#reading about impacts of new construction and zoning like hmm

[determinate-negation]

urban planning is one of those things that seems so awesome and cool and ideal but then you think about it for a second and realize its probably a super evil industry to work in in a capitalist society

[athenasparrow]

Have some questions from me too, I think you haven't answered them yet - 3, 11, 12! 😘

Hello, lovely @annabtg. Nope, haven't answered these ones yet! Thank you for playing!

Getting to know your fic writer

3. Describe the creative process of writing a chapter/fic

I'm still new and my process hasn't solidified yet; I've changed styles and approaches several times. Creating love stories about Lily and James is so vastly different from my day-to-day writing. For one-shots, I write (usually in one sitting) from beginning to end, then come back to it a day or week later to read with fresh eyes. For multi chaps...

During the creation of DWOHT I wrote everything in order (aside from the scene I wrote for the microfic). I had the storyline, the development of the dynamic between Lily and James, and the plot all figured out. It just came as I wrote. Then during the editing & release, I ended up adding a lot to it as I went.

For Miles From Nowhere (my wip multi-chap), I wrote all of my favourite scenes first. I did this because they were the scenes I found easiest and portray the relationship in the zone I love to write about (flirty!). I have many other scenes I WANT to include, but they are not flowing as easily so I'm now constructing this fic out of order.

I rarely outline – my study is all about outlines and hitting points, I like the freedom of creation in this space. The only fic I have an outline for at the moment is my MAFS Au because it's easier to keep track of the contestant activities drawn from the actual TV series this way.

11. Link your three favorite fics right now

ANNA! This is so hard! I don't have three favourite fics!!! I HAVE SO MANY!! I am going to limit myself to current fics/one-shots I've read in the last two weeks.

Do It Right (series) by @annabtg

Dead To Me by @itsjamespotter

Love is a lie by @wearingaberetinparis

12. How does receiving or not receiving feedback/support impact you?

Hmm, two ways to think about this! I find the Jily Fandom extremely supportive and lovely! Especially yourself xx No author has ever denied me a little advice if I have a question - that's been amazing.

In terms of comments: I love reading people's thoughts so it always puts a smile on my face when someone leaves some feedback on my work. The first one-shot I released after DWOHT I went "oh bummer, nobody likes it!" because it was an underwhelming response in comparison to DWOHT - but then somebody told me this was quite normal for a one-shot vs. a multi-chap so on I went 😂

To sum it up: comments = big smiles! Leave a comment if you can xx

@annabtg you are a consistent and lovely commenter, so shout out to you for spreading joy! You have inspired me to be better with my comments too!

[jj-lives]

Inktober - build (bmblb)

I am getting behind in these.  I will try to  get caught up this weekend.

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Yang.

An enigmatic awareness overtook her.  She struggled to focus but the warm pricks of sunlight threatened to lull her back into unconsciousness.

Yang.

There it was again. She heard a groan somewhere nearby but soon realized it was rumbling up and out of her own throat. Eyes still closed her surroundings started to piece themselves together in her mind's eye. A soft giggle from her right placed Blake, reading the novel she'd brought with her. Canopy open to protect her from the heat of the sun's rays Yang was happily soaking up. Incoherent voices sparked faceless strangers scattered around them. The sound of the waves in the distance painted the shoreline. 

"Yang!"

The image was washed away as Yang sat up in surprise at the pitch of Ruby's voice so close to her ear.  

"Ah! What the hell Ruby." Yang exclaimed as their foreheads crashed together. 

"Ooo, owie." Was her only response as she stood, casting a shadow over Yang. 

"Ruby, are you alright?" Weiss jumped up from her spot next to Blake where she was protecting her alabaster skin from the sun's rays. She came to stand before Ruby and gently pulled the younger girl's hands away from her face. "It's okay." She cooed. "There isn't any blood so you haven't broken your nose at least."

"Are you sure?" Ruby pouted, taking advantage of Weiss' rare overly attentive action. "It really hurts."

"What about me?!" Yang exclaimed. Stars were still dancing in her vision as a sharp pain throbbed within her skull.  "Damn it Ruby."

