ੈ ✧‧₊˚＊* ੈ ✧‧₊˚＊

이호석 / wonho

Wonho's cheeks would puff up, as well as redden at your words. He likes it when you introduce new positions, and in return always acts all innocent with a flustered reaction as if he never knew those types of positions existed — but it's just an act. His cutie-like self would not question you at all; he'd smile and get on your lap without a word. To add more effect to his angel acting he'd maybe ask you about directions.

But once he got to action he no longer seemed like an innocent angel who didn't know what thigh-riding was. His hips would be grinding very seducingly — as if it were an erotic dance he'd practice for months — and his hands would be on your shoulders so there would be space between you so you could see him. He'd love to get praised. Praises would be motivating. This boy would love it so much he'd continue riding you even after cumming if you allowed him to. His stamina comes in handy.

"Should I take my clothes off or keep them on, Mami?"

After your answer he got on your thigh and sat down, ready for fun time.

"Am I doing this right, Mami?" he asked innocently, fully knowing he was a pro, because he wanted praise.

He will not admit that he's a dirty boy. No way. He'll still act like he's too pure to know what thigh-riding is, but every time he gets back on your lap he proves your theory of him being a freak to be true. Despite craving to ride your thigh again, he'll wait for you to tell him to do it instead of asking you. If you want to mess with him you can refrain from ever bringing it up. If you rile him up enough his innocent bubble might burst and he'll beg to get on your though again. Innocent angel? Pfft.

... ✧ ...✧✧✧✧✧✧

 손현우 / shownu

Hyunwoo's a softie, but he likes it rough. He knows that if he ever were to ride your thighs he wouldn't be able to go any different. Thus he'd be worried of actually getting off too hard on your thighs :C He'd be blushy and try to slow down, even if it wasn't enjoyable for him. You'd have to encourage him and grab his hips and physically make him ride your thigh harder and faster. After a while of seeing that you're completely fine, he'd get more comfortable and let loose of the tension he was previously feeling. The effort he'd put into it would be shocking since he's so shy and 'innocent'.

"B-But, Mama," he stuttered as his cheeks reddened.

"But what, Babybear?"

"I-I don't wanna hurt you," he looked down insecurely.

"You've been such a good boy this week, you deserve to get off on my thigh. Now listen to Mama and ride, okay?"

"Ye-Yes, Mama."

In the future, he would get flustered even at the mere mention of the first time he had ridden your thigh. And because of the embarrassment, he won't have the courage to ask you to do it again. If you asked him to do it again, however, he'd gladly do it (still blushing as if it were his first time, of course). He'd say he'd do it 'because he's a good boy', but the truth is that he had wanted to do it again ever since the first time.

Progressively, he'd feel more easy-going about it, and would muster up the courage to ask you if he could do it again. He'd be stuttering during the little speech that he had prepared beforehand and his face'd become red if you allow him to. Thigh-riding will only be occasional because it's his guilty pleasure and he feels abashed about asking you — but he'll give his all any time he does it. Take the first step for his sake.

✧... ✧ ...✧✧✧✧✧

이민혁 / minhyuk

Minhyuk is the human version of a puppy. He would get on your lap and hump you like there was no tomorrow. Boy has no shame and is always up for the dirty.

"Get on my lap."

"Okayyy~" he sang cutely.

Baam! In a second he was sitting comfortably on your lap like you ordered.

"Now ride it, Puppy."

He grinned.

"Okay, Mommyyy~"

Not caring enough to take time to dedress when he's horny, he'd be the one to do it fully clothed. You would maybe need to slow him down, because his great excitement would make him go crazy on your thigh. Guide him through it.

If he doesn't listen to you, give him a spank and he'll be sure to listen. After a while into it, he'd take off his shirt or drag down his collar so you could give him some hickeys. Your attention and affection is important to him. Your hands guiding and caressing his body, your lips and teeth nibbling on his purple skin would be the only way to get him to cum.

"This is so much fun, Mommy," he moaned and arched his back at the sensation.

He threw his head further back to give you more access to his neck. Panting, he managed to say what he wanted the most during that moment: "M-Mark me, Mommy. Please, please, please—"

He will act like such an adorable and good boy for you if it means that he can ride your thigh in the end. From calling you Mommy in sweet scenarios to giving you head without wanting anything in return — he'll do everything to prove that he deserves it. He'll love to do it randomly too. Imagine watching a movie with him on your lap and he suddenly starts grinding slowly on you and whimpers out pleads.

✧✧... ✧ ...✧✧✧✧

유기현 / kihyun

Kihyun's eyes would pop out. He'd be shocked people even do that, because he's a pure, holy child of God. It wouldn't take long until the stupefaction would turn into shyness. He'd be so flustered and ask you if he heard you right just to make sure his brain hadn't messed with him. Oh boy would he become even redder after you confirmed he'd heard you right. You'd have to lead him through the whole process or else he'd just sloppily ride you with insecure thoughts hunting him. In a very foreign situation like this one he'd need you to tell him what he should do and what he shouldn't do.

He'd be very obedient and would flush at any compliment you gave him, but on the inside he'd feel very sexy and confident in himself at the praising. By the end of it he'd be back to being pure and holy and would deny that it was indeed very pleasant to ride your thigh. But when you two'd go to sleep that night he wouldn't be able to stop thinking of it as he reluctantly smiled.

"You want me to w-wHat?"

"Ride my thigh."

"A-Are you for sure?"

"Yes. Now."

"I— Uhm— Okay—"

Sheepishly he followed through your command.

"Good boy."

"T-Thank you, M-Mommy."

He will never admit that it feels good. The only time he ever could go against himself and actually admit he was into it will be when he's very, very, very needy for your thigh — which is very rare. But you could also find out that he's into it if you find him watching thigh-riding porn, which by the way would result in him not being able to look you in the eyes for at least a week. It'll be better for you both if he himself tells you that he likes it. And if he does decide to tell you one day, he'll expect you guys to start doing it often.

✧✧✧... ✧ ...✧✧✧

채형원 / hyungwon

Hyungwon would get on your lap and look you in the eyes confidently. He's often sassy and shit, but in the bedroom his missions are to impress you and satisfy you — he'd still be a power bottom, but he'd be a nice, not-too-bratty one. You'd have to grab his butt with one hand and choke him with the other, or else he'd physically bring your hands to where they should be. If you called him something other than Princess he'd tell you off. He's the definition of thigh-riding Princess. Since he wants to be a good Princess he'd need you to tell him he is one.

If you didn't praise him enough he'd think he didn't do good. But he wouldn't become sad about it, instead he'd ask you for guidance. By the end of the session he'd be tired and want the Princess treatment — cuddle him and let him sleep on top of you.

"Wanna take a ride?" you asked and patted your thigh.

"Of course, Mommy."

He made his way to you and plumped down on you, putting his ass out in an arch.

"This—" he looks down at your lap and up into your eyes, "—This is my throne."

