#whenever I get really motivated for an idea and write it on my phone it ends up being 1500+ words

[foone]

I see a lot of people joking about the adhd thing of "I have a appointment/phone call at 3pm, guess I won't do anything all day!"

But no one seems to make the connection that it's a time blindness thing. One of the symptoms of ADHD is not having a good and accurate sense of time. And not doing stuff prior to an event with a hard deadline is an obvious coping mechanism for that.

Can I go to the store? It's 10am and the appointment is at 3pm. How long does going to the store take? An hour? Three hours? Five hours? I DON'T KNOW!

I get anxious trying to do things before appointments because I'm aware that I don't know how long those things take, and that if I think I do, I may be very wrong. Too often I've been like "hey I can walk to the corner store and grab a drink, that'll take like 15 minutes!" and then an hour later I get back and whoops my rice has burnt.

Plus there's also the fact that ADHD people know that motivation and focus is a two-edged sword.

Like, let's say you decide to play a video game. You've got time, you can pause/save whenever, so this should be a perfect fit to make good use of your waiting-time. So you start playing and WHOOPS you get really focused for some reason today (because people with ADHD do not get to pick when their brain decides to focus) and the next time you look at the clock it's 2:49 and you haven't showered or dressed and the appointment is 30 minutes away. Fuck. (you could have set an alarm, but now you're asking people with the forgetting-things-and-time-ignoring condition to remember it set alarms)

And with motivation, it can be almost worse. Instead of playing a game, you so something useful or creative. You clean your room or fix your plumbing or write a story or draw a picture. And suddenly it's great. Your brain is firing on all cylinders. You've got all the motivation you can ask for, and you are FLYING. the ideas are brilliant, your hands are nimble, you're getting stuff done you've been putting off for weeks or months. And then the alarm goes off. Time to go to your appointment. Fuck.

You drive there, your brain still full of ideas and plans. But by the time you get back, the motivation is gone. You may still have the ideas but you don't have the drive to write them down. You can't force yourself to do it. Your sink is still in pieces. Your room is half-cleaned, and you have to shove all the sorted clothes into one big bin just so you have somewhere to sleep. You've left things half finished again, in a cycle that has been repeating your whole fucking life. It seems sometimes that nothing ever gets finished.

So next time you don't even start. There's not time. You've been burnt too many times. Why add another half-completed project to your pile of shame?

My point is that people seem to be going "lol I can't do anything all day if I have an appointment at 3pm" like this is a quirky "oh I'm so scatterbrained!" weirdness they alone have, and not a major complication of a disabling mental illness.

(and that's not even getting into the secondary effects. If you know that having an appointment ruins your whole damn day, you're going to avoid them. Even when it's things like "going to that party" or "meeting your friends for a drink/game" or "going to a movie with that cute girl from your math class". Things you should enjoy. Things that'd help you be social. Things that make you feel human.)

[senlinyu]

Hello! I picked up “Manacled” for the first time after a friend from book club frantically downloaded it onto my phone. You’re fic has had a profound emotional impact on me, and I am in awe of how you are able to construct such emotionally compelling stories. “All You Want” was also absolutely amazing, and made me laugh and cry with all the feels.

I was wondering if you had any advice or info on how to construct such emotionally charged and compelling stories? Do you outline the emotional arcs of your character or play it by ear as you’re writing?

Also I’ve been going through your FAQs and learned you wrote most of “Manacled” on your phone. First of all, that is insane (in the best way possible) and super cool, but it also made me wonder how you make time for writing in general and how you fit it around your work schedule and other responsibilities? Has the field of your profession ever influenced your writing?

I absolutely love your work, and reading it has been a tremendous gift, thank you. 💕

Hmmm. Well for me a lot of my motivation in story writing is either thematic, like I have concept or large idea that I want the story to fulfill for me, or it's that I really love codependency but I really need to understand why it exists. I am very aro/ace in many respects, so for me, horniness/lust does not exist as a compelling reason for a romance, I need MOAR than that.

I love heart-stopping love, but I find myself often dissatisfied because the degree of obsession doesn't correlate with the character's backstory and internal motivations, so a lot of the time when I craft characters, a big question is "I want them to be [this intense], what kind of formative events would be necessary to make them that way?" And then I go construct a foundation that can get me there.

Tbh, my historic profession has been mostly logistical secretarial work because my mother did not believe in women's education. I did study the liberal arts at college but that wasn't until after she died, but I never went into any professional fields with it. I was a full-time stay at home mother when I started writing during nap-times, which was why I wrote on my phone because it was basically just whenever I had a couple minutes to spare, I'd add a few more lines.

[comicaurora]

What are your thoughts on guardians vol.3? (If you have watched it) I went into it, expecting it went to the garbage like the rest of the mcu, but I was pleasantly surprised by its creativity, trope subversion, and how it wrapped up the previously unresolved arks of its characters.

That's what I've heard!

The thing is, Guardians 3 could be the most transcendent work of cinema ever made, and I'd probably still feel little to no motivation to watch it at this point. It's not Guardians's fault - it's just suffering from the same problem that superhero comics have been struggling with for decades: no matter how good an individual arc or run is, absolutely nothing good lasts or matters in the long term, and the stories are shaped in such a way that "the long term" is the only thing anyone gets to build towards.

Whenever I complain about the MCU I get a handful of people loudly complaining about my complaining, with the general thesis that if I don't like it I shouldn't watch it or talk about it - if I'm not having fun, just stop engaging with it. And the thing is, I have. I am intellectually interested in why this massive franchise is fumbling the bag so hard, which is why I still check in on it sometimes, but I've long since stopped turning to the MCU for uncritical entertainment. And even the good movies or shows with a lot of interesting ideas - good character arcs, fun concepts, interesting planting for future payoff - don't draw me in anymore, because they're hooked into a massive moneymaking machine that will scrap and squander anything if they think it'll make them more in the quarter. It doesn't matter how good the writing is, because the writers are not allowed to tell a complete, finished story, and they have no control over what happens to their characters outside of their own script.

Captain America's arc was set up from literally minute one to answer one burning question at the core of his character: does a world without a war still need Captain America? After that incredibly basic tee-up at the end of First Avenger, half a dozen movies failed to come up with a reason to say "yes," and now Steve is retired for good after getting fumbled through four different storylines that couldn't even pretend that they needed him (the unused Chekhov's Phone from the end of Civil War still haunts me). The foundational arc of his entire character never happened because nobody bothered to keep track of it past a single movie.

Taika did something interesting with Thor in Ragnarok - take away Mjolnir, force him to recognize what it means to be the god of thunder, give him a very Odin-y missing eye - and the very next movie undid all of it. Just kidding, never mind, here's an eye and a new weapon and also his old weapon again, and in one more movie we're even gonna give him his hair back, probably as an apology for all the completely unironic fatphobia we're gonna slather him in for two and a half hours. I'm not even surprised Love And Thunder was such an overblown mess that barely took itself seriously - why would Taika bother trying to give Thor another arc when the powers that be will just roll it back in six months anyway?

