#successful event planning tips

[themaynard]

Why location matters when choosing an event venue

Discover why location is crucial for a successful event. From accessibility to first impressions, learn how to choose the ideal venue that ensures smooth logistics, impresses guests, and enhances attendance. Make your next event unforgettable by starting with the right location.

[run-the-marathon]

Planning a Successful Sports Event: Step-by-Step Guide

The foundation of a successful sports event lies in setting clear and achievable goals. These objectives guide the planning process, ensuring that every aspect of the event aligns with the intended outcomes. Goals can vary widely based on the nature of the event—whether it's a half marathon, a virtual marathon, or a large-scale international competition.

Sports organizers must first determine the primary purpose of the event. Is it to promote health and wellness, raise funds for a charitable cause, enhance brand visibility through sports sponsorship, or foster community engagement? Defining a target audience is also crucial, as marketing strategies and event logistics will differ depending on whether the event is geared toward professional athletes, amateur runners, corporate teams, or local communities.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) should be established to measure success. These can include participant numbers, sponsorship revenue, media reach, and audience engagement levels. By setting clear objectives, sports event managers can develop strategic plans that optimize resources, enhance marketing effectiveness, and ensure that the event delivers a meaningful experience for participants and stakeholders alike. A well-defined goal helps streamline decision-making, making event execution smoother and more efficient.

Budget Planning and Financial Management

Effective financial planning is crucial for the success of any sports event. Without a well-structured budget, organizers risk overspending, which can impact profitability and overall event execution. Budget planning should begin with a detailed cost analysis, covering venue rental, logistics, marketing, security, staffing, and athlete incentives.

One of the most significant funding sources for sports events is sports sponsorship. Sponsors provide financial support in exchange for brand exposure, making it essential for sports organizers to craft compelling sponsorship proposals. A strong proposal should highlight the event’s audience reach, engagement potential, and promotional benefits for sponsors. In addition to sponsorships, other revenue streams such as ticket sales, merchandise, vendor partnerships, and digital event registrations (for virtual marathons) can help offset costs.

Financial risk management is also an important aspect of budget planning. Organizers should set aside contingency funds to cover unexpected expenses, such as weather-related disruptions, last-minute venue changes, or emergency medical needs. Cost-saving strategies, such as securing in-kind sponsorships for hydration stations or volunteer staffing, can also help optimize the budget. A well-managed budget ensures financial sustainability, allowing event managers to deliver a high-quality experience without unnecessary financial strain.

Choosing the Right Venue

The selection of a venue is one of the most critical decisions in sports event management. The right venue contributes to the overall experience of participants and spectators while ensuring smooth logistical execution. When choosing a venue, factors such as accessibility, capacity, facilities, and infrastructure must be considered.

For large-scale events like half marathons, the route must be carefully planned, ensuring road closures, safety measures, and hydration stations are in place. For virtual marathons, the focus shifts from physical venues to digital platforms that facilitate participant tracking, engagement, and race completion verification.

Another key consideration is securing permits and approvals from local authorities. Depending on the scale of the event, permissions may be required for crowd control, traffic management, and public safety. Sports organizers must also assess the venue’s amenities, such as parking availability, restrooms, medical facilities, and designated areas for sponsors and vendors.

Choosing a venue that aligns with the event’s scale, participant demographics, and logistical requirements is essential for seamless execution. A well-suited venue not only enhances the event experience but also contributes to operational efficiency, ensuring that athletes, spectators, and sponsors all benefit from a well-organized setting.

Building a Strong Organizing Team

A successful sports event depends on the efficiency and coordination of its organizing team. Event management requires a structured approach, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities to ensure smooth execution. A well-organized team enhances productivity, minimizes operational risks, and ensures that each aspect of the event is handled professionally.

Key team members include the event director, who oversees the overall strategy and decision-making, and operations managers responsible for logistics, venue setup, and on-the-ground execution. A marketing manager plays a crucial role in promoting the event through digital campaigns, partnerships, and media outreach, ensuring strong participation and audience engagement. The sponsorship coordinator focuses on securing sports sponsorships, managing partnerships, and delivering value to brand partners.

Additionally, volunteer coordinators play an important role in managing on-site assistance, ensuring that registration, hydration stations, security, and medical support are properly staffed. For virtual marathons, a technology team is essential to manage race tracking platforms, participant engagement tools, and digital customer support.

A well-structured team improves efficiency, fosters accountability, and ensures that the sports event is executed flawlessly. Strong leadership and collaboration within the team are key to overcoming challenges and delivering a high-impact event that meets the expectations of participants, sponsors, and stakeholders.

Marketing and Promotion Strategies

Marketing is a crucial component of sports event management, as it determines the level of participation, sponsorship interest, and audience engagement. A comprehensive marketing strategy ensures that the event reaches its target audience effectively, generating excitement and boosting registrations.

Sports marketing relies on a mix of digital and traditional promotional tactics. Social media campaigns on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn help generate awareness and drive engagement. Content such as behind-the-scenes footage, athlete interviews, countdown posts, and user-generated content can enhance visibility.

Influencer marketing is another powerful strategy, where sports organizers collaborate with athletes, fitness influencers, or well-known personalities to amplify event promotion. Engaging local communities and running clubs can also drive grassroots participation.

For half marathons and virtual marathons, email marketing plays a key role in keeping participants informed about event details, training tips, and sponsorship updates. Paid advertising, such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads, can further expand reach and attract registrations.

An integrated approach to marketing—combining digital campaigns, offline promotions, sponsorship activations, and PR efforts—ensures maximum exposure and participation. A well-executed marketing strategy not only boosts event attendance but also strengthens the event’s credibility, making it more attractive to sponsors and stakeholders.

Securing Sponsorships and Partnerships

Sports sponsorships are a fundamental part of financing and promoting a successful sports event. They provide essential funding, resources, and brand collaborations that enhance the event’s credibility and reach. Event organizers must develop a strategic approach to attract sponsors by highlighting the value proposition for potential partners.

A strong sponsorship proposal should outline the event’s audience demographics, media exposure, and engagement potential. Brands are particularly interested in how their sponsorship will enhance visibility and align with their target market. For half marathons and virtual marathons, sponsors often seek opportunities for product placements, logo integrations, and digital activations.

Partnerships with local businesses, fitness brands, and sports organizations can further boost an event’s impact. Collaborations with sports apparel companies, hydration brands, and health-tech providers can result in mutually beneficial relationships where both parties contribute to the event’s success.

In addition to financial sponsorships, in-kind sponsorships—such as product donations, venue support, or media coverage—can significantly reduce event costs. Long-term sponsorship relationships are built on clear communication, measurable returns, and brand activation strategies that enhance the sponsor’s visibility before, during, and after the event.

Logistics and Operations Planning

Flawless execution of logistics is essential for the success of any sports event. Operations planning includes everything from participant registration to on-site management and contingency preparations.

For physical events like half marathons, logistics planning includes securing road closures, managing hydration stations, ensuring efficient race timing systems, and coordinating security personnel. Transport and parking arrangements must also be streamlined to facilitate ease of access for participants and spectators.

For virtual marathons, event organizers must focus on the technical aspects, including participant tracking software, digital race certificates, and interactive engagement platforms. Virtual races require seamless communication through emails, apps, or online portals to ensure participants receive race details, training resources, and timely updates.

A well-structured event operations team should include dedicated personnel for each logistical aspect, such as event setup, security, medical support, and volunteer coordination. Backup plans should be in place to handle unforeseen circumstances like extreme weather conditions or technology failures.

Effective logistics management ensures that all event elements function cohesively, creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for participants while reinforcing the professionalism of the event organizers.

Ensuring Participant Safety and Medical Support

Safety is a top priority in sports event management. Organizers must implement a comprehensive risk assessment plan to address potential hazards and ensure the well-being of all participants.

For large-scale physical events such as half marathons, securing medical personnel, first aid stations, and ambulance services is critical. Emergency response teams should be strategically placed along the race route, with clear communication channels established to handle medical incidents efficiently. Water stations and rest areas should be readily available to prevent dehydration and exhaustion.

For virtual marathons, safety measures focus on educating participants on proper training, injury prevention, and health monitoring. Organizers can collaborate with sports physiotherapists or fitness coaches to provide guidance on safe participation.

Participant safety also extends to crowd management, ensuring that security personnel are in place to control large gatherings and manage entry and exit points efficiently. Clear safety protocols should be communicated to participants before the event, ensuring they are aware of medical support availability and emergency procedures.

A well-executed safety plan reassures participants and sponsors, reinforcing the credibility and professionalism of the event organizers.

Engaging Spectators and Creating a Memorable Experience

Beyond the competition itself, a successful sports event focuses on delivering an engaging and memorable experience for both participants and spectators. Interactive elements, entertainment, and fan engagement strategies can enhance the event’s atmosphere and overall appeal.

For in-person sports events, live entertainment, DJ performances, and cheer zones contribute to an energetic environment that motivates athletes and keeps spectators entertained. Creating designated fan areas with food stalls, merchandise booths, and sponsor activations adds to the overall experience.