He will start sitting on your lap more often. Both because he wants some lovey-dovey time and because he wants come touchy-touchy time. If it's the latter he wants, he'll move a little against you to send you signals of what mood he is in, even if it makes him a bad Princess. Another occasion he'd sit on your lap would be when he's jealous and wants to show that he obviously is your Princess. Back to the thigh-riding, he'll make it your routine to do it at least once a week, because it's his favorite form of masturbation.

✧✧✧✧... ✧ ...✧✧

이주헌 / joohoney

Jooheon would love the idea as soon as it went past your lips. He's always up for anything Mommy wants. But he'd feel like he needed to put on a show for you and would thereof feel pressured to be good enough for you. Confidentally, he'd get on your thigh, but when it came to actually riding you thigh he wouldn't be as confident since it's his first time doing it on you.

He'd try his best and be as cute for you as possible, moaning out your name, telling you how much he appreciates you, pecking your neck as he hides in it — everything to prove to you that he loves you. If you say something filthy in return he'd keep his head on your shoulder and wouldn't look at you for a while out of embarrassment. If you praised him cutely, however, he'd get giggly and encouraged to continue showing how much of a good boy he is for you. He'd be so exhausted after he cummed, because of how much work he put into it. You better give him nice aftercare.

"Your thigh is so nice, Mommy," he whimpered out.

"You're doing so good, Honey. Only you can look this pretty riding my thigh."

With deeper dimples from smiling, he fastened his pace.

At first he'll only do it if you encourage him to, because then he knows you like it too. Eventually after you've requested to do it a couple more times, he'll become confident and start surprising you every now and then. It'll both be sexy and cutie time. He'll be able to make thigh-riding cute with his small whines at your praises and with his fluffy hair sticking to his forehead. If you don't cuddle afterwards he'll become pouty and cross his arms until you hug and kiss him.

✧✧✧✧✧... ✧ ...✧

임창견 / i.m

Changkyun would be like 'finally she asked me'. Like this is something he's wanted to do for so long. No matter how cute he is, he is not innocent at all. Just the thought of rubbing himself against your thigh, whilst looking into your eyes, and moaning for you turns him on. He'd be a little bratty at first, because you didn't want to do it earlier on in the relationship.

Out of all the boys he'd be the one most likely to ask you if you two could do it. Anyway, he'd be a soft boy and would want affection such as kissing, touching, or just praising words, from you at all times. He'd also love it if you helped him by keeping your hands on his hips or if you grinded your thigh up against him. After cumming he'd stop being whiny and would instead be fully satisfied.

"Took you long enough, Mommy."

"What do you mean?"

"I basically live on your lap. I want to be on your lap all the time, Mommy. Whether it's for cuddling or humping," he whined and pouted dramatically with crossed arms.

"Come here, my Babyboy," you said and opened your arms for him.

He kept arms crossed but still listened to you.

"Show me what you want to do on my thigh," you whispered and pecked his pout.

His pout turned into a dimpled smile.

"Okay then, Mommy," he whined softly.

Oh how he was going to enjoy every single moment of it.

He'll ask you to do it again for sure. He's very submissive and baby-like and isn't ashamed of himself or his sexual preferences. If you denied him he'd be all pouty and whiny, and would complain along the lines of 'But I've been a good boy~' and 'Why not, Mommy? I thought you loved me.' Let him ride you for fuck's sake. He's a good boy and he deserves it. He also deserves the best cuddle sessions afterwards.

✧✧✧✧✧✧... ✧ ...

❝ And every girl I ever talked to told me you were bad, bad news

You called them crazy, God, I hate the way I called them crazy too

(...)

Went for me, and not her

'Cause girls your age know better ❞

—olivia isabel rodrigo; 2023

[kianaisspiraling]

I'm genuinely REELING waiting for Doc's reaction to the Buttercups COVERING UP THE PERIMETER

Like. They really did that. Omfg they actually did that. They covered up Doc's 500 x 500 hole, AND added trees and grass. It's TERRAFORMED TO LOOK LIKE ACTUAL TERRAIN HELP

It took them like 20 HOURS with 7-10 people working on it.

Mumbo and Scar kept complaining like. We're really doing this? We can just make it flat right? Omg Grian's serious we're actually doing this.

Meanwhile Grian's like trying to divide the numbers down to convince them that, no, guys, this is an AMAZING idea. Then gathering everyone just to say he has a shulker of saplings because of course just covering it isn't enough. My blorbo is UNHINGED.

At one point Scar told Grian they were petitioning to make it flat, but Mumbo chickened out and was like no no it's fine. Scar's betrayed 'cause Mumbo agreed with him before and Mumbo's response? Grian wasn't there. He is afraid of how hell bent Grian is on this project.

Grian: Can't take a few hours to finish the back of his base because "it's boring"

Also Grian: Let's all waste 20 hours of our lives terraforming Doc's giant freaky experiment hole with dirt!

Clearly, manz has got priorities lol

And every time that Doc's little threatening PSA-style (villain monologue) motivational speech came on, it just spurred them on more with rage. Like I'm fairly certain that PSA was the only thing keeping Scar and Mumbo backing out from Grian's insane idea of a prank.

Like, Grian really heard Doc's, "Get grinding," and, "you can always do more," messages and was like. Y'know what? Yeah. I could always do more. It's about time someone filled in the giant pothole anyway.

Dude. The remnants of the Buttercup camp is now a bigger hole than the parimeter. I'm live laugh LOVING THISSSS AHHHHH

[beevean]

i really have to lament that the standards for female characters in media are still so abysmal that people are happy to eat up #girlboss'd maria and annette in nocturne

when their character bios dropped these past few days, my mind immediately went to this iconic kate beaton comic panel:

and this was a parody of how mainstream media "solved" sexism by invariably making every female character a badass, take no prisoners Action Girl™ (aka the proto-#girlboss) from over a decade ago

Absolutely incredible :^)

What grinds my gears is that the adaptation is deliberately flattening characters who were distinct in the original games and could have been fleshed out in a proper story.

Annette doesn't do much in RoB, true. Her one significant scene is the one where she threatens to slit her own throat rather than join Dracula. Sure, why not expand on that? An average woman without powers or training, but armed with nothing bur bravery in the face of corruption: she may not be able to strike enemies physically, but she won't fall for their mind games, and she might also be rewritten to be intelligent and tactic-- nope she's a metalbender now!!!! she's also a swordswoman!!!!! and she will be politically motivated!!!!!!

Maria is a plucky 12 yo girl without much experience of the world, but who grows to care about Richter and wants to help her. She doesn't understand, nor care, about Dracula's speech about the evil of mankind, while the adult Richter falters: she is pure innocence. Still, her unique powers give her an edge when it comes to demon slaying, all without losing her upbeat attit-- nope she's a political leader now!!!! she's also a swordswoman!!!!!! and she's always serious!!!!!! and she will be politically motivated!!!!!!!

In the original NFCV, Sypha was the only one spared because her personality admittedly was a little more upbeat and warmer, even though she also fell in the trap of being the One Braincell Of The Group. But Greta and the woman St. Germain simped for picked up the slack for her, as they were both the exact shade of competent, no-nonsense tough lady fighter, complete with "good thing I'm here to run your life now" in the former's case.