"Don't yell at her!" Weiss admonished as she gently rubbed at the growing bump on Ruby's skull. "And don't give me that 'poor me' expression. You have your own girlfriend to coo over you."

Yang turned to Blake, who had been watching the interaction in quiet amusement. She plastered her best pout, sticking her bottom lip out excessively for good measure.

Blake shrugged and turned back to her book. Staring for a moment, she found her place before flipping the page.  

"Blake," she whined. Shimmying over to Blake's side, half in the shade. "Aren't you going to make sure I'm not permanently damaged?"

A raised brow and a short "no" was her answer.

Yang sat there agast. "Why?" She questioned further.

"Because," she said as she flipped the page once more. "I know just how hard headed you are. It will take more than the likes of Ruby to get through your thick skull."

Weiss and Ruby tried to stifle their laughter but both failed horribly in their attempts. Yang huffed and turned to lean against the side of Blake's lounge chair, her head resting against Blake's arm. They stayed like that, in silence, with Ruby and Weiss speaking quietly to one another.  Yang relaxed against her girlfriend's side; the pain in her skull subdued for now. Her head dipped as the muscles in the arm supporting her moved to flip a page in the ever important book of the week resting in Blake's lap. Yang found the motion more comforting than annoying, however, to be connected physically while their minds were in two separate places. 

She felt as if she could easily drift off to sleep once more, given the chance.  The thought only reminded her of how rudely she was woken from her previous rest. 

"Ruby?" She spoke loudly. Blake's body jerked in surprise at the sudden noise bringing her back from the fantasy world she'd been immersed in. Ruby and Weiss cut their conversation short to turn in her direction. "Was there a reason you woke me up so rudely or were you just trying to give me a headache?"

"Oh!" Ruby's smile widened. "Yeah, I need your help."

"For?"

"Weiss and I were going to build a sandcastle, but you know how horrible I am at them." Her smile faded slightly at the admission. 

"Weiss is smart, I'm sure she can figure it out."

"Please?"

"Don't be sour just because you were woken from a nap." Blake cut in. "Go help."

Yang tipped her head back to see the small upside down smirk slowly take form. Turning back to her sister she answered. "I'll come help, but only if Blake comes too." She heard Blake's book slam closed. "I'm not going to watch you two annoyingly dance around each other, and pretend you aren't eyeing the other up, on my own."

"Blake?" Ruby turned her pleading eyes from her sister to focus on her new victim.

Blake opened her mouth to respond but Yang cut her off before the refusal could fully take form.

"Come on Blake, don't be sour just because you're getting dragged away from your book. Help us out!"

Throwing her words back at her had the desired effect. She grumbled and probably called Yang some colorful words under her breath, but she agreed. She sprung up from her chair so fast that Yang fell backwards, ribs impacting on the hard metal of the lounge chair. 

"Ow."

"Sandcastles!" Ruby yelled, dragging Weiss to the shore.

"Don't worry!" Yang yelled after them. "I'm fine."

"Come on," Blake called over her shoulder, already following her two friends. Disappointed at the lack of attention her injuries were getting, but knowing further complaints would get her nowhere, Yang stood and marched after them. 

By the time they reached the shore she'd caught up to Blake. It didn't take long to spot her sister as she was already fencing off their work zone. 

"Hey! Can't you see the line and the sticks?" Weiss harshly questioned a six year old that foolishly crossed the line Ruby had just barricaded off. "Ugh," she huffed as the kid just stuck his tongue out at her and ran off. "I think we need some 'no trespassing' signs."

"Where are you planning to get them, Weiss?" Blake asked as they came to stand next to the makeshift border. "Are we permitted to enter?" She asked, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

Weiss rolled her eyes. "Yes. Don't be so dramatic."

"That's rich coming from someone who just yelled at a kid for stepping over a stick." Yang commented.

"Excuse me?" Weiss rebutted. "He crossed the very obvious line Ruby spent time in making."

"I'm sur-"

"Stop fighting you two." Blake interrupted, giving Yang a warning look.

"I don't understand why I get that look when she doesn't."