For virtual marathons, digital engagement is key. Social media challenges, live-streamed race commentary, and interactive leaderboards help maintain excitement and foster community participation. Sports organizers can encourage participants to share their race experiences through social media, using event-specific hashtags and digital certificates to celebrate achievements.

Interactive experiences—such as virtual reality race previews, post-race celebrations, or personalized race highlight reels—help make the event more engaging. By focusing on entertainment and audience engagement, sports event organizers can create a unique and lasting impression that encourages future participation and sponsor investment.

Post-Event Analysis and Feedback Collection

The work of event organizers doesn’t end when the race finishes. A thorough post-event analysis is essential for measuring success, identifying areas for improvement, and enhancing future event planning.

Data collection plays a crucial role in evaluating the event’s impact. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as participant numbers, social media engagement, sponsorship deliverables, and media coverage should be analyzed. Post-event surveys can provide valuable feedback from participants, spectators, and sponsors on aspects like event organization, logistics, and overall experience.

For virtual marathons, digital analytics—such as website traffic, race completion rates, and user-generated content—can provide insights into audience engagement and participation patterns. Sports marketing professionals can use this data to refine promotional strategies and improve future events.

Sponsorship reports should be prepared, detailing the brand exposure and benefits delivered to partners. A well-structured debrief meeting with the organizing team can further highlight challenges and best practices to enhance future events.

By prioritizing post-event evaluation, sports organizers can build a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that each event is better and more impactful than the last.

Building Long-Term Community and Brand Engagement

A successful sports event doesn’t just end—it creates lasting relationships with participants, sponsors, and the wider community. The key to long-term success in sports event management is maintaining engagement beyond race day.

One effective strategy is to develop a strong online community, where participants can share experiences, training tips, and future event updates. Social media groups, email newsletters, and exclusive membership programs help sustain enthusiasm and brand loyalty.

Sports organizers can keep participants engaged by hosting follow-up challenges, sharing training content, and offering early-bird registration for future events. Virtual marathons, in particular, can benefit from year-round engagement strategies that keep runners motivated through digital competitions and fitness tracking incentives.

For sponsors, ongoing collaboration opportunities—such as seasonal promotions, ambassador programs, or co-branded content—help strengthen long-term partnerships. Regular communication with sponsors ensures continued support for future events.By fostering a dedicated community and maintaining brand engagement, sports marketing professionals can turn one-time participants into loyal advocates, ensuring sustained success and growth for future events.

[beingjellybeans]

3 Tips for Business Success from Chef Tatung

On a breezy November afternoon in BGC, the aroma of spices mingled with the hum of conversation at The Kitchen by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Renowned chef, restaurateur, and content creator, Chef Tatung Sarthou, wasn’t just there to cook—he was there to inspire. As part of Sun Life’s Coffee & Play event, Chef Tatung served up more than just his signature peri-peri chicken and chicken macaroni. He…

[windvexer]

tips for adhd witches!

[[before you expand: LONG text post!!]]

I got diagnosed only a couple months ago, but I have been practicing witchcraft for a little bit now. So in retrospect, here is stuff that I realized I have been doing to cope the whole time, and some new things I'm tinkering with :) Please feel free to leave your own tips or thoughts!

At all costs, avoid promising gods and spirits that YOU WILL uphold a rigid routine.

Just do not promise to give daily offerings! JUST DON'T DO IT. If you struggle with upholding a regular routine, do not promise gods or spirits you will uphold a routine for them. You should only promise things you are confident you can deliver. ((If you identify as a beginner witch it's my personal belief that you should not be promising anyone anything.))

Delete from your mindset that all witches are supposed to uphold rigid routines.

Give yourself breathing room: if you want to give scheduled offerings, maybe do one on the full moon. Or, plan it to coincide with other activities that interest you, and that you're likely to show up for.

Unless you have a few hours a week to devote to your practice, you should probably not be dedicating yourself to doing daily anything.

Rigid routine is not the only way to get regular experience with magic, build relationships with gods or spirits, or improve in your craft! You simply do not have to promise yourself or anyone else that you will do X actions at Y times.

Instead of having "do X for Y minutes on Z days" routines, try developing a streamlined ritual you can fit in anywhere for the really important stuff.

Maybe there are some really important things in your practice that you want to do on a regular basis. Maybe these are things like:

Quick personal shielding

Acknowledging and honoring spirits

General offering

Prayer for guidance

Instead of saying "I'll do shielding for 5 minutes every day after breakfast, then of course my offering ritual-", you can put a streamlined (short, easy) ritual together where you do all four of these things at once.

Deep breaths, acknowledge and honor the spirits, ask for assistance in raising a shield, offering excess raised energy to them, and praying for guidance in the upcoming task.

It should take maybe like, 2 minutes tops.

Then, slot this streamlined ritual in before most practice activities. Like:

Before other energy work

Before divination

Before spellwork

Or, use it as a sort of 'generic' access point of connection and perform this ritual:

When you shower, to calm down from the day

When you're on transit to prepare for the upcoming day

When you're feeling grateful and want to share the moment with the spirits

When you're feeling sad and need support

Instead of forcing important actions into routines that may be hard to follow, find a way to carry these actions around with you in an accessible ritual, like carrying snacks around in a bag. This way you can use other exciting activities, or other life events, as a reminder to practice your ritual of important things :)

Build a clear system of omens for yourself. Omens can intrude on your daily life and get your attention.

Maybe you have alarm blindness, forget to do divination, forget to check in with spells - so asking for omens can be a huge help. They are spontaneous messages that catch your eye. Helpful!

Research cultural omens

Research omens in your magical tradition

Journal and brainstorm personal omens

Write out, for yourself, a short list of personal omens.

Solid black pigeons mean a spirit wants attention. Seeing your favorite tree species means a spell was successful. Three gray dots means a spell failed. The scent of cinnamon buns means fortune is headed your way.

Perform a ritual announcing your chosen omens to the Powers That Be. Invite those Powers, Yourself, Life, the Universe, and Everything to send you true, accurate, and helpful messages through these omens.

Working with omens in this way is a skill that evolves over time. Your personal omen system will evolve over time if you use it. Think of it as another form of divination!

(Tip: Combine symbols with colors for an advanced system that's easy to remember. Oak trees are prosperity, but black means slow movement, red means powerful, and white means failure. After a spell you see a plumbing truck with a red oak tree logo; powerful prosperity. Etc.)

Build all your spells, rituals, and everything with the foresight that you are probably going to forget about it or not return to it for a long time.

Employ foresight and:

Encode retirement/shutdown functions into your spells!! Do you want the spell to burn out completely and leave the vessel hollow so you don't have to deal with the vessel later on? Specify that! Do you want the spell to go to 'power saver mode' and hibernate so you can save the vessel and recharge it later? Specify!

ENCODE OMENS INTO SPELLS TO REMIND YOU TO TAKE ACTIONS! "This spell brings me financial benefit, and when it runs low, I will see my omen of slow growth - a solid black tree."

Assume that you are going to completely forget that you're able to take care of this problem, so encode the spells assuming you will never remember to deal with this again:

Spell for people that will remember they want to deal with Monica (they will also be working with wards, divination, and subtle cunning): "Stop Monica at the front desk from assaulting me with her dark energies, or else limit how much of her energy can reach me."

Spell for people that are going to completely forget this is an issue they can take care of and won't do another spell on it for maybe 18 months: "Stop Monica from assaulting me with her dark energies, or reveal to everyone in the office her dark nature, but if neither of these things is possible, change something in the office so that we never interact again."

Assume you will forget about individual spells, that you will accumulate way to many spells than you can individually attend to, and that you may never take final steps like cleansing and deconstructing old spell vessels.

Build a spellcasting altar, or a spell recharging altar, where you store up all your vessels. Recharge them all at once, as often as you remember to.

Poor plan: "And when this vessel runs down I will recharge it with the waxing moon as I stand under the orange tree-" More tenable plan: "And when this vessel runs down let it drink energy from my altar; let it take up any energy that suits it; let it feed on what is available to it, according to its needs."

Focus on learning how to tie spells to external energy sources so they will stay charged for way longer.

For easy deconstruction, set blanket conditions for every vessel that it be undone and the magic erased if you take a simple action. This is called a kill code. You bake it into spells and it makes deconstruction way easier.

Try developing a barbarous word of undoing and using it every time you want to undo a vessel or a spell; this word will gain power and can become very helpful in other ways.

Once again, plan spells with the foresight that it will be difficult/unlikely for you to re-engage for formal deconstruction procedures. So, anticipate your future needs during spellcasting: "And if I ever open this jar and take out the things inside it, let this spell be released and return to the earth, let it fade away without trouble and nourish anything around it as fallen logs nourish the forest floor." This way, you know that if you accidentally forget about a spell or just take it apart, the magic already has instructions to safely dissipate and you don't have to worry.

Develop a visual language to remind you of what collected objects and spell vessels are.

This folds in real nice with a personal omen system!!

Use a combination of colors, established symbols (planetary, alchemical), and personal symbols to develop a visual conlang that helps you keep track of what things are.