And the female villains? Striga was the only original one, being the obvious muscle of the group, but she might as well have been a henchwoman. Carmilla? A self-proclaimed queen whose personality begins and ends at #girlboss, all sexy and seductive and manipulative and with a dash of radfem. Lenore? Not quite as girlbossish, but still meant to be seen as cool and sexy (and fucking how) and a great manipulator. Erszbet? So far she looks like Carmilla 2.0. Drolta is the one we know the least about so far, but it's interesting how she was turned from an old human witch to a young sexy vampire.

You see the pattern here?

Annette and Maria are also the latest examples of characters who have been changed for no good reason in an attempt to "fix" them. NFCV hates normal people, they all have to be heroes and magic users and proficient weapon users. Instead of keeping Annette with her role of "Richter's girlfriend and a normal girl", but giving her a more substantial personality, she was completely reworked to be something that she simply isn't, and that rewriting is being praised as being So Much Better Than The Games. As if her original role is so undefensible that she needs to be reworked from scratch.

It's lazy. There is a sore lack of variety in the female cast of these shows. And it pretends to be "progressive" about it. As if women are only worth being celebrated if they're physically active and have a tough attitude.

Meanwhile, I will forever be impressed by how Ayami Kojima and Kou Sasakura took Rosaly, a literal non-entity in CoD whose only narrative purpose was to be the fridged woman, and gave her enough personality, without straying far from the archetype of the kind normal girl, that I seriously grew attached to her, something I would have never expected at first.

[mthollowell-writes]

Writer Q&A Tag Game

Thanks again to @digital-chance for the tag! You can find their original post here!

1)What motivates you to write?

My own ego (I kid...sorta).

I love creating worlds and giving life to the various voices inside my head. I love teasing out ideas and constructing (too) intricate plots and scenarios. Writing is my escape from the daily grind (for good and bad) and my main outlet for expression. I honestly wouldn't be me without my writing.

2) A line/short snippet of your writing that you are most proud/happy of. If not maybe share a line of someone else's work you love (just please credit them)

I'll share something from a short story currently on ice until I get around to editing it. It's tentatively called "Cosmic Self-Serve"

Unfathomable eldritch horrors weren’t on my Tuesday night bingo card but it takes all types to keep a gas station in the black. I took another pack of gum from the rack and popped a stick in my mouth, praying for brain freeze. Cool mint took over my senses and I felt like a person again. Gary won’t be happy with my lack of respect for “stock integrity” but that’s why our corporate gods gave us shrink. Also Gary’s an asshole so screw Gary.

3) Which OC makes you smile every time you think/talk about them and what are they like?

I'm going to have to give this to September from my Festival Project WIP. He's such a mess of a character despite his best efforts to keep it together. He has a pretty lengthy backstory for "reasons that drift a smidge into spoiler territory." On the surface, he's calm and collected and can weather any storm with clear head, but that comes from a long history of battling demons (both real and internal). He currently puts these talents towards being the Editor in Chief at his newspaper office.

4) What process of writing do you enjoy the most?

The initial brainstorming and outlining stage. I love plotting out stories free from the expectation of making the words sound pretty. I do still enjoy making the words pretty but sometimes I stall getting too caught up in that.

5) What part of writing do you think you are the best at? (Yes stroke your own ego it's okay)

The dialogue, though I will be the first to admit that I can get carried away with it. I also credit myself as a very meticulous plotter, in the actual plot and with character backstories. I've been told that my shorter stories tend to subvert expectation and go in unexpected places (but this too has its pitfalls as my earlier writing has been labelled as confusing by certain peers in writing workshops).

Even when I'm trying to stroke my ego, I keep offering caveats.

6) What is something in the writeblr community is most enjoyable?

Honestly, how supportive everyone is! We're always trying to build each other up and the discussions I see on my feed where people excitedly talk about their stories and OCs remind me why writing is so much fun. And the games, of course. My god, these games! I love them!

7) A writing tool/device you use that helps you with writing? (It could be speech to text, a writing program etc)

I recently took the plunge and bought Scrivener and I'm liking it so far. It's a bit of a learning curve with all the features you can play with, but I love how you can organize stories and bookmark things within each text section for referencing. Best of all, (and as far as I'm aware) you only have to pay once for it (unlike some other subscription based programs). With that being said, I do love Microsoft Word for smaller projects and its backup feature.

I also use a timer on my computer (I have Windows so there's a clock app that you can adjust). On days that I'm really struggling to motivate myself, dividing my time into smaller increments can get me through the slog.

8) A piece of worldbuilding that you like in your own story? (It could be the magic system, a particular place in the story, a law etc)

Egad, what a broad question! I have to think about that for a second...

There's a unique Protestant-inspired church branch within Hollow Grove that's known as the Edelhaus Coalition Church. It's also uniquely American, whose foundation is the old Puritan work ethic that emphasizes hard work as a core tenet that guarantees a path to heaven.

Where it diverges is its belief in The Founder and the concept of The Faithful. The Faithful are the true believers that have gained immense favor with God through their hard work and aptitude. As evidence of his favor, he gives The Faithful powers over nature. The Founder (who many believe was the original historical founder of the town, Goodwin Hollow) was the first Faithful and every Festival of Shadows, the evidence of his will is seen in the resurrection of the recently deceased every festival year. This holiday is celebrated by all in the Edelhaus Coalition church for this reason. It's also why many acolytes within the church opt for natural burial for a chance to walk the earth again.

There's more to it but in the spirit of brevity, that's all I'll say for now.

9) What piece of advice would you say to encourage others to write if they are having a rough patch?

I'll say it again, write what you love. There's no point in writing something you don't.

I also want to emphasize the importance of breaks. Sometimes if the words aren't flowing (or there's just so much going in your life), never feel ashamed of putting the pen down and coming back to a story later. The time away can offer fresh perspective. It can divert your attention to something else that you're equally passionate about. I sometimes like to procrastinate on one story with another. If I can't write at all, sometimes reading or watching something can inspire you.

10) Tag some people whose works you love/have been your biggest supporters

I'm truly inspired by reading the snippets of stories from @digital-chance (that's two mentions now!) @rmgrey-author @palebdot @tabswrites @writingbyricochet and @fatexweaver. I appreciate the support and interactions I've had with @vintagecivet @macabremoons @friendlyshaped @aestatismors @leisoree @words-after-midnight @axl-ul @nai-nty-8 and @nonsenseramble. Seriously, you all rock and I appreciate all of you!

I'm going to go ahead and gently tag all these beautiful folks listed above as well as some newer mutuals who I hope to get to know more @girlfromthecrypt @elhuei @isherwoodj @poemsbymo @robin-writes-a-lot and anyone who would like to participate!

[littlesoka7567]

How Do I Say Goodbye

This was a request from @pevensiechase !

