#taking criticism is a SKILL and if you don't have thick skin or a lot of confidence it can be debilitating as a creative person

[thevioletcaptain]

y'all get that screenshotting fic to publicly make fun of it is straight up bully behavior, right? like. it doesn't matter if you redact the author's name. this is no different to a kid taking someone else's art off the wall in a classroom, walking out into the playground, and holding it up to say "haha look how shit this is"

[greenerteacups]

Vague Statement of Authorial Preferences on "Constructive Criticism"

I've written this carefully to try to avoid sounding ungrateful or oversensitive. I get wonderful engagement on Lionheart, and 99% of it is positive, heartwarming, flattering, humbling. I'm grateful for that every day, and I never take it for granted. Whatever the 1% consists of, I acknowledge it's a vanishing fraction of the response. The last thing I want to be is a sour grape.

That being said, I think the fic must've been recced on a non-D/H forum, because there's been a few... slightly more critical comments lately. Not a ton, but they're there. Which is fine. I acknowledge I'm a little sensitive to criticism on fanfic, mostly because it's supposed to be my fun, no-pressure, no-bad-vibes hobby, and I've had the occasional self-critical spirals that stop me from writing. But that's no one's problem but mine. Also, it's the Internet. People will say what they think. That's the bug, and that's the feature. I've been around long enough to acquire a decently thick skin. I just don't really want to use it in this particular forum, for this particular thing.

(For the record: pointing out typos, wrong word choices, wrong use of "it's/its," that's fine. And cracking jokes about the fic is a fun way to engage! I'm really not harsh about this, I don't think. But if your only comment is a major structural criticism of how I conceive and do plots: that's the kind of feedback I'm talking about here.)

I want to stress a lack of ill will towards critics; some of them have been respectful. In fact, a lot of them word their comments like they're editors on a project they like — which is what I believe they think they're doing. I don't see any malice in it; it's just a problem of different Internet circles with different Internet etiquette bumping into each other. So I thought I should clarify! Here's my standing declaration of etiquette preference: there is a difference in the standard of expected criticism between published work that you pay for and amateur work you get for free. I have a job. I get critique in my job, I work with it, I learn from it, I grow from it. Fanfiction is my hobby. The places I seek critical feedback on my skills are not, respectfully, the AO3 comments section.

And if you've spent hours of your time reading 600,000 words of free fiction and all you could think to say about it was something critical, you and I are very different kinds of participant in fandom, and that's probably a sufficient reason for us not to interact.

[askyourwritergrandma]

Grams, how do you deal with people criticizing your writing? I get that art is subjective, one man's trash is another man's treasure, but it's hard sometimes when you pour your emotions on the page and people can't connect to it or hate the way you write. Sigh.

Hello anon!

Oh friend, this is one of those things where you're going to hear a lot of variations on just developing a thick skin and ignoring the haters and probably to focus on your love for writing.

These are all true. 100% the first thing you need to know about nameless/faceless voices on the internet is that their commentary (positive or negative) is confined to their view of the world. In fanfiction especially, there's an presumption that if a fic does not meet reader's expectations it is Bad that really makes my blood boil. And while all feedback is a reflection of the person that's leaving it, negative feedback is almost always just someone shitting on a birthday cake.

Think of that feedback the way you'd think of a bug in the house. You hate the sight of it and you hate the thought that if there's one little many-legged fiend there could be more but the shock of having seen it will fade. A quick inventory of your house will tell you if there's a problem or it was just one rude bug squished to death on your kitchen floor (or humanely removed to the outside word, depending on your style).

That first shock of a bad review leaves you in a drained state, wondering if it's true. Wondering why someone would take the time to say it and if they took that time well then it's bound to have an element of truth in it somewhere. Or maybe it attacks a vulnerable spot of yours and that makes it feel even more true. And this is undeniably awful. It's absolutely the worst. But much like the bug you removed from your home, this review is best tidied into the trash can. Faceless/nameless negative reviewers are pests and they bring as much value to you as a cockroach.

When the shock of seeing the review fades you can choose to delete it (if possible) or to leave it where it is but do not respond to it. Responding to it lets that bottom feeder know that they were heard and it encourages them to return and/or for other equally unpleasant folks to try their luck at eliciting a response. You are aloof; you do not care.

I know that you care. I care. We all care when people say hurtful things. But the key is to teach ourselves to recognize those words as what they are: the other person's problem.

Remind yourself that what you're doing is an act of love, that you are doing it almost entirely for yourself, and that there are people who do enjoy it. Remind yourself that you're mastering a skill and just like nobody makes a successful three piece bedroom set their first day at carpentry school you aren't going to produce a perfect piece of art at the get go. (Or even the middle, hell I didn't really start to think I had accomplished what I set out to do until recently.)

So step 1: Remember the negative reviews from the faceless internet are cockroaches trying to infest your kitchen step 2: remove them from your life humanely (ignoring the comment) or with prejudice (deleting it) step 3: take an inventory of your goals

Negative criticism is not meant to help you grow. But, if you felt like everything that criticism said is true (first off, it's not) take stock of what skills you are working on and put your mind to doing better for yourself. (Or out of spite, that's what I did.) Improve your dialogue in the next story, add in more setting in the next, work on conflicts in the next, next one.

Make yourself an attainable goal and then attain it and that will wash the worry of those ugly bugs out of your brain.

But assuming none of that works, send me a message with the bad comment and we'll make fun of it together. It's not the nicest route but my god, mean and anonymous is a coward's way out.

Good luck, anon. Don't let those bastards get you down.

[writingandmore]

Hi!!! May I get a HP, Star Wars, Voltron, and Disney matchup?

𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗦 + 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘

19, Libra, Neutral Good, enneagram is 4w5, muggleborn Ravenclaw (with Gryffindor tendencies), and my patronus spirit is Hummingbird. Biromantic Pansexual Genderfluid woman using pronouns of She/Her or He/Him. Cherubic-like face, with short height (5'1") plus sized Southeast Asian woman with Spanish descent that has chic messy/wavy brunette medium hair that reaches to my shoulder, oriental skin, slightly upturned eyes, small lashes, chocolate brown irises, cute flat nose, heart shaped face, full cheeks, cupid's bow lips, a small beauty mark on the forehead, and naturally straight teeth with tiny gap in front (just imagine that it's a mixture of Marinette from 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆𝗯𝘂𝗴, Musa from 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘅 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯, and Alexandra Trese from 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲---cause' my friend told me that I kinda look like them). My sense of fashion is in between emo and boyish plus korean glam, I sometimes let my hair down or styled like Lara Croft reboot.

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬

Distant, quiet, and timid at first making people thought I'm a demure, modest, and self-effacing that looks "immaculate" or "one of a kind" (due to my protective mom, a reason why I've never been in a relationship) but the truth is, dunno how to initiate a conversation, but a total opposite if I open up---friendly, ambivert, witty, laughing loudly on a daily basis---like my happiness is too shallow, super talkative, eats a lot (yeah I can finish a huge slice of cake or a meal in one sitting), awkward, daydreamer (I got embarrassed from knocking at the door even I'm inside the classroom 😂), EXTREMELY CLUMSY (mostly gets bruises from hitting, bumping my head somewhere, walking into something on my way, and being careless to my belongings), secretly likes affection, easily overwhelmed, prone to melt over wholesomeness, flusters on compliments, lightly blushes on cheesy banters, eager to share what I know (especially about Catholic Church---my past teacher joked that I'll become a saint because of it 🤣), oftenly speaks full of sarcasm with a lowkey crackhead energy citing meme references, and talented girl who can be your no.1 supporter and unashamed to be true to myself but can be awkward to strangers. In terms of leadership, I only educate and guide than being a prefect (I might take the role seriously), will lift my group when there's lacking/incompleteness. About doing projects in school, I become too extra and prepared for efforts, but I'll forget the process in the end.