If applicable, decorate or modify spell vessels so you can tell at a glance what the spell is for (violet symbol of Venus next to a paw: a spell to improve relationships with the spirits that help you with psychism)

Build a system that makes intuitive sense to you, perhaps folding in with your color correspondence associations, magical headcannon, or any other mnemonic device:

All the spells in jars are protective

Everything that's tied into a witch's ladder is about prosperity

If it has a red X on it, that's a hex

If it has a 7-pointed star, it involves your dragon guide

If you store it in a bag that has blue on it (blue print, blue button, blue tie-string) then that object is related to cleansing

Your personal visual language will gain its own power over time if used regularly, in the way that egrigores or sigils can gain power if used consistently over time :) It can become a real magical tool, not just a mnemonic device!

During spirit work, just clearly communicate that your sporadic presence has nothing to do with your dedication 🤷

When you conjure/talk to/pray to gods, spirits, or anything, address the fact that your communication/rituals/etc ARE going to be sporadic. Explain yourself and ask the spirits to extend understanding.

Some spirits/gods/etc are going to demand regular routine. AND IF THEY EXPECT THAT, then you guys need to get on the same page ASAP as to whether or not that's possible.

Spirits can be incredibly forgiving and understanding, but unless you tell them why you are sometimes around and sometimes not, they do not necessarily know what's going on.

Your spirit guide may have not read the DSM-5. Obelon the Fox-Man might not be up-to-date with the 2025 diagnosis criteria for ADHD, and Obelon might not recognize that you are struggling with a disorder that can mimic inattentiveness. Obelon might be asking why you appear to be so enthusiastic, and yet only call for him once every 5 weeks.

Just explain!! Explain what you are comfortable explaining. Give them reassurances and ask them to not misinterpret your ability to be present.

At all costs, avoid making your path a carrot that you dangle in front of yourself to try and force yourself to fix your brain through sheer force of will.

If the way you talk to yourself about your path sounds like someone struggling with unhealthy dieting, maybe it's time to readjust.

"I just need to do my daily offerings, on schedule, for two weeks. Then I will have earned researching tarot spells."

Maybe it's not a good idea to intentionally include witchcraft in a cycle of reward and denial that will ultimately drain joy from the process until your passion is a withered husk.

Witchcraft isn't going to force your brain to change any more than Stardew Valley was going to force your brain to change. Or that time you got super into succulents. If your time spent studying wool quality in heritage European sheep breeds didn't cure your disorder, witchcraft won't either.

Witchcraft, I think, deserves to be something that is a part of your joy - not a part of a system of stressful attempts at making yourself into someone you're not because "real witches" all do such-and-such routine (I assure you, they do not) so you must force yourself to do it too.

(Incidentally, if you have a 'streamlined ritual for the important stuff' and it becomes a barrier that prevents you from practicing, then maybe that's not a good idea for you - or maybe it's not as simple and streamlined as you need it to be)

STOP trying to build a static path. Lean into temporary hyperfixations.

There is SO MUCH to learn in witchcraft. It's never-ending. The more you learn, the more doorways open for you with more things to learn behind them.

This is not college, you do not have to declare your major. You don't have to wait to decide on your 'magic specialization' before you start learning.

This is not college, you don't have to take semesters of boring general ed classes before you're allowed to start studying what interests you.

Unless you are getting into very serious initiations, learning stuff, advancing your skills, and building your path is not going to shut doors and prevent you from getting into something else.

If something excites your interests, GET INTO IT! Don't force yourself to ignore what you're passionate about because you think serious, responsible witchcraft is supposed to be rigid, boring, and tedious. (It isn't!)

Avoid declaring your major. As in, maybe the idea of energy glamours is super exciting, so on day 1 you create a lesson plan that will realistically take you 70 weeks to complete. Based on your history, is it reasonable that you will maintain this specific interest in glamours for over a year?

Avoid making lesson plans that intentionally slow you down and make shit boring for no good reason. If energy glamours interest you, are you (*scrolls up*) using energy glamours as a carrot to force yourself to engage in a tedious magical workout routine? Is the reason the lesson plan takes 70 weeks because you decided to spend weeks slowly moving through each phase so you have time to spam energy work exercises?

You know yourself better than I know you. Maybe wanting to slow down and engage in your focuses in a new way is the goal. Of course, listen to yourself first!

But if you have a temporary burst of energy and focus to learn a new skill, and learning that skill won't require you to make unhealthy personal or financial decisions, why not just lean into it and explore it moment by moment, wherever your interests take you?

I think you'd probably learn a lot more doing and undoing 20 glamours in a week, because you're freaking out about how fucking cool it is, than if you practice 1 basic glamor exercise once a day because that's what real disciplined witches do, and then 11 days later you forget it once and never do it again and now your interest has faded because glamouring is just another boring chore.

Invest some time and energy into figuring out exactly what your bare minimum of responsibility and upkeep actually is.

How often do you need to recharge your wards to keep them functioning normally?

Once you've explained your own needs and limits, how often do your spirits actually request offerings?

Are you 100% sure the spirits you're working with expect offerings in the first place?

Are those offerings expected to be physical, or do thoughts and prayers suffice?

How often should you perform a personal cleansing to keep yourself feeling magically refreshed?

Feeling anxious or guilty over whether or not you're supposed to be taking certain actions is NO FUN.

It is much less fun if you don't actually know how often you need to do these things. Then it's just all guessing, all the time, and nothing is ever good enough.

If at all possible, avoid putting yourself into a situation where you feel that you are supposed to be doing something responsible in your practice, but you're never sure exactly what it is.

Spend some practice time, learn some skills, and make notes, to discover whether or not you do have any minimum engagement requirements in the style of practice you want. And most importantly, having clear 'deadlines' so you don't have to keep guessing at what you're forgetting about this time.

[szftzy]

yandere batfam concept!

okk so what if, batfam! but mc is a senior, around 18, about to graduate. they work a part time job paying off expenses, while cramming studies and what not. quite a productive life style right?

well, it most definitely gets tiring. thing is, mc knows two brothers around their age, and knowing them for quite a while. sure they were intimidating at first, but you grew to like them as good friends! the younger brother being feisty, while the older one witty.

now you forgot to bring up a fine detail, they were billionaires. more specifically— waynes.. now i know that was a crucial detail but bare with me here!

now, the mc is not a leech. they would enjoy treating themselves, but their dignity as a hard working person doesn't let them! that includes asking of anything from their filthy rich acquaintances.now, when the brothers had invited them over on their behalf, after a while of knowing them, it was pretty awesome.. like not to be dramatic.

now as they had kept sleeping over one or two times, they had meet the rest of the siblings. they had quite a big family, (5 brothers, 3 sisters, a butler and their dad.) of course having equal excitement for each member they had met, but definitely not amounting to the adore they had for their dad! I mean cmon, he built this empire by his bare hands! you'd like to know if you could get a tip or two on how to be successful, ya know.. for the near future.

now that you think about it, that makes you more excited to hang out with them. their family dynamic is so bizarre and so full of life, you do get a bit jealous at times— but never in any bad intentions, you are more than happy for them! plus if it gets you free delicious cookies from the butler, your more than down!

hanging out more around them makes you notice all their little ticks, everything that they like, anything that puts a frown on their face.. even though thats routine for some of them. ahem ahem.. now at a point it can get lonely, like your so invited in the family, but not at the same time..? its sorta difficult to explain, so just never-mind.

now it does get to a point where the mc, gets their own room! now you definitely had a guest room, but at some point your room starts to have life. its not a guest room anymore, little by little it fills up with your interests, your favorite colors, anything that you would like. although subtly gets noticeable over time. now it definitely had a bit of childish tones about it, which was weird considering you were about to be a legal adult.. but okay?

Now at this point, Its nearly graduation. now this would be a joyous event, if not for the fact you were planning on leaving for metropolis.(of all places?) as a kid, you always knew you didn't wanna stay in Gotham, it being the dangerous and gloomy city, although it had its pros, the cons were way more.

And you definitely had grown to adore your friends, they almost feel like family at times, but life has to go on. right?

when they heard about this, they were not elevated for sure.. for a while after that it was just awkward smiles and weird tensions, neither side being happy with what was gonna happen, but you had to.

before school got too busy, you decided to go out with them more! they insist on sleepovers instead of going outside, which you don't really understand why since it wont make a difference. maybe its because they were billionaires or something.. Man rich people are weird.