I’m so sorry this took so long. I wanted to do both Echo and Fives, but I can’t seem to get the motivation to do Echo’s pov yet. It will be coming, though!

Summary: Fives has to accept that Echo didn’t make it back to the 501st from the Citadel mission.

Warnings: perceived character death, mourning and grief, hurt/comfort.

WC: 1761

~~~

“This is our only chance! We’ve got to stop him!” Echo shoots quickly, allowing Fives to cover him as he reaches down and grabs one of the enemy’s shields. He makes a run for it, knowing Fives is watching his six. 

So trusting. So sure that Fives will have his back, will watch out for him. He was so sure that Fives wouldn’t let him down.

“Echo,” Fives had screamed, noticing the swivel of the droid’s turret. “Look out!” His hand had reached out desperately, as if he could have physically pulled Echo out of the danger. 

But he couldn’t. He had to sit there and watch as Echo backed his way onto the shuttle. Watch as the droid aimed for the shuttle, only needing to fire a couple times. Watch as Echo was blown into the sky, caught in the unforgiving explosion of the shuttle.

The explosion had ricocheted around the small area, knocking all of them backwards and off of their feet. Fives had been the first back up, even before the Jedi, as he stared at the burning remains of what was once their only hope for escape. “Echo!” he had screamed, unwilling to accept the truth. 

It felt like both an infinite and too little amount of time, as his hand had reached out, his head had shaken in disbelief. Not Echo. Not Echo. Anything but this, anything except looking at Echo’s helmet, scorched and thrown away from the wreckage.

He had wanted to scream. He had wanted to fall to his knees, to crawl over to the helmet and hold onto it. Hold onto the last remaining piece of Echo there was. 

“We have to go. Now,” General Kenobi had said, and the others had already started backing up. But Fives couldn’t. He had felt stuck, frozen to the ground and unable to so much as breathe. 

But he was an ARC trooper, and a clone, and they were counting on him. The others had needed him to keep going, to finish the mission, or they all would have died. 

He had shaken his head one more time, had let his arm fall from where he had been reaching out. And then he had turned on his heel, grabbed his gun, and followed the others. He had been the last to leave the area.

Rex needs to stop looking at Fives. He needs to stop looking at Fives with that sad, broken expression. Pity. 

Rex is standing in the middle of the debrief room, helmet off and under his arm. The Jedi were leaving, heads bowed and tilted towards each other as they discuss the loss of one of their own. Commander Cody was hesitating by the door, and allowed the rest of the room to file out until it was just him, Rex, and Fives. 

Cody had left his helmet on, the same as Fives. He takes it off now, letting out a soft sigh. He walks back over to where Fives is standing, staring into the holotable. He claps a hand on Fives’ shoulder, offering a sad smile. “I’m sorry, Fives. I know how…how close you were.” He waits for a few seconds for a response which isn’t coming, before he gives Rex a look. He puts his helmet back on and leaves the room after some silent agreement is reached.

Fives hangs his head, eyes slipping closed. He grabs onto the side of the holotable, using it to help keep himself upright. He isn’t sure he wouldn’t fall to his knees if he didn’t. “Don’t,” he barks, after Rex takes in a breath to get ready for a speech. 

Rex sighs sadly, and walks over slowly. He carefully raises his hands until they rest on the bottom of Fives’ helmet. At the lack of resistance, Rex gently pulls the bucket off. 

Fives opens his eyes slowly, staring at the holotable with unseeing eyes. His jaw is set, teeth grinding together roughly. 

Rex rests the bucket on the table, and rests his own alongside it. “Fives…” 

Fives shakes his head, shoulders haunching. “Don’t,” he repeats, and it sounds much more broken without the vocabulator in his helmet. 

“I…” Rex swallows thickly, putting a comforting hand on Fives’ shoulder and turning to face into the holotable as well. “Fives, I…”

Fives looks to Rex then, a jerky and almost violent movement. He realizes that his eyes are brimming with tears, because Rex is blurry. Rex gasps audibly, and the hand on Fives’ shoulder tightens just a bit. “Don’t say it,” he begs.

Rex is frowning, his head cocked to the side. Fives blinks and feels the first tears start to trail down his cheeks. Rex’s eyes are so full of sadness, and pity, and it makes Fives want to scream. “I’m sorry,” Rex starts.

Fives feels his breath hitch, and more tears join the first. He shakes his head in denial. “Please.”

“I’m sorry that Echo is dead, Fives,” Rex finally gets out, ignoring the plea.

Fives’ face crumples and he ducks his head, chin hitting his armored chest. He releases a broken sob, shoulder shaking with the force of it. It felt as if it was physically ripped from inside of him; he hadn’t meant to make the noise. 

Rex moves his hand to the back of Fives’ neck, squeezing gently in comfort. The skin on skin contact is grounding, but it also makes the moment feel more real, and Fives doesn’t want that. 

“No,” Fives sobs, his right hand balling into a fist before he slams it into the holotable. “No.”

Rex makes a broken noise. “Fives, I’m sorry. I know how hard this is, I know it…I know it hurts. But…”

Fives sobs again, shaking his head and looking back up to Rex. He pulls in a shaky breath, eyes wet and unfocused. “How am I supposed to do this without him?” he asks brokenly. “I’ve never done anything without-without… without Echo before.” He chokes on another sob, turning to fully face Rex, causing his captain’s hand to fall off the back of his neck. “Since we were kriffing decanted, Rex, he’s been there with me.” He opens his mouth to say more, but he only manages to get out a sob. 

Rex’s face is a complicated mix of guilt, pity, regret, and a deep sadness. It hits Fives all at once that he and Echo have been with Rex for most of the war. For years. The Domino Squad had only been deployed on Rishi for a few days, and that had been their first assignment. They’ve been…They had been with Rex and the 501st ever since then. He wonders if Rex is taking the loss of Echo harder than he normally takes a loss, or if Fives is simply projecting. 

“How am I supposed to fight without him watching my six? H-how am I supposed to…to…” Fives bites his lip to hold in more sobs, but he can’t stop the tears from falling down his cheeks. 

Rex closes his eyes, his lips twisted into a frown. “Fives…”

“How am I supposed to live without him?” Fives whispers the words, scared to speak them too loudly. It’s a weakness, one clones are not supposed to have. 

Rex gives him a broken look, before he suddenly wraps his arms around Fives. He holds onto Fives so tight, as if the latter might fall apart if he doesn’t. Fives feels like he actually might, if he’s being honest with himself.

“Rex,” Fives chokes, burying his face into Rex’s neck and holding on equally as tightly. 

“It’ll be okay, Fives,” Rex murmurs, but he doesn’t sound like he believes his own words. “You’ll be okay. You’re a great trooper, an ARC trooper.” Rex gently cups the back of Fives’ head, his breath coming out shaky now. “Echo would be so proud of you.”

The past tense has Fives sobbing again, shaking with the force of it. “No,” he cries brokenly.

Rex nods. “He would be. And you can keep making him proud, every day. He was always so proud of you, always bragging about you to everyone who would listen.”

Fives shakes his head like a child, attempting to deny the words to himself. The words hurt, they hurt, and Fives doesn’t know how much more hurt he can go through. “He doesn’t feel gone,” he chokes out, muffled inside Rex’s neck. “It doesn’t feel real.”

“I know,” Rex breathes, and Fives is jealous of how Rex can keep himself so strong and unbroken. “I know. I promise, it will get easier.”

“No it won’t!” Fives argues; but he isn’t actually sure if he’s arguing or begging. He doesn’t want it to get easier. He doesn’t want to forget Echo, or move on from this loss. He doesn’t want to get used to living without his twin. 

