#plot related art??? with backgrounds??? and character interaction????

[red-dyed-sarumane]

imagine the oc art i could do if they kept my attention the way that song series does. it wont happen but like can u imagine

[hexhomos]

S2 mega spoiler asks/answers. don't click readmore if you're avoiding it.

That entire thing really did not land for me and took me extremely out of the episode ngl. The way it is framed and later on referenced on warwick's delusion flashbacks (IN MY OPINION) seemed to suggest that their mom was embroiled in an unrequited love triangle with these two and i could feel my brain leaking out of my ears because, to get back to a previously mentioned problem; it makes the world feel really, really limited. Like there's 10 real people surrounded by a population of NPCs. The idea of silco/vander as singlehandedly responsible for a 'revolution' that has no lineage beyond themselves is already laughable but?? they frame it as if vander could legit have been vi's dad?? he picks the name?? and that he is maybe seething in rage at silco because he was the reason she died??? huh? whuh? what in all of the wattpad fanfiction. not to mention... it makes silco constant attempts to kill vi in s1 seem contradictory and nonsensical. His motivations???????????

In some ways.. it is still resource exploitation now but Worse and in a time-ticking bomb sort of way that absolutely breaks the idea of Piltover using hextech for decades at a time. Im curious to see if that will be referenced in game content now bc it legitimately has shattered the timeline. I think its once again unnecessary and sacrifices a lot of good stuff for mid hand-wringing. But yeah. P/Z as presented in arcane has had so much personality sapped out of it. a whole roster of characters who might get completely rebooted for no good reason.

stole his whole flow. Disgraceful.

TBH i wouldn't really worry about this because i think if anyone is getting a new sex scene its going to be cait/vi makeup or hatesex. Sky is a plot convenience; her existence for the show's entire runtime is an accessory that they couldn't even bother fleshing out. The definition of the not-gays.

My reasoning is that if they were going to do any of that we would have already seen her do these things, more things, in the scenes she already appears in; but as always she is a static 3D model lounging in the background. (Related: this might be because she is Literally Not Real and the hexcore is just making up a faint mimicry who can only say 1 word.) Their time budget is really messy this season and i just don't see them wasting More time like that. They don't care for sky. never did! She's just a way to avoid letting viktor be an ideologue glorious evolutionist.

We already know internally some of the animators & art team like jayvik & there's even a few for-fun outside of the company interviews w/ crew expressing a preference to jv on a personal level ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ the more the script tries to push it as nonromantic the more coded these scenes get. In terms of actual interaction i think a lot is going to depend on whatever the hell happens in episode 6 because their screentime is REALLY low and im unsure act3 can pull off another timeskip. So much left dangling.

IDGAF about meljay and i've never cared about meljay i think it is the culpirit of not-gays #1 so its hilarious how that shit literally didn't matter. The entire noxus storyline is a can of worms i would have thrown in the garbage and have no interest in. Still, in realistic terms, there is a 50/50 chance this season ends with jayce married 2 kids 1 dog 1/2 parrot moving out to noxus and saying 'heh, i never liked piltover anyway' and they'll play it like we're supposed to clap because nothing matters

if i was in charge we'd get full frontal jayvik stigmata scissoring write that down. I still hope if we can manifest 1 thing it is a good fight scene with some choking on it

[everrainrp]

𝚎⃨𝚟⃨𝚎⃨𝚛⃨ 𝚛⃨𝚊⃨𝚒⃨𝚗⃨

"The rain here is ceaseless, but it is essential for our way of life. For all of our lives."

"It's just an early coldsnap, it's nothing to worry over."

"I'm not worried about the coldsnap directly. The fish are becoming less and less numerous as this 'coldsnap' drags on. Our stores are running low, we haven't been able to catch enough to feed ourselves and still have some to preserve for leafbare!"

"Our stores can't be looking that dire... Are they?"

"I'll put it this way for you; our stores won't last us to the first snowfall at this rate."

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

Welcome to Ever Rain, an upcoming discord based WC inspired roleplay server, where we follow the lives and legacies of five Clans that inhabit the uppermost temperate rainforests of North America.

Ever Rain is a partial sandbox roleplay, encouraging members to create their own plotlines that have effects on the world around them, while maintaining story arcs in the background that add depth and shape to the world of Ever Rain that players can interact with, fully being able to immerse themselves.

What Does Ever Rain Offer:

A welcoming and comfortable environment for all. Ever Rain is LGBTQ and Native run, and takes great measures to ensure the safety and comfort of its member base.

A partial open world setting that allows for primarily character and player driven plots to take the stage, complimented by an overarching story arc that will allow players to further interact with the world as it changes.

An 18+ (SFW) environment. There will likely be a two months grace period for those about to turn 18, however this will be monitored very closely to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone involved.

Flexible but realistic character creation with the option to fully utilize real cat genetics for kit litters.

Flexible and relaxed activity requirements.

Relaxed Application process that does not require you to have a fully realized character to join (sans HR Applications when they open), nor expects you to be perfect in your writing.

A literate server that requires at least five lines of writing per post.

QOTD both for you and your characters!

Daily and Weekly optional prompts that relate to any current story arc that can be the basis for threads, solo writing, or art.

Dynamic Clans with their own history, beliefs and cultures as they have grown to adapt to their environments.

Clan events and server wide events such as festivals that allow for more inter Clan interactions outside of Gatherings!

Generalized weather and Clan unique news that change at the start of each week.

And more!

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

HOME | GUIDELINES | CHARACTER CREATION | EXTRAS | LORE | STAFF APPLICATIONS (CLOSED) | CHARACTER APPLICATIONS (THORNRUSH OPEN) | WEBSITE | PREFIX REGISTERY

[banner art by me!]

[writing-with-sophia]

I usually find myself using the same range of ages in my stories (young adults, teens), and just plotting a crime story, I realized how unrealistic it was to have almost every single character in early stages of adulthood, especially the team researching the case. Of course I have in mind a lack of experience in certain things for them and stuff but it's pretty hard for me to do older or much younger characters idk why 😭 what would u recommend? Is it somehow bad not to have a variety of ages or making it less realistic? It makes me feel like I'm doing a teen novel, sry for my english and uh ty <3

How to include a broader spectrum of ages in stories

Well, in fact, it's not necessarily bad to focus on a specific age range in your stories, as long as it serves the narrative and the themes you want to explore. If you find it difficult to write for a wide range of ages, you can certainly focus on teenagers. A story about young detectives can also be engaging and exciting, right? But if you want to incorporate a variety of ages to add depth and richness to your story, here are a few suggestions to help you:

Tip 1: Develop characters

Create well-rounded characters of different ages, each with their own distinct personalities, perspectives, and life experiences. Develop their backstories, motivations, and goals in a way that reflects the impact of their age on their thoughts and actions.