I hear Rocket Raccoon has a fantastic arc in this movie. That's great, and demonstrates that he's being written by a writer that deeply cares about him. But he's part of the MCU, and the MCU doesn't let anything end, so if current patterns hold, Rocket is going to continue to serve as quippy plushie-bait for the next dozen movies and none of that depth is going to come through in the long term. Hell, since they're making Kang noises for the Next Big Threat and Kang's entire gimmick is rewriting timelines, literally none of this is guaranteed to matter. By next year, it might not have even happened anymore.

The MCU has successfully shaped itself into a paradigm where the bright spots of good writing are overridden and lost as soon as the writers room turns over, and that makes it really hard for me to muster up the enthusiasm to watch even a really good movie that's locked into the exact same grist mill as everything else. I'm glad people liked it, I hope it gets to stay good this time - I just have no desire to watch it.

[writer-freak]

Late night call | Atsumu x Gn reader

Summary: Playing for MSBY is Atsumu's dream, but it means being apart from you. He travels away for a week and you both aren't doing well with the distance but you always make time for each other.

Warnings: NSFW, smut, fluff, gn reader, reader is mentioned to wear lingerie, used the word core for reader, time skip Atsumu, phone sex, english isn't my first language, smut is maybe not that great

A/n: My Haikyuu phase is back and I have written so much stuff for Haiykuu in the last few days. Also am currently trying my hand more on smut but I still have some struggles with it. So I wrote something more sweet at the beginning.

Comments, likes and reblogs are always appreciated and really motivate me to write more <3

Atsumu had been dreading this trip for weeks. Playing for the MSBY Black Jackals was a dream come true, but it came with its challenges, including time away from you. He kissed you goodbye at the door, holding you a little longer than usual, not wanting to let go.

"I'll miss ya." he murmured against your hair, his voice full of reluctance.

"I'll miss you too, 'Tsumu. It's only for a week." you reassured him, even though you felt the same way.

He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah, just for a week." The days apart were harder than either of you anticipated. Despite the time difference, Atsumu made it a point to text you whenever he had a free moment. His messages were like always full of jokes, but you could tell he was struggling with the distance. You also missed him terribly, counting down the days until he would be back.

After practice, Atsumu was even more exhausted than usual but still, he couldn't wait to hear your voice. He sat down on his bed before dialing your number and waiting, a small smile forming on his lips when he heard you answer.

"Hey, 'Tsumu! How was practice?" "Hey, babe. It was good, just long. I miss ya." he admitted, leaning back against the headboard and closing his eyes, just taking in the sound of your voice.

"I miss you too. Want me to tell you about my day?" you offered, hoping to maybe take his mind off for a moment.

"Yeah, please. I wanna hear all about it." he said, his voice showing signs of fatigue.

You started talking about your day, recounting all the little things that had happened. You could hear him responding every now and then, but the responses started to get fewer and fewer. Eventually, you heard his breathing even out, a soft snore escaping his lips.

You paused, realizing he had fallen asleep. Warmth spread through your chest, appreciating just how much he cared. Despite being exhausted, he had still made the effort to call you and listen to you talk about your day. It was moments like these that reminded you just how much he loved you.

"Goodnight, 'Tsumu." you whispered, not wanting to wake him. You stayed on the line, listening to his steady breathing, feeling a little more like he was next to you even though he was miles away. You eventually fell asleep with the phone still next to your ear, lulled to sleep by the sound of his soft snores.

The next morning, you woke up to a text from Atsumu.

"Sorry, I fell asleep on ya, babe. But I loved hearing about your day. Can't wait to see ya soon. Love ya."

The next day, after particularly grueling practice, Atsumu was finally back in his hotel room, exhausted but missing you terribly. He took a quick shower, the hot water soothing his sore muscles. As he dried off, he got an idea, a way of apologizing for yesterday while also teasing you just a little. With a smirk, he positioned himself in front of the mirror, snapping a picture of his shirtless torso, droplets of water still clinging to his skin, his abs and chest glistening. He sent it to you with a teasing message.

"Wish ya were here to help me dry off ;)"

Your phone buzzed, and your eyes widened at the image. Heat pooled in your core as you took in the sight of him. You bit your lip, deciding to play along. You changed into a lacy piece of lingerie, snapping a picture of yourself lying on the bed, the fabric leaving little to the imagination.

"Maybe I'll save that for when you get back. For now, here's something to keep you company."

Atsumu's breath hitched when he saw your photo, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. He typed back quickly, his heart racing. "Damn, babe, ya know how to drive me crazy. I can't wait to get back and have ya all to myself."

You felt a bit of excitement at his response, you usually didn't dirty text much so this just made it more exciting. You decided to push a little further.

"Just imagine what I'll do to you when you get back. I might not even let you out of the bedroom."

Atsumu groaned softly, his mind filling with images of you together. He needed to calm himself down, but the fantasies were almost too much to bear. He replied, his fingers shaking slightly.

"You better be ready, 'cause I'm not gonna hold back."

The exchange left both of you hot and bothered and later that night, Atsumu found himself unable to sleep, his mind racing with thoughts of you. He picked up his phone and called you, he needed to hear your voice. It was late for him, but he didn't care. You answered almost immediately.

"Hey, 'Tsumu. Can't sleep?" you asked, your voice soft.

"Yeah, I need ya," he admitted, his voice already filled with desire. "Been thinkin' about ya all day."

Your breath hitched at his words, the heat from earlier coming back. "I've been thinking about you too. Those pictures…"

"Ya liked that, huh? I didn't even show you that much." he teased, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Wish I could be there with ya, touchin' ya, makin' ya feel good."

"Tell me what you'd do if you were here." you urged, your voice trembling.

"I'd start by kissin' ya, slow and deep. My hands would be all over ya, touchin' every inch of that gorgeous body." he described, his words sending shivers down your spine.

"Keep going." you breathed, your hand slipping under your shirt, imagining it was his touch.

"I'd pull that sexy little thing ya were wearin' off ya, kissin' my way down your neck, your chest… I'd take my time, babe wanna make ya feel everythin'." he continued, his own hand moving down to palm himself through his boxers.

You let out a soft moan, his words driving you wild. "Atsumu… I need you so bad."

"Fuck, ya sound so good. Wish I could hear ya in person." he groaned, his hand slipping inside his boxers. "What are ya doin' right now, baby? Tell me."

You bit your lip, your free hand moving down to your core. "I'm touching myself, 'Tsumu. Thinking about you. About how good you make me feel."

He let out a shaky breath, his hand moving faster. "Fuck, that's hot. Keep goin', babe. Wanna hear ya come for me."

The sound of his voice, filled with need, spurred you on. You could hear his breathing getting heavier, matching your own. "I'm so close, 'Tsumu. Just need you…"

"Come for me, baby. Let me hear ya." he urged, his own release nearing.

With a few more strokes, you cried out his name, your body trembling with pleasure. Hearing you pushed Atsumu over the edge, a guttural moan escaping his lips as he found his release.

"Fuck, that was… amazin'." he panted, his voice filled with satisfaction.

You both lay there, catching your breath.

"I love you, 'Tsumu." you whispered, a smile tugging at your lips.