Anyways, when it came time for exams, you had nearly stopped going out at all. concerning them immensely, but it had taken you a while to assure them you were studying. much to their dismay. (weird, that was something they always detested? their not setting a very good example.) now when you finished up exams, and your graduation ceremony occurred, of course they had to be there!

and after that, they would start bombarding you with text messages, each text had a personality where without even looking at who sent it you could tell who it was from, each text begging you for something. it was always something about— come over! stay! dont go! say goodbye! yada yada yada..—

now it gets annoying at a certain point. but you had decided to pay them one last visit, having packed your stuff and everything done early, you decided it couldn't hurt— oh really now?

your last dinner with them, was interesting! at first the tension was as thick as a wall. for the most part it being small chit chat. but over time, you guys had regained your flow of conversations, everyone chatting and laughing actually having a good time. now their dad doesn't join in alot, but when he does, he also does have fun! which is a bit odd, but its adorable.

when he kindly offered you chamomile tea, you politely refused, but since he insisted, you decided to take him up on his offer. now this wasnt anything weird since the waynes were very generous, but now for some odd reason everyone was staring.. which you tried to pay no mind to.

but as you continue drinking the tea you felt more and more woozy, knowing to just stop and put the tea down..

suddenly a rough hand from behind firmly grabs the cup and gently peers it up to your lips, in total shock you had tried to push the hands away, but it was to no use. you could only watch as you kept drinking the obviously drugged cup, feeling the other hand rubbing against the small of your back soothingly..

you were only a little bit conscious here and there.. enough to feel someone easily carrying you, leading you somewhere, and tad bits of conversations that slipped your mind before you could comprehend.

now waking up in this room, the room you had a bad feeling about.. surrounded by comfortable pillows, big cute plushies, and soft large sheets. to your surprise you were also changed in the most comfortable silk pajamas. it almost coerced you to fall back asleep but you knew better!

you immediately jumped up and ran up to the door, quite obviously secured with locks from the outside.

you tried pushing the doorknob but to no avail, now due to your panic you just froze. immediately lying down on the floor from shock, tears bubbling up.

you buried your face into your knees, and just started sobbing your heart out— why now?! why now of all times to ruin your life? just when it started to get good for you..

you then hear the sound of keys being forced open, and then the door gets kicked down. did someone come to save you? at the doorway, their was the brothers! both with worried looks on their faces, the two ran up to you and immediately locked you in their warm yet suffocating embrace

they immediately start apologizing, for not being there when you woke up.. wait what? they're not here to help?

then it all connected, you were an idiot.. yesterday.. this room. it was obviously their doing. you attempted to sprint off the minute they loosened their grip, bad move.. they were gonna let you explore the manor. but now they knew you need a few months to get adjusted.

now they had tried to not overwhelm you too much, their precious baby, only a few batfamily members being there at a time. sometimes all of them would be there, but at that point you would be napping. unaware to the eyes adoringly watching you drool on whoever had the fortune to carry you that day.

they're so affectionate towards their sibling/kid to a point where its infantilizing. like they will just hold you down for hours, whispering sweet nothings as you lay down in the comfiest bed you can imagine of.

of course sometimes you can still leave your room here and there! ljust not the manor itself. (like you cant leave, ever.) and yes you can still do all your favorite hobbies, darling.. but I'm a little afraid its too grown up for you.. how about we lay down for a nap, okay?

not to mention— you used to have a job, before they confined you. you used to have studies, responsibilities and issues— all that? no more, we'll take care of all that.

don't start questioning them why you suddenly feel lightheaded and tired right after waking up from another nap. its definitely not the tea they just coerced you to drink! again! you probably just thought a little too hard for your fragile brain.. its okay, just rest your head in their lap and let all your worries go away. <3

and you couldnt even fight back! you were not blessed with the best height or physique, and not to mention even the members who didn't fight as much, still had years of technique and experience! yeah.

and now all of a sudden anytime a conversation gets even the slightest bit mature, they'll cover your ears and act like your not there, or have another member of the family escort you to your room for a nap. you don't need to know any of that, sunshine. and if you try to insert your own take on the topic? they'll just laugh, no baby.. your too precious to actually understand these big conversations. maybe when your older?

on the topic of your room again— it is the cutest, most comfortable room someone could think of! filled with your favorite colors, big pillows and plushies.. way too childish for your tastes.. but at first when you had slept over you didn't mind. the room had no windows, you didn't think much at first. not until they had started adding more locks to your door? and apparently your room is soundproof?

no wonder any guests they have over cant hear your pleas of help, thats even if you were allowed to be awake when they came over! please forgive them.. they're just so overprotective, and feel so jealous if someone comes near.

oh and if someone questions whats the door with alot of locks, positioned right next to your dads, was for? well they'd either just change the topic as quick as they could, or give them a filthy look that would make them reconsider ever asking that question.. poor guy.

It evolved from just staying over at your rich friends house, to being under lock and key, as their little baby for them to cherish and adore.

soo this was jus a lil drabble, but lemme know if you guys want a part 2 or something longer!

[beegalactica]

hot girl tips to be more productive

With a million things to do, where do we find the time? Sometimes it can be so easy to just procrastinate, not do your work and keep pushing it back till it's too late. Let's not do that anymore.

5-minute rule - start small. If you've been putting something off for a long time, trying to commit 1 hour to it can be challenging. You can't do a marathon without a warm-up first! Could you set a timer for 5 minutes to do that task? After 5 minutes if you want to continue, go for it; if you don't, that's okay, because at least you've done 5 minutes today, which is better than 0. Tomorrow or later in the day, try to challenge yourself to do 7 minutes this time, then 10, then 15, and you will get into that rhythm.

Eliminate distractions - it's all because of that damn phone 🙄 but seriously, tech and social media can have such a tight grip over our productivity and our attention. If you cannot control your usage, set app timers that lock the app after you use it for a certain amount of time or delete the app. I've been using a minimalist phone launcher called 'OLauncher' that removes all my icons and makes me manually have to type and search for the app. In the time it takes me to search for the app, I get to ask myself, "What am I looking for? Do I need to use it for something specific or do I just want to scroll?"

Schedule properly - note down all your commitments and non-negotiables in an app like Google Calendar and make sure all your big events are displayed there. Some people can fall into the habit of planning every second of their day, but I instead delegate a few tasks to each day and give myself any time within the day to complete them, the important thing being not when I do them, but that I do them in the end.

Write to-do lists - now this doesn't just mean in-app lists, which are very useful. Physically write them out. I use a scrap piece of paper and I write: "Today I WILL..." and then list all the things I want to get done. Having it written down helps me commit to it more and the feeling of ticking it is so satisfying.

Know your WHY - Why are you doing this? Why do you want to be more productive? Why do you want to study more? Always look at the bigger picture. Where do you want to be and how will your productivity help you get there?

Celebrate your wins - whether you completed all the things on your to-do list or just one, be proud of it. Some days, you will feel super motivated and fly through all your tasks, and other days you just want to stay in bed and do nothing. Making an effort is the first step to your success.

No matter whether your goal is to complete a project, get good grades, get into the school of your dreams, or just get your work out of the way so you can focus on other things, tackle it little by little. Just 20 minutes every day for a week is better than trying to do 140 minutes worth of work on the last day.

[croquettish]

Why Henry pushes Hans away at first

I keep thinking about Henry pushing Hans away after he kisses him and why he might do that. After much rumination I think I might have figured it out (though anyone is welcome to chime in with their own ideas!!!).

Apologies in advance-- this got quite long, as it analyzes Henry's view of Hans' romantic behavior through both games and the DLCs (expect spoilers).

ETA: I've expounded a bit on all of this here and here as well!

Henry, better than just about anyone, knows that Hans is a massive flirt.

In Next to Godliness, Hans justifies his desire to go to the bathhouse by mentioning Klara and how pretty she is:

Upon arriving at the bathhouse, Henry learns that Hans hired a bathhouse wench and did his best to undress her via dice before failing and thus recruiting Henry into it.

Zdena tells Henry that Hans regularly goes about such behavior there, so much so that the other girls there are used to it:

We get other little nudge nudge wink winks from Hans who is very determined to show off his masculinity and just how straight he is:

At this point Klara enters the picture, and we learn due to the events that follow that she's the one woman at the bathhouse who doesn't act as a sex worker there in any capacity. Henry would most likely take notice of the fact that the one woman who doesn't let Hans have what he wants is also the one that he likes best.

He then declares that Klara deserves flowers and asks Henry to get her some. Now, if that ain't blurring the lines already...

Fast-forward to The Amorous Adventures of Sir Hans Capon when Hans declares passionate love of a woman he barely knows but who he again insists is different from other women:

He insists that secret courtship is all the rage right now in France and as a result he just has to get in on that trend. Nothing about this sounds sincere to Henry, but Hans is very insistent that no, she's the one! There's no station but the heart! So much so that he wants to gift her his great-grandmother's necklace.

When Henry delivers the necklace, Hans informs him that he already knew of this happening after the fact on account of his spies having informed him of this already.

He insists that he wants her feelings to grow naturally and that he's not planning on doing all of this too fast:

Henry is to get him a potion that'll guarantee his success because Karolina is just that worthy of his affections. He further insists that even if that potion makes every woman faint at his feet, he's only interested in one.

Things don't go entirely according to plan and quite frankly, a lot of this could be seen through the gayest lens possible, but at one point while headed to the rendezvous point, Hans asks Henry about his conquests, prompting Henry to have the option to deflect. Hans surely has had so many more conquests than he, after all!

Wow! Hans must be very invested in this!