Then, explore how age can influence characters' motivations, goals, and challenges. Older characters may bring wisdom, life experiences, and a different perspective, while younger characters may have a sense of idealism, curiosity, and growth potential. By considering age-related motivations, you can create more dynamic and believable characters.

Tip 2: Build relationships for characters

At different ages, people develop various types of relationships. For example, a 16-year-old girl may have relationships with peers, teachers, and family members, while an adult man may have relationships with family, coworkers, and friends in social settings.

Relationships between older mentors and younger proteges, or clashes between generations, can add depth and conflict to your story. These interactions can also provide opportunities for growth and learning for your characters.

Tip 3: Pay attention to characters' dialogue and language

The vocabulary, tone, and communication styles of characters from different age groups are different. Younger characters may use contemporary slang or have a more informal way of speaking, while older characters may have a more formal or seasoned approach. You can observe closely how the elders around you communicate and make notes in a notebook.

Tip 4: Research

If you find it challenging to write characters of different ages, consider conducting research or seeking firsthand experiences from people of those age groups. As mentioned above, you can make a small notebook to record the words, actions and behaviors of people around you in certain situations. Reality is always a great source of information if you know how to take advantage of it.

Tip 5: Beta and feedback

You can share your work with beta readers or writing groups that include individuals from various age groups. Their feedback can offer valuable insights and help you refine the portrayal of different age groups in your story.

Remember, storytelling is an art, and there are no set rules. Ultimately, it's about finding a balance that aligns with your creative vision while ensuring your story resonates with a diverse audience. Embracing a variety of ages can add depth and realism to your stories, expanding the scope of your narratives and making them more relatable to readers of different backgrounds and experiences.

[jesncin]

Have you read/heard of the two DC Graphic novels, Galaxy: The Prettiest Star and Bad Dream: a Dreamer Story? (PS: If DC ever let you 2 do a graphic novel I would probably buy a million copies and never shut up about it adhksks)

I have heard of both Galaxy: The Prettiest Star (because Lunar Boy's been compared to it!) and Bad Dream: a Dreamer's Story (because Lunar Boy was on a Queer Books To Read in 2024 list with it!) and I'd love to read both!

Oh man!! Their MG/YA graphic novel imprint is so interesting to me, and probably the best fit for my writing and art style. I'm still probably not an exact match for DC overall but if I were to pitch something to that line (if you'll entertain me being a pitch salesman for a moment!):

I know people probably want me to do a Superman & Lois graphic novel, but with Smashes the Klan and Girl Taking Over, I'm sure Lois Liando would be a hard sell as it is! Not a bad thing, since both graphic novels are already excellent with great creatives attached!

Supersons MG graphic novel that focuses on both boys struggling with school life as a background supervillain plot looms. There's already a Supersons (behated) graphic novel so I'm sure I wouldn't be given this but I'd love a Supersons story that focuses on slice of life more, especially exploring both Damian and Jon's backgrounds as kids of the diaspora.

MARTIAN MANHUNTER MG/YA graphic novel give me either MG or YA I'm flexible!! If I'm not trusted with big-name characters, give me the obscure blorbo. Smashes the Klan committed to the portrayal of Superman as an immigrant, I want a graphic novel that portrays J'onn and Ma'al as first gen immigrants too! But unlike Superman, they don't pass as human and have far more othering alien customs. I can either give the twins space adventures or culture shock adventures on Earth. All while they're hunted by some martian bounty hunter! Would love to team up with a Black deaf creative for this. Martian deserves a good book,,,

Conner Superboy YA graphic novel ! Re-contextualize the 90s run's themes of superhero child celebrity shenanigans into a contemporary context that teens can relate to. Influencer culture, the way identities are sectioned off and commodified in the capitalism machine, Livewire as the reactionary villain with her own youtube channel/podcast, Conner going to school and NOT getting yanked out of it constantly! So much potential to refresh his cast for the modern age. Would also love to team up with a Black creative for this!!

Stay with me. John Constantine MG graphic novel. I know there's already a YA graphic novel (that isn't particularly beloved) but listen. Send young 12 year old Constantine to a haunted boarding school with an occult conspiracy mystery at the center of it. Imagine the vibes of Gotham Academy with the energy of Goosebumps meets the tone of Series of Unfortunate Events. Who is the golden child who haunts Constantine?? What is this mysterious backstory he has?? How will he upset his newfound school friends this time?? It's tragic you should look away,,,look away,,,

SO IF ANY OF THOSE SOUND INTERESTING, DC, HIT ME UP lmao. I'm often told "DC should pick you guys up" and that's always flattering! I have complicated feelings about what it would mean as a fanartist to get picked up, and the possible red tape that means for me interacting with fandom (that I've grown to love), but hey. We can have fun and imagine an Elseworld where I got picked up!

[asklarryjohnsonofficial]

It's a gloomy, chilly day in the rural town of Nockfell. In a rotting apartment building, Larry and his mother Lisa spend their days in the humid basement unit. After abandoning their old house, Lisa rents their apartment for free with her maintenance job, and Larry loses himself in weed and art. They're doing their best to make the most of every day, but something's not right with the town, and a bad feeling creeps into the bones like mold...

Welcome to the blog.

Ask guidelines:

This is a plot-based art & ask blog with some alternated details of the universe. This includes birthdays, "canon" events, queer identities, disabilities, backgrounds, etc. Don't assume everything will follow canon. Reasonable questions about these details are (obviously) encouraged.

A general approach I suggest is doing some subtle detective work with your asks. But anything at all is welcome and fun to draw. Don't stress about it, or try to force anything.

For the sake of staying in character, please limit displays of affection and gift asks. This is a roleplay, mod takes good care of Larry I promise.

16+ is suggested for the topics of this blog. Absolutely no suggestive or NSFW asks or dms. They will not be answered.

Interactions and short roleplays with character blogs are always welcome. There's no limit to these, and they don't need to be related to this blog's plotline.

Other reblogs will not usually be responded to, and please limit dms in general if you are not also 18+.

Other characters in this blog's universe are fleshed out and you may see them go through some development themselves. This is to help you fit into the world if you want to casually roleplay, and to set up future ask events.

Keep in mind that Larry will respond in character, which means that you may not get the answer you expect. No one is mad at you or hurt in real life if the character responds negatively.

Also please note that I have major critiques of Sally Face as a game and don't support Steve Gabry. This doesn't necessarily affect the art I post here, but some of the AU differences here come from that haha.

Mod also takes doodle commissions to make getting by on a fixed income a little easier. $5-15, dm for details

All prices are in USD. Payment options are paypal.me/circuitry and cashapp $terror1978.

Lastly:

I wish I could explain what the poetry means, but Larry won't tell me.

[merakiui]

Are there any mangas or anime you really enjoy?