"I love ya too, more than anythin'." he replied, his voice soft.

Dividers by: @cafekitsune

[deliciousangelfestival]

Love Lesson || Bucky Barnes (One-Shot)

Character : College!Bucky x College!Reader

Words Count: 2,265

Summary: Y/N's academic challenges lead to an unexpected romance, changing her life and future in surprising ways.

Theme: Fluff

Main Masterlist || support: Ko-fi

Thank you to anyone who gave a like, reblog, and left a comment. It motivated me to write more. 

Y/N and her friends were gathered at their favorite campus cafe, sipping on their lattes and chatting about the usual topics. Y/N was known among her friends for her beauty, and it wasn't uncommon for her to receive love confessions from various admirers.

Today was no exception. A fellow student approached her with a bashful smile and a heartfelt confession of admiration.

The admirer said, "Y/N, you're so amazing. I've had feelings for you for a long time. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Y/N, known for her kind and polite nature, smiled and thanked the admirer for their confession before asking a rather unconventional question, "What's your grade score in this semester's exams?"

Taken aback by the unexpected question, the admirer stammered, "Well, I'm not really into academics, but I'm great at other things."

Y/N's smile remained, but her response was clear, "I appreciate your feelings, but I'm looking for someone who's serious about their studies. I've had my share of handsome bad boys, and now I want someone smart and dedicated."

Her friends, who had witnessed this scene many times before, chuckled at Y/N's criteria for a potential partner. Y/N had outgrown the allure of handsome troublemakers and was seeking a different kind of connection, one that revolved around intelligence and academic ambition.

They couldn't help but playfully tease Y/N about the idea of her being with Bucky the famous campus nerd.

Emily: "Hey, Y/N, have you seen Bucky Barnes? He's like the campus nerd. Imagine dating him!"

Y/N, not thrilled with the idea, shrugged off the suggestion, "Come on, Bucky's way too quiet for me. I prefer someone more outgoing."

Steve and Sam, friends of Bucky, overheard the teasing from Y/N's friends about the possibility of Y/N being with Bucky. They couldn't resist sharing the humorous comments with Bucky.

Steve, with a grin: "Hey, Bucky, you won't believe what we heard. Y/N's friends were joking about her dating you, the campus nerd."

Bucky, who had always been reserved, smiled at the jesting comments. He didn't take them too seriously but was curious about this Y/N whom he had only heard of in passing.

Bucky Barnes was well-known on campus, primarily for his remarkable intellect and dedication to his studies. He was often referred to as the "campus nerd" by his peers, particularly in his computer science class.

Despite his nerdy reputation, Bucky was a kind and genuine individual. Whenever his classmates ask for help, Bucky will help them.

**********

Y/N was in her dorm room, trying to enjoy a rare moment of relaxation when her phone rang. She saw her grandmother's name on the caller ID and answered with trepidation.

Y/N: "Hello, Grandma."

Mrs. Johnson, her voice dripping with frustration, responded, "Y/N, I just saw your latest report card, and I am absolutely furious! Your grades are abysmal, and I won't stand for this any longer!"

Y/N, attempting to lighten the mood, quipped, "Well, Grandma, at least I'm not the one making the family fortune disappear in the stock market, right?"

Mrs. Johnson, not one to back down, retorted, "Touché, my dear. But we're talking about your future here! If your grade getting worse I will cut your allowance!"

Y/N, now feeling the pressure, replied, "I understand, Grandma. I'll make studying my top priority from now on, and I promise not to invest in any more 'get-rich-quick' schemes."

The call from her angry grandmother served as a wake-up call for Y/N. Y/N's grandmother, the famous CEO, had always been a beacon of intelligence and success.

Johnson Corporation is a well-established and highly successful conglomerate that operates in various sectors, including technology, finance, and real estate. Under the leadership of Mrs. Johnson, the company has grown to become a major player in the global business landscape. Known for its innovative solutions and strategic investments, the corporation is renowned for its commitment to excellence and its dedication to pushing the boundaries of industry standards. It stands as a testament to the Johnson family's legacy of business acumen and leadership.

However, it seemed that this remarkable intelligence had skipped a generation or two. Y/N's father had chosen a carefree lifestyle of constant travel with her mother, making every day feel like a honeymoon. They prioritized adventure and leisure over academia.

On the other hand, Y/N, despite her family's legacy, found herself grappling with math and her academic performance. Her struggles with the subject only added to her frustration, as she tried to live up to her grandmother's expectations and overcome the academic challenges she faced.

Mrs. Johnson hopes that Y/N will embrace her family's legacy and take on the responsibility of continuing the hard work and success that she has built. She desires to see a positive change in Y/N to ensure the family's bloodline carries on the business legacy.

As Y/N pondered how to resolve her academic issues, she found herself in a conversation with her lecturer one day. Little did she know that this conversation would introduce her to someone who would change her life.

Lecturer: "Y/N, I've noticed you're struggling with your grades. I'd like to introduce you to someone who might be able to help. This is Bucky Barnes, one of our top students. He's known for his dedication to academics."

Y/N, taken aback by the introduction, looked at Bucky, who was standing there with his kind but studious expression. She couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity.

Bucky, shifting nervously, managed a small smile and said, "Hi there, I'm Bucky Barnes. I'm not as interesting as my physics textbooks, but I promise I'm helpful with those."

Y/N, charmed by Bucky's humility and humor, couldn't help but chuckle, "Well, Bucky, I'm Y/N, and I promise not to make you as bored as a physics lecture."

Their lighthearted exchange during their first meeting set the stage for their unique connection, blending Y/N's outgoing nature with Bucky's shy, endearing personality.

Y/N and Bucky had started their regular study sessions in the campus library, with books and laptops spread across the table. Y/N, dressed in her stylish, confident manner, was determined to improve her grades, while Bucky, the campus nerd, was there to assist her.

Y/N would occasionally struggle with the material, but Bucky's patient explanations and tutoring skills made it easier for her to grasp complex concepts.

Bucky's friends, Steve and Sam, sat with him in the campus courtyard, discussing his recent interactions with Y/N.

Steve: "So, Bucky, we heard you've been spending a lot of time with Y/N lately. What's going on there?"

Bucky: "Well, I'm tutoring her, you know, helping her with her grades."

Sam, with a teasing grin, chimed in, "Tutoring? Is that what they call it these days?"

Bucky: "No, really, it's just tutoring. She was struggling, and I offered to help."

Steve: "Come on, Bucky, we know you're a brainiac, but hanging out with Y/N? It's hard to believe."

Bucky, feeling a bit defensive, said, "She's actually really cool once you get to know her. We're just friends."

Sam, raising an eyebrow, added, "Friends, huh? Well, if you say so."

Bucky chuckled seeing his friend's reaction. Y/N actually were cool. But he has to admit her understanding of mathematics needs help.

Bucky encourages Y/N to work on an exercise without directly revealing that it's challenging, with the intention of helping her improve her grades and spend more time with her.

Bucky: "Y/N, I've come across an exercise that I think could be really beneficial for your studies. Working on this will help you make great progress."