The extent, I'm expressive, warm-hearted, willig to help, kind, intelligent, supportive, nice, creative, enthusiastic, laid-back, determined, tough, competitive, and feisty outside, but a real softie that can be childish and dramatic that cries so easily (but will enlightened real quick by smallest things that makes me smile) filled with doubts, frustrations, and insecurities with fear of failure that pushes off the limits to to please everyone because they might get dissappointed from expectations---I simply can't stop proving myself too much because I'm a survivor of bullying. But I still managed to be stronger than ever after I stumbled, even it's a slow burn process. I can be blunt, intimidating, harsh, and a douchebag if I receive ends or I got interrupted while doing something. Immature, headstrong, perfectionist, demanding, hesitant, jumpy, forgetful, overthinker, quick-tempered, sensitive, and anxious (no joke, my nervousness makes me think worse scenario will arrive). Though can be procrastinator and arrogant, I raised as a religious 𝖺𝗇𝖽 diplomatic youth, willing to fight what I believe (including my dreams and what's important to me) and what is right. In addition, I have a habit of staying up late and doing sign of the cross to ease nervousness.

Rowdy and feeling-brokenhearted and bitter friend in the group who fangirl a lot, swears like sailor, will call out on people that we loathe, will make fun of your stupidity (in a good way) before helping, and bring gossips, but a hopeless romantic and cheeky (makes banter with sarcasms or pick up lines as an endearment, but gets annoyed if I received sappy or offensive one), Still generous and concerned person in a subtle and different way.

𝗛𝗢𝗕𝗕𝗜𝗘𝗦

My hobbies are singing, drawing, roleplaying, listening to music, chatting/browsing on social media, conceptualizing, writing, and reading some stuffs. I'll include making corniest jokes/puns, sleeping, and dancing when nobody's around or walking like a model if I feel so bold (even I'm terrible at both xD). I also used to learn Italian language a bit.

𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗦

Loves kittens, milk tea, singing at the karaoke, cartoons, iced coffee, memes, cute things, watching YouTube videos (mostly pageants, ASMR, edit audios, and mukbangs), also enjoys playing games on my sister's PSP. Sucker for arts, choir, poetry, night sky, makeup, fun/deep/dumb conversations, Christianity, documentaries (about saints, real crime stories, and inspirational people), reading interesting stuffs, talking about social issues, and creative writing, chilling both indoors and outdoors. Beside that, my music taste are like late 90s-2000s songs (mostly rock, pop, and country) sometimes Catholic songs, kpop and ppop, chocoholic, and a sweetooth as well.

𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗦

Things that I hate are stereotyping, HUGE creepy crawlies (spiders, toads, snakes, and cockroaches), firecracker sounds, thunder and lightning, being left out, loneliness, heart break, blackout, and judgemental people. If I found out that someone hates or backstabbing or being rude to me, I won't hesitate to throw offensive criticisms, leaving them with a "I don't give a f" attitude. One random fact about me is, I 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 vent out EVERYTHING I despise in my entire existence---from bad soap operas to toxicity, worse scenarios in real life, and how terrible is my love life from unrequited feelings that I got, because it's a big deal for me, and I consider forcing me to do what I'm not into and manipulating me as my major pet peeves.

𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦

In terms of triggers...I only have two which are ta𝖨king about divorce/annullment/separation because I came from a generational broken family (it sucks that some people I knew assumed that the reason why I'm overly unaware that someone is interested in me in secret, is I have "high standards" looking for a partner, but the truth is I'm strict and I have a personal preferences...I know my worth and I don't want settle for less!) and religion/beliefs discrimination, cause' there are reasonings that doesn't makes sense because some, sounds too hypocritical, like as if you're a morally good person.

𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 + 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗦

My love languages are quality time and gift giving, but I actually swoon over physical touch (especially cuddles and cute kisses) and words of affirmation when it comes to having a partner, though I get attracted so easily, matured but can be a goofy person who's nice, friendly, kind-hearted, loving, faithful, and excels in academics is my cup of tea. Whenever I have a real life crush (which is rare), I act the same but deep inside, my heart is about to explode and will eventually share to my trustful friends how I highly admire that person, however if they spilled the beans out, I'll obviously deny it and will cry if they like someone else, it will take some time for me to move on, now I don't care for them anymore.

Best Friends to Lovers is my ideal trope because I find it very cute since you already knew each other before dating (which happened to my 2nd cousin, she married her best friend!)---perfect balance for romance, laughters, comfort, and tears when it comes to sharing your vibes, being there through thick and thin, safe with embraces, and helping each other to grow.

𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗔𝗦

My best assets are smile, eyes, personality, singing voice, artistic skills, writings, intelligence, oratorical skills and I have potential in hosting...so I can consider myself as a singer, artist, orator, speaker, and a top student who's a former active campus ministry member with three roles (choir leader, psalm singer, and reader).

May sounds different but I'm passionate for helping people through my talents and sharing my story to inspire everyone. I may look selfish, but I have a different way on how I show that I actually care also I have a biased sentimental value

Currently a college freshman, learning how to cook. I have so many interests, to the point I don't know what I'm into because of my dreams to become a popular Filipino YouTuber, a novelist, and being part of a successful chorale competing internationally...I also consider joining pageants at school too once the pandemic ends, but maybe.

HP: Remus!

- Remus is also quiet and a bit reserved when he's not in a familiar situation, so your own first impression on him would be a good one, as you'd seem similar to his own personality. He's sweet and is able to start up a conversation if he notices the other person is having a hard time doing so, so hopefully he'd be able to bring out your more extroverted and friendly self after a while so he can be around the more open you. He wouldn't mind you being a bit awkward-he's very much the same way-honestly, the comradery that would come from that would be more positive than anything else. He loves sharing knowledge and learning about new things, so your eagerness to talk about what you know would work really well also! He does a lot better when he knows someone has his back too, so your extra supportive nature would endear him to you as well.

SW: Han!

- Your nicer and more helpful personality would balance out Han's more standoffish vibes when first meeting. You might get on his nerves a bit first, but you'd quickly grown on him and, in turn, make him a bit of a better person. Your ability to be blunt and a bit harsh would serve you well if you ever needed to stand your ground on an issue that two of you have, as he can be quite stubborn.

VLD: Lance!

- Lance can be a bit immature from time to time as well, especially when it comes to trying to be funny or cheering up those around him-he's also headstrong and typically firm in what he wants to do, so your own determined personality would attract him to you a lot as well. He often puts off things he needs to do if they make him anxious too, but if you both recognize that you share that problem, helping each other might be a good solution!

Disney: Flynn!

- Flynn is quite a sarcastic and teasing person, so your own humor would match well with his. He's also quite a hopeless romantic as well, even though he's certainly not one to admit that right off the bat. He enjoys singing, and as he gets closer to someone he feels more comfortable doing so in front of them, so a partner he's been with for a long time would get to see him be more and more open with it. That also applies to activities like dancing.

[zodiactalks]

Love Life with Leo Woman & 5 Brutal Truths

Leo women are known for their charm, their animal magnetism, their ability to stand-out no matter what, and their goal-oriented personalities.

They're also known for being stubborn to the point of stupidity, for thinking very highly of themselves and for needing heaps and heaps of personal space, followed by lots of time for themselves.

They're enigmatic, they're self-assured, they're a force to be reckoned and, above else, they're incredibly easy to fall in love with.

After all, who can resist a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid of doing what she needs to do to get it?

If you're in love with a Leo woman, you're in for a treat, but to survive the experience, you need to know the following brutal truths.

#1. They're stupidly stubborn.

While they might call it determined, the truth is that Leo women are simply stubborn.

What's the difference, you ask? It's actually quite simple.