“It will,” Rex says, voice softer. He pulls away from the hug, keeping his hands on Fives’ shoulders and face set in a determined frown. “It will get easier, and you will go on, because you’re a good-no, great soldier. You are a great soldier, Fives, and you will keep going. You’ll keep fighting, and you’ll make Echo proud. Make us all proud.”

Fives looks down, away from Rex’s intense stare. “I don’t feel like a good soldier,” he chokes. 

Rex squeezes his shoulders again. “It’s okay to feel the losses we take, Fives. It’s encouraged, even. It makes us more likely to fight hard, to keep each other alive, if the losses hurt. The important thing is you keep going, keep fighting. Echo believed in this war, believed in you and what we can do for our Republic.”

Fives shakes his head, gasping in quick, shallow breaths.

Rex steps just a bit closer, close enough to force Fives to acknowledge him. “What if it was the other way around, Fives? Would you want Echo giving up, doing nothing but missing you? Or would you want him to fight on, to keep living, to keep doing the best he can?”

Fives finally looks up, swallowing thickly and setting his jaw. He nods once, breathing heavily through his nose. He can keep going, and he can be a great soldier, one of the best. Because Echo would want him to. He knows this, deep in his bones, because Rex is right; if Fives had been the one to die, he would want Echo to keep kicking Seppie ass and joking around with Torrent and living. 

Fives can do all of that, even though he’ll miss Echo every day.

[monsterkong]

The Grind Never Stops: How Work Ethic Defines Success

You’ve probably heard a lot of motivational speeches about success and hard work. But let’s be real—some people just don’t want to put in the effort. 🙅‍♂️ I’ve seen it firsthand: people who don’t want to make calls, who avoid tough tasks, and simply can’t be bothered to grind. And guess what? That’s the exact reason some people succeed while others don’t. 💡

The Work Ethic That Separates Winners 🏅

Here’s the thing—every successful person I know is a workaholic. They don’t just dabble in their work; they go all in. They’re relentless in their pursuit of success, and they don’t complain when things get tough. 💪 They have thick skin, and they know how to push through adversity. 📈

If you’re serious about building something great, you need to develop this kind of work ethic. Not just showing up, but truly giving it your all. No shortcuts, no complaints, just a mindset focused on results. 🚀

Surviving the Tough Times 🌪️

Let me tell you, I’ve been to the brink in my business. I’ve faced moments where I thought everything was going to collapse. 😩 It’s been a rollercoaster of challenges and victories, but the only way I’ve survived—and even thrived—was by adopting an insane work ethic.

In the past six months, I’ve grown more than I did in the years before. That’s not an accident—it’s the result of intense focus, relentless effort, and pushing through, no matter how tough things got. 🌟

The Bottom Line 📝

If you want to succeed, you need to be prepared for the grind. There’s no secret formula, no magic bullet—it’s all about work. The ones who make it to the top? They’re the ones who keep going, no matter how many obstacles stand in their way. 🌱

So, let’s embrace the grind, push past the challenges, and work like there’s no tomorrow. Because at the end of the day, work ethic is what separates the winners from the rest. 🔥

[gelbr]

In the chaos of our daily grind, there’s always that one person who seems to have it all figured out. The one who knows exactly how to diffuse a tense situation or keeps the team motivated when things get tough. What’s funny is, they’re not always the ones with the most experience or the biggest title. Often, they’re the ones who just listen—really listen—and understand what’s happening below the surface.

It’s easy to overlook this type of leadership because it’s quiet and subtle. It doesn’t come with a lot of fanfare or dramatic speeches. It’s the kind that gets things done without needing recognition or praise. This kind of leader knows that the real magic happens when you’re fully present with people, giving them your undivided attention, making them feel seen and heard.

So, the next time you see someone like this on your team, take a moment to recognize their contribution. Their influence might not be the loudest in the room, but it’s definitely the most impactful. Being a leader doesn’t always mean standing at the front of the room—it often means standing beside others.

[treeremovalpensacola]

Key takeaways from the LMN Mastermind Summit in Orlando

If you live in Pensacola, it's just a matter of time that you have to do the inevitable and remove a tree. Tree removal service in Pensacola is a tree removal company that specializes in stump grinding, tree removal, and arborist services. They have been in business for over 10 years and have the experience and expertise to get the job done right. Fully licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your property is in good hands. Pensacola tree service is a company that specializes in removing trees. They have been doing this for over 10 years and they are really good at it. They also do stump grinding, which means they get rid of the stump left behind after the tree is removed. They are fully licensed and insured, so you can be sure that your property is in good hands. Mark Bradley, CEO of Landscape Management Network (LMN), didn’t hold back when addressing attendees of the LMN Mastermind Summit in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 22.  Bradley told attendees that the green industry has to be a leader when it comes to paying employees fair wages, and that starts with building a culture backed by numbers, most importantly, revenue per hour and profit margin. The LMN Mastermind Summit brought together LMN users for a three-day learning experience designed to help them better understand both the LMN software and their own businesses. Mark Bradley, CEO of Landscape Management Network (LMN), addresses attendees of the LMN Mastermind Summit in Orlando, Fla. (Photo courtesy of Landscape Management Network) In addition to the Mastermind Summit, LMN hosts weekly online webinars and two-day sessions across North America. “(The Mastermind Summit) is an opportunity for the business owners that use LMN to come and hear the best practices from those who utilize the software to do exceptional things in their business with growing revenue, profits, culture and creating best-in-class customer service,” Bradley said. A unique perspective Austyn Roth, owner of Lucky Landscaping in Jupiter, Fla., may have been the youngest attendee at the Mastermind Summit. Roth, whose full-service landscaping business serves commercial customers, celebrated his 21st birthday a week before attending the LMN Mastermind Summit. “(Attending events) gives me a look at what’s going on in the industry,” Roth told LM. “I’m able to meet companies that (have) $10, 20, 30 million (in revenue) and learn what their overhead infrastructure looks like and how they use LMN to drive their day-to-day.” While also racking up frequent-flyer miles — Roth also attended Grow! in Des Moines, Iowa, the week before LMN’s gathering in Orlando — he has picked up tidbits from the other professionals during his travels. “I come to meet people, get their contact and keep in touch,” he said. “I’ve heard some good speakers here talking about culture. Hearing these stories motivates you to work harder and gives you another perspective.” Oh Canada Even though the event brought attendees to sunny Florida, it had a distinctly Canadian flair. LMN — based in Ontario — hosted several speakers from Canadian landscape companies including Oriole Landscaping, Creative Roots Landscaping and Urban Life Solutions. (Photo courtesy of Landscape Management Network) Other speakers included LM editorial advisory board member Troy Clogg of Troy Clogg Landscape Associates in Wixam, Mich., Scott Lamon, owner of Tynic Landscaping in Southwick, Mass., and Cole Weller, president and CEO of Weller Brothers in Sioux Falls, S.D. Heather Monahan gave a keynote speech on day two of the event. Monahan is the author of Overcome Your Villains, a former TEDx speaker and CEO of Boss in Heels, a lifestyle brand that aims to help people build confidence and learn how to stand their ground. “Everybody needs more confidence in their lives. Do you want to know why?” she asked attendees. “Confidence is directly tied to revenue. People buy from confident people.” The post Key takeaways from the LMN Mastermind Summit in Orlando first appeared on Landscape Management.