Y/N, eager to improve her academic performance, took Bucky's suggestion seriously and worked diligently on the exercise.

***********

Y/N and Bucky were sitting in the campus library, their study materials spread out in front of them. The atmosphere was relaxed as they exchanged notes and discussed their coursework. Suddenly, Y/N dropped the bombshell:

Y/N: "Oh, by the way, Bucky, my grandmother wants to meet you."

Bucky's eyes widened in shock, almost dropping his pen.

Bucky: "Wait, what? Your grandmother? You mean, like, your incredibly successful and impressive grandmother wants to meet me?"

Y/N couldn't help but giggle at Bucky's flustered reaction.

Y/N: "Yep, that's exactly it. She's quite impressed with how you've been helping me improve my grades, and she's curious to meet you."

Bucky, still slightly overwhelmed, stammered, "I...I don't know what to say. I mean, that's...that's quite a surprise."

Y/N reassured him with a warm smile, "You don't have to worry, Bucky. Just be yourself.

Bucky felt nervous but excited since he had always regarded Y/N's grandmother as an accomplished and inspiring figure. The prospect of meeting his idol made him understandably nervous.

On the night of the dinner, Bucky arrived at Mrs. Johnson's elegant residence with Y/N, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. He knew this was a significant moment and hoped to make a good impression on the successful businesswoman who had also become Y/N's role model.

During a family dinner, Y/N's grandmother, Mrs. Johnson, couldn't help but notice the bond between Y/N and Bucky.

Mrs. Johnson: "You know, Y/N, Bucky here is quite the intelligent young man. It would be nice to have a smart son-in-law, don't you think?"

Y/N turned beet red with embarrassment, stuttering, "Grandma, it's not like that!"

Bucky, who had taken the comment seriously, smiled and said, "Well, Mrs. Johnson, I'll do my best to live up to your expectations."

******

As Y/N and Bucky's friendship blossomed, an unexpected turn of events shook their world. Y/N received news that her grandmother, the successful CEO of Johnson Corporation, had suddenly fallen seriously ill. Mrs. Johnson, aware of her condition, appointed Y/N as the temporary director of the company. This decision was based not only on family ties but also on Y/N's substantial ownership of the company's shares.

Y/N was faced with the daunting responsibility of managing the family business during her grandmother's illness.

Y/N had been thrust into the role of temporary director of her family's company, and the pressure was beginning to weigh on her. She felt overwhelmed and scared by the responsibilities that came with the position.

Y/N, her voice trembling with anxiety, turned to Bucky:

Y/N: "Bucky, I'm really scared. I don't know if I can handle all of this. My grandmother has put so much trust in me, and I don't want to let her down."

Bucky, ever the supportive friend, reached out and gently placed his hand on Y/N's.

Bucky: "Y/N, I know this is a lot to take on, but you're stronger than you realize. You've got an incredible work ethic and a smart mind. You can do this. And I'll be right here beside you, helping you every step of the way."

Y/N looked into Bucky's eyes, finding solace in his words and his unwavering support. His reassurance gave her the confidence to face the challenges ahead.

As Y/N and Bucky navigated the challenges of managing the family business and excelling in their studies, they found themselves drawn closer together. Their shared experiences, their support for each other, and the time they spent working side by side had forged a deep and unbreakable connection.

One evening, as they wrapped up another long day of work, they found themselves sitting in the office, a comfortable silence enveloping them. Y/N was the first to break it, her voice soft and full of emotion.

Y/N: "Bucky, I don't know what I would have done without you. You've been my anchor, my support through all of this. I've come to realize that you mean the world to me."

Bucky, his heart racing, couldn't hold back his feelings any longer. His eyes filled with affection, replied, "Y/N, from the moment we met, my life has been filled with light and joy because of you. You're everything I've ever dreamed of, and I'm deeply in love with you."

Y/N's heart swelled with emotion, and she leaned in to press a soft, romantic kiss to Bucky's lips. Their affectionate gesture gradually deepened, the passion of their newfound love igniting as they kissed passionately and shared their hearts in this intimate moment, cementing their bond even further.

Epilogue:

In a surprising turn of events, it was revealed that Y/N's grandmother, Mrs. Johnson, had not been sick as initially thought. Instead, she had embarked on a long-planned vacation, taking a well-deserved break from her busy life as the CEO of Johnson Corporation.

Mrs. Johnson's phone chimed with an incoming text, and she couldn't help but smile when she read the message:

"Y/N and Bucky have confessed their love for each other."

Mrs. Johnson, with a sly grin, simply muttered to herself: "Well, isn't that a delightful turn of events! My matchmaking skills are impeccable, even from a beach."

-End-

Forever Taglist:

@magnificentsaladllama, @esotericgalaxy, @xcaptain-winterx, @buckysteveloki-me, @cherrybubblebullet, @bagoffeelings, @darkofimagination, @starsofcloud @shamrockqueen, @shinytreefire, @thezombieprostitute

[csolarstorm]

Wow, Gunn really did it. He tied everything together and it didn't feel rushed. And it was pretty good!

The Princess being determined to go for her afternoon swim because the fish person needs her moment now was hilariously forced.

Also, the Bride could be right or wrong about the mystery. They saw her with Clayface, yes, but the Bride has no idea whether Clayface was the Professor all along or not. She's just making a guess based on the phone call. They never got actual proof that the Princess was going to, or even could cause WWIII. And Gorilla Grodd was a really random part of the vision.

Nina's story has some problems. For one, why was she in the Creature Commandos? She has no rap sheet, Waller has no reason to suspect she can fight. All she can do is swim without scuba gear, and they have King Shark right there. She's actually kind of been a liability to their missions.

Second, it was weird when Nina just left to...be a fish? She's still a person with human intelligence who knows four languages and probably has hobbies...what, was the fish DNA compelling her to abandon any human life? Seemed like it was the bullying. So that was unclear. I guess it's just horror movie tropes.

She has no fighting experience, and she literally never hurt anyone. As far as I can tell she's just a handicapped woman who became a chimera. So when the Bride and Dr. Phosphorus told her "you're the biggest freak among us" my first reaction was "ouch". It's a tragedy that Waller pushed her into a combat situation, culminating in her new friends echoing her bullies in order to motivate her to behave more like a monster, like them.

That mobile iron lung wasn't that bad. Some kids are literally paralyzed and can't move at all.

Also it was really random to just have the police kill Nina's dad in front of her. I know it's a whole "police will shoot whenever they get a chance" thing, but I feel like they only chose to shoot because Gunn needed to add more drama to her backstory. The same reason the Princess had to go for a swim!

The character work is great, but the plot...the more I write, the more I realize how bad the plot is. I don't know, I liked the show a lot, but for how good the other stuff is - the themes, the characters, the politics, it's more distracting how uncooked the plot is.

[nenelonomh]

HiiiiIIIIII 🙃

Just coming from your post on improving focus and this idea popped into my head. I want to hear your opinion on it /any tips.