Yes!!! :D here are just a few I especially love:

✧ Summertime Render - I LOVE THIS ANIME/MANGA OMG...... I cannot hype it enough. The plot and its twists had me at the edge of my seat throughout. All of the characters have such strong personalities, the villains are really well done, the mystery and action are executed wonderfully, the pacing is great, the setting is amazing, the ost scratches my brain!!! In short, everything about this series is 10/10 for me.

✧ Great Pretender - another series I love to pieces! The backgrounds are so aesthetically pleasing,,, uuuwaaaa. The characters are so memorable, and the plots for each individual con are amazing. I'm left breathless every time because somehow the stakes just keep raising. It's so good!!!!! The opening song is also such a banger?!?!!??!! orz I could listen to it forever.

✧ THEO by Aono Nachi - it's such a cute BL. 🥺 I loved the dynamic between Theo and Rei. Maybe it's because I'm weak to master-servant dynamics, but then I also like how emotional their romance is and how stubborn Rei is. It was really wonderful!!

✧ Marriage to the Wolf by Inui Hana - another lovely BL!! I adored the dynamic between Kaede and Ren. The way they couldn't stand each other in the beginning..... slowly growing closer and softening to each other. The way they're both doing things out of obligation at first because it's an arranged marriage and the fact that Ren is holding back for Kaede's sake...... THEIR BANTER!!!!!! orz orz

✧ Devilman Crybaby (the netflix adaptation) - THIS SHOW. It hurts me every time I watch it. The ost is a banger, the art style is amazing, the way I cried ugly the first time I watched it. The "why am I the only one speaking, Akira?" haunts me to this day. I highly recommend it.

✧ ODDTAXI - the plot and the twist omg!!!!!! And the mystery!!!!! I may be biased because Riddle's VA voices Odokawa and I love anything that Natsuki Hanae does!! His work is always outstanding. The opening is also another banger. I can't say much without spoiling something major, but I highly recommend this anime. It's definitely worth the watch!!!

✧ The Disastrous Life of Saiki K - Saiki K my beloved. It always manages to make me laugh. I love Saiki's character. He's so funny, as is the rest of the cast. Kaidou never fails to make me laugh, especially in the dub. He's so silly. I think about "drowning in inch-deep water isn't easy" every day LOL.

✧ Romantic Killer - AAAAA I LOVED THIS SHOW!!!!! Maybe it's because Anzu is such a relatable female lead to me (but also because Riddle and Leona's VAs voice two of the main love interests hehe). It's so fun! It also handles the serious aspects of its plot really well. I loved Anzu's dynamic with Riri.

✧ Death is the Only Ending for the Villainess - it's been a moment since I've caught up with this manhwa, but I love it!!! The characters are all really striking. Most of all, I really like Penelope's character!!! <3 she's such a strong female lead. I like her interactions with all of the characters.

✧ Toilet-bound Hanako-kun - this manga is everything to me!!!! I absolutely adore the plot and its characters. Hanako and Yashiro's dynamic is really cute. :D I forgot what chapter I left off on, but I remember it left me in shambles. T^T

[ivynivekgames]

Here's something Sorely Kneaded :3c (Sorely Kneaded Update Announcement)

Heads up, this is gonna be a MEATY post! (This is making up for all the time of I've been so quiet).

It has been… checks watch okay, over a year since the original [猫はかわいい (kitties are cute)] demo dropped, wowza! Well, I got a couple of things I wanna mention and talk about, and about the future of this project (ALL OF WHICH ARE IMPORTANT)! I've been pretty quiet on saying anything update-wise, but there's a good reason for that… But first, some context!

Now, when I started work on this, I wasn't sure about what direction to take this. I just kinda winged it and hoped for the best, but as I was writing up ideas and where to take the project in the background--the scope has been getting bigger... And the original ideas I had for the time being just weren't holding up. My ability as a writer has majorly improved throughout this (2024) year (I applied myself, tee-hee).

On top of becoming a better writer and getting a more concrete vision of where to take the game, a new musician has joined in helping with the game's soundtrack (an aspect I was woefully fearful of). Their music will be replacing the old (though there may be a track or two that will be kept from the previous composer, seeing as they're essentially... Perfect). The new sound is a lot more fitting in terms of atmosphere and energy.

Art wise, it is still handled by me, but some of the workload is being taken care of by some good, talented friends that are willing to help make this project come to fruition, they too, have been gaining a better understanding of the artstyle that fits the game best. On my end, I've been getting even better at utilising the hard work that has been handed to me and having it make the most impact.

All things considered, I've realised that with so much improvement on the side of production, the earlier parts of the game would have to reflect my new standard going forward (namely The Void and Emerland). The original story is ill-fitting and its concepts too derivative (and anything original is ill-explored) and tone is mixed.

Hence, I am happy to the Sorely Kneaded update. A total reimagining of the CatJam's vertical slice. With half a year of development already, Sorely Kneaded will aim to show my vision and standard quality for the project going forward.

This update is not an earth shattering or thoroughly exhausting endeavour in the sense of scope, rather, it's a showcase of something much closer to what the final game will be. In the update you'll find:

Remastered graphics of assets that were originally sub-par in quality.

New soundtrack and sound design, more fitting for the game's vibes and vision.

New content, more secrets, etc.

A much more balanced gameplay experience, with more interesting dungeons to navigate and more focus on narrative decisions (though the game will still only have one ending).

Greater focus on characters and their interactions, this is a character-driven game, after all. ;)

And finally, a much more fleshed out story and lore, completely abandoning the original "Hell" related plot. Frankly, even the original game barely attached itself to Christian canon, so I feel this was the right choice.

My goal with this project has always been to make a fun and genuine experience that comes from the heart. I have a vision and ideas I want to show to anyone that's interested, and I couldn't bear the idea that I'd somehow deliver it in a shoddy state.

I want to direct you all away from hell, and welcome all of you to the World of Mu, a place where magic flows like air and one only truly dies when their soul fades...

The update will drop when it's done, currently: The Void is in a near-complete state and Emerland will begin development shortly. I will make a follow-up announcement for when it's released, beyond that--hold tight!

Potential questions:

Q: How big will this update be? A: It will likely be bigger than the original demo, I project about 3~ish hours out of it on an average playthrough (the early parts are fairly story heavy).

Q: How will the new music fare compared to the original? A: The new music will be rad! Er... I mean, it's gonna be AWESOM- okay no. It will service the game's atmosphere and tone much better. You'll just have to like, listen, dude.

Q: How good will the new graphics be, compared to the original? A: It's nothing earth shattering, the art will merely be "spruced up" since I want the graphics to maintain a "soulful" look. I have a vision... Q: Any content being removed? A: Yes. As previously said, all the music will be getting replaced, along with the old sound effects. Story elements will be cut in favour of new ones. You may have liked some old concepts or ideas, but I promise that what's new will more than make up for that!