Along the way to Karolina's house they come across another, and Hans makes this comment, which might have tipped Henry off to a certain extent (if he hadn't been already tbh) just how in love Hans really is:

So... what you're saying, Hans, is that if she was available, we'd be doing this same song and dance with her?

Huh!

Things go... uniquely over at Karolina's house with Henry feeding him lines of poetry from a bush (to varying degrees of success), and we're treated to these lovely line from Hans:

Depending on which lines Henry fed him, the quest can either end successfully or not. If it is successful, Henry checks on him again the next morning and asks him how things went. He declares:

Well! That sure sounds promising. And so magnanimous of you, Henry! He asks when Hans will see her again and is told the following:

Henry is, understandably, baffled at this.

Hans insists that he had good reason for just ditching the love of his life, namely the fact that she turned out to be illiterate:

Personally, the Hansry shipper in me absolutely thrives at this because oh, Henry is worthy of his poetry? He's giving bawdy poetry to Henry? This could not possibly gayer! (said tam from the past, who had not yet experienced just how gay KCD2 would get)

(Mind you, the poetry is fucking godawful, as we later see again in KCD2 when he actually does write poetry about Henry.)

We fast-forward again.

After their breakup in KCD2, Henry finds him again at the wedding (if not sooner), at one point having what looks like a date with a woman he has given another affectionate nickname:

And then keeps flirting with this girl right in front of Henry's salad after a bit more drama:

As soon as Henry leaves, he goes back to his date.

In other words, Henry knows Hans. He has had his number since early in the first game.

In his eyes, based on the knowledge he has, Hans is an incorrigible flirt who doesn't take love seriously whatsoever. As my gf pointed out, this vibe of "love? I never knew love till now!" [five minutes later] "love? I never knew love till—" can be VERY indicative of queerness. Of course you haven't found the right girl because you're not looking for a girl at all!

Even in his godawful poetry in the second game, Hans admits that

He's a flirt, he sleeps around a lot, he claims that any given woman is the love of his life one moment before being discarded the next...

To Henry, this could easily look like something Hans did on impulse and based only on the fear of losing Henry. Something he didn't mean. Something that could fuck up both of their lives just because of one of Hans' whims. Worse yet, what if he did it just because he was horny and wanted to let off some steam in light of all the anxiety surrounding the circumstances of that moment?

Knowing Hans, he could have kissed him for so many reasons that aren't just that he wanted to kiss Henry because he's hopelessly in love with him.

So Henry pushes him away (for his own good, most likely), walks away, and then--

Hears how genuinely distraught Hans sounds. If his Amorous Adventure with Karolina fails, he knows what Hans sounds like if he's rejected. And it's sure as shit not like this. Things like that usually just don't seem to affect him at all, rolling off him like water off a duck's back.

He expected Hans to brush this off and for him to move on more or less instantly. To scoff at Henry's rejection.

But he doesn't.

And faced with a remorseful and distraught-sounding Hans, he locks the door and turns around. Doesn't even hesitate for one second longer.

[misseuda]

⌕ : becoming that girl this new school year .ᐟ

a new school year is approaching . . . so here are some tips to help you become "that girl" who has it all together and radiates confidence and positivity throughout your journey.

organization and planning

use a planner: keep track of assignments, deadlines, and events. it's s a game-changer!

set goals: define your short-term and long-term goals. knowing what you want to achieve keeps you focused.

create a routine: establish a daily routine that includes time for studying, extracurricular activities, and self-care.

academic success

stay ahead: review class materials before they are covered in class. it makes a huge difference, trust me.

ask for help: if you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to ask teachers or peers for help. don't be shy or else you'll struggle more!

join study groups: collaborating with classmates can enhance your understanding and make studying more fun. make sure you're in the right circle :)

personal development

healthy habits: prioritize sleep, eat balanced meals, and stay hydrated. your body and mind will thank you!

pilates & workout: incorporate physical activity into your routine to boost energy and focus. i recommend searching wonyoung, song jia, and lidia mera pilates on yt <3

mindfulness: practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and stay focused.

social life

interact more: make an effort to introduce yourself and be approachable. friendships can start with a simple “hello.”

get involved: join clubs, sports teams, or other extracurricular activities you want. it's a great way to meet new people and discover new interests.

be supportive: offer help and support to classmates and friends. being kind never goes out of style.

style and presentation

dress confidently: wear outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. your style is a form of self-expression, take note of that.

stay organized: keep your study area and personal space tidy. a clear space leads to a clear mind.

personal hygiene: maintain good personal hygiene and grooming habits. feeling fresh boosts confidence.

remember, becoming "that girl" is about being the best version of yourself and living a balanced, fulfilling life.

[honeytonedhottie]

the monthly necessities⋆.ೃ࿔*:･📔🎀

just some things like appointments, trips, dates that i like to plan before the beginning of each month so that i can set off on the right foot for a successful month.

MANICURE AND PEDICURE ; 

i like to schedule an appointment before the month starts to either get myself a new set or start fresh and let my nails breathe. i like to keep my toes done regularly because it just makes me feel so feminine and clean. 

FACIALS AND OTHER TREATMENTS ; 

things like a hair trim (you can designate a day to do it yourself or get it done professionally) and facials can keep you looking and feeling your best. 

waxing appointments 

getting ur brows or lashes done 

facials 

hair trimming 

it’s important to set aside those dates because booking appointments and making time to groom and pamper yourself is something that u can easily sweep under the rug, especially if ur not in the habit of pampering urself. 

IMPORTANT DATES ; 

make sure to set out dates that you don’t wanna forget! like birthdays, lessons, tournaments and competitions. make sure to put the important things in ur monthly calendar. 

applications and deadlines also go in this category so make sure to include those in ur calendar because you don’t wanna forget those. 

SOCIAL LIFE ; 

set aside times to have dinner dates with ur friends, include the dates of parties and get togethers.

lunch date 

dinner date 

brunch 

sleepovers etc 

i try and keep at least one or two days where i can be fully available with my friends so we can keep friendship strong. this includes other social events so that then you can keep your social life alive and thriving! 

ONE DAYS ; 

one whole pamper/spa day (my tip is to do this on a saturday or a sunday) 

one whole day without using social media 

one day in which u spend time outdoors 

one day to go somewhere that you never went before 

one day to help someone else and be there for them 

TIPS AND TRICKS ; 

if ur putting everything into ur agenda or calendar and you somehow still manage to forget things, log things in ur alarm clock. for example if u have a daily alarm clock that rings at a certain time, write something along the lines of what you need to remember. 

like if my alarm goes off at 6:00 am and it says “good morning beautiful” on important dates i’d write “good morning beautiful, you have an appointment at 9:00”. that way it’s like an active reminder. 

do your best to make ur calendar and agenda aesthetically pleasing, i swear it makes you more productive and happy to get things done and be prepared. 

[themaynard]

Corporate events play an essential role in fostering relationships, sealing deals, and making long-lasting impressions. Selecting the ideal venue is paramount, as it can determine the success or failure of the event. Here's a guide to ensure you choose the right spot for your next corporate gathering.

[saanphoenix]

As mean as it is, I must stress, Solas threw spirits at Elgar'nan's front door because he had "his people" going up the back way to Steal The Lyrium Dagger.

They say "relic" in the scene itself, but going off the codices, the regret murals, the order of events, and what Solas himself says about what that "relic" can do, he means the Lyrium Dagger.

That was him risking the only shot they had to put an end to the Evanuris for good.

Like. Solas has personally tussled with Elgar'nan before. We've seen what state he was in afterwards. We've heard him tell Rook if Elgar'nan takes the field to Run unless that fucking Archdemon is dead.

Man's not afraid of "making the sacrifices required of leadership." Sometimes those sacrifices are his own life, and other times they are, unfortunately, his allies. But, like. That's the tragedy you get when you're the leader. You put everything on yourself. You can't really trust anyone else to do the job for you because the Entire World is at stake. YOU have to do the ritual to stop the Evanuris because YOU made the dagger, its enchantments, and are well-knowledgable about the blight. YOU can't be the one risking their life right now, so who do you choose? Who rides to the Black Gates to distract the Eye of Sauron while Frodo and Sam hike up Mount Doom?

The only thing that sits wrong with me is he didn't tell them it was a suicide mission.

But like. Would he have believed anyone would have willingly made that sacrifice? Would they have fought as hard as they did if they knew they had no shot of success? Would them knowing have tipped Elgar'nan off to the other plan because of how he can just get into minds?

Situation's fucked, but no more than dooming a city because you can't save both.

[thesassypadawan]

Birthday Boy (Hayden x FemReader)

Summary: It’s your man’s birthday! A day filled with all the love, presents, and…special ‘treats’.

Warnings: 18+ (mdni), because there sooo much of the smut. Birthday head and, as always… Hayden’s big, fat dick.

Notes: Happy Birthday, Hay! 💙🤍

And also Happy Hayden's (And Mine) Birthday Event! In honor of the man, the myth, the legend; I will be posting nothing but Anakin, Vader, and Hay stories all April long!

- It’s Hayden’s birthday! One of the few days during the year when you can spoil him totally rotten…and he can’t object or complain.