For a bit of context, whenever I have too much to do and a lot of time to do it I'll generally just settle for sitting on social media. Sometimes I'll remember about taking a walk around the house, getting some water or laying on the floor for a minute or even just reading a bit instead but I never do them. And when I'm in the flow of work, especially housework I tend to get so much done until I sit down and pick up my phone. I don't often have the self control to just set it down after scrolling for 30 mins (I'm just realising that this might get quite long, sorry about that 😅)

The regular pomodoro technique doesn't work for me for studying, but might it work for getting tasks done instead?

By blocking off a few hours, say 4, and setting a, for example, 30/10 pomodoro timer for that time, you could be productive in some way (even if it is a rest outside of social media) and take a scroll break for those 10 mins.

I though that this might work out well because for me personally, time blocking doesn't really work. If I set out to do a task for/at a certain time and don't get it done in that time-block, or I forget about it and I start the task late, it throws my productivity off balance, I get incredibly stressed and quickly demotivated. But with a pomodo set up I can get started on a single task and if I don't finish the task before the break, I can just continue it after. Or I can treat myself and have an extra 30 min break.

I'm just not 100% sure how to set up what I get started on 'in my next pomodoro' (which I can decide on during the breaks). This circles back to the first issue I settled where I see a list and it seems like too much or I don't know what to get started on, and it overwhelms me to the point of never starting. And what to do when I finished/can't do any more of what's on the To Do list but could still continue to be productive. I would be afraid of just picking my phone back up for the rest of the day after that.

I'm thinking that I could write a 1-6 numbered list and roll the decide to decide what to work on? But the numbers will repeat, and again it'll be a short list that might end up getting done quickly (I doubt it would but still).

I'm mostly rambling and telling you this because I have a few urgent things that need to get sorted soon among with having to do revision for my mock exams, and I just don't have the time to get into a rabbit hole of fully experimenting with this idea. So what do you think?

hey, pretty,

i can definitely relate to forgetting and procrastinating tasks (picking up stuff in my room/studying/putting away dishes/doing the laundry/…), which can turn into a massive and overwhelming pile of things to-do.

pomodoro can help you balance work with breaks - motivating you to quickly get your work done whilst allowing you time to rest (or time to look forward to).

when you finish your to-do list and turn to scrolling because you “have nothing to do”, it’s a telltale sign that you need a rest. your brain is tired and needs a break.

if you’ve heard of the concept of a self-care menu or hobby menu, i think it may be quite helpful to combat this. that way, you can participate in activities that allow you to rest and refresh rather than doom scrolling.

personally, the dice idea sounds complicated and confusing - but it can definitely be helpful with changing things up a bit (removing boredom and monotony), which can improve your motivation.

remember that productivity is not the be all end all! you are a person and you have a life to live! perhaps reward yourself for every five tasks completed with a longer pomodoro break, or a hobby.

good luck for your mock exams, and i hope that your idea works out for you!

🫶nene

instagram | pinterest | blog site

[gabycantart]

Helloo Gaby I hope you are having a good day because today I just really wanted to rant about how much you and your art makes me happy . Because I don't feel like I can physically keep it inside my heart and I also got the need to write this all at 1 am, so please do excuse me if there are any mistakes I made with my sentences! (⁠・⁠_⁠・⁠;⁠)

Whenever I see your art for some reason it fills me up with a overwhelming amount of joy, I feel like crying whenever I see your art because of how beautiful it looks, there is always something addicting about how it looks. I always love looking and staring at the details, and the effort you put in your work, I love how the constrat between the colors and the little highlights you add on the skin and on the hair, it honestly makes them look like jello and it makes me want to take your art from the screen and squish your art between my hands.

Whenever I search for Kindergarten (or more specifically Huxley siblings) fanart on Google, your art mostly is one of the first ones to pop out and whenever I see it, it's like experiencing it again for the first time and that makes me incredibly happy and whimsical for some reason I can't explain, seeing the art you make fills my heart with an unexplainable warmth and I can't express my the amount of happiness I feel other than running around my room and giggling, or just feeling like a cat got my tongue because I get so speechless whenever I see it, I'm just so happy I start to physically get up from wherever I'm lying down or sitting and start jumping around my room and then go back to my phone to relook at the art and then jump around my room again because that's how much your art means to me.

As an artist also, seeing your art makes me gain so much inspiration and motivation, I tend to be a really unmotivated artist and struggle to create stuff but when I see your works, I feel a lot more refreshed and ready to draw.

Your art is also one of the few main reasons I came back to drawing Kindergarten after a very long time, you (and all the other people) making content even though the fandom is quite dead is very heartwarming to me.

Your art is just so magical?? I have no idea what kind of stuff you are putting in it or what kind of process happens when you are drawing but, keep doing what you love. I love it so much, that's all I really wanted to say. Thank you for reading, I hope you have a spectacular day!! ^_^

Man I feel like an ass because anytime I get messages like this all I can say is thanks or I'm glad you like my art(even art that were made ages ago that I refuse to look at because I was just starting to draw digitally). Anyways thank you for your paragraphs of super kind words. Don't know how to explain how I even draw either, it just happens... Here is art for you cause you're nice ._.

[thegamingcatmom]

I've loved what you've done with the ideas that I throw your way!

Your writing's always great!

You're one of my fav writers, and whenever you update with your answers to asks on what the characters would think for things? always brings joy to my day!

Not an idea but a thought to a question that came up,

I've realized now that you've brought up kitchen use...and carmen mixing up salt and sugar cause they can't taste....

How are they gonna feed MC? like, is she gonna be fed take out? From your last answer to the ask, Tanya definitely isn't gonna want to let her cook when MC's attention could be on her,

But let's say Carmen, who wants to work on humaning tries to make her a meal...

I've just had a realization that they've lived for quite some time, and it's been a long time since any of them were people who required food and used a kitchen in such a manner,

Like, I assume they'd have been taught to cook within their time periods before when they were still humans growing up,

But also, how well do they truly remember those recipes from, say (carmen was turned in the 1700s? and tanya kate and irina 1000s?) so like centuries to millenia old recipes that they partially remember from their time when they were still human if they even remember at all that is (don't get me started on if they can't find the necessary ingredient for some old dish that they assume MC will love)

Like they don't eat human food unless MC offered and is watching them 👀 and they think it'll score them some points or infuriate Tanya(getting off track whoops) and haven't cooked for way way WAY longer,

And they technically could follow a recipe, but at the same time, what are the odds that one of them go

"I feel like this needs more seasoning, the amount the recipe lists honestly sounds like it'll turn out bland in proportion to the volume of liquid in here already"

*proceeds to add in a cup of salt to the stew or whatever it is they're trying to cook*

"don't want it to be under seasoned"

*dumps in half a cup of saffron and cinnamon*

"I used to make this all the time when I was human....now how much of this spice did I need?"

Or how some people go "measure with your heart" and pours in a mega ton of whatever other ingredient

And they wouldn't be able to know that it's bad or overly seasoned since it's human food in the first place.

Unless they actually follow a recipe for something or make simple foods that actually turn out edible.