Q: Will the old [Kitties are Cute] save file work with Sorely Kneaded? A: 99% sure it will not (can never be too sure), disregarding that. I put so much effort into making this new stuff, you GOTTA play it, dude!

Q: What will happen to the old demo? A: It'll be left on the page, available for download. I think it's good to leave it archived as a way to show how far the project has come.

PS: The page will be update when the update is out.

Credits:

Director, Writer, Designer, Programmer: Ivy Nivek

Music and Sound Design: @witchscadence, Ivy Nivek

Art: Guck, Split, Spoop, Ivy Nivek

Want to make developing this easier? Throw me some change: https://ko-fi.com/ivynivek

[poweroftwelve]

Welcome to Power of Twelve!

Power of Twelve began over five years ago as a rewrite of the Power of Three and Omen of the Stars series of the Warrior Cats books. Over that time it has garnered hundreds of fans who engaged with the work and continued to delve deeper into its concept. It was a simple question.

What if every clan had cats with the power of the stars in their paws?

What began as something small became something so much bigger. The scope of Power of Twelve was daunting, and yet fueled by a passion and love for these characters, my goal is to bring that story to life in a format that brings art and writing together to help it shine.

My name is Knot, and I'm a 23 year old cis woman who uses she/her pronouns. I have been reading Warrior Cats since I was 9 years old, and this is my dream and goal - to share the story of Power of Twelve through every arc.

My main blog is @notwarriorswiki where I do art and chat about cats. You can also find spoilers for this AU/Rewrite there. My main blog is @kestrelwing where I do my reblogs and replies. It's a lot of different fandoms there, not just Warrior Cats.

As a quick note:

I am never bothered by "Like Spam". Like as much as you want. It's engagement and that makes me happy!

I love Asks, so don't be afraid to send them. Feel free to use the Anon function, as I get it can be a bit daunting. I'll try to answer as many asks as I can.

I love seeing tags and replies in a post, whether that be reblogs or general chatter. That's never a bother.

Changes within this rewrite include:

Fixing the Family Tree in many areas to avoid pairings that are a bit too related for comfort.

Expanding on the familial bonds between cats. For instance, Graystripe and Willowpelt will interact as mother/son, and therefore also Graystripe and Darkstripe will interact as brothers.

Expanding clan culture, differentiating the clans, and showcasing new roles cats can aspire to be within their clan.

Greater focus on character arcs, and changing much of the narratives themes to address problematic elements.

Large overhaul of the plot, especially in Po3/OotS.

As time goes on, a Master Post will be made compiling information to make things more accessible for newcomers. However, if you've never heard of Power of Twelve before now, you're just fine. This series will be designed so that anyone, Warrior Cats fan or not, can jump in and read along without background knowledge.

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy Power of Twelve.

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Mastering the Art of Historical Fiction: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a historical novel can be an intimidating prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little research and the right approach, you can create a captivating story set in the past. In this blog post, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to write a historical fiction novel that will captivate your audience. I’ll cover everything from researching your setting to creating realistic characters and crafting an engaging plot. With these tools, you’ll be able to write a great historical fiction novel with ease.

Do your research

If you're writing a historical fiction novel, the importance of research cannot be overstated. To create a believable and immersive story that transports readers back in time, you need to have a solid understanding of the historical period in which your novel is set. This means doing thorough research into the customs, beliefs, events, and people of the era, and using that information to inform your writing.

Research can take many forms. You can read books, watch documentaries, visit museums and historical sites, and interview experts or even read biographies on people who have lived through the time period you're writing about. Use your research to develop a comprehensive understanding of the historical context, and use that understanding to inform your characters, plot, and setting.

But remember: historical fiction is not the same as a history book. Your novel is a work of fiction, which means you have some flexibility when it comes to the facts. However, you still need to ensure that your novel is grounded in historical reality. This means being accurate with details such as language, clothing, and technology. Be aware of anachronisms (an event, person, or object occurring or existing at a different time from the time in history) and avoid them at all costs. Ultimately, research is the foundation of any good historical fiction novel. It helps you build a compelling story that rings true to the period, and allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the world you've created. So, before you start writing, do your research. Trust me – it's worth the time and effort.

Create believable characters

When it comes to writing historical fiction, it's essential to create characters that are believable and relatable. Readers should feel like they're stepping back in time with your characters and experiencing their lives firsthand. To accomplish this, here are some tips on how to create believable characters for your novel:

Research: Start by researching the time period your story is set in. Understand the social, political, and economic factors that would have influenced your characters' lives. This will help you create characters that feel authentic and true to their time.

Character Traits: Give your characters specific personality traits and quirks that make them unique. Consider their background, upbringing, and experiences. All of these factors would have shaped who they are as people.

Dialogue: Ensure that your characters' dialogue is consistent with their time period and social status. You don't want to create anachronisms that take readers out of the story.

Relationships: Consider how your characters interact with each other. Relationships would have been influenced by the social norms and expectations of the time.

Backstory: Give your characters a backstory that informs their actions and decisions throughout the novel. This will help readers understand their motivations and empathize with their struggles. Creating believable characters is essential for any novel, but especially so for historical fiction. By taking the time to research, develop personalities, create authentic dialogue, establish relationships, and give a backstory, you'll be able to create characters that will resonate with readers and bring your story to life.

Build a convincing setting

When it comes to historical fiction novels, setting is a key component in transporting readers to a different time and place. A convincing and accurate setting can make all the difference in immersing readers in the story and allowing them to truly experience the time period in which your novel takes place. To build a convincing setting in your historical fiction novel, consider the following tips:

Research the time period: Before you begin writing, research the time period in which your novel is set. Understand the customs, dress, architecture, and other details that will help you build a vivid and authentic setting.

Use sensory language: Incorporate sensory details that evoke the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the time period. This will help readers feel as though they are truly in the setting.

Utilize primary sources: Whenever possible, draw on primary sources such as diaries, letters, and other historical documents to build your setting. This will add a layer of authenticity to your novel.

Avoid anachronisms: Be careful to avoid anachronisms – or things that are historically inaccurate or out of place in your setting. This can be a challenge, but it’s important to avoid language, technology, or cultural references that wouldn’t have existed during the time period.

Consider the social and political climate: Your setting should also reflect the social and political climate of the time period. Consider the major events and issues that impacted people’s lives, and incorporate them into your novel’s setting.

By taking the time to build a convincing and authentic setting, you can transport your readers to another time and place, and create a truly immersive experience for them. So, research, incorporate sensory language, use primary sources, avoid anachronisms, and consider the social and political climate of your time period – and watch as your novel’s setting comes to life on the page.

