#obligatory sorry for notebook lines and stuff

[igneouswyvern]

Trying to figure out how to draw this fellow

[pondering-apollo]

7, 14, & 17! (≖ᴗ≖✿)

I knew I could rely on you to give me the damn editing question 😩😂 YOU DID THIS TO YOURSELF.

7. How do you edit your fics? What do you look for in your edits?

Ha okay so editing might just be my favourite part of writing (is that weird?). I like to edit as I go, but that’s bad because it slows me down. I use Scrivener to write fics, so I can work on them on my computer and on my phone too (it’s so great for that!) and I tend to write chunks on the computer, and then later on, maybe in bed or like, if I’m waiting around somewhere, I bring stuff back up on my phone and comb through it. I find that letting things sit for a while works better, and also reading them in a different format or on a different device makes spotting mistakes or stuff that doesn’t work easier.

What do I look for? Well the usual spelling and grammar stuff (don’t talk to me about caps I’m trigger happy with it and sometimes I give up 🤣). Also though - how to explain … ? There are certain parts where I feel like a line needs to land just right, and it feels emotionally off if it doesn’t. I don’t know if that makes sense? But I’ll re-write a sentence over and over if it’s supposed to be an emotionally charged moment, until I feel like it hits or lands right. I have no idea if that makes sense but it does in my head so … there we go. I’m 100% an obsessive editor, it’s my Achilles heel and why I write like a 🐌.

14. What is something you wrote in a fic that you are hoping readers picked up on but you don’t know if they did? And/or, what is something that you were excited readers picked up on?

So in the first chapter of All the Queen’s Men, there are like a million and one little bits of foreshadowing that I’m praying will come to fruition okay later 🤞🏻 but I’ve had people pick up on some in the comments - like the significance of certain things - which was so satisfying. Also, someone in the comments of Crossing the Line knows who reader’s dad is 👀 which I thought was mega obvious and wouldn’t work as a twist but I’ve had no-one else mention it so …

17. Do you have any WIPs that you can tell us about? What are you most excited for in your WIP?

Chapter 2 of All the Queen’s Men is something I’m super excited for and is like, 80% done? This whole fic in general is just my baby but whether it will translate or is too self indulgent I have no idea. I’ve just spent quite a bit of time on the world building and backstories and it lives in my head rent free 24/7.

Crossing the Line has an upcoming event that I am SO excited to write and have been working towards for so long now. I feel like it’s an obligatory event in any canon fic like this really but when I say it’s time for some fluff and flirting and good times … 👀

In terms of unpublished stuff; so I’m still really keen to write Riptide (Levi x reader and Porco x reader - breakdown of a relationship, finding yourself again, infidelity, learning from mistakes and understanding when things are worth working on and when it’s really time to let go) for some real heavy angst, bittersweet-ness and steamy smut. But I also have a fic planned out in my drafts that I really wanna write which is, in a nutshell, you and your creative writing professor Levi Ackerman marooned on a tropical island with only his suitcase of clothes, a notebook and pile of poetry books to your names. Cue wearing Levi’s clothes, survival and soul searching (and obvs, once again, steamy smut).

Thank you @xokiddo I’m so sorry it’s my usual rambling mess 🤦🏼‍♀️

Ask me some fic writing questions!

[littleredroseonthevalley]

An Opera on Separation - Chapter 11

Prologue | Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch. 7 | Ch. 8 | Ch. 9 | Ch. 10 | CH. 11 | Ch. 12 | Ch. 13 | Ch. 14 | Ch. 15 | Ch. 16 | Ch. 17 | Ch. 18 |

Summary: We take a step back to Emily’s junior year. After a near-miss on what could be a serious car accident, the young reporter meets Nathan Sterling on a human-interest story. But is he as nice as he appears?

Rating: M -  Not suitable for children or teens below the age of 16 with non-explicit suggestive adult themes, references to some violence, or coarse language.

Mention of rape. Reader discretion is highly advised.

Words: 1587

Notes: Ahoy-hoy, readership. So, flashback chapters. I’m addicted to them, sue me. However, I do feel that I needed to write one (and my one, I mean some) to properly clarify what’s changed on this AU.

First things first, the accident never happens. Therefore, Nathan’s never ellected as president, since Sebastian said only tried and true inner-circle members are ever ellected.