Like MC is gonna either have take out, home cooked overly seasoned to the point that it's questionable if edible meals, old old recipes, or idk maybe like instant meals. At least until they hopefully give in to letting MC cook

But also like imagining Tanya at first trying to cook for MC to get her to warm up to her and maybe thinking she can try to gain her affections by feeding her her cooking or whatever, but it just goes no.

-📚 sorry that it's kinda really wordy😣

Ahhh, thank you so much for your lovely words! 🙈🥰

I love answering them and feeding my own obsession as well as yours, hehe. It´s so motivating receiving yalls asks, you have no idea. Whenever a new one pops up and I get a notif on my phone, this is legit me:

GIMME THAT GOOD STUFF. 😩🤌

.

Ahh yes, yes, yes-

LISTEN-

Take out? And risk MC getting sick from all that stuff?? Nuhu, not on Carmen´s watch-

(Kate would be all for it probs. Anything that keeps the hooman fed and alive is good enough for her.

...Until the hooman does get sick for the very first time. Tanya would banish the word alone, lemme tell ya.)

I´ve been thinking about that as well, actually. Quite often.

Like yes, I defo think they got some recipes that they´ve frequently cooked up as humans, especially Carmen. Yall can´t tell me that woman wouldn´t serve MC some Spanish cuisine like a true chef-

...If only she knew how. 😭

She used to. But it´s been years since then. I do think they kinda remember the things that were most important to them as humans, but it´s probs fading more and more the longer they wander this earth. In the end, it´s nothing more than an echo - still there, but just out of reach.

BUT-

Good thing she´s got her vampy brain. It´s faster. More capable. Stores information better. All MC´s gotta do is make damn sure those jars are properly labeled (salt, sugar, etc.) and we´re good. 💪

It might take a bit (like, 2 days probs) but, before long, Carmen will have read any and every book about Spanish cuisine there is, and she WILL work her way through every single recipe, and she WILL cook them all up, if it´s the last thing she does.

And, who knows, perhaps it sparks something within her? Brings back some memories from her past life? So she can finally make that Spanish dish she herself enjoyed so much as a human? She knows it´s up there *points to head* somewhere.

Like, can you imagine MC tasting it for the very first time and thinking it´s the best thing ever?? Can you imagine the LOOK on Carmen´s face?? If she was still human, you can bet your ass there would be tears-

.

Carmen: *sets the plate with her fav Spanish dish in front of MC, a somewhat anxious look on her face*

MC: *eyes it suspiciously, but then remembers Carmen´s nice, so she tries to look like she looks forward to having a taste*

MC: *looks up at Carmen*

Carmen: 👀

MC: 😬

MC, internally: 💀

MC: *looks back down at her dish and accepts her fate cause what is she to do?*

MC: *takes the fork and goes for a very hesitant first bite*

Carmen: 👀

MC: *chews*

Carmen: 👀

MC: *chews some more*

Carmen: 👀

MC: "..."

Carmen: 👀

MC: "..."

Carmen, thinking it sucks ass: 😰

Carmen: "What is missing this time? Or is it too spicy? It is, is it not? I swear I did everything as I remembered it, down to the very last ingredient-"

MC, finally deciding to put that poor woman out of her misery: "It tastes...good."

Carmen: "..."

MC, not even trying to hide her surprise: "...Really good, actually."

Carmen: 👀

MC: 👀

MC: *wastes no more time and dives right in for more, finally some good fucking food-*

Carmen, only now realizing what just happened: 😯😀😍

Also Carmen, two seconds later: 🥹

Tanya, in the distance: *betrayal, jealousy, indignation*

Also Tanya: *already scheming to steal that damn notepad Carmen´s no doubt used to write down the recipe for later use*

Kate, right next to Tanya: *already scheming to steal another indirect kiss...or perhaps try for an actual one, seeing how the lil spitfire seems to be in rather good spirits right now, hmm...*

Irina: *please hold the line*

MC: *still happily munching*

Carmen: 🥰

.

LIKE, YKNOW???

Carmen is too precious for this world. 😭

But ye, that´s pretty much what would happen. Carmen´s gonna make sure the hooman is well-fed so ppl won´t even think about getting her that greasy take out. She might have left her human days behind her centuries ago, but even she recognizes a potential heart attack when she sees one.

.

But I LOVE all your ideas, as per usual. The one with failing to purchase an ingredient because it might no longer exist in this mordern world?? At least not under the name they used to know it by?? PLEASE. 😭

.

But also, the one where they just pour stuff in like no tmr in hopes it´s gonna be the right amount and MC will remain standing?? PLEASE. 💀

But also also, I actually don´t think they´d do that. (Anymore.) At least not until they got the hang of it all. And, if they did decide to season it, then they´d start with something they´ve already made. Yknow, just try out a lil something. Nothing too over the top. Just a smidge. See how MC reacts first. See if she drops dead-

RIGHT, so-

I think they´d go strictly by recipe until they figured it all out. Lest they give MC an actual heart attack...

.

Right so, Carmen cooking is all fine and dandy-

...Until it isn't. Because once the initial joy over getting something edible has faded somewhat, MC realizes that she's bored. Terribly so. (Because, if it was up to Tanya, she'd be sitting somewhere looking pretty all day, nothing more, nothing less. Laying around works too, ofc. Works even better.) And also, she's never been one to let others do the work for her. She's very much capable of fending for herself, tyvm.

So, you can bet your ass she WILL help Carmen cook, if it's the last thing she does.

And Carmen? There's no way she's gonna deny her. She just doesn't have it in her. In fact, she'll be most pleased to spend some quality time with her daughter-in-law charge.

...Unlike her leader.

Nuhu. Impossible. Out of the question. Under no circumstances will she allow her troublemaker-

The Troublemaker: 🥺

Tanya: 😤

The Troublemaker: 🥺

Tanya: 😠

The Troublemaker: 🥺

Tanya: 😒

The Troublemaker: 🥺

Tanya: 😑

The Troublemaker: 🥺

Tanya: 😐

The Troublemaker: 🥺

Tanya: 🙁

The Troublemaker: 🥺

Tanya: 😕

The Troublemaker: 🥺

Tanya: ☹️

The Troublemaker: 🥺

Tanya: 😖

The Troublemaker: 🥺

Tanya, hesitantly opens one eye: 👁

The Troublemaker: 😔

Tanya: 😮‍💨

The Troublemaker: 😔

Tanya, sighing: "...Alright. BUT, I shall oversee proceedings at any time very closely-"

The Troublemaker: 🤩

Tanya: "..."

The Troublemaker: 🥰

Tanya: 🥴

Carmen, having watched it all unfold: 😏 🤭

.

Who is manipulating whom exactly? PLEASE. 😭

.

Okay but also Tanya trying to cook something up for MC so she can preen under her attention and praise, just like Carmen did?? And, in order to accomplish that, she might just go through with her plan of stealing that damn notepad?? Girl is desperate, lemme tell ya. 😭

But also, even if she did manage to steal that notepad, she gotta actually cook it too. Somehow, I don't see our proud coven leader being very good at following instructions (because she can do it ten times better). Especially not when it comes to MC, lol. They´re more alike than MC realizes, I reckon.