Write credible dialogue

Dialogue is an essential component of any good novel, and it's no different for historical fiction. But how can you write dialogue that is both authentic to the time period and relatable to modern readers? Here are some tips:

Research: Before you start writing dialogue, make sure you have a good understanding of the language and expressions used during the time period your story is set in. Read letters, diaries, and other written works from that era to get a sense of how people spoke.

Avoid anachronisms: Be careful not to use words or expressions that weren't in use at the time. For example, if your story is set in the 1800s, don't have characters say things like "awesome" or "dude".

Balance accuracy with readability: While it's important to be accurate, you also don't want your dialogue to be so dense with historical language that it's hard for modern readers to follow. Strike a balance between authenticity and readability.

Consider dialect and social status: Different characters may have different dialects or accents based on their background and social status. Keep this in mind when writing dialogue, but be careful not to rely too heavily on stereotypes.

Use subtext: Dialogue can be a great way to reveal character motivations and conflicts. Use subtext to show what characters are really thinking and feeling, rather than spelling it out explicitly. By following these tips, you can write dialogue that feels true to the time period while still engaging modern readers. Remember, historical fiction is all about transporting readers to another time and place, and well-crafted dialogue can be a powerful tool in accomplishing that goal.

Nail the details

As a historical fiction writer, it is crucial to get the details right. Your readers are counting on you to transport them to another time and place, and to do that, you need to paint a picture that is as accurate as it is engaging. Here are some tips on how to nail the details in your historical fiction novel.

Double-check your facts. It's not enough to simply Google a few things and call it a day. You need to be thorough in your research and make sure that every detail you include in your novel is historically accurate. This might mean spending hours poring over historical documents or consulting with experts in the field. Whatever it takes, make sure you get your facts straight.

Use sensory details to bring your setting to life. One of the joys of reading historical fiction is being transported to another time and place. Use your creative writing skills to describe the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of your setting in vivid detail. This will help your readers feel like they are truly living in the past.

Incorporate historical figures and events. While you don't want to turn your novel into a dry history lesson, incorporating real historical figures and events can help make your story feel more authentic. Just be sure to stay true to the facts and avoid taking too many liberties with the details.

Watch your language. Language can be a tricky thing when it comes to historical fiction. On the one hand, you want your dialogue to sound authentic to the time period you're writing about. On the other hand, you don't want to make your characters sound like caricatures or make your prose too difficult to understand. Finding the right balance is key. By paying attention to the details in your historical fiction novel, you can create a rich, immersive world that your readers will love to get lost in. So take your time, do your research, and let your creative writing skills shine!

Bring your story to life

Now that you've done your research, developed believable characters, built a convincing setting, written credible dialogue, and nailed the details, it's time to bring your story to life. To do this, you need to engage your reader's senses. You want them to feel like they're right there in the story with your characters. Here are some tips on how to achieve this:

Show, don't tell: Rather than telling your readers what's happening, show them. Use vivid imagery to paint a picture in their minds. For example, instead of saying, "The room was dusty," you could write, "The light filtering through the window revealed swirling clouds of dust, like tiny galaxies suspended in the air."

Use sensory details: Make your story come alive by appealing to your reader's senses. Describe what your characters see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. This will help your readers immerse themselves in your world. For example, "The air was thick with the smell of wood smoke and roasting meat. The sizzle of the meat on the spit mingled with the crackling of the flames."

Create emotional connections: Readers want to care about your characters and their struggles. To do this, you need to make your characters relatable. Show their flaws, their fears, their hopes, and their dreams. Make them human. This will help your readers empathize with them and become invested in their story.

Build tension: A good story needs conflict and tension. Whether it's a physical fight or a battle of wits, make sure there's something at stake for your characters. This will keep your readers engaged and eager to know what happens next. By following these tips, you can bring your story to life and create a memorable reading experience for your audience. Happy writing!

Edit, edit, edit (And Edit Some More)

One of the most important aspects of writing a historical fiction novel is editing. It's crucial to revise your manuscript over and over again until it's polished and ready for publication. Here are some tips on how to edit your novel:

Take a break: After finishing your first draft, take a few weeks off from writing to gain a fresh perspective. When you come back to your manuscript, you'll be able to see it with new eyes and identify areas that need improvement.

Use beta readers: Share your manuscript with a trusted group of beta readers. They'll provide valuable feedback on plot, characterization, pacing, and more.

Read out loud: Reading your manuscript out loud can help you catch errors, awkward phrasing, and inconsistencies. This technique also helps you get a better feel for the flow of the story.

Revise, then repeat: Edit your manuscript one chapter at a time. Once you've gone through the entire manuscript, go back to the beginning and start the process again. This allows you to catch any new errors and polish your writing even further.

Seek professional help: Consider hiring a professional editor or working with a writing coach. They can provide valuable guidance on how to improve your writing and make your novel shine.

Never stop researching

One of the key elements of writing a successful historical fiction novel is conducting thorough research. From historical events and cultural practices to fashion and slang, researching is an ongoing process that should never stop throughout the writing process. To write a convincing and engaging historical fiction novel, you need to understand the time period in which your story is set. This means staying up-to-date with new information that becomes available, and continually refining your understanding of the historical context you are working with. When it comes to historical research, the internet is your best friend. But don't limit yourself to just online resources; visit libraries, museums, and historical sites to gather firsthand experience and information. Reach out to experts and scholars in your field of study, attend lectures and conferences, and never hesitate to ask questions. Remember that accuracy and authenticity are essential in historical fiction. However, this doesn't mean sacrificing creative freedom. Use your research to build a solid foundation for your story, but don't be afraid to put your own spin on historical events or characters.

(I apologise for mentioning research so much, but it's very important especially if you're writing in different culture like Ancient Korea for example. Always research, you don't have to just write what you know. you have the ability to learn and a brain, use it.) -Ren T.

TheWriteAdviceForWriter 2023

[starburstfloat]

The Inescapable (and Comforting!) Queer Lens of Moonlight Chicken and The Eighth Sense

I've watched quite a few BL series over the last few years, but something that's struck me (and others I've noticed from tumblr discourse!) is how two recent series Moonlight Chicken (Thai BL) and The Eighth Sense (Korean BL) both embody not only characters and a plot that centralize on real queer experiences, but also a distinctive lens that makes them so achingly and relatably queer that it would be a disservice to not dissect and analyze!

(Please bear with me as we tackle some foundational background info *cracks knuckles* so--) The lens is a really cool means to understand a piece of media because it's an artistic approach from the filmmakers to show us the world through a controlled perspective. The lens has a certain focus (also dubbed focalization). In Looking in: the art of viewing, narrative theorist Mieke Bal describes focalization as the relationship between point of view in a story alongside the vision/meaning that the observer consumes of said pov. So not only does the lens convey certain emotions, but it's the observers (aka audience watching the show) who add additional meaning to it.