A determined woman will do anything she needs to do to achieve her goals, while a stubborn woman will try her best to prove you wrong, even if you're in the right, and she ends up looking like a fool.

Leo women are both.

They're determined when it comes to their professional life, their family life, and their goals. They're hard workers, they're patient, they're go-getters, and they're capable of achieving truly amazing things, but they're also stubborn.

Leo women can choose absurdly petty hills to die on out of sheer stubbornness. They're capable of undoing hours of hard work because it didn't go as they wanted it to, and they're capable of acting against their own best interests just to prove a point.

Do you know that phrase that goes "Cut the nose to spite the face"? That's Leo women at their worse.

The best way to deal with this?

Just let them be.

We don't mean roll over and accept you're wrong even if you're right. That's not going to help anyone; no, we mean 'recognize that she'll be on the defensive and act accordingly.'

When arguing with her, avoid calling her names or making argument about her. Simply state your point as impersonally and calmly as possible.

Once they calm down, they'll listen, but the more you push them, the more they'll push back.

#2. They're ego-maniacs

There's no nice way of putting it. Leo women think way too highly of themselves.

To be fair, there's plenty to admire about them. Leos are naturally charming, have impeccable taste, and are incredibly committed to their goals, which means they're often successful at what they want to achieve.

However, they're prone to obsessing over their good traits and overlooking the bad, resulting in the kind of woman who thinks she can do no wrong.

Leos can, and do, react poorly to criticism, which they often interpret as personal attacks rather than the advice it sometimes is.

Their desire to be admired and praised can also lead them to be unnecessarily competitive and showy, always on the look-out for opportunities to show off their skills and their smarts.

Leo women's ego can also lead them to believe their own hype, resulting in an individual that isn't aware of their failures or misjudges their skills and abilities. Not a crime by any stretch of the imagination, but a trait that will rear its head over and over again in a relationship with a Leo.

Suffice it to say, if a Leo claims to be an expert at anything, take it with a grain of salt. The reality, and their perception, aren't always the same.

#3. They love to annoy.

We mean this in the most loving way possible.

Leos love to mess with people, teasing, pranking, and joking around as a way to show they care. Though not their most well-known trait, Leos are huge jokers, and they're often looking for ways to make other people laugh.

It's not hard to believe, really. Leos love to be liked and desire being the center of attention, and what better way to charm people than by making them laugh?

The thing about Leo women, though, is that their humor often derives from making fun of others. We don't mean that they like to mock others or bully people to get their kicks.

No, Leo prefers joking around their friends and families, but they often choose to do it by teasing them or making small, personal jabs in the name of good fun.

If you have a thick skin and enjoy sarcastic, even black humor, chances are you'll get along with them wonderfully. If you don't, then you'll want to talk about that with your Leo lover. Otherwise, she'll probably make fun of you in a way you won't like.

#4. They have no time for nonsense.

Some women are perfectly fine with tenderly helping others when they're having trouble; some women are more than okay with people who put their feelings first; some women believe that participation alone is enough of a reason to feel proud and happy.

Leo women believe precisely none of that.

Leo women are strong, sharp, stubborn, self-assured, and both willing and capable of eating the world whole. They have no time or patience for people who second-guess themselves, for those who aren't willing to go after what they want or for those who give up easily.

What's more, Leo women aren't care-takers.

Oh, they'll try to help you, and they'll always be pushing you to excel yourself and your own expectations, but sooner rather than later, they'll pull away and expect you to do things yourself, regardless if you're ready or not.

Because of this, Leo women can't tolerate clingy, insecure partners. They don't want to be with someone who needs to be continuously reassured, nor they want to share their life with someone who will expect them to take every big choice in the relationship.

Leo women want to date an equal, and if you want to be their equal, you have pretty big shoes to fill.

#5. They're super affectionate.

Leo women may be independent and may need their space. They may pursue their goals relentlessly and may sometimes appear distant and aloof.

However, Leo women care profoundly and love intensely, and that applies to family, friends, and lovers alike.

They're protective, playful, loyal, fun, and, more than anything else, motivating. They'll continuously try to improve the lives of their loved ones, either by pushing them to improve themselves or by taking things into their own hands.

Though they may appear self-centered, Leos are always aware of the people they love and those who have helped them. They give back, happily and generously, whenever they can, and though they may not check on their loved ones daily, they sure as hell think about them.

It may not be evident at first, but one of the biggest motivators for Leo's thirst for success is to provide for their family and their loved ones. Success for success's sake is rarely something that appeals to Leos; No, they want to be the best, so that they can ensure the people they care about are happy and well cared for.

Acts of services may not be every Leo woman's love language, but they tend to be up there amongst the most popular.

[lvnatiq]

Strip Poker w/ Nicky Valentino pt. 2

Warnings: Smut, very much nsfw.

a/n: Well... Hello my gorgeous readers ! Today I don’t have a lot to say other than hit me up with requests, let me know your opinions about my scriptio and don’t be afraid to message me to discuss/fangirl about TATW anytime you’d like.

(I couldn’t proofread :,( your foreign girl has no time on her hands because of the major exams ahead of her so...)

“Clothes.”

The mischievous smirk planted on your face explained everything. Your naughty intentions were well appreciated by Nicky, at least for now.

“Oh… toots are you sure about this ‘cause I mean it when I say that I got the gist of this game like no other.”

Seeing your smirk turning into a wide smile, he raised his eyebrows in a curious manner, still unable to comprehend your actions.

“Shall we ?” You say as you slowly inch your cards closer to your chest.

His face is flushed, he doesn’t know if it’s the whiskey or the thought of you in his bed that got his head spinning but he doesn’t mind. Not at all, when your hair is drooping over your shoulders where your dress reveals your neck all in its glory.

At first, he just thought that he could impress you with his skills by agreeing to play the game. Now, the sight of your face painted with a concentrated expression while your fingers move feverishly to organize your cards became his main cause of participation.

You look at your cards while having an inner monologue,

“Well what do we got here… Wait what! One card away from a STRAIGHT FLUSH !?!?”

Your original plan was to fail and lose in every single way possible but with this hand it was inevitably hard to follow up with it.

“The probability of getting a straight flush is about less than 0.02% , the only way Nicky could win this round is by having a royal flush which is nearly impossible.”

You eyed your cards in a shocked manner, not being able to keep your so-called “poker face”.

“I mean I could destroy my hand by trading two cards but still what if his hand is worse? I could also fold and move on… right ?”

Your thoughts were cut short by Nicky’s words.

“Don’t worry toots we’ll start slow. I won’t be too hard on you.”

His playful attitude filling the air as you pick up two cards laying them on the table face down and sliding them towards him with your fingertips. You raise your eyes to meet up with his, biting your lower lip.

“I think this will be the only time in your life that you’ll regret winning.”

Nicky raised two cards, holding them between his index and middle finger. Trying his best to look composed.

“We’ll see, my love.”

His eyes dark, his stare is as much if not more dangerous than the scenarios that are circling in his mind.

You take the cards placing them under the deck. Then you give both Nicky and yourself a new pair.

You take a deep breath as you pick up the cards facing them towards yourself.

“Yes! Two different court cards that have nothing to do with each other.”  

You manage to keep your expression blank. You look up to meet Nicky’s eyes.

“My boy, you seem so confident. I would hate to disappoint you.” You say, playfully messing with him, moments before your critical move. You raise your hand, fanning your cards, lightly letting your back lean against the plush cover of the couch behind you.

“Are you ready ?” You say excited to move on with your plan while desperately trying to convince yourself that you can lose.

“How can I not be? I don’t think that folding your hand in a game for two would be the right thing to do only for the sake of not losing” Nicky says as he gives you a faint smile.

“Taking risks is my deal and if that risk leads me to lose to you, then I’d be delighted to take that risk.”

Feeling the heat creeping up on your cheeks, you decide to take a big gulp of your booze.