- You always make it into a big deal. Showering him with love and affection. Making his fav foods. Getting him so many thoughtful presents. Planning all sorts of little surprises and special ‘treats’…that you just so happen to enjoy too.

- The sound of your alarm fills the air, and your arm flies out from underneath the covers. Hand fumbling for your phone, trying to silence it before a moose starts to stir.

- Luckily, you’re successful and no harm was done. Because you can hear the soft snores echoing out from behind you.

- Yawning, you try to blink yourself awake. You had set it with the intention of getting up early enough to prepare him breakfast in bed. But having that deliciously warm body pressed up against and those strong arms wrapped around you…

- A sleepy smile spreads across your face and your eyes begin to close. Until you feel a very hard, very familiar something poke your backside. And suddenly you’re no longer going with the original plan. Instead you’re opting for the new, amazing one you just thought up.

- Somehow you not only manage to untangle yourself from Hay, but you’re also able to get him to lay on his back. From there you make quick work of removing the sheets and pulling down his sleep pants. Cock springing free and standing proud.

- Positioning yourself between his toned legs, lips hovering barely a few inches above his dick. You pause a moment, making sure he’s still asleep by whispering… “Oi, Big Dork; Leafs suck.”

- Nothing. Not an angry grumble or eyes cracking open to glare at you. Nothing.

- Boldly you kitten lick his fat tip, happily lapping up that first salty bead of pre. Before popping it into your mouth, rolling your tongue around and sucking gently. Teasing at and playing with his slit until more of that bittersweet goodness explodes across your taste buds.

- Moaning softly, the vibrations cause Hayden to shift a bit. But you chose to ignore this, taking more of him in. That slight, pleasant ache in your jaw making you pant through your nose, your own arousal spiking. Cunt clenching around nothing, dripping…soaking through your panties.

- Bobbing your head up and down, you set a steady pace. Lips and hand wrapped tightly around his impressive length, adding more friction as you pump. Teeth nipping and grazing at him lightly.

- You’re so caught up that you don’t hear the low groan, but you certainly feel the big hand coming to rest on the back of your head. Those long fingers lacing through your hair, tugging.

- With his cock still nice and warm in your mouth, you not so innocently gaze up at him. Hay’s blue eyes are blown so wide, a lazy smile on his face. “Happy Birthday to me,” he chuckles, voice raspy from sleep.

- Humming, you swallow him greedily. Head brushing and hitting the back of your throat. Trying your best to not choke, fighting the urge not to gag.

- “That’s it,” he grunts. Pulling harder, hips starting to slowly buck. “Keep Going.”

- Driven by his words and that wonderful burn on your scalp, you double your efforts. Picking up speed, you match his rhythm. Baring down, letting him slide deeper with each thrust. Squeezing and playing with his heavy balls.

- First you feel his dick twitch, then his thighs begin to tremble, and…

- Growling, Hayden shot his hot cum down your throat. Curses falling from his lips while you hungrily drink every last drop.

- Releasing him with a wet sounding pop, you eagerly crawl on top of and straddle him. “Happy Birthday, Hay!” You giggle, grinning and wiggling like crazy…some of his ‘frosting’ trickling down your chin. “Today it’s all about you and-”

- A squeak escapes you as your suddenly flipped over. Back pressed against the mattress, caged in by his arms. Tip pushing at your drenched core.

- “Thanks for the gift, angel,” the birthday boy smirks, hand slowly trailing down your hip. “I’ll open it right now.” And with one quick movement, tares off your panties.

Tag List: @espinathena-17, @myheartwillgoon2022, @wifeofasith, @princessswifie, @kenobiskywalker16, @loverforoldermen

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Hi there, I’m planning on writing gothic/gothic romance fiction. Do you have any tips?

Do you also have any tips to not make your writing too repetitive? I have a habit of repeating words a lot.

Writing Notes: Gothic Fiction

Gothic Novel

European Romantic pseudomedieval fiction having a prevailing atmosphere of mystery and terror.

Its heyday was the 1790s, but it underwent frequent revivals in subsequent centuries.

Called Gothic because its imaginative impulse was drawn from medieval buildings and ruins, such novels commonly used settings such as castles or monasteries equipped with subterranean passages, dark battlements, hidden panels, and trapdoors.

The Gothic is characterized by its darkly picturesque scenery and its eerie stories of the macabre.

It draws its name and aesthetic inspiration from the Gothic architectural style of the Middle Ages ⁠— crumbling castles, isolated aristocratic estates, and spaces of decrepitude are familiar settings within the genre.

Gothic fiction is rooted in blending the old with the new.

As such, it often takes place during moments of historical transition, from the end of the medieval era to the beginnings of industrialization.

Contemporary technology and science are set alongside ancient backdrops, and this strange pairing helps create the pervasive sense of uncanniness and estrangement that the Gothic is known for.

Past & present fold in on each other; even as man’s technological advancements seem to make him increasingly powerful, history continues to haunt.

Elements of Gothic Literature

The Gothic is a genre of spiritual uncertainty: it creates encounters with the sublime and constantly explores events beyond explanation. Whether they feature supernatural phenomena or focus on the psychological torment of the protagonists, Gothic works terrify by showing readers the evils that inhabit our world.

CHARACTERS

Characters in Gothic fiction often find themselves in unfamiliar places, as they — and the readers — leave the safe world they knew behind.

Ghosts are right at home in the genre, where they’re used to explore themes of entrapment and isolation, while omens, curses, and superstitions add a further air of mystery.

ATMOSPHERE

Eeriness is as important as the scariness of the events themselves.

In a Gothic novel, the sky seems perpetually dark and stormy, the air filled with an unshakable chill.

THEMES

In addition to exploring spooky spaces, Gothic literature ventures into the dark recesses of the mind: the genre frequently confronts existential themes of madness, morality, and man pitted against God or nature.

Physical and mental ruin go hand in hand — as the ancient settings decay so do the characters’ grips on reality.

History of Gothic Literature

The vogue was initiated in England by Horace Walpole’s immensely successful The Castle of Otranto (1765).

His most respectable follower was Ann Radcliffe, whose The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794) and The Italian (1797) are among the best examples of the genre.

A more sensational type of Gothic romance exploiting horror and violence flourished in Germany and was introduced to England by Matthew Gregory Lewis with The Monk (1796).

The classic horror stories Frankenstein (1818), by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, and Dracula (1897), by Bram Stoker, are in the Gothic tradition but introduce the existential nature of humankind as its definitive mystery and terror.

Easy targets for satire, the early Gothic romances died of their own extravagances of plot.

But Gothic atmospheric machinery continued to haunt the fiction of such major writers as:

Charlotte, Anne, and Emily Brontë, Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and even Charles Dickens in Bleak House and Great Expectations.

In the second half of the 20th century, the term was applied to paperback romances having the same kind of themes and trappings similar to the originals.

Tips on Writing Gothic Fiction

SETTING

Gothic fiction can, of course, be set anywhere – but 2 key components of Gothic settings are as follows:

Gothic settings are isolated – a small community, a rural town, a single-family home on the open moors… wherever your Gothic story takes place, make sure that the setting is in isolation from the rest of the world. Places that are difficult to get to, with small populations, or are only home to one family or small group of people are ideal for weaving a Gothic tale. Even if your characters are not physically isolated – maybe they live in a city, for example – their isolation should be present in some way; maybe emotionally, maybe socially. There are plenty of options therein.

Gothic settings revolve around a home base – not necessarily a home or house, though that is quite common; but, with almost every Gothic tale, a central setting is introduced very quickly and almost all the action takes place inside or around it. This furthers that feeling of isolation, and also helps the house or laboratory or island or whatever else feel alive, as if it is a character itself.

These settings are often fun to develop and aid the story so, so much by being atmospheric and anthropomorphic.

By creating a strong setting and central location, you are setting up your Gothic fiction for success.

VOICE & CHARACTER

A strong voice, usually in first person, is a staple of Gothic fiction.

Gothic main characters are usually curious, determined, and unable to rest until whatever is going on around them is uncovered.

They are not faint of heart and often have experience dealing with hardship in the past; they are uniquely qualified for whatever disturbing events are going on.

Your character’s voice should be curious, but not paranoid; apprehensive, but not frightened or cowardly; and, above all, interesting.

As many Gothic are written in first person, you want your main character to take action and investigating the goings-on.

ATMOSPHERE

Similar to setting, it’s important to focus on atmosphere. Make sure you appeal to the five senses – let your reader know how it sounds, smells, feels!

The more details, the better; immerse your reader by making them feel as if they are actually in the space.

Often, as mentioned, Gothic novels take place in areas that are remote, experience frequent storms or bad weather, or otherwise have a very ominous environment.

Of course, Gothic novels can take place anywhere, but the takeaway here is to remember to highlight aspects that go beyond the visual.

SUBGENRE

Know what the genre within your Gothic work is or is going to be.

Are you writing a Gothic romance? A Gothic thriller? A Gothic horror? There are even types of books one might categorize as a “cozy Gothic” – taking the elements of a cozy mystery, but with a Gothic setting and characters.