This relationship gets really interesting to look at when you consider that traditionally a lot of BL has been created for straight women as a sort of fetishization of gay men (I'm generalizing here, but consider a lot of BL that feels like a straight couple dynamic).

But with these two recent series, the lens feels different. It feels like it's been filmed not only in a way that conveys queerness, but for a queer audience. This focalization creates a really special dynamic between the media and its relatability. It's one of those things where I feel like you just have to be gay to understand it, and that's probably why so many of us have found solace in these two series!

For these two works in particular, there's an undeniable focused aesthetic examination of how queer people see the world and interact with it. There's an artistic emphasis on how one's queerness is inescapable and omnipresent, and how it paints our character's world.

Let me stop rambling and try to show what I mean.

In Moonlight Chicken, this omnipresence is observable in the way the characters Wen and Jim meet in episode one. Wen gets drunk at Jim's restaurant, trying to stall on going home to his ex. The way the camera work plays out during this scene perfectly captures how queer people find and recognize one another without having to overtly express their queerness. Consider the first conversation they have after closing hours of the restaurant: the lens is focused on how subtly they are drawn to each other. There's the wide shot of both of them sitting and talking, something that may be dismissed as nothing more than a two-person shot, yet the way their bodies take up so much of the frame welcomes us to notice their body language and how open they are to one another. This, coupled with the alleyway shots later that cut to individual close ups of their faces, sometimes briefly scanning the other's, a mixture of hesitancy and recognition shaping their reactions, is so queer coded!!! Like!!!!! Hello??? I love how it all culminates to Jim saying "I don't have a wife yet...I'm sure you know my preference" like LMAOOO my dude.....it's been more than obvious but I'm glad you're saying it out loud.

I guess what I'm getting at here is that the way this has been filmed is so beautiful and comforting because it depicts how queerness is inextricably tied to how we process our world. It's in the way we instinctively tag others as being in or out of the community and find solace in that recognition, all while teetering the boundaries of our attractions and carefully assessing a situation to see whether the feelings are mutual, misinterpreted, or if it's safe to express who we are.

Moonlight Chicken manages to embody all of that in the most mind blowingly subtle ways across ALL OF ITS CHARACTERS!!!! I've never encountered any other show like it - it's simply stunning, and it's set the bar way too high now.

We also witness this comforting queer lens in The Eighth Sense. So far only two episodes are out, but the way this show has been filmed is already so much more mature, graceful, and emotionally relatable than most other BL shows I've seen. And again, I think this is because the filmmakers have utilized a lens that conveys how queer people see and interact with their world in a way that other BLs have failed to accomplish. The narrative focus is so strongly centered on our protagonists living in a straight world while they navigate and (in Jae Won's case) want to hide their queerness.

Here, the queer lens resides in the way the camerawork establishes a sense of evaluation and hesitancy. It's the way the camera lingers on how Ji Hyun shrinks a bit when the surf instructor lady jokes "you came here cause of the pretty girl on the poster didn't you?" or the way we get close up shots of Jae Won's annoyed face as he demands his friends stop asking why he broke up with his ex girlfriend. As a queer audience, these subtle clues are just so relatable. It's a reflection of our own lived experiences, of bottling up our inner selves and constantly having to monitor our reactions and behaviors in a straight landscape.

These shows aren't just giving us gay characters who Meet Cute and fall in Love and deal with some turmoil and live happily ever after - they are filmed in a way that forces us to see and be seen.

And I can't get enough.

[practically-an-x-man]

It's another TST and my brain can't focus. So...

please tell me a little about how you make your own mark on canon works for your fanfictions? I know Fanfic writers usually have a lot of the worldbuilding done already, but how much do you shift things around for your stories?

Thank you so much!!!

Talk Shop Tuesday

Oooh, that's a complicated one. It really depends on the story and how much the characters really can impact canon, but it's generally a combination of two things

How the characters I create or include would reasonably interact with the story. They don't know it's a story, it's just life to them, so it makes no sense for them to just be swept along with canon and sit in the background unless there's a reason for them to choose to sit in the background. But at the same time, they don't know what is "canon" and what is "not canon" for the plot, so they can't just change every plot line for the hell of it

How I can expand on the themes that have already been established. This is partly related to the characters, since I create my OCs as tools to expand on those themes, but it also branches out into the rest of canon

Basically, I use canon as a jumping point, and it's rare for me to just change something about canon just because, but I won't shy away from changing the individual scenes or the shape of the story based on how the OCs play into it.

Y'know, like... Night at the Museum gives us a lot of Egyptian mythology, but those themes could still be expanded. Enter Katherine - an artist with ties to Egyptian myth, in a museum where art comes to life under magic powered by Egyptian gods. She is a conduit for the core themes of the movies, and that allows me to use her to dig into those themes without outright rewriting canon from scratch. The third movie still happens even though she's there, but her presence allows me to expand on the connection to Ancient Egyptian lore and legend.

Or Jasper: a nurse with empathic powers, placed into AHS Coven. I admit, those details are intended as a fix-it for Kyle and how he's treated in canon (he's very much neglected after the whole necromancy plot, the show focuses less on his experiences and how difficult those must have been, and more on this weird love triangle between Zoe and Madison), and Jasper being present in the story is going to affect canon, but they don't have the foresight to know that Kyle is going to die or be brought back - they can only react to it when it does happen.

Even with my newest OC, Spider - A Quiet Place is based on how people would have to survive in a world where any noise is deadly, and the canon characters all get around this by being as quiet as possible. So how about a character that reflects not that silence, but the creatures that make that silence dangerous? How about a character that uses sound to his advantage rather that hiding from it? He doesn't control the Death Angels, and he only has a limited level of impact on the decisions other characters may make - but since we've never seen in canon how the creatures react to some of the things Spider will try, I can do a bit of worldbuilding on that front.

I'd say as a whole... I don't really rewrite canon so much as I expand on it. I take the scraps of worldbuilding and symbolism I can see from the original media and just... add my own flair where I can.

And of course, sometimes I come up with plots all from scratch (like Desert Song, Smoke and Mirrors, and most of my oneshots and side pieces), and that's where you can see a bit more of my personal technique with plot and worldbuilding.

[shit-enmu-says]

🔹Shit Enmu Says🔹

Note: This was originally intended to be just an Enmu and Demon Slayer appreciation blog but has now become an RP blog as well. With this taken into consideration, I’ve taken it upon myself to lay down some ground rules

Introduction

I am the mun. You can call me Erik. Pronouns are he/him exclusively and I am 21+. I’ve been RPing outside of Tumblr in various fandoms for several years with friends. I had a brief stint RPing Tumblr in other fandoms as well. Now I’m back because inspiration struck.

Rules

If you are under 18 or I suspect you are I will block you. There’s NSFW or darker themes on this block. Minors do NOT interact.