“Then, it’s time for the showdown.”

You both stare into each other's eyes deeply before slamming the cards on the table. Your eyes scanning his cards while he is looking at yours.

“ I lost.”

“Well, I guess it was meant to be” He says, smiling coyly.

Nicky’s winner smile slowly disappears into thin air as the realization hits him square in the head. You can see his adam's apple bobbing up and down as he anxiously fidgets with the collar of his tie, loosening it.

“There goes nothing” You say as you rose to your feet.

He is completely flushed, a blushing mess from head to toe. His confidence fading away as he excitedly waits for what is about to come.

You glued your eyes on his, lowering your gaze towards him. The air around you feels thick, sexual tension dominating the aura surrounding both of you.

You slowly let the loose straps of your satin dress fall as you raise your arms slightly, allowing the dress to pool around your feet.

His breath hitch, his pupils dilate as his eyes wander on your skin. He looked and felt like a mess. You continued to look at him intently, eyeing the masterpiece you created.

His eyes find your nipples deliciously peeking through the silky material of your tiny undergarments. His, now, inevitably visible bulge catches your eye urging you to wet your lips with your tongue.

“This should be illegal (y/n). You have not even the slightest idea of what you are doing to me, my darling.”

You innocently smile at him as you walk towards him. His demeanor becomes even more cheerful as you lower yourself in front of him. Inching your body closer to his as if you were about to kiss him.

Then you unexpectedly grab his wrist pulling him to you. You lower your gaze as if you were eyeing him, but instead you look at his watch and then back at him.

“Oh my… It’s getting too late. It would be a disaster if we don’t get enough sleep, we have a long day ahead of us” you whisper as you plant a light kiss on his cheek.

He is so shocked that he can’t even manage to form a single word.

“Goodnight Nicholas.”

You get up and leave, quickening your steps as you hear the other footsteps accompanying yours. You try your best to get into the guest room as fast as possible.

The game of tag comes to an end as you reach for the door handle, Nicky’s hand finds it’s place on the small of your back pulling you against him. Then with a quick push of his hands you find yourself trapped between him and the wall. He doesn’t waste any time on sealing his lips with yours.

The kiss is gentle yet passionate. Nicky’s hands start traveling up and down on your body, at this point he has no control over himself whatsoever.

You moan into the kiss as he nibbles on your lower lip, lifting you and allowing you to wrap your legs around him. Your hands lost in his hair, pulling it just enough to make Nicky groan.

“You are in big trouble toots.”

"Mhmm... How big ?"

"You'll find out soon enough" he says as he pushes the door open with you in his arms.

You connect your lips once again as he walks over the bed laying you down onto it. He eyes your flushed figure arching against the bed.

"Teasing me like this... I can't believe how cruel you are.”

"Nicholas, you had me on the edge for the past 12 hours. I think that I went pretty easy on you."

"Oh you think so ?"

"Truly? Yes."

"Well then it's too bad that I'm not going easy on you tonight, my love. Don't you think?"

You feel the heat between your legs as it gets more and more unbearable thanks to his words.

"Is that so?"

He nods as he climbs on top of you lathering your chest with kisses, taking your nipple in his mouth as his hand slowly travels down to your hips.

"Nicky..."

"Yes, toots."

Your mind is hazy with pleasure. You can't concentrate on anything but Nicky's touch. His kisses trail down to your stomach nearing to your core.

You close your eyes, losing yourself at the way he feels.

"Open your eyes my love. You don't wanna miss the show" he says as he places himself between your legs.

The sight of him staring at you with his plush lips agape and his messy hair falling in front of his eyes is unreal.

He wastes no time pushing the silky material down as his tongue finds your folds. You moan pushing yourself against his wet tongue.

"Sweetest of the sweet..." he hums as he continues to devour you.

You feel yourself getting close, your legs are trembling. Nicky, aware of your condition, pushes his finger inside of you picking up the pace.

"Nicky I'm-- close."

"I know my love."

Just before you tip-off of the edge Nicky pulls his fingers out of you.

"Nicholas--"

He raises his hand, checking out his watch, looking at the time.

“Oh my… It’s getting too late. It would be a disaster if we don’t get enough sleep, we have a long day ahead of us” he whispers as he plants a light kiss on your cheek.

You shot up a glare as your lips part in shock.

"Goodnight, y/n." He sends a wink at your way as he gets up to leave. His million-dollar smile getting wider as he hears your rushed footsteps behind his.

"Nicholas you are not going anywhere !"

[malneeralca]

10 Traits of a Successful Writer

(YOU CAN REBLOG, BUT PLEASE DON'T REPOST ON OTHER SITES WITHOUT PERMISSION. THANK YOU.)

1. Patience

Patience is necessary to create great content. Writing takes time. Revising what you wrote even takes more. Writing is a commitment and not a one-time deal. If you want to succeed, know that being patient in your work will yield the best results.

2. Dedication

Successful writers dedicate a lot of time and effort to their writing. They practice routines and habits to finish a manuscript. Writing is demanding, so if you don't have the dedication to stick to your writing goals and schedule, you better choose another path.

3. Creativity

Stop with the stereotypical characters, overdone tropes, diluted plot lines, and cliché phrases. Most original ideas might be taken, but you don't have to be original. You just have to be creative. Take an overused story or plot and give it your own twist and style.

4. Inquisitiveness

Writing is a skill, so it can be learned and honed. You can become a great writer by practice and reading. Think of writing as a muscle. It will only become strong through use and exertion. As a writer, you must be inquisitive to improve your skillset.

5. Diligence

You're not going to make it as a writer without a huge amount of effort. Writing is hard work. You must stare at pages for hours on end, diligently putting one word after another until you reach "the end". You can only achieve success if you work hard for it.

6. Optimism

The writing and reading world is full of critics. People have opinions on everything and when they read your work, they will have opinions about it too. Being a writer means rejection and criticism, so you must develop a thick skin and always be optimistic to survive.

7. Time-efficiency

Writers have to balance writing and their busy everyday lives. We all have different routines and cater to different needs and list different priorities. If you want to be a writer, then you should find time to write no matter how hectic your days are.

8. Business-mindedness

Writing is a business because you create products and you have to sell them. In this case, your products are your brand and your works/books, and your buyers are your target audience. You must know how to build a platform, market yourself and your writing.

9. Persistence

Persistence separates an aspiring writer from an actual writer. The former never finishes anything, while the latter gets things done. Only the firm ones never waver and make it in the industry. Take a break when writing becomes hard, but don't ever give up.

10. Sociability

Many writers are introverts, but it isn't an excuse not to reach out to your audience and the professionals who would help you thrive. Being a writer means you have to share your work to others. Self or traditionally published, writers have to connect with people.

[sirloozelite]

Just read your newest kaesoka prompts on ao3 and loved them!!! Potential prompt.... idk if you like doing angst so feel free to reject lol. Ahsoka gets seriously injured and Kaeden is the one who treats her? I guess this could also be a fluffy prompt too or be angst with a fluffy/happy ending so if you want to do this take this whichever path you want to haha.

Hey @ahsokamyqueen, sorry for the delay, but I finally got this prompt you requested finished. I hope you enjoy it and it lives up to what you wanted.

If you want to leave another one at any point please feel free. They make my day! XD

I’ll leave links below, as well as copy the whole thing into this message for you as well.

Fanfic link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12833125/45/The-One-Shot-Saga

Archive link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13648131/chapters/55389577

Doctor Kaeden Larte and the case of the Critically Wounded Girlfriend    

"Careful! You never know what taking that could do!"

Maul sighed. Every time he and Lady Tano ventured together into an ancient tomb or temple, the Togurta was always overly cautious of every move they would take.

He didn't blame her of course. He knew these tombs and temples had devious traps lying in wait for unwitting adventurers.