Second, on the same line as first, Beau’s president of Alpha Theta Mu. As he is one sick little shit, he decides to deviate a little from the pranking tradition of the group. No poor-taste pranks in this one. Not sure which one’s worse.

Third, no life-ruining award. Since pranking is no longer ATM’s focus, there is no longer a point of having that contest for ruining Emily’s life, and as consequence, no pranks on the suitemates. That do not mean they’ll have a sunshine-and-rainbows year.

But you’ll see that in time. For now, enjoy.

How Do You Do?

Emily and her friends were overjoyed. They had, just that afternoon, convinced Hartfeld’s City Council to declare their house an historical landmark, defeating Dorian Delacroix’s big talk and big money.

They hosted a party to celebrate their success at the old house. The last, since they would have to move out come Summer. A few minutes after midnight, they had decided to go over to a nice pizza place the next town over.

“Hey, Tyler!” Chris shouts from the living room, as they were putting on coats to take on the off-season cold weather outside. “Can I ride with you guys? I wanted to talk to you about some stuff for the student council.”

“Sorry, Chris!” Emily responds from the doorway. “I’m already riding with them. Your business talk will have to wait.”

He smirked and said: “No prob. Tomorrow’s probably better anyways.”

“C’mon, there’s a spot on my car.” Zack said, pulling the jock over to his vehicle.

The redhead, the Asian boy and his girlfriend walked over to the car and jumped in.

“Sorry if it’s a little cramped.” He apologizes to the redhead. “I’ve been meaning to clean up the car but never seem to get around to do it.”

“No sweat.” She dismissed and talked amenities with Abbie.

A few minutes into their journey, Tyler stops at a traffic light. It was red for him, and so they waited patiently. When it turned green, he slowly lifted his foot from the gearing pedal and placed it on the gas pedal.

The young man was still a novice driver, so he was very cautious not to let the engine choke. Unlucky him having a manual shifting gear.

As they take off, a brilliant, white light hit them on the face. Emily screams desperately, while Tyler hit the breaks hard. All Abbie could do was instinctively trying to protect herself by placing her hands over her eyes.

The car spun around and around its own axis for what seems a lifetime, before hitting its trunk on a pole on the other side of the street.

For a second, everything is still and silent. Emily wonders if she died or lost her conscience. She was afraid to speak, or to move. If she stood exactly at that spot, she could pretend nothing happen.

But the soft peace was soon broken by the wailing cries of Abbie. Soon, her world was flooded with her friends and passersby shouting and calling names and telling them to be calm.

Hours later, at the hospital, the doctors told them they had sustained only but a few light injuries and that they were very lucky, indeed.

Emily couldn’t help but feel she had saved herself from a terrible, terrible fate, indeed.

A few weeks into the new school year, Reyna, the campus newspaper editor, had requested of Emily a story on the charitable work of Alpha Theta Mu, a traditional Greek life organization at Hartfeld. The redhead, herself, had never heard of them, but the other girl had made clear they were big on campus.

Emily had the distinct impression they were big enough to buy a space on their next issue, but she wasn’t about to expose her friend like that. Besides, the piece seemed easy enough, belonging on the variety section and all.

Not expecting much of it, she walked over to the ATM clubhouse and gingerly knocked on the door. A few seconds later and a tall, muscular, blond man answers with a welcoming smile.

“Hello, welcome to Alpha Theta Mu!” He said, cheerful. “I’m Nathan Sterling, the vice-president of this fratority, and you’re Emily Harper, right?”

The guy had done some research. “Yes, that’s right. So nice to meet you.” She smiled and shook his hand.

“Please, come in.” He let her inside and shut the door. “I am sorry for the mess. We hosted a party last night and things got a little out of hand. Would you like to talk over lunch? I’m having lobster.”

“Oh, no, I don’t eat lobster.” The girl responds, a little unnerved with the thought. “I couldn’t do that to Gerald.”

“Gerald?” He narrows his eyes in confusion.

“My pet lobster.” She provides. “And, anyways, I already ate, thank you very much.”

“I’ve never heard of someone who kept a lobster for a pet.” Laughing, he insists: “How about dessert, then? You can’t say no to tiramisu.”