Non-RP blogs can send asks

I will not RP with anyone under 18

Plot with me! Seriously. If you have an idea for a thread just message me. I like planning stuff like this out

I am an employed adult living independently and may return to college soon. That being said, there will probably be periods of inactivity or it may take a while to answer asks or messages.

I have unmedicated ADHD. I tend to be scattered and forget things. Sometimes it takes me a while to articulate a response so if I do, it’s nothing personal.

OC RP blogs are definitely okay, though I would like to know some background information on your OC first because it’s interesting and makes things flow more easily

There are certain things I won’t RP like noncon or romantic/sexual plot lines with underage muses

Portrayal and Verses

I have canon and non canon verses going on. All will have their respective tags in the future

There’s demon Enmu from the original series, possibly his incarnation from Kimetsu no Gakuen

I also have a great deal of speculation about his life before he became a demon. This one is canon divergent but keeps what we know about his human life intact, just expanded upon. There’s a separate verse for this incarnation of him.

May have modern AU take on him as wellbeing

My Tags (possibly subject to change)

#dreamingofqueue - self explanatory. That’s the cue.

#shitenmusays - Enmu related in-character posts

#relevant - just random stuff that seems relevant to my muse

#shitmunsays; #munspeaks; #personal; #notshitenmusays - self explanatory

#dontletyourmemesbedreams - memes that are a little too fitting

#phantasmagoria - something that was originally supposed to be a quick one shot about how Enmu became a demon but then it kind of grew.

Other

I may post small samples of my own writing, perhaps links to actual fanfics if I ever get the guts to post my writing on A03. Those will have their own tag once I think of one.

I draw as well and am learning digital art! Sone of that will be posted here. Some already has been.

Anything untagged was most likely intended for my other blog but my hand slipped. Or I forgot.

I have an OC or two as well. If I ever post anything on them, they’ll get their own tag

[hprewetts]

what’s the backstory of your oc maisie?

thank you so much for asking @spooky-albi-bumblebee ! particularly because it gives me the opportunity to yap about Maisie, which is something I'm always more than eager to do

(I don't often post about Maisie in this sideblog, but @romulumiko is my archive for all things maisie, where i usually reblog posts and pictures that I exclusively use when i'm creating and plotting maisie. i haven't decided in what blog i'd post her fic though)

Maisie's backstory is not something fixed in the narrative (because i love torturing myself and decided to write her into all seven books) so her character expands and grows as the series goes on

I can't exactly go into details, since my plans include writing all this into a proper full length fic, which I've been chipping away at since ealier this year

But as you can see, I have many things arranged for Maisie and her place in the series, so like I said, there is no concrete "backstory" for maisie as much as there is a background for her life before Hogwarts (being Ron's more academically inclined twin) and the things that happen thereafter

But despite the tremendous effort, this also lends itself to a more dynamic handling of her personality and relationships with others throughout the story

Indeed, much like her developing friendship with Harry and later romance (because I'm a sucker for protagonists), my plans have Maisie colorfully interacting with many characters in the books, from Cho Chang to professor Lupin and Snape

Regardless, I do think there is a certain character that shapes Maisie more than others, and which catapult her place in the story and character development, that being Tom Riddle

I don't remember when exactly I decided that maisie would be using the diary instead of ginny (sorry ginny fans), but by the time maisie's second year rolls around, she is in a particularly vulnerable spot, isolated from her family, who all got sorted into gryffindor, and alienated from her peers in ravenclaw.

much of maisie's conflict throughout the books relies on her being the only member of the weasley family to be in a different house to Gryffindor, although it does not stem only from her sorting, but by a life long sense of otherness she has cultivated for feeling the only different one in a big family like the weasleys

Maisie's curiosity and love for magical creatures (and consequently her understanding of magic as a dynamic force present in the world that surrounds her), makes her more susceptible to the temptation of learning about the Dark Arts, as she is prone to more shades of grey in its use and interpretation than most characters in the series. This makes her understanding of magic similar to characters like Snape and Voldemort (as @ saintsenara brilliantly illustrates in her voldemort/hermione and snape/hermione metas) who are, not coincidentally, prominent Dark Arts users.

Likewise, her sorting in Ravenclaw is not just for show. There is an interesting overlap between Ravenclaws and Slytherins in relation to their ambition and how they approach Dark Magic. Unsurprisingly, all the ambitious and/or popular characters we see in the series (those who don't belong to Slytherin), like Lockhart, Cho Chang (or even the House's Ghost the Grey Lady, who stole her mother's crown due to a feeling of inferiority), are pointedly Ravenclaws.

As we are told by JK in Pottermore, Quirrel first embarked in his journey to Albania to "find whatever remained of the Dark wizard, partly out of curiosity [...] [Quirrell fantasised that he] at best, might learn skills from Voldemort", attenting to this trait of Ravenclaws sometimes disregarding communal perceptions of right and wrong, whereas for academic recognition, personal curiosity or outright eccentricity.

All of this is to say, the most important part of Maisie's story is definitely, as I envision it now, her encounter with Tom Riddle's diary during CoS and their year long situationship.

Genre conventions didn't really allow for any exploration of how Tom Riddle's manipulation of Ginny post CoS affected her later on, which I believe is definitely a pity. I emphasize my definition of Maisie and Tom's relationship as a "situationship", even if they are never explicitly described as being in a romantic relationship, because of the grooming qualities in the canon text of Ginny's relationship with Tom Riddle (once again explained masterfully in one of saintsenara's meta) which I'm choosing to run along with very excitedly

(I have, after all, a lot of Fionna Apple songs in my tomaisie playlist)

If you made it to the end, congratulations! And thank you so much for bearing with me and my needlessly wordy response. I'm leaving a excerpt of "Maisie reviving Tom" scene from the wip archive and a little low effort study i did of a picture of Lily Cole, who I liberally use as a faceclaim for Maisie

[firehcart]

𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 + 𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐒. — this list will continue to be added to pending what media i consume / what muses follow me. generally i will be happy to add to this list even if your verse is not written on here, so please don't hesitate to reach out. the only verses i will not write in include aging down/up characters, and hp.

note for general fantasy verses : unless there is a specific verse plotted, i am happy to mostly prescribe to a canon where our own continents/countries co-exist within the same world for crossovers and alliances.

modern.

born into a very wealthy family, aelin's upbringing was blessed, with her parents joint CEOs of a company responsible for vast technological developments ( terrasen inc. ). at eight years old she witnesses her parents murdered via a hit arranged by her biological aunt maeve, who stood to inherit the company until aelin turned eighteen years old. barely managing to escape with her own life, she was rendered homeless and on the streets until she was found by arobynn hamel, who had made a shelter for homeless children under the guise of a gentle heart. over time, he used this influence over the children to encourage them to commit crimes on his behalf - first small scale thievery, and eventually training them to murder.