But he was no ordinary adventurer, and neither was Lady Tano. If anything they were the foremost experts on 'Tomb Raiding' these days. Surely they could afford to be a bit reckless?

"You grow paranoid in your old age, Lady Tano. It is a simple jar upon a pedestal. Nothing bad will happen if I remove it."

"Hey! I'm not old!"

"Then you have grown too cautious. Not everything is out to get you." Maul replied, his tone sarcastic, knowing Lady Tano would see his joke.

From the roll of the Togruta's eyes, as well as the small smirk that came to her lips, he could see if understood.

Yet still she protested.

"We didn't come here for trinkets Maul. There is a holocron here after all. This is the tomb of a Sith Lord after all."

"Yes yes, I know. But I like this jar, so I am taking it."

"Maul don't…."

Maul didn't listen. Reaching a hand forward, he grasped hold of the ornate looking jar, one that was heavier than he expected it to be, before placing it in the small bag he was carrying. It would look nice in his 'house' on Dathomir.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Lady Tano freeze up, as if expecting something bad to happen.

But, just as Maul had predicted, nothing bad happened.

"See? Paranoid in your old age Tano. I'd of thought that now you were no longer sexually frustrated that you'd be…"

The tomb shuddered suddenly, interrupting Maul before he could complete his teasing remark.

Perhaps he had spoken too soon?

A loud crash suddenly echoed through the room, causing both occupants to spin and look for the source of the noise.

Maul spotted it quickly. A part of the roof had fallen down, crushing whatever lay below it.

It was then that another section collapsed, followed by another, and another.

"You were saying Maul?!"

Maul had no time to respond vocally. Instead he span back towards Lady Tano and nodded once, a gesture she understood the meaning of instantly.

Without any more delay, both broke into a sprint, retracing their route in as the tomb caved in around them.

"You just had to go and take the jar didn't you?!" Lady Tano yelled as they ran, her voice full of mock rage. He could tell she was secretly enjoying it.

Turning a corner, Maul pushed off the wall behind him to regain the speed he had lost in the process. Behind him Ahsoka fell back slightly, not having had the same momentum to regain as much speed as he had. Maul wasn't worried though. Lady Tano was more than capable of catching him up. She had her real legs after all, and wasn't weighed down by the cybernetics.

"Our exit is ahead!" Maul called over his shoulder as he spotted the light of outdoors ahead, ducking his head as he ran in the process to avoid some falling debris.

It was then that he heard a sound that terrified him.

A yell of pain echoed from behind, drawing his attention immediately, and just in time to watch Lady Tano be crushed by falling rocks.

"NO!" Maul screamed in rage as he turned and ran back for her without hesitation, using the Force to lift the rocks that he crushed her off, whilst also keeping any more debris from the collapsing tomb from squashing them both.

Once the rocks were off, Maul wasted no time and bent down to pick Lady Tano up. He didn't have time to check her injuries right now, but he knew she was unconscious from the way her head rolled to one side without control.

Ignoring the strain his use of the Force was placing on him, Maul pushed ahead, shielding Lady Tano from any more falling debris to the best of his ability.

Once clear of the tomb's interior, and outside in the plains surrounding the tomb, Maul allowed himself to breathe, slowly placing the Togruta on the grass before checking her over.

The injuries were not good.

The rocks that had fallen on her had collided directly with her head, severely damaging one of her montrals, leaving a large dent in one of them, as well as several gashes on both montral and face. Maul knew that Togruta relied upon their montrals, and that any damage to them could be life threatening if not treated as soon as possible.

But Maul was no medic, and aside from heading to Dathomir and trying to get the spirits of the nightsisters to help, Maul knew he had only one other alternative, even if it meant he would get shouted at… a lot!

Still, if that was the case, he would bare it. He had to save Lady Tano, just like she had saved him.

Steeling himself, Maul gently picked Ahsoka's unconscious form up, and headed for his ship.

He needed to speak to a certain doctor who knew Ahsoka better than most.

********************************************************

"Hey Kaeden, there is a Zabrak here with a patient. Says he wants to speak to you specifically."

Kaeden Larte honestly wasn't surprised. In the time she had been working at the Alderaan General Hospital, she seemed to have built up a bit of a reputation as one of the most effective, and sometimes scary, doctors on the ward. Apparently she just had a way with medical skills that led to her being recommended to everyone.

Of course the flip side of that was that nine times out of ten her days were exhausting. Rewarding yes… but exhausting.

At least she had someone to go home to though. Seeing Ahsoka after a long day on the ward always made it worth it.

"What's wrong with him Kas?" Kaeden asked her colleague, standing from her desk and gathering her tools. Hopefully this was nothing too serious.

However, judging by the look on Kas' face, it clearly was serious.

"Well, it's not him Kaeden, but his friend he brought in with him. Togruta female. Heavy damage to the montrals. She's unconscious, and this 'Maul' guy is insistent that you come immediately."

Every bone in Kaeden's body suddenly ceased, a thick pool of dread building up in the pit of her stomach at the mention of the Zabrak's name.

If it really was Maul, and he was in the company of a badly hurt Togruta, that meant that his friend was…

"No! No no no no no! Kriff!"

Kaeden didn't wait around to see Kas' reaction to her sudden cursing, nor did she wait around for more information. If Ahsoka was hurt as badly as Kas said so Kaeden was needed now!

Moving as fast as she could without resorting to running, Kaeden exited her office and moved through the ward, heading towards a set of rooms that she knew new arrivals were placed in.

It didn't take her long to locate Maul. His booming voice gave away his position immediately.

"I do not care if you are a more qualified doctor! I want Doctor Larte NOW!"

"Maul, I'm here!" Kaeden called out as she entered the room, startling the other doctor who had attempted to intervene.

Maul's face was a myriad of emotion. Part anger, part impatience.

And part full of worry too.

And then Kaeden saw why.

A single bed was in the room, and there, bruised and beaten, a large crack in one of her montrals, was Ahsoka. Her usually bright orange skin had dulled considerably, her perfect facial markings that Kaeden loved to trace scarred by various cuts.

Kaeden felt her heart plummet instantly. How had this happened?

The only saving grace, and ray of hope that Kaeden had was the heart rate monitor currently attached to Ahsoka. Her heart was beating at a steady rate, despite her external injuries.

"We were in a tomb, and it collapsed around us. Lady Tano was crushed by falling debris. I tried to help her, but this level of damage is beyond my abilities Doctor." Maul spoke, his voice oddly soothing, despite his darker persona.

A rush of emotions overcame Kaeden. She knew that realistically, she shouldn't be the one to treat Ahsoka. Her emotional attachment to the Togruta could compromise the situation, leading to the worst possible outcome Kaeden could imagine.

But Kaeden didn't care for rules, not when Ahsoka's life was at stake. Kriff what the 'Board of Directors' would think. They could fire her for all she cared! Right now all her attention was on helping Ahsoka to the best of her ability.

"Kas! Cancel all of my meetings for the day. I've got a critical patient that needs my attention." Kaeden called out behind her, knowing her colleague had followed her out of concern.

"Of course Doctor Larte. Consider it done." Kas' voice replied before she left the room, leaving Kaeden with Ahsoka and Maul.

And the other doctor.

"You seem determined to handle this situation Doctor Larte." The doctor spoke, his voice bordering on condescending. From the way Maul snarled beside her, Kaeden could tell the Zabrak thought much the same.

"She's my girlfriend! She's my responsibility." Kaeden spat back, ignoring the look of shock on the doctor's face.

"Doctor Larte, you should know that it would be inappropriate of you to treat this…."

The doctor didn't get to finish his sentence, not with Maul in the room. The Zabrak moved away from Kaeden, his hand instantly falling to and presenting his lightsaber hilt to the doctor.