ANYWAY-

Tanya´s probs gonna take one look at that recipe and go like "Hmm, okay yeah sounds legit but no" and yknow, just put her own spin on it because there´s no way she´s just gonna copy someone. Especially when it comes to doing anything for MC. (She must stand out.)

(We´re not gonna talk about the fact that she still kinda copies someone by using that recipe in the first place. No, we´re not.)

She´s Tanya Denali, head of the Denali coven, and she will NOT rely on others when it comes to providing for MC. Not on her watch. She´s gonna use Carmen´s recipe and morph it into something that screams "Tanya Denali". (Only Tanya knows what that means, I´m afraid.)

OR, in other words:

It goes just as horribly as we all probs imagine:

Tanya: *sets the plate full of...something in front of MC, looking all proud and smug*

MC: *not even trying to hide her suspicion (and slight disgust) this time*

Tanya, entirely confident: 😌

MC, dares to look up from her plate of horror: 👀

Tanya: 😌

MC, realizing she has no choice if she wants to eat today: 💀

Tanya: 😌

MC: *lifts the fork to her mouth...very slowly indeed*

Tanya: 😌

MC: *closes her mouth around the fork*

Tanya: 😌

MC: *starts chewing*

Tanya, unable to hide her curiosity any longer at the chewing sound: 👀

MC: *some more chewing*

Tanya: 👀

MC: "..."

Tanya: 👀

MC: "..."

Tanya: 👀

MC: *looks up at Tanya with nothing short of agony written all over her face*

Tanya, quickly schooling her face into one of smugness again: 😌

MC, struggling to speak through her mouthful which she has yet to swallow: "It´s..."

Tanya, most attentive now as she´s looking MC dead in the eyes: 👀 "Delicious?"

MC: "..."

Also Tanya: 👀 "Exquisite?"

MC: "..."

Also Tanya: 👀 "Just as expected?"

MC: *finally swallows down her mouthful with great difficulty so she can answer*

Tanya: 👀

MC, who has expected it to be quite horrible indeed: "...I guess you could say that."

Tanya, who has never once doubted her abilities: 😌

Also Tanya, internally: 🤩😍🥰🥴

MC, on the outside: 🥲

MC, on the inside: *already plotting her grand escape from the kitchen*

.

Mistakes were made. Misunderstandings were born.

I MEAN-

Girl was trying, aight?? 😭

.

.

.

Tysm for another one of your lengthy asks! Whenever I answer one of these I feel like we're doing our own lil spin-off à la "Keeping Up With..." 😅🤭

Have a great day and cya at the next one! ❤️

[sharpth1ng]

how did you learn to write that well? is there any way i can get better at it?

I mean I think I have a lot of room for improvement still, but any skill I have I attribute to practice. Ive been preoccupied with story-making since I was a fairly young kid, and I can assure you that the first peice of fanfiction I ever wrote was not particularly good. I look back on stuff I wrote even a few years ago and I see so many flaws, so really I think so much of this hinges on putting the hours in.

That's my first peice of advice: write as much as you can. I write almost whenever i have a chance or an idea, any idle moment is an opportunity to take out my phone and add a line. Also, think about writing as much as you can. When I'm walking to work or doing the dishes I'm thinking about plot, next lines, working out ideas. When you have an idea you like, write it down. You don't have to write it well, just get the idea down so you'll remember it later.

My second peice of advice is to read a lot. Not just fanfiction- theres some great fanfic out there but theres also a lot of really common tropes, and I think its easy to get stuck in those if it's all you're reading. If anything whats most important is to read a lot of different kinds of stuff.

I think one of the bigger influences on my writing is Chuck Palahniuk, who focuses on some of the world's most unreliable narrators. His characters have these fascinating and often very troubling understandings of the world and of morality. But also he's really good at writing things indirectly, which is something I really try to bring to my own work. The character may not be able to explain their emotions or motivations explicitly, but I try to write the broader narrative so that you can figure out whats actually going on if you dig in.

To me, thats the most satisfying kind of narrative- don't give the audience everything laid out clearly. Make them work for it a little. It's more satisfying and it feels more like real life.

Beyond narrative fiction, read poetry, and write poetry. I mean this so earnestly. I think that reading and writing poetry can really help you break out of descriptive tropes, so you find new and unique ways of describing things. I think poetry can also get you comfortable using symbolism, which I think can also be really helpful in terms of beefing up your writing. Some of my favourites right now are Richard Siken and Billy Ray Belcourt.

Theres probably more I could come up with to say but really thats the big stuff. Feed your brain and practice! And don't judge yourself too much. If you don't like what you wrote don't delete it. Come back to it later with your editing hat on or recycle it for parts.

I have a couple other posts with writing advice as well so check those out if you'd like more tips:

[thepenguinclub]

dancing with our hands tied

jegulus, dancer!regulus, smitten!james, mutually beneficial agreements (ill do soemthign for you if i get to give you a little smooch on the forehead), open ending

Wordcount: 2,423

Summary:

When Marlene had first invited James along to pick up her new girlfriend from her dance studio, he had been slightly curious but mostly more interested in the nachos they were going to get afterwards. But one thing had led to another, and then he was watching Marlene’s girlfriend dance something called a jive with the most gorgeous man he had ever seen, moving so quickly and fluidly that James had, for the first time in his life, had to seriously consider needing to leave a room for fear of embarrassing himself.

So, James being James, he had immediately needed to speak to the man, who had introduced himself as Regulus. And, because James really had no self-control, he had then proceeded to call the man beautiful, asking him on a date, and then giving him his number despite his repeated refusals. Not his finest moment, and James had genuinely contented himself to never stepping foot back in Marlene’s girlfriend’s place of work ever again and possibly also moving to China, but then the unthinkable had happened. Regulus had texted him.

---

Regulus needs a favor, and James is more than happy to help.

hey. i think ive decided my presence on this website will just be me randomly uploading shit i speedwrote and did not reread whenever motivation strikes, and you know what? im okay with that.

this is my first jegulus work, i love them. this idea hit me in the shower and instead of imagining a whole book surrounding this one interaction i decided that i was just going to write this as a oneshot and if i decide to expand upon it later, good for me. if not, whatever. if you feel struck by motivation after reading this and want to continue it, go for it (if you do please credit it me because i would love to read it).

otherwise yeah i think that's it. enjoy.

WARNINGS: drinking (coffee), swearing, james has some dirty thoughts but none are explicit, just maybe imply explicit stuff, mentions of the control walburga and orion have over regulus, implied depressive feelings

if theres anything i missed let me know and i'll add it :)

-----------

The cafe around James was not at all what he had expected when he had agreed to meet with Regulus.

Granted, James had only spoken with Regulus once, so what did he really know? Quaint, pastel coffee shops could be right up the other man’s alley, though somehow James doubted that. With his pale skin, glossy black curls, sharp cheekbones and lithe figure, Regulus looked more likely to be found at a Victorian ball than a cafe in downtown London.

And yet, there he was, walking briskly through the door, just as striking as the first time James had seen him. He was in a soft-looking gray sweater, and black trousers that hugged his thighs. James lifted a hand from his table and smiled at him, only receiving a quick nod in return before Regulus was stepping up to the counter to order.