[ilopisara]

12.12. 19:18 | Ilo Pisara vs The Crunch 5 - 0

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, let's talk about the hockey spectacle that just unfolded before our very eyes. Ilo Pisara has once again shown why they're the team to beat – we didn't just win; we made The Crunch crumble like a stale cookie under a sumo wrestler! A 5-0 victory? That's not just winning; that’s making them wish they’d taken up chess instead! Teppo Winnipeg on defense was like a brick wall with an attitude problem – sure, he spent four minutes in the sin bin probably contemplating his next vacation spot but came out dishing assists like a generous grandma at Thanksgiving. And those shots on net percentage? Teppo might as well be Robin Hood because he hardly missed. Yuri Tarde - oh boy! This left-wing sniper was more accurate than autocorrect on easy mode. Two goals and two assists? Yuri wasn’t playing hockey; he was conducting an orchestra where pucks were instruments of destruction. And then there’s Jani Saari... if this guy were any hotter, I'd need oven mitts to shake his hand. Three goals plus two helpers for five points?! He had possession time longer than my last relationship lasted (and trust me, that says something). But let's address the elephant in the room: The Crunch couldn't handle it so much they hit eject faster than someone realizing they've walked into a spider web. So here’s to us: undefeated juggernauts who leave opponents considering career changes. Next game though—let’s make sure it ends properly or else people will start thinking we’re running some kind of intimidation racket here! Keep grinding folks or you'll find yourselves being used as examples in motivational speeches about failure!

[lightofinspirationyt]

KEEP GRINDING EVERY DAY - Motivational Speech

KEEP GRINDING EVERY DAY - Motivational Speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CThWVdM8DKk ►Video: All the video clips used are free to use and CC footage. Music : Infraction - No Copyright Music https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkRrhwhJ2Ia_ZlkTQ4XFWJA Video Footage : Videos used from storyblocks.com FAIR-USE COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER * Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commenting, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. 1) This video has no negative impact on the original works 2) This video is a lso for teaching purposes. 3) It is transformative in nature. If you are the legal content owner of any material posted on this channel and would like it removed, please message us for that. This video is made for educational purpose only. via Light of Inspiration https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9WMaz2BuGSbnLiviw8EyKw November 08, 2023 at 12:30AM

[motividz]

KEEP GRINDING - Powerful Motivational Speech Video (Featuring Bobby Maximus)

New Post has been published on https://motividz.club/wpvr_video/keep-grinding-powerful-motivational-speech-video-featuring-bobby-maximus-2/

KEEP GRINDING - Powerful Motivational Speech Video (Featuring Bobby Maximus)

Believe in yourself and KEEP GRINDING! Face your fears, take the risk and dare to be GREAT. Powerful new motivational speech …

[josimuddin62]

Best Motivational Quotes To Keep You Grinding #shorts #motivationalshorts #viralshorts

motivational video Best Motivational Quotes motivational speech English

[sneezemonster15]

Isn't it odd that Karin also referred to her desk as her body and then the umbilical cord was there? And why make us think she's still in love with Sasuke after her speech about bonds? I've seen SS say that the reason why kishi added the ridiculous plot line of chocho looking for her real dad was to make fun of the SS antis that thought karin was sarada's real mom - to show how equally ridiculous that was

It is odd. We know that Kishi doesn't just write or draw things for the heck of it, not even the funny stuff. He always has an ulterior motive, that jerk.

The whole episode with Karin is kinda strange. Karin does call her desk a part of her, and the umbilical cord is inside of it. What was the need for her to call her desk that, when we didn't see her attachment to her desk like that anytime before this? What I mean to say is that this is new information not established before in the manga. So Kishi could have made her say many things, but he chose to make her say something like this, that her desk is like a part of her, it sounds weird for sure. Even if I don't read anymore into it, I can definitely say that if she keeps that cord inside her all important desk, she considers it valuable. Emotionally important.

And then to make matters worse, she says this.

Connections come in many forms. Exactly what Naruto also said. There is more to a relationship than being related by blood. But why would Karin say such a thing? Connection does come in many forms, but what is the connection she is talking about? Well she obviously also has feelings for Sasuke. Like she admits.

Now Karin was also an oversexed fangirl, simping after Sasuke. Much like Sakura, even if she had better skills and more usefulness. But a crazy fangirl all the same. But Kishi was discerning enough to make her say that all she wants is Sasuke's happiness. And so for which she will step back, even though she obviously still retains her feelings for him. Something we never saw Sakura do. What did she actually do? She did this. Look at her face in the fifth panel.

And then look at this.

Those eyes, bunched eyebrows, grinding of teeth. The rage. One is meant for her preparation of her confession to Sasuke who was ignoring her throughout the war, and the other one is meant for beating up the villian. While Kishi is showing that Karin stepped back, perhaps after seeing her feelings were unreciprocated, Sakura marched on with the same vibe she has when she fights a villian. Like I said, using her feelings to manipulate Sasuke, to beat him into submission with them. Her feelings for Sasuke are about HER. Not Sasuke.

So does it make sense that Karin would keep the umbilical cord and talk of it in such a profound manner, even though she isn't the mother, where she says connections comes in all forms, while Sakura is only seen lying through her teeth to her daughter about her father?

Kishi is quite petty as well. I mean the whole thing about glasses was also quite indicative of the messed up situation of SS dynamic.

First of all, it's weird that Sarada, part Uchiha has to wear glasses. Like c'mon, Uchihas are all about dojutsu. Why would they need glasses, especially Sasuke's child?

Sakura was not able to even tell Sarada if Sasuke wore glasses but Naruto did, and Karin turned out to be the one who apparently regularly sent them to her. Then why doesn't Sarada know about Karin? Why didn't Sakura tell her? Does she think Karin is a threat to her? She thinks Naruto and Ino were threats when it comes to Sasuke, so why not Karin? While Karin admits to Suigetsu that Sakura is a friend, Sakura never once did it. Don't you think Kishi should have made Sakura say it to Sarada, when it was seeing Karin's photo that gave her such an existential crisis?? Hehehehe. So what does Kishi seem to say here? That Naruto and Karin, who both have feelings for Sasuke, in some way or other are tuned to Sasuke's feelings, and react accordingly. But not Sakura, never Sakura.

Say what you want but Sakura does NOT look good in Gaiden, no matter how you look at it, unless you were an especially deluded SS stan.