There are some very specific geographical locations and time periods for Gothics, Victorian or Regency-era Northern England being a couple of them; but they are not all set in Europe in the 19th century, nor should they be.

Consider such settings as seen in Southern Gothic in the 2020s, for example, or Canadian Gothic (set anywhere in Canada, but usually southern and rural Ontario) in the late 90s, among many others. These are only a few examples of hundreds!

Dark academia titles can often fall into the Gothic genre as well, and, of course there are Gothic fantasy and sci-fi titles as well.

Carefully consider what sub-genre your Gothic fiction falls under before writing it, or during the early stages of writing as your work gets fleshed out. It may fall under just one category, or multiple! Either way, knowing this will help you write and later market your title.

MARKETING

Think about marketing at an early stage. Make it clear that it is a Gothic novel!

And consider publishing your title at a time when the Gothic genre might be in higher demand, such as during the month of October or the winter in general.

Appeal to fans of grim stories, horror romance, and what have you by theming your marketing.

If writing a Gothic novel is new for you, be sure to highlight that!

It can be exciting when an author tries out a new genre and moves into a new literary space. Be sure to let your readers know of this new venture.

Gothic Romance

As a genre, gothic fiction was first established with the publication of Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto in 1764. Characterized by a dark, foreboding atmosphere and outlandish, sometimes grotesque, characters and events, gothic fiction has flourished and branched off into many different subgenres in the centuries since its creation.

While Walpole introduced what would later become the definitive tropes of the genre (creepy castles, cursed families, gloomy atmosphere), it was not until Ann Radcliffe’s A Sicilian Romance in 1790 that gothic romance began to develop as its own legitimate subgenre.

Radcliffe kept many of the same tropes established by Walpole’s work, such as isolated settings with semi-supernatural phenomena; however, her novels featured female protagonists battling through terrifying ordeals while struggling to be with their true loves.

This concept is what separates gothic romance from its cousin, gothic horror.

Female leads would come to dominate gothic romance, especially after the publication of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre in 1847.

A young woman struggling to maintain her independence as she falls for a dark, brooding, handsome man became a genre-defining plot of gothic romances published in the decades that followed.

A renewed public interest in gothic romance came on the heels of Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca upon its publication in 1938.

Authors such as Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart, and Phyllis A. Whitney dominated the gothic romance trade paperback market from the 1960s to the 1990s.

The image of a young woman running away from a darkened castle became a staple of gothic romance novel covers.

In 1983, Gaywyck, by Vincent Virga, became the first published gay gothic romance.

Modern additions to the genre continue to reflect its interest in both terror and romance, while also delivering updated or reimagined versions of familiar tropes.

Tips for Avoiding Word Repetition

While repeating a word or phrase can add emphasis and rhythm to your writing, it can also make your writing awkward and difficult to read. When you’re not using repetition as a rhetorical device, repeating words can get in the way of good writing. Here are some tricks for avoiding unnecessary repetition of words:

Read your work aloud. Reading aloud will help you avoid unintentional word repetition. Reading your work aloud is an excellent way to both hear the sonic effects of your prose and catch awkward repeated sounds or other unintended effects.

Read your work backward. Reading your work backward is an editing trick that forces your brain to slow down and pay close attention to the individual sentences. Start at the end of a chapter, paragraph, or page and read the last sentence of that section. (Don’t read the sentence itself backward—it won’t make any sense.) Next, read the second-to-last sentence, and so on. This will allow you to work at the sentence level, catching any unintended repetition or other small mistakes that your brain naturally skims over.

Consult a thesaurus. So you’ve found a repeated word. Now what? You can try rearranging your sentence to get rid of the repeated word, or you can keep the sentence the same and plug in a different word in its place. If you’re at a loss, consult a thesaurus for a list of synonyms. You want your writing to sound like you, and to be accessible to your audience, so it’s best to avoid using words you aren’t familiar with. But if you find yourself unintentionally repeating the same word over and over, a thesaurus can help you identify another word that more precisely captures your meaning.

Some Writing Strategies to Avoid Repetition

Excerpts from writing tips on repetition by Dr. Ryan Shirey:

While repetition is not an inherently bad thing (and can quite often be used to great effect as in the classical rhetorical technique of anaphora), most of us want to make sure that we’re not boring our readers by saying the same things over and over again without any variation or development.

If you’re worried about repeating ideas, then one of the easiest and most illuminating things that you can do is to reverse outline your draft. When you reverse outline, you take your draft and distill each idea and piece of evidence back into an outline. Some writers like to do this in the margins and others prefer a separate sheet of paper. Whatever your preference, a reverse outline will let you see rather clearly whether or not you’ve returned to the same idea or piece of evidence multiple times in the same essay. If you find that you have, you can think about rearranging or cutting paragraphs as necessary.

Another strategy if you’re worried about repeating ideas is to use different colored highlighters, colored pencils, or coloring tools in a word processing program to mark areas of your text where you’re working on specific ideas. If I’m writing a paper on the history of the run up to World War I, for example, I might decide to mark all the areas where I discuss treaty arrangements in green, all the areas where I discuss colonial expansion in blue, the parts that discuss arms manufacturing and trade in red, and so on. Once I’ve visualized these ideas with color, I can see more easily whether or not I keep returning to the same topics or whether I need to restructure any portions of my essay. Be careful, though–you don’t want to create artificial distinctions that might negatively impact your overall point. For instance, if a conflict over colonial expansion leads to a treaty arrangement, I would need to be very careful about using the context in which I’m discussing that treaty dictate how I code that sentence or paragraph.

If you’re worried about repeating words or phrases, you can use the “find” feature in your word processing program to highlight all of the instances where you’ve used it. Once you’ve identified the problem areas, you can look for ways to combine sentences using coordination or subordination, replace nouns with pronouns, or (very carefully) use a thesaurus to diversify your vocabulary.

Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6 ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References

Hope this helps with your writing!

[ivesambrose]

PAC : September 2024 Mini Messages

1. 2. 3.

And we're almost in fall 🍁

To book a personal reading with me DM or email me at ivesambrose@gmail.com

Services Offered

Reviews

Thanks for the tip ✨

Picture 1

You'll be feeling the urge to socialize or reconnect with friends and loved ones this month. Likely even connect with new people that inspire you and reignite a spark within you. It seems like as you're headed for autumn you begin to experience your personal spring. There's a lot in your mind and heart and it's been repressed there for quite some time now because you haven't found the right means to express them or the people to express them to but this: shall change. I see you wanting to maintain more balance and diplomacy in your life this month instead of extremes. In a way you've told yourself, "Hey I've done enough push and pull, let me allow things to fall in place." A lot of you might focus on regulating your nervous system, some of you might be starting therapy or just being more attentive about your mental health. Some of you might collaborate or work with others especially if you're an artist or creator of any kind. I also see a select few coming out of hiding and gaining the confidence to put themselves out there. This month will also end on a joyful note for you. You'll also be pursuing something your heart feels really called to. You'll also feel cherished and cared for, this could be from a special someone or your friends and family or the community you're proud of. You'll feel a lot less alone, you never really were.

Picture 2

Leaving all that heartache behind. Bit by bit. Holding your life by the reigns by finding the courage within. There's no need to wait for anyone to help you through this, just begin. I know certain anguishes weigh rather heavily but it doesn't have to be a permanent resident there. A lot of you are planning on moving away from a present location that hasn't been bringing you peace you'l likely end up executing it before this year ends. Sometime around this month itself you'll find yourself feeling emotionally renewed. Opportunities coming up that you had been praying for since long but you feel nervous taking up because emotional fulfillment somehow feels scary to you. Feel the fear and do it anyway. Take the plunge because it'll lead to you feeling proud and successful of yourself. I also see a peak in finances or you saving up enough to afford something that makes you really happy. If you have pets you'll be spending more time with them or even consider adopting one. You'll start finding joy in the things you used to years back. Hold onto this feeling. For some reason the song, 'Innocence' by Avril Lavigne came through for this pile as well. If you resonate deeply with music, then this song definitely has a message for you.

Picture 3

A mental breakthrough. I see you being assertive and maybe even cut throat with your goals. I also see a lot of you disciplining your mind to the maximum. Correcting any negative thought and assumption. You'll also find yourself emerging victorious no matter what situation you're facing. There's a specific turn of events and fate for you. Fall overall is a significant time for this pile. I see you embracing joy diligently, making new friends and connections and making plans with your loved ones. You have chosen to let your inner child experience everything they have been forced to let go of. Do not dim your own light this month. You were meant to shine. You were meant to stand out. Some of you might also have a significant secret admirer as well. They see you as the break of dawn after a dark and solemn night and want to pretty much make you feel the same it seems. You'll find yourself wanting to relax more and allow things to come to you. Stressing and forcing on the other hand might lead to discord and feeling burnt out. It seems as though you had been fearing the worst but there has been a pleasant change of plans for you. You will be starting a new chapter in your life, you'll be rather stubborn about it too, brainstorming quite a bit, might encounter a few conflicts here and there but nothing good team work can't solve. This will eventually lead you to the version of you that you have in mind.