“Something sweet does sound appetizing, thank you.” The redhead says and follows the guy into the dining room. Between bites of the heavenly dessert, she continues: “Pardon my bluntness, but where’s Beau Han? I’ve been told I’d interview him.”

“Oh, the president will not be available for today’s interview. We were hoping you could interview me, instead.” He shot a charming smile, and the girl found herself smiling back.

“Well, if you don’t mind, I don’t, either.” She responds and picks up her small notebook. “May we start with the questions?”

“By all means.” He motioned for her to go on.

She clicked her pen. “First, I need your full name and position.”

“I have much too many middle names, you may credit to Nathan Sterling, Vice-President of Alpha Theta Mu.” He shot her a winning smile.

“You’re the boss.” She nods. “How long have you been a part of ATM?”

“Most of our pledges are sophomore. I was no exception.” The boy recapitulated his career at the fratority in his mind. “It’s been a year last September.”

“Oh, it hasn’t been long!” She responded, surprised. “All other fraternities’ presidents I know have two or three years of enrollment.”

“Here at ATM we prefer juniors at the leading positions.” The blond explains. “College experience and available time. It greatly increases the odds of finding the perfect candidate, don’t you think?”

They glossed over the commonplace questions on such a story, like overall history, motivation for community service, enrollment and their plans for the year.

After the meal, Nathan offered a tour through the clubhouse, which Emily heartily agreed. The place was awfully empty, the other Alphas were at classes or other commitments, according to the blond man.

Regardless, she was amazed with the lavishness of the clubhouse. Every room was carefully designed and decorated, not to mention spacious and luxurious. Not at all what one could expect out of a dorm for college students.

“Do you all live here?” She questions, rather suddenly.

The fair-haired shook his head. “No, most of us, myself included, live at the dorms or off-campus. There’s not enough rooms for us all, and between you and me, it’s relieving knowing that, by the end of the day, I’m going back to my place and be alone for a while.”

“I know what you mean.” Emily responds, with the obligatory smile and nod. “I mean, not exactly, I always had a ton of roommates, but I can imagine how comforting ‘me time’ can be.”

“You got roommates? Anyone I might know personally?” He inquires, his eyes glinting in curiosity.

“Probably. I live with two people, Zack and Becca.” She provides. “Becca’s the former president of Kappa Phi Sigma, and Zack is working with Connecticut Historical Society on the restauration of a number of old buildings in the city.”

“Becca? As in Rebecca Davenport?” Nathan asks, and upon confirmation he laughs. “We’re acquainted. Her father and mine were Alphas together back in the day. I assume she’s still… opinionated?”

“Becca’s a tough cookie to crack, I give you that.” The redhead agrees, nodding and giggling. “But she’s a great friend to have, after you get over all the brashness.”

“I’ll take your word for it. After she pushed me off a toy horse on our elementary school’s playground back on first grade, I just accepted I’d remain on her bad side forever.” He shrugs off the memory.

They continue the tour through the house, talking amicably.

The Sun shone through the window on a Spring Monday morning at Emily’s bedroom.

It was her final month as a junior, and waking every morning felt like a blessing to the young redhead. Her English major classes have been a treat all year, her newspaper gig was going great too. She had two best friends she cherished very much and who lived with her on a nice apartment on the right side of town.

And, last but certainly not least, she had a handsome, charismatic and nice boyfriend whom she loved and was loved in return. Nathan was certainly everything anyone could ask out of a boyfriend, being comprehensive, attentive and so good in bed.

There was no reason why Emily wouldn’t wake up every day smiling.

While she was brushing her teeth to get ready for yet another day, a screech alarmed her. “Emily! Zack! Come to the living room right now!” Becca shouted.

Having the blonde screaming was nothing new, but that morning, the call was less bossy and more distressed, what motivated them to immediate response.

Over there, Becca stood impassively in the middle of the room, eyes fixated on the television and hand over her mouth.

“Becca!” Zack asks, concerned. “What happened? Are you okay?”

Speechlessly, she points over to the television, where the reporter spoke live from the Alpha Theta Mu clubhouse. The newscast was already finishing the piece, but the lead message on the bottom of the screen was ominous enough.

“Sex scandal hits Greek Life organization.”

“They raped Claire.” Becca manages to let out. “They raped her and then they bashed her head against the floor.”

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An Opera on Separation - Masterlist