continuing in this life until reaching teenage years, falling in love with one of the other boys living there ( sam cortland ), aelin and sam had tentatively plotted to run away when ordered on one last mission where sam did not survive. aelin was found by police with his corpse and arrested for his murder, presumably set up by arobynn.

most plots in this verse will begin after aelin's release from jail one year later, when new evidence proved her innocence - she is living in a luxurious apartment purchased with her earnings from her crimes, and struggling to reintegrate into society. note, in this verse, her primary name is celaena sardothien.

a court of thorns and roses.

this verse exists in two forms - parallel worlds, where we embrace the canon of aelin falling through worlds and interacting with this world as an au one to her own ( which requires some sort of crossover basis plotting ), or neighbouring continents. in the latter, efforts to maintain political peace and a tentative alliance would see either aelin travelling to the night court, or members of the night court travelling to terrasen as emissary. this verse would be post koa.

crescent city.

essentially runs off the same premise as modern verse in relation to her childhood and being offered shelter by arobynn hamel, with the notable exception that aelin is half-fae and works as a bounty hunter post her time in prison, and is very much equipped to slaughter.

note: this verse was heavily au plotted with @stareternyl in a world where feyre was aelin's roommate. taking the drop with aelin as both enforcer and anchor to bring feyre back.

a song of ice and fire.

born and inherited from one of the original families in old valyria, who fled after the doom, aelin was orphaned at a young age after her parents were murdered and her home ransacked. found by the faceless men within the free city of braavos, aelin was trained within their arts of assassination. after freeing a large amount of slaves within essos out of sympathy, whilst she had been tasked a high scale murder, the faceless man cast her out - she was promptly captured and forced into the fighting pits in meereen. note, in this verse, she has no dragon affinity despite her valyrian background, only a particular potency for fire.

house of the dragon.

much like her asoiaf verse, aelin was born and inherited from an old valyrian bloodline, but her parents were murdered when she was only a child. taken to be sold to the highest bidder, aelin made her escape and found her way to the faceless men, to be trained within their arts and make a name for herself. making a name for herself within westeros ( living within kings landing ), she becomes one of the most sought after assassins in the city.

fourth wing.

gryphon bonded, aelin agrees to go undercover within basgiath to provide intel on a base level to the other side. deliberately falling under the radar and unable to bond a dragon, she is "forced" to repeat her first year, using whatever opportunity she can to feed information back to the other side. displays a rare and powerful gift from her gryphon, one not witnessed by the other fliers before - fire proficiency, usually reserved for dragons and their riders.

bridgerton.

orphaned at a young age, aelin has been raised as the ward of the wealthy arobynn hamel, a man well known to offer his home to orphaned women in exchange for the financial benefit of marrying them into wealthy and powerful families when they come of age. finally of age for the marriage mart, new to the ton after their relocation from northern ireland, aelin is desperate to find a good match before arobynn decides to propose to her himself.

dungeons & dragons / bg3.

coming.

[exoticalmonde]

So me and my bestest friend @notanegrill began playing a game about making stories. It's called Storybook, and as the title suggests we're coming together to create the most legendary story of them all.

V: *Opens first page*

Me, normal voice: "At the end of this book lies a crown-"

V: "NO! STORYTELLER VOICE!"

Me, using that one voice from the Theatre scene in 'We Were Here': "It is bestowed only to the finest storytellers of the realm."

V: "Hehe, way better."

Spoilers Ahead:

So we start the world as any world begins, with a tale as old as time - Adam and Eve. Which is... Me! Me and V because I will pick his ribs clean if he doesn't 100% the achievements (he enjoys it, ok)

And we were both excited for 0.7 seconds before V hits me with the important questions of:

V: "Who is Adam, Eve?"

Me: "It's you, silly goose!"

V: "Oh, okay." c:

And like with every story that has Eve in it:

:)

It's adorable to see Bernard getting some love though!

This game just flies by so fast when it's the two of us thinking, taking turns on what gets to be where so we push the other forward where our own ideas fail us. Playing games like this with a buddy truly beats playing it alone.

It's tagged LGBTQ+ because you can put two guys or two girls in love in some of the frames and it's adorable. They interact well.

Me: "Oh look! It's the tiers of regret whenever I decide to open up."

Can't believe this whole story is about how Edgar dies and forgets he's dead while being dead so he ends up shocked that he's dead when he sees himself in the mirror.

It's such a good plot for a fanfic not gonna lie... It's Genshin related and not meant to be here, but /I/ am the one who is writing this 'review' and I am the rat that makes all of the rules.

V: "These... Two pixels, why are they so hot...?"

Me: ".... Yeah."

V: "I know you want her dress."

Me: "Oh I want to BE her."

Us two: *GASP*

V: "Are you ready?"

Me: "VAMPIRE TIME."

V: *Accidentally does this because he randomly drops characters on the map after figuring out what to do.*

V: "My brain (is so big)... I'm singing up in Harvard."

V: *Struggles with the simpler map later*

Me: "I think we have to sign you off Harvard now."

AND THE ENDING IS SOOO CUTE IT'S SO SUBTLE I BARELY NOTICED BUT IT MADE US SO HAPPY TO GET TO THE ENDING.

Like giving two kids a paper crown and calling them 'champ'.

Someone in STEAM was asking how to solve the Maid and the Knight story and someone commented under it with 'God bless you'. Seriously, we managed on our own and it's all because it was 50/51 and we HAD to finish it to get to the ending.

During our reviews:

Me: "I think the graphics are beautiful. For a game that has a simple idea of making stories via characters and places being put together, everything is very well animated, interactive and apparently, given the achievements, it also has MULTIPLE options to work with."

V: "I agree. Also, there is an update in September."

Me: "Overall, it's a game I'd get if it's on sale. It's 20$ and in comparison to a visual novel with 40K words, a couple scenes, art etc. If that was 20$... I'd still think twice, but the point is - for what it is and it's original, a game I have never seen before, I think it's pretty good. It also doesn't have any background music, it could probably set the mood for some chapters. But the sound was totally good. No sounds overlap no matter how quickly you click around so it doesn't create a caccophony."

V: "Yeah, the music, or the lack of thereof is still fixable."

Me: "Well, there's the update. Might as well wait and see."

V: "Overall ranting?"

Me: "Hmmm..."

V: "On the count of three?"

Me: "Ok."

V: "Ugh I'm stuck between two... Ok, one... Two... Three!"

Me and him at the same time: "Seven."

V: "Why am I not surprised."

And that's it! It was truly a wonderful experience. Big thank you to developpers and the entire team that came up with the game. Can't wait to see what the updates may be and thank you, V, for sponsoring our gameplay.

Hope we get to play much more in the future.