The conversation that had led to that point had been a short one, starting with a ping on James’ phone and a ‘James Potter? This is Dorcas’ friend, Regulus.’ and ended in a ‘see you there!!!! 😁’ Honestly, James had assumed it had been a waste of time to give Regulus his number at all, seeing as he had appeared very uninterested in James’ original advances when Dorcas had first introduced them. Which she had warned him about, of course, but James couldn’t help it; watching Regulus and Dorcas dance the way they had was nothing short of a transcendent experience.

When Marlene had first invited James along to pick up her new girlfriend from her dance studio, he had been slightly curious but mostly more interested in the nachos they were going to get afterwards. But one thing had led to another, and then he was watching Marlene’s girlfriend dance something called a jive with the most gorgeous man he had ever seen, moving so quickly and fluidly that James had, for the first time in his life, had to seriously consider needing to leave a room for fear of embarrassing himself.

So, James being James, he had immediately needed to speak to the man, who had introduced himself as Regulus. And, because James really had no self-control, he had then proceeded to call the man beautiful, asking him on a date, and then giving him his number despite his repeated refusals. Not his finest moment, and James had genuinely contented himself to never stepping foot back in Marlene’s girlfriend’s place of work ever again and possibly also moving to China, but then the unthinkable had happened. Regulus had texted him.

“Thank you for coming,” Regulus said in his posh, perfect accent. Every move he made was graceful and precise, from the way he sat in the chair to the way he lifted his coffee to his lips to sip it slowly. James was obsessed.

“Happy to,” he replied, smiling widely. He was going for ‘a friendly guy’ and not ‘in love with a stranger’, and hoped he succeeded. After a moment of silence, when Regulus continued to sip his coffee and James continued to stare at him, James cleared his throat and pushed up his glasses. “I was surprised you texted me. Not that I didn’t want you to, of course, but you had just seemed, well…”

“Uninterested,” Regulus filled in for him after the word had stretched on for a few seconds. James nodded. “I was.”

“What changed?” James asked curiously, his fingers tightening around his own cup of coffee. He had drained it a few minutes before Regulus had walked in, which was, in hindsight, a bad idea.

Regulus sighed.

“I appreciated your honesty at the studio, James,” he said seriously. “And I am sorry, but I cannot be for you what you want me to be.”

“I don’t want you to be anything,” James refuted immediately. “I am happy for this to be whatever you want it to be.”

“That’s nice of you.” Regulus’ lips twisted, and he took another sip of his coffee. James watched his Adam’s Apple move as he swallowed. “I was hoping to repay you with some honesty of my own, really. That’s why I asked you to meet.”

“I’m all ears.” James leaned forward. This man was very interesting, and trust that James was very interested. It also seemed to him that Regulus wasn’t particularly honest often, and that he should make sure he paid attention to whatever he was about to say.

“I don’t have time for friends,” Regulus told him, “much less a significant other. I spend twelve hours a day, six days a week in that dance studio. When I’m not there, I am preparing to take over my family’s investments when I inherit them. When I am not doing that, I am studying for the online classes I take at Oxford. The only friends I can truly afford to have are the ones that are at the studio with me. As you can imagine, their friendships are very dear to me.”

James nodded, and Regulus blew out a long breath.

“My family puts a lot of importance on my dance career, specifically my mother. Her expectation is that I am perfect.”

“That’s impossible,” James interrupted with furrowed brows. “Sorry, but- she must know that no one is perfect.”

“No one is perfect except for me,” Regulus corrected calmly. “She, nor I, will settle for less. For a very long time, my mother has been arguing to send me to a dance studio in Paris, one that is much more prestigious than the one I am at currently. I come from a different class than Dorcas, or Barty and Pandora, who I believe Dorcas introduced you to.”

“She did,” James confirmed, crossing his arms on the table. He didn’t like any of what Regulus was saying, and felt extremely protective of him, and angry on his behalf. He forced himself to remember that he had only met this man a week ago, and that they still did not know each other.

“The only one of our friends who matches me in social standing is Evan and he has recently made some… controversial decisions. That is what had resulted in my mother seriously pushing for my movement to France.” Regulus paused, pursing his lips. 

“Have you told Evan this?” James asked cautiously. “I don’t know you or him very well, but if he’s your friend I’m sure he would stop if he knew it was hurting you.”

“No,” Regulus answered fiercely. “Evan is taking a stand against his family for what he believes in, and I will always support him. To ask him to stop would be to trap him in his situation, and I would never do that to him. And he would certainly stop if I were to let him know of my situation.”

“Alright, well, there has to be something you can do,” James argued, feeling rising up in his chest. “Your parents can’t just ship you off to France, you’re a grown adult.”

“For complicated reasons I cannot explain to you, yes, they can,” Regulus sighed. “My age has no bearing in the matter. For all intents and purposes, they have complete control over me. But you’re right, there was something I could do. I got my mother to agree to a contract.”

“A contract?” James asked, eyes wide. Regulus simply hummed.

“Indeed. She would not force me to leave London if I could prove that I was not wasted at my current studio, and that my skills were improving. She agreed that I could do this by performing a specific way at the upcoming world ballroom dance competition.”

“Ignoring the horrifying fact that your mother made you sign a contract for your freedom,” James started slowly, “how are you supposed to perform? Please tell me she doesn’t expect you to win the whole thing.”

“No, not quite.” Regulus gave him a humorless smile, which briefly stopped James’ heart. “I must win every single category that I compete in except for one, as well as receive two perfect scores and break one record.”

“What the fuck?” James asked, appalled. “How is that possible? I mean, I’m sure you’re amazing, but that has to be impossible, or at least extremely difficult. How could she expect you to do that?”

“She doesn’t,” Regulus answered primly, swirling his coffee in his hand as if it were an exquisite red wine. “And you’re right, it is, while not impossible, extremely difficult. But I work very hard. And you were right again. I am amazing. I’ve planned out every category that I am competing in and every dance or event I will participate in and have it down to a perfect plan in which the terms are met.”

“I’m sensing a ‘but,’” James sighed, biting his lip.

“But, a majority of the categories that I have to win are paired dances. Which means that even if I perform perfectly, I cannot guarantee a win.”

“Because it relies on Dorcas to perform perfectly as well,” James finished, leaning back in his chair and running a hand through his hair. “That’s horrible.”

“It is what it is.” Regulus copied his movement, reclining in his chair much more graceful than James. “Dorcas is completely capable of performing the way she needs to, but not if she is worried. She needs to have a clear head.”

“She would be worried if she knew your future rested on her performance,” James couldn’t help but say. Dorcas was lovely, from the few times he had hung out with her and Marlene, but she did seem like somewhat of an anxious person, and he also knew that Regulus was her best friend. James could only imagine what it would be like to know that Sirius’ future happiness rested on his shoulders.

“Exactly,” Regulus agreed, “which is why I’m not telling her, or any of my friends. If it happens, it happens, and there’s nothing they can do about it. If it doesn’t, there’s nothing