"I suggest you leave now before my anger takes control. Lady Tano is in good hands with Doctor Larte. The best in fact."

The doctor didn't argue, and whilst normally Kaeden would be concerned by the threats Maul was making, right now she didn't care. She needed to focus on her patient.

Temporarily moving away from Ahsoka and towards the door to the room, Kaeden called out to another of her colleagues.

"Zi! I need you to get the internal scanner immediately. I've got a patient with possible internal damage."

"Right away Doctor!" Came the reply of Zi. The man was usually an overly flirtatious individual, but when he was in 'Doctor' mode, he was one of the most effective.

Kaeden was glad to see he recognized the severity in Kaeden's tone.

Moving back from the threshold of the door, Kaeden scooped up the datapad that was resting at the foot of Ahsoka's bed and began to enter the Togruta's details.

Her mind on autopilot, Kaeden entered each and every detail she knew, from name to age, blood type to allergies.

When it came to 'Next of Kin' details though, Kaeden hesitated, but only briefly.

Continuing on, she entered her own name as the first emergency contact, followed by Rex's as the second, and Kanan as the backup third.

"Her montrals..." Maul's voice interrupted Kaeden's work, the Zabrak now standing at the top of the bed, his golden eyes surveying the damage done to Ahsoka's face, "They are much worse than I thought!"

Glancing up from the datapad, Kaeden's eyes fell upon the montrals atop Ahsoka's head. A large crack ran down one side of one of them, various dents present along the length of it as well. Kaeden had studied Togruta biology during her training to become a Doctor, and knew just from seeing the damage that it was bad.

Togruta relied on their montrals for echolocation and hearing. There was a very high chance that the damage could be permanent, It could lead to a loss of hearing, or worse, tumors in the brain.

There were even reports of such damage to montrals killing who they belonged to.

Kaeden would not let that happen!

"I know Maul. I know. We will do everything we can to help her." Kaeden spoke, struggling to keep her voice level. Part of her wanted to break down in tears at the sight of Ahsoka hurt so bad, but she had a level of professionalism to maintain.

Just then Zi came into the room, the portable scanning device Kaeden had requested in his hand.

"The patient is Ahsoka Tano. Togruta, female, 43 years of age. Born on Shili, but raised by the Jedi Order on Coruscant before the purge. She has a strong affinity to the Force as a result. Her montrals have been severely damaged by falling debris, and there is a possibility that she may have broken bones or internal bleeding as a result. These sorts of injuries can go one of two ways for Togruta, so we must proceed quickly but cautiously." Kaeden spoke, her 'Doctor' persona taking over instantly, pushing aside her emotional investment.

"Wait! She's a Jedi!" Zi's interruption, while expected, was not welcome right now.

"Not anymore. Now do your job human!" Maul's interruption was welcome even less, even if he was voicing Kaeden's thoughts aloud.

"Right, yeah, sorry. Beginning scan." Zi hastily replied bringing the portal scanner up to Ahsoka's prone form, running it over every inch of her body.

The process took several minutes before Zi finally stopped, his eyes running over the readouts on the scanner.

"Well the good news is that there is no internal bleeding, and her bones are mostly intact. One or two fractures, but nothing broken."

"And the bad news?" Kaeden asked, fearing she already knew the answer.

"The bad news is that the damage to the montrals is severe and needs operating on immediately. Togruta montrals are hollow, and from the looks of the scanner several pieces have been fractured and broken. We need to graft the damage with skin cells to ensure they heal correctly, as well as remove any shards of broken montral from within the hollow section."

"That does not sound like an easy task Doctor." Maul commented, his tone grim, expression dull. Kaeden felt much the same.

"I won't lie, Togruta very rarely survive such an operation, but without her her chances are zero percent. The problems lie with trying to repair the damage done to the montral without harming them any more. What we really need is something to heal them as we work." Zi replied, handing the scanner over to Kaeden to look at. Glancing at the results on screen, Kaeden could see exactly what Zi meant.

The damage to Ahsoka's montrals had left several cracks along one central fissure. In order to stabilize them they would need to seal the cracks in without disrupting the hollow interior, whilst simultaneously removing any damaged skin. The hope was that but grafting skin cells onto the surface of the montral that Ahsoka's body would react and attempt to self heal. Over time the skin cells would dissolve as the skin montral beneath them reshaped and repaired.

As simple as it sounded on paper though, Kaeden knew this was a risky gambit, but it was also the only one she had available to her, and she knew she would need help.

Turning to Maul, Kaeden spoke.

"Get in contact with Kanan. Get him to send Barriss Offee here as soon as possible. I will need her abilities in Force healing to stabilize Ahsoka whilst I remove the damaged tissue and graft the new cells on. It's likely Ahsoka's only hope."

Maul hesitated briefly, knowing of Ahsoka's past with Barriss. Kaeden too was skeptical, but only Barriss was a true expert at Force healing. With the current dilemma Kaeden was facing, she needed all the help she could get.

Luckily, Maul seemed to agree.

*********************************************************************

Barriss had wasted no time heading to the hospital, arriving only hours after Maul made the call. Apparently the Mirialan had been on Alderaan for a medical conference, one that she had hastily abandoned upon hearing of Ahsoka's predicament.

Now she was standing opposite Kaeden in the operating theatre, her eyes closed as she used the Force to stabilise her patient.

Between them lay Ahsoka, an oxygen mask attached to her face, which was oddly serene despite the situation she was in. Chances are she didn't even know where she was.

Leaning down, Kaeden began to inspect the damage to Ahsoka's montral once more.

The large fissure that ran along one side was jagged, several pieces of it sticking up like a razor's edge. Those would have to be removed before they could go any further.

Reaching onto the table behind her, Kaeden picked up two medical instruments. One was a precision laser scalpel, the other a pair of tweezers. She didn't like the idea of cutting the cracked skin off of her girlfriends head, but it was the only choice.

"Ok Barriss, keep her steady please. Kas, keep an eye on her vitals. Let me know if anything goes into the red. Zi, get ready with the first skin graft." Kaeden spoke, issuing her order to her gathered team. Perhaps she should have chosen a more experienced group to perform the surgery, but this was a personal matter for her. If she couldn't save Ahsoka, then she didn't deserve to have her in the first place.

When she was content that her team understood their orders, Kaeden began her work.

Moving the scalpel slow and steady, Kaeden gently began to make an incision along the cracked edge, removing the sharper elements that were protruding from the fissure. Her goal was to remove the already dead tissue of the montral before pacing the skin graft between the healthy tissue to encourage healing.

It took several minutes for her to be happy with her work before she signaled to Zi to bring the first graft over.

Said graft was little more than specialized bacta patch, one that was neatly laid across the surface of the crack in the montral. Content with it;s placement, Kaeden reached for a new tool.

"Sorry about this bit Ahsoka. It's gonna leave a mark." Kaeden whispered to her comatose girlfriend, knowing what she was about to do would leave a scar that might possibly never heal, even with a skin graft.

The tool in question was a simple precision laser, one used to seal up injuries, or in this case surgically attach the graft to the montral. It would, in theory, burn the patch on, at least until it dissolved at a later date.

Taking a deep breath, Kaeden activated the laser and began to work.

"Stress on the body is increasing Doctor Larte! I'm reading all sorts of head trauma occurring!" Kas spoke from behind, alarm in her voice. Kaeden had predicted this however, and knew what her next move was.

"Barriss, stabilize her mind. Cut off the pain receptors to her brain if you can."

"Easy enough." Came the reply on the Mirialan, her voice steady despite the strain she was likely under.

"Vitals stabilising. Whatever she's doing is working." Kas spoke again, the alarm in her voice replaced with surprise and awe.

Happy with how things were proceeding, Kaeden continued her work, carefully using the laser to attach the graft to the damaged area of Ahsoka's montrals.