[milkoomi]

semester success. ᥫ᭡

[ 3 chapter mini series ]

in this series, i’m going to teach you all my helpful tips and tricks on how to succeed in the new semester in just 3 quick chapters! get ready to take notes, we’re diving right in!

chapter one — THE STARTING WEEK

the first week of a new semester can be daunting. how the rest of your semester will go depends on how your first week starts. so let’s make sure we start the semester on the right foot!

class is in session …

୨ৎ — the week before

if you can start preparations at least one week before the start of the new semester, do it!

here’s what you can do:

monday & tuesday - gather all your supplies

the basics…

backpack / school bag

folders / binders / notebooks / planner

pencil case / pencils / pens / highlighters

laptop / tablet / tablet pen / chargers

essentials…

textbooks / required materials

personal care & hygiene products (i.e. deodorant, perfume, lip balm, hair ties, hand sanitizer, feminine products)

headphones

in case you’re missing a few extra supplies, be sure to go and make those necessary purchases! create a checklist if you have to!

wednesday - check student email

be sure to check your student email for any new updates from your teachers/professors! you also want to make sure you give yourself a solid amount of time before classes start back up to keep checking for updates and/or important announcements.

** from this point up until the day before your new semester starts, keep checking your student email. i recommend checking at least 4 times per day! once in the morning around 8-9am, twice in the afternoon around 12-1pm & around 3-4pm, and then once more at night around 7-8pm!

thursday & friday - plan for the first week

grab your planner (whether it’s physical or digital) and take some time to plan out your first week! make note of what classes you have on what days & include the times those classes start, write down any important non-school related appointments/events that you have during that first week, and be sure to include time during that first week where you can rest and relax.

saturday - review syllabus & double checking

take some time out of your day to read and review each of your class’ syllabi! make sure you read through them thoroughly and highlight any important dates that show up in the course semester schedule. i also recommend highlighting your teachers’/professors’ contact information, and if they have office hours be sure to make note of that as well!

also, let this second-to-last day before the start of the semester be designated for last minute preparations. double check that you have all your supplies, check your student email again, and just make sure you complete everything else that might be on your to-do list.

sunday - relaxing & decompressing

the final day of your break before the semester starts should be used to just rest and relax. treat yourself kindly on this day; pamper yourself! do skincare, treat yourself to a cozy day in, watch your favorite show or movies, journal! do something that makes you feel at ease and makes you feel happy! it’s important to have a day where you can just relax and only focus on relaxing.

you might also want to ease your mind by doing some last minute cleaning and reorganizing! starting a new semester with a refreshed study space/room (whether it be an office or your bedroom) can help alleviate some stress that might still be lingering. refresh your space and clear your mind!

this little schedule might not be the exact one you follow, and that’s okay! i made this as an example of what you can do & what your week before might look like!

୨ৎ — academic weapon style

get dressed up for your first week back! wear the clothes that make you feel confident and that help you set the tone for yourself.

gather inspiration! dress like your favorite academic icons! hop onto pinterest & look for style inspo for different characters like…

rory gilmore

hermione granger

meredith grey

cristina yang

elle woods

spencer hastings

blair waldorf

cristina yang , blair wladorf , spencer hastings

୨ৎ — create a consistent morning & night routine

it’s important to have a routine, especially in the morning and at night. having a routine that works for you and your schedule will help smooth any rough edges that might come up during your semester!

go to sleep & wake up at the same time every day

incorporate self care/hygiene routine in the morning and night

include health & wellness aspects (journaling, morning yoga, etc.)

make your bed as soon as you wake up

set aside time to unwind/time for yourself

୨ৎ — chat with/get to know your professors

the first week is all about figuring out the vibe of your class, so get a feel for your environment and who your professors are! you will be working with them for the next 16 weeks!

use this time to ask questions, let your professor know a little bit about you, and take notes on what your professor asks from you and your classmates during this semester.

after you’ve taken the time to review the syllabus prior to classes starting, write down possible questions or concerns that you can bring up to your teachers!

before you’re dismissed …

take on the first week with your full strength! create that good first impression for yourself and set the path for your incoming success!

with lots of love, faustina 🌷

[asirensrage]

Title: Leader of the Pack Fandom: Tokyo Revengers Rating: Teen Pairing: Shinichiro x reader (use of "nee-chan" by others and "baby" by him. ) Word count: 890 Warnings: Canon events. Angst. Undescribed reader but mention of being called "sister" to his siblings. Unbeta’d. Summary: Breaking up is hard to do, but Shinichiro isn't about to let you go without a fight.

Notes: based off of the song "Leader of the Pack" by The Shangri-Las. My friend pointed out how well he fit with the song...so I had to make things worse. Enjoy!

“Why?”

You swallow tightly and try to stop yourself from crying but you can’t. The heartbreak and confusion on Shinichiro’s face is killing you. You are certain. 

“My dad,” you admit softly, wiping the tears sliding down your cheeks. You can see him shift forward before he stops, as if he is going to reach out to do it himself. “He…he doesn’t think you’re–” you pause, unable to say it. 

Shinichiro scoffs. “What? Good enough?” he looks away and you can see his jaw clench before he turns back to you and steps forward. “Who gives a shit what he thinks. I love you,” he says, hand catching yours. He laces your fingers together. “I know it’s fucking hard, but we’re worth it, aren’t we? Don’t you love me too?”

“Of course I do!” you say quickly. You cup his cheek and your throat tightens at how he leans into it. “But I can’t…he threatened to disown me.”

“Then let him,” Shinichiro’s eyes meet yours. “I’ll take care of you. You know I will. I already promised you, didn’t I?” He leans in until your foreheads touch. “You and I…we’re gonna get married, have a bunch of kids, and be happy. There’s no one else I wanna be with, baby.” He lifts your hands to kiss the tips of your fingers. There’s grease smeared from his touch but you barely notice. 

“Shin…”

“Isn’t that what we said?” he stresses again. “Aren’t those our plans?”

You cry harder, even as you nod because you’re not sure you can do this. You love Shinichiro. He’s handsome, optimistic, funny even if he’s a little self-deprecating and he loves his family so much. He loves you. It was a miracle the two of you met at the convenience store as he was buying dorayaki for his little brother while you went looking for something to snack on. He likes to say he fell first, but you knew the moment you looked at him that he was something special, something you wanted to cherish and claim before anyone else could. It was pure luck he was single, even if his friends joke that you’re the crazy one for accepting his confession. 

And now you have to leave. 

“I’m s-sorry,” you choke out. 

“Shh,” he hushes you as he pulls you into his chest. You cry harder, clutching his jumpsuit as he wraps his arms around you. He presses a kiss to your hair. “It’s okay, baby,” he says softly. “We’ll work it out. When he sees we’re serious, he’ll accept. I’m going look after you.”

“He won’t!” You cry into him. “He hates you!”

“Doesn’t matter. I love y-” he pauses, pulling back as he looks away. “Wait here.” He lets go but when you don’t release your grip on his overalls, he smiles. “I just gotta check that out. Don’t move, okay? We’re not done, baby. I promise.” 

 He pries your hands off of him, pressing a kiss against your lips before he grabs a wrench off a workbench. You watch as he slips easily into the Shinichiro who ran one of the most successful gangs across Tokyo. 

“Shin?”

“Shh,” he hushes you again. “Wait.” He leaves you in his back workroom, closing the door after him. 

You wipe the tears as you listen. The sudden fear of someone else being in his shop after closing overwhelming the pain of your break up. Or attempt, you have yet to succeed even though you know you should. 

You hear Shin’s voice, tone hardening as he demands an explanation before someone is suddenly screaming. They sound young and scared and there’s a crack before a loud thump on the ground that sends you running. 

“SHIN!” 

✨

The lights flash around you, the police question you, but you can’t seem to focus. Your hands are covered in blood overlapping the grease stains Shinichiro left on you as he held you. He was gone. You knelt at his side, screaming, crying his name as the two kids broke down. Someone called the cops. You don’t even know who. All you could focus on was the way Shin wasn’t answering. He wasn’t comforting you like he was supposed to. He wasn’t promising you forever. He was just lying there, eyes open and blank as you knelt in the blood that wasn’t stopping. Why wasn’t it stopping?

“Nee-chan?” 

You look up at the voice. Manjiro, Shinichiro’s little brother, stands there, staring at you in confusion. Both he and Emma had taken to call you sister after it got out that Shinichiro had given you a promise ring. “Just until I save up enough to get you something to be proud of,” he had said with that stupid grin of his. It didn’t matter that you were always proud to be with him. 

“Mikey.”

“What’s…what’s happening? Where’s Shin?”

You burst into tears again, unable to stop yourself. “I don’t know,” your voice cracks. “I don’t know what happened. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!” Maybe if you hadn’t come here to break up, if you had just demanded he take you on that date like he was supposed to instead of you deciding to cancel so that you could break up with him here in private. You sob harder, unable to console the young teen. 

This is all your fault. 

✨

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