Okay, back to it. What matters is thoughts and feelings, right? And the thing is, this whole thing - relationship defined by thoughts and feelings is a running theme throughout Gaiden. Which makes me think it's even more likely that there's more to it than meets the eye. Case in point :

Sakura tells Sarada that her feelings are connected to Sasuke by feelings. Throughout Gaiden, Sakura looks guilty every single time Sarada asks questions about Sasuke. She is obviously hiding something. But look at her smile in the last panel in the above picture. Does this remind you of something else?

Fake smile. Sakura is hiding the truth.

Then this happens in the next chapter.

When Naruto is trying to convince Sarada of the strength of bonds, he says this.

Thoughts and feelings. Where Sakura says the same thing, Sarada isn't convinced. But when Naruto says it, she is. What's different? The sincerity of emotion. Sarada was obviously not convinced by her mother's answers, and so she got really suspicious and very blunt, which resulted in Sakura destroying her house, total cuckoo move. But with Naruto, it took only this conversation for Sarada to be convinced. Hehehe.

And then when Sarada asks how Sasuke is connected with Sakura, he answers by saying - Because you exist Sarada.

So his thoughts and feelings required in order for him to connect with Sakura are centred completely in Sarada. So what's Kishi telling us here? That if thoughts and feelings were the way to measure or judge a relationship, then where Naruto shows a lot of knowledge about Sasuke and his feelings, where Karin also shows understanding, Sakura does not, not even a little bit.

You know, what I feel? Kishi was a bastard for doing this. Because I feel that in order to show SS in such a bad light, he ends up sketching Sasuke in a bad light as well. The accusation of adultery, apathy for his daughter. It's also worth remarking that when we saw him leaving for his redemption journey in chapter 699, he didn't look that apathetic towards Sakura. He even smiled at her. But in Gaiden, he looks positively distressed and disturbed at seeing Sakura. Makes me wonder how messed up did things become for him to react like that? Gaiden certainly answers some questions but in its wake, creates even more questions and then doesn't answer them. Kishi does give it enough of a base for the story to look somehow believable, but still, he leaves a lot of gaps in the narrative, which only makes Sasuke's character look less than respectable. And for someone like Sasuke, a character known for his integrity, grace and honesty, this plot line makes him look oily and untrustworthy. I don't like it.

Will Kishi revisit it later sometime in Boruto? He has left a lot of convenient gaps, and he could if he wants to. But it's hard to say. He is unpredictable that way. But if he does, that would really help me a lot. Heh.

As for Chocho's absolutely ridiculous side plot, looks to me like another attempt by Kishi to hide the darker stuff under the guise of humor. It's pretty typical of him. Who cares what the SS stans have to say, like anything they say has any value at any given point of time. I have seen their metas, it's beyond desperate.

Anyway, hopefully this answers your question.

[alluringjae]

it’s a royal order - jjh

⤑ summary: one of your royal campaigns became a success, and your bodyguard jaehyun was there to see it all happen. it’s only fair to celebrate, right?

⤑ pairing: jaehyun x female reader

⤑ word count: 2k

⤑ genre: fluff, suggestive (dirty talk, jaehyun got a daddy kink, superiority complex!!), implied smut | bodyguard!jaehyun, princess!reader, slight enemies to lovers!au, modern royal!au (where south korea remains under monarchial power)

⤑ warnings: mentions of alcohol, drugs, family problems and therapy, explicit language

⤑ playlist: lows by pink sweat$ | céline by gallant | i put a spell on you by iza | nasty by ariana grande | dance for you by beyonce | body by sinead harnett

⤑ author’s note: this is definitely less emotional than all i do is wait! i got this idea from a show i really enjoyed before it got cancelled named the royals. specifically, i really liked the story of eleanor and jasper, which is the whole princess x bodyguard dynamic. the pining and tension, ugh! if you know this show or not, it doesn’t matter. anyways, thank you for the 30+ followers and 200 notes on aidiw! enjoy!

i need holy water because of this piece.

⤑ credits to jeongjaehyuns for the gif above uwu

⤑  leave me some feedback, constructive criticism or hellos!

“On behalf of the royal family, I would like to extend my utmost support for the Anti-School Violence campaign for all students to have a safer and more meaningful learning environment.” You proudly announced to the board of officials alongside other influential individuals in Korean society.

Being the only princess in the current royal line may have its pressures, but holding a strong, direct impact for a brighter future for the people motivated you to take advantage of your platform for the better. As the image of pure innocence and revamped women empowerment, you aimed to accomplish all the things your mother wished she could before her untimely death alongside your personal aspirations.

Expressing genuine joy with the campaign, with a tinge of desire to annoy the old-fashioned and closeminded officials, your prying eyes were more enamored by a certain man in the back clapping by the ballroom doors. You can’t help but act flustered whenever he witnessed you in a state of success and satisfaction.

This man went by the name Jeong Jaehyun, your trusted bodyguard since you were in your early twenties. 3 years later, he still stuck by your side and helped you endure all the darkness as a royal.

Back then, you went through a rebellious phase that was ruining the image of your family. Clubbing almost every night, drugs, skipping school, you even managed to get all assigned bodyguards to quit! The media ate up all your tricks, turning them into scandals. That was the plan, of course. You desired your own freedom from all the royal obligations because you didn’t ask to be born into that lifestyle. To all of your peers who wished to be in your footsteps, you would’ve impulsively passed your title to them. There’s so much deception that lies behind the glitz and glam of it all.

This unexpected change in your former untainted attitude came to the point that your father, the king himself, stepped in and personally assigned one of his men to get you in check. He figured that appointing a guard nearest your age may lessen the tension and mend you back together.

In the start, you absolutely despised him. There was no way to fool him when you were up to no good. He easily found your alcohol and drug stash which he disposed of on the spot and stood by your bedroom door every night so you wouldn’t sneak out past curfew (which your father also strictly implemented).

One big turning point in your relationship was when he rushed you to the royal hospital when you drank a cocktail that went unnoticeably spiked. To think that this was a typical social gathering with other royals and officials, you’re a constant target to many. You didn’t wake up for a few days, and the entire time, Jaehyun willingly stood by your bedside and outside your hospital room.

Since that and more instances your father insisted you get involved in royal affairs, you softened up. As cliché as it was, the more time spent with him, the more you knew about him and vice versa. He was the one that got you to fully open up about your grief towards your late mother, encouraging you to seek help. Turns out you weren’t as different as you thought despite your differing ranks in society when he also had a void for a missing parent. In his case, it was his father, who ditched his family for his mistress. Silently, you helped each other recover from your traumas alongside therapy. From dreading his presence, you started treating him more casually. Your father’s tactic of assigning a bodyguard around your age admittedly worked.

Oh, how time flies.