Despite the risk it posed however, it all seemed to work, and a few moments later the first graft was successfully attached to the damaged montral.

Stepping back to admire her work, Kaeden allowed herself to release the breath she didn't know she had been holding.

"Good work Doctor. One down, five to go." Zi's comment both inspired her, and reminded her of the gravity of the situation. There was still time for it to all go wrong after all.

"Get the next patch ready Zi." Kaeden said, returning the laser to the table and picking the scalpel and tweezers up once again.

She had a long way to go yet before they were finished.

**************************************************************************

Despite the difficulty of the operation, and despite every single risk she was taking, in the end the operation had been a complete success. It may have taken two hours, but it was done, and Ahsoka was stable.

Attacking the skin grafts to the cracks had been the easy part. The challenging part had been dealing with the fissure that ran the length of the montral. Removing the dead tissue on the exterior had been easy, it was the shards that had fallen within the hollow montral that had proven tricky.

Luckily for them all, Barriss had been prepared. Her use of the Force to extract the shards had been a marvel, and one that had saved Ahsoka's life. When she woke up, Kaeden knew she had a lot of talking to do with Barriss.

As of right now though, all she could do was sit and wait.

Her shift had long since ended, but Kaeden had no reason to go home. Her home was sitting before her, asleep, for the time being. Hopefully soon she would awaken.

Sighing to herself, and taking a small sip of the cup of caf she had in her hands, Kaeden began to inspect her work for the fifteenth time.

Ahsoka's complexion had returned to normal, and her vitals had been strong throughout. Her montrals were now coated with various skin grafts, disrupting the patterns that Kaeden had grown so fond of. It was only temporary however. Once the grafts dissolved and the montrals repaired themselves, the patterns that Kaeden loved to trace would be back.

The only long lasting effect would be the scarring where the fissure had been. Kaeden knew that Ahsoka wouldn't care less about any visual damage though. If anything the Togruta would treat it like a trophy!

"Urgghhh, man my head hurts."

Kaeden very nearly dropped her caf at the soft sound of the voice she held so dear. Ahsoka's eyes had opened, one of her hands moving slowly towards her forehead, grasping it in pain.

Wasting no time, Kaeden placed her cup on the side and moved towards Ahsoka, stopping her hand from reaching any higher atop her head. Disturbing the montrals and the skin grafts as they healed would not help whatsoever. They needed to be left alone.

"Hey, hey, it's ok Ahsoka. You're safe now. You're in the hospital."

Ahsoka's eyes widened at Kaeden's words, the blue in them dulling for a moment as she tried to recollect what had led to this situation.

It took a few moments before clarity came to her blue eyes, her expression tightening suddenly.

"That damn Zabrak! I told him not to take the jar!"

Kaeden couldn't help but laugh at the tone Ahsoka had used. In that moment, despite the danger she had been in, Kaeden was confident that Ahsoka would make a full recovery and be back on her feet in no time.

And for that, Kaeden wouldn't have been happier.

[jedimordsith]

I saw your recent post on concrit. I read it carefully, but I'm not sure why you think it is *wrong* for authors to ask for concrit. I understand it isn't right for everyone, but why isn't it the author's decision? Can't authors decide they are experienced/thick-skinned enough to take criticism for what it's worth (and not). Sure, I work with a beta and a writing group. But that's different than having my work read by 5K+ diverse readers who, yes, specifically don't know me or my intentions.

Disclaimer: It’s been a while since I wrote that post and tumblr’s dysfunctional search feature means I can’t pull it up just now to refresh.

That said, if asking for concrit on an open forum works for you, Anon, go right ahead! It’s certainly your right and I’m not going to judge. 

It is important to realize, however, that from what you’ve said, your experience doesn’t map for a lot of people. For instance, you noted that you “work with a beta and a writing group”... which means you have filters and a support system! 

You have people who “get” what you’re trying to do and who are helping you constructively and consistently build your skills. You probably are “experienced/thick-skinned enough to take criticism for what it's worth (and not).” And - and this is crucially important - those people can help you filter the feedback you get in from other places, improving your ability to use what’s helpful and toss what’s not. For you, open concrit might be a great bonus source of ideas and suggestions. 

But for many, if not most, authors working without that support system, open concrit can be distracting, discouraging and outright damaging. Random concrit from people you don’t know - and who don’t know you, your process, or your goals - can outright derail authors who aren’t anchored in positive, healthy feedback loops like yours. Consider:

Timing and quality are inconsistent - if you’re asking for concrit because you’re trying to grow your skills, this isn’t going to help you much.

Authors are on their own when it comes to gauging validity/value (which can be tough to impossible when you’re exhausted or emotionally vulnerable).

Ironically, many of the people authors most want feedback from - e.g. truly good writers/authors/editors - WON’T give feedback through open forums specifically because they understand the value of structured, safe and appropriate settings and relationships in growing one’s writing skills. You know who will leave you buckets and buckets of feedback? Opinionated people who want to feel superior or important, who often know very little about what they’re pontificating on and who don’t care about YOU at all. This is a basic law of the internet, and forgetting it or assuming that it somehow doesn’t apply here is like playing Russian Roulette with your work. Which leads straight to our next point...

Taking concrit at face value in an open forum can be hugely emotionally unhealthy. People in open forums, especially where concrit was “asked for” rarely apply much care to their wording and give zero thought to boundaries. Constantly opening yourself to that kind of input - and placing value on it - is emotionally unsafe and unwise, and engenders bad mental/emotional health habits and consequences. (If the posts and ask boxes of writer-related sites on tumblr are any indication, this is rampant and brutal.)

Finally, I stand by the idea that most people tacking “concrit welcome!” on their works don’t really have a strong understanding of what concrit is and its role in a productive writing development process. 

I believe most of them genuinely want to improve their writing and to engage with other authors and readers - which I applaud them for! In most cases, however, authors are not going to get the positive, growth-supporting, and emotionally healthy outcomes they want through scattershot feedback delivered on a public forum primarily by people who have no more idea of how to engage in a healthy, bounded manner than they do. 

The real power of concrit comes when it’s delivered in a safe setting by thoughtful, intelligent, and informed readers invested in your and your work. If you’re in a situation where you can play fast and loose with scattershot feedback, go for it. But for people without the necessary support and well-established healthy boundaries in this area, the risks far outweigh the potential rewards.

[mikamangata]

I could not foresee this thing happening to you

(Mutant Au, Oneshot)

(Kind of) Requested by: @krishunhan88

Request: Why did they shoot Yoongi? How? What happened?

Thank you for the request and your lovely words, you're awesome and the support you’re giving me is very much appreaciated! <3

And a HUGE thank you to @chipy98 who made this amazing art! You're so talented and deserve lots of love! Thank you for encouraging me and showering me with praises! :3 <3

If you haven't read "If BTS Were Mutants Hyung Line/Maknae Line", there will be a lot of confusion so go and read that first!

Everything written in cursive (like this) are Hoseok's thoughts/inner monologue. The rest of the story is written in normal third POV. Enjoy!^^

-----

Stop. Breathe. In and out, yes, just like that. It's okay, you're okay. The others are o- "Hobi-hyung!" Said boy whipped his head head around. Jimin was standing, metal skin going "Cling!" every time a bullet hit him. He was surrounded by IBMC agents, eyes glistening with the intent to hurt, the intent to kill. Hoseok had to act fast. The bullets theoretically couldn't hurt Jimin in his metal form, but the men were coming closer and Jimin looked scared.