"Don't complain. Weiss has her own girlfriend to admonish her." Yang turned to find her sister just finishing the border with one last piece of driftwood. "Oh, looks like she didn't witness it. Better luck next time." 

Weiss stuck her tongue out at Yang before turning to help Ruby plan out their grit palace.

After the layout and planning Yang was put to work doing more than most of the hard labour as material procuror. She was sure Weiss just made up the title to mess with her. The ‘procurement’ consisted of finding the best sand to continue construction. It couldn’t be too wet or dry and Weiss was not shy about rejecting any ‘product’ that didn’t meet her high standards. Normally Yang would not have stood for it, but the activity was making her sister happy and she really didn’t want to be responsible if the towers fell due to poor quality sand.

After a few hours and plenty of time for Blake and Weiss to get a mild sunburn each they all stood back to observe their masterpiece.  

“Not too shabby.” Yang voiced first, kind of proud of the fragile structure.

“Weiss and my tower is this one.” Ruby claimed, sticking a makeshift flag to the roof carefully.  

“Okay, then this one is ours.” Blake said, stepping forward to run her finger along the roof of the second largest tower.  

Ruby’s hunger made itself known with an audible rumble.  “Come on you Dolt. I told you to have that apple before we came down here to build this. Let’s go get something to eat.” Weiss took Ruby’s hand and led her up the beach to start gathering their things.  

Yang took one last look at their masterpiece, knowing full well that it would not last more than an hour.  Some kid would get just as much joy out of knowing it down as they had building it up.  The tower Blake claimed as theirs stood out to her.  She stepped forward to get a better look and realized Blake had drawn hearts  around the roof of the tower.  

“That’s cute.”

“Not as cute as you.” Blake’s voice drifted over her shoulder.  

Yang turned around and Blake easily slipped into her space, wrapping her arms around Yang’s middle and moulding herself perfectly against her.  Yang returned the embrace as they stood in happy silence.  

Yang took in a sharp breath as Blake found the sensitive spot on her ribs.

“How are your injuries?” She asked softly.

“I’ll live.” Yang responded squeezing Blake tighter, even if it meant putting more pressure on her bruised side. “My ribs are apparently as hard as my skull.”

Blake scoffed. “You know I meant that as a compliment right?”

“Wow, really? I would hate to be on the receiving end of one of your insults.” Yang jokes sarcastically.

Blake pulled back from her embrace, just enough to be able to properly study her face.  Bringing her one hand to gently explore the soft skin of Yang’s forehead, easily finding the protrusion from the earlier impact.  

“Ow, you weren’t exaggerating earlier were you?” Blake asked, voice as gentle as her exploring fingertips. “I’m surprised it’s not more evident to the eyes.”

“I might have exaggerated a little.  It didn't hurt as bad as I let on.”

Smiling, Blake rose on her toes. She placed a gentle lingering kiss over the bump. She stepped back to inspect the possible visible damage to Yang’s side but found it clear of any marks as well.  Her thumb trailed comforting circles along the sensitive flesh of Yang’s exposed ribcage.  

“There are no marks here either,” Blake voiced. “Which is good because it would have ruined the look of your new bikini.  I approve by the way.”

“I assumed by the way you were staring when I was suntanning, before I fell asleep.”

Blake blushed and they both laughed.  Turning they started to make their way to where they’d parked, assuming Ruby and Weiss were already there waiting for them to catch up.  

“It’s a good thing I don’t have any marks.” Yang spoke up after a few moments. 

“Hmm?”

“What would Mr and Mrs Belladonna think if I showed up covered in bruises?”

“They would think you were accident prone: they wouldn’t be wrong.” Blake responded with an amused sigh. “Besides I could cover you in bruises now and they would still all disappear before our trip to Menagerie.”

“Why Miss Belladonna, are you saying you want to mark on me?” Blake’s jaw dropped. Her arm reflexively jolted out to smack Yang’s arm. “I didn’t hear you deny it and to be quite honest I wouldn’t be opposed.”

“You’re impossible!” Blake exclaimed.

“That’s why you love me.” Yang teased.

“No, it’s not why I love you.” She answered. “But I love you nonetheless.”