This campaign was the last thing on your weekend agenda, so you had the entire late afternoon and evening to yourself. Bowing one last time to the audience, you stepped down from the platform and accepted the soft hand of your bodyguard, who quickly made his way to you despite the flashing cameras. It was something he got used to as it is part of the job.

Once he successfully ushered you out of the ballroom, his hand still held yours. Nothing new, except this event was quite public and you didn’t want anyone to get any wrong ideas. Strolling down one of the many hallways in the palace became a pastime for the both of you, where no one can catch you. It was a safe haven within the destructive life of the Park kingdom.

“You did phenomenal as I expected, your highness.” Jaehyun complimented, recalling your panic the night before as the stage fright hit strong when you were reciting your speech to him over and over again.

“We are in private, Jaehyun. Must you really use those formalities with me?” You taunted, bobbing your head sideways mockingly. With him could you felt like a normal young adult, and you wouldn’t have it any other way. Jaehyun loved being frisky with you, catching you get irked up. And he was up to do it again.

“Hmm last time we strolled these halls, Yuta caught us making out after a successful meeting with the Prime Minister.”

You gasped at his statement, conscious of whoever may be in the vicinity. But before you could refute, your hand that was interlocked with his were mightily slammed against the white wall. You lost your breath for a moment, his warm body closely on yours. His free hand freely roamed up and down your covered waist. His lips were dangerously near your neck, where you’re sensitive. Your hips naturally grinded against him to release the pent-up tension.

“Something tells me you want to do it again, princess?” Now he’s just using your title as a pet name, but you couldn’t complain. It just hits differently when the situation was set up like this.

“I deserve it, don’t I? Got a lot of those hell-driven officials on my side for this round.” You raised both your brows cockily, licking your lips.

“Hell yeah, you do.” Finally, he rids of the tension and plants open kisses on your bare neck. Your throaty moans were uncontrollable, and you could care less.

“My princess,”

Kiss.

“So intelligent,”

Kiss.

“So benevolent,”

Kiss.

“So helpful,”

Kiss.

“But,” He changed his pace and direction, swollen lips near your ear.

“But?” You question naïvely. He scoffed, smirking at your antics of playing dumb.

“But a total slut for her bodyguard.” He dominantly planted his lips against yours, one of his veiny hands gripping on your waist and the other by the arch of your butt. He was hungry, needy even. Due to your shared schedules, it’s been a constant struggle to have proper alone time from the snooping eyes of Korean society. After all, it wasn’t in the norm for a princess to fall deep for her bodyguard. Nor were you sure you would be accepted by anyone. Yuta, the bodyguard of your oldest brother, the crowned prince Jinyoung, finding the both of you at that time was a total shock but didn’t care either.

All that mattered was that your feelings towards each other are real and strong. Accepted or not, you had each other.

All this lust put you in a daze, wanting much more than another smooch fest in the hallway. Tugging on his belt, he squeezed your butt tightly. You emitted a moan, which allowed his tongue access. No way could you keep your hands to yourself, touching his upper body and the flexing of his abdominal muscles from his button-up. You felt his now hard member poking through.

Analyzing your area, you were on the other side of the palace. Farther to your bedroom where numerous rendezvouses were made, one kink you’ve considered in the past amplified your mind. Considering this area was also the king’s side, and he was abroad for royal affairs, this was your chance.

“I have an idea, my love. You up for it?” You rose a brow at your lover, challenging him. Not one to overpower this man in bed, but always suggesting a way on how to spice it up.

“And what exactly does your feral brain want to do with me, princess?” His finger lifted your chin so you meet eye to eye. You can just see the fire still burning, and oh how you were ready to intensify it.

“The main ballroom, where my father and late mother’s throne rest, are a few doors away.” Your fingers signal him to lower his stance as his tall height was difficult to reach. With a sneaky smirk,

“Let me ride you in the king’s throne, my love.” Your lips brushed over his and sucked his bottom lip, tugging him by his belt. He groaned, squeezing your butt. “It’s a royal order.”  

“Nasty, your highness. Insanely nasty, you are.” His hands hoisted your waist, boosting you up in his arms. You gasped with profanities, ravenously cut off by his lips again. His nails digging deep in your bare thighs, your legs naturally linked themselves around his torso while your arms passionately intertwined his broad neck.

In between kisses, he carried you to the said main ballroom. One of your wildest imaginations, just a second away. This room remained to be the only place without any guards stationed technological advancements or updated interior designs to preserve its traditional beauty. Dated as far as the 19th century, only special events were held and the highest of the high were allowed inside. Spacious, surrounded by gold linings majestic paintings of angels from above with a huge crystal chandelier right above the center. Right ahead, the original thrones that your ancestors, grandparents, and parents sat on when they were throned in its pure glory.

Pushing your lover on the king’s throne, the gold sun-like rays plastered behind the headrest, he cockily leaned back and manspread his legs for comfort. He rubbed his hands before patting his thigh, waiting for your submission. But you weren’t going to give in just yet.

Not when you prepared a mini-show just for him underneath your designer silk dress.

Jaehyun’s solemn eyes marveled over your gorgeous figure as you stripped down one strap after the other. Due to its silk fabric, it effortlessly dropped down to your figure to reveal a new set of black lace lingerie from your previous trip to Paris. Ages ago, Jaehyun unhesitatingly ripped your favorite ones during his birthday, so you decided to get a mature version of it. A version where your bra lifted your breasts more and undies hiked up to your waist to elongate your legs. Only for the eyes of yourself and the man in front of you, establishing that you were a powerful woman who can be absolutely anyone she can be. Princess, a normal young adult, or his slut, it’s up to you how you see yourself.

Jaehyun mumbled all the profanities he could think of at the moment. Looking like a divine angel when the sun from outside shuns behind you, his slacks tightening so much more than a while ago.

“All this for me?” He ogled shamelessly, undoing the buttons of his dress shirt and untying his necktie. “What did I do to deserve such regal treatment?”

You sneered at his comment, stepping out your dress in your heels and stationing right in front of his luring lap. “You’ve always been there for me, thick and thin. I think you deserve a reward, don’t you think?”

Lowering yourself to straddle him, his breath hissed when your damp core collided with his crotch. Distracted and caught in your trap, “I don’t think you answered my question, my love.”

Rather than a verbal response, he roughly pulled you back in for a kiss. His hands scattered to explore from your back down to your waist. Your hands messily ran through his hair, tugging on some when your body got too sensitive to his wild touches. The thrilling sounds of the two of you drowning in your fiery romance bounced throughout the ballroom, not minding if anyone passed by the hallways outside. It was a private room after all, and whatever happens here, stays here.

Rolling on his crotch while his lips trailed down to your collarbones, the quick snap of your bra wires echoed. The tight lift lessened as Jaehyun’s fingers dropped the straps, unveiling your bare chest covered in his marks.

“Enough playing, princess. Let daddy have some real fun with you.”