It had been gloomy the whole week and Hoseok didn't feel the particular need to make the sun shine, it was supposed to be a lazy day that they could all enjoy inside, sitting cuddled up in their newest hideout. It was just a motel room, old and the smell was weird but they were together so it was fine. Until it wasn't; Jungkook woke them all up in the morning, stuttering about how "We-they're coming, we have to go! We can't- Now, please!" It was careless, honestly. But they had all been too tired to spend another night in an uncomfortable car so they risked the luxury of a motel room and it was a mistake. They all packed their things as fast as possible. When they got into a red pickup truck that Yoongi spontaneously hot-wired, a few black SUVs were already driving into the motel parking lot. Thanks to Seokjin's driving skills they made it all the way to an old, almost abandoned junkyard before the five black SUVs caught up with them. The boys all exited their car and spread out over the junkyard and that's where they're now.

Hoseok concentrated on the smell of rain after a storm, the feeling of the warm sun on his skin and wind in his hair. He soon felt the energy, the electricity flow through him. His eyes turned white and he pointed his hands at the men circling Jimin as if the boy was some kind of prey. The tips of Hoseok's fingers started tingling and he experienced the familiar sensation of his hair slowly standing up. Suddenly loud thunder erupted, which was followed by an almost blinding bolt of lightning, unforgivingly striking five of the agents. Another rumble in the sky and the last three men joined their dead colleagues on the ground.

Although currently surrounded by several dead people, Jimin looked relieved. The younger smiled at his 'savior' as Hoseok's hair and eyes turned back to normal. But suddenly Jimin's eyes grew wide as he looked behind Hoseok, shouting:"Hyung! Watch out!" As soon as Jimin's warning reached Hoseok's ears, a crescendo of gunshots filled the air and several bullets flew past him alarmingly close, too close.

Hoseok didn't see the men but he guessed that they were somewhere behind the big mountain of cars towering over him. He looked around, eyes in search for cover, but the nearest safety was a few too many metres away. He wouldn't make it. More gun shots followed. Hoseok could hear them fly right by him and he was out in the open, no cover or anything to protect him from the cruelty of these men. He ducked his head, a poor attempt to escape the inevitable. Suddenly there was heat, familiar heat. Hoseok was almost relieved to see Yoongi standing a few metres in front of him. Almost. The older stopped burning as soon as the first two bullets hit him. Hoseok couldn't see where exactly because he just saw Yoongi's back, but the violent jerks of his body indicated that he was hit several times.

Hoseok was up and running towards Yoongi before he even processed what just happened. The older's body hit the sandy ground lifelessly, as if he was some kind of rag doll. When Hoseok approached and saw the blood turn the sand into a grotesque red, it was over. He was just standing there, a metre or so away from Yoongi, who was lying gurgling on the ground. The gunshots, the screams of the men and Jimin, the sounds of the other boys fighting, Hoseok didn't hear them anymore. His eyes turned white without him even noticing and his whole body started to tingle. The grey, cloudy sky turned into chaos as a storm approached quickly, devouring the white clouds and turning them into something dark and evil. The smell of storm and utter fury lay in the air, thick and suffocating as if it was some kind of gas and not just regular oxygen.

The gunshots stopped, agents looking around unsurely as the hair on their heads and arms started to rise. Suddenly the air-pressure dropped and a single, black bird landed on the ground between Hoseok and the agents with a loud and brutal thud. Then all hell broke loose as the sky cried birds, hundreds of them hitting the ground like some kind of nightmarish hail that only the sickest of minds could imagine. As the sandy ground was grotesquely painted with blood, a white-eyed Hoseok slowly ascended towards the sky, tornado caressing his waist in quick circles. The panicked agents were desperately searching for cover to protect themselves from the bullet-like animals.

Suddenly the sky cackled an evil laughter in the form of deafening thunder and several bolts of lightning raced towards the ground, hitting the men that Namjoon and Taehyung were currently fighting. The two boys looked up, stunned by the sudden death of their enemies, and saw a flying Hoseok, delirious with rage. More lightning lit up the sky as the last of their enemies dropped dead, thunder only a low rumble in the background now that the immediate threat was eliminated. But Hoseok was still burning with rage, almost unable to calm down. They hurt Yoongi, they deserved to die. They needed to die for what they did to Yoongi. Yoongi. Where is he? I have to get to him. Yoongi.

Hoseok finally calmed down, landed on the ground on wobbly legs and stumbled towards Yoongi. The boy was sickly pale and a crying Jimin sat next to him, holding his hand. Hoseok fell to his knees and took Yoongi into his arms, cradling him against his chest. As the older's mouth opened slightly and blood gushed out, Hoseok cried and begged: "Please, god please Yoongi. You're going to be fine, everything will be alright. Just keep breathing, stay awake." I didn't take long for Hoseok's cries to turn hysteric as he screamed for Seokjin and the others. They soon arrived at the scene, rushed by Hoseok's heartbreaking pleas.

Taehyung covered Jungkook's eyes so he wouldn't have to see Yoongi, bloody and almost dead Yoongi, lying on the dirty ground. Seokjin kneeled next to their wounded brother and looked over him to assess the situation quickly. Then the oldest forcefully ripped Yoongi's shirt and gently lay his hands on his bare chest, one over his lungs and one where his navel was. Yoongi's breath hitched and he whimpered slightly as the wounds beneath Seokjin's palms started to heal. It didn't hurt, just felt strange. As if his skin was stretched and pulled together at the same time. After a few minutes Seokjin's breathing became quiet panting, exhaustion slipping through. Then the oldest gritted his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut. The others could do nothing but watch as Seokjin struggled to heal Yoongi. Then the oldest's nose started to bleed and the panting increased.

Suddenly Yoongi opened his eyes with a pained gasp and as soon as that happened, Seokjin collapsed on the ground next to him. The other boys were at a loss of what to do. They immediately rushed to their oldest Hyung, checking if he was alright. Collective sighs of relief were heard when the boys realised that Seokjin was okay, just extremely exhausted and in need of some time to regenerate properly. Yoongi’s healing took a big strain on him. After making sure that both boys weren't in critical condition anymore, the others finally breathed calmly again. They still felt a light rush of adrenaline from the fight and the smell of rain in the air didn't go away either. They didn't say a word though, didn't have to. Their intertwined souls felt together, the pain, the fear and most prominently the relief that they all made it. They all lived. The seven boys were sitting in a junkyard, surrounded by old rusty cars, dead birds and killed agents. But it was alright, they had each other and they were okay.

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I know I've said it countless of times already, but thank you. The support I've been getting from you guys has been huge and lovely and encouraging so thank you. I hope you enjoyed this oneshot! If you have any questions about this au just send me an ask or request, I don't bite :3

[pnnzzlr]

i love your gifsets! you actually have a style and i love that about you! with that being said, and i'm not sure if your tags meant what i think they meant on the "i met you, you smiled etc.." gifset but here's my opinion on it: the head sizes look PERFECT

… so try to white balance them and then play with yellows and reds also the fonts don’t mesh well together, try to stick to the same thickness(?) even when you want to mix up sans serif and cursive. i actually dont have any advice on the blending bc ive never done it myself but in the second gif it looks like you could have eased up on the feather(if that is indeed what you used) with clarke’s face, its a bit too blurry?

i am so sorry if i came off as a jerk but it sounded like you wanted real constructive criticism and i know i want to understand why my hard work doesnt get the notes it deserves. still a lovely gifset!!!

Hi nonnie, oh wow, what an extensive response! And don’t worry. I asked for an honest opinion and you were kind enough to take the time and write me a feedback.

I don’t quite understand all the pro terms, oops, I haven’t learnt this from any book, more like learning by doing. It is so interesting what you say about the skin colour, I must admit that’s another thing I’m really critical about. Some gifsets are too orange on the skin and they don’t fit with my likes. I haven’t used any photo filter, not using them anymore for a while now, so Idk…. And, selective colour is still a bit of mystery to me, i am trying out things.

That 2nd gif is def the weakest, you caught me. It is mainly due to Clarke moving too much but I needed that exact scene and with my current skills that’s what came out of it.

thanks for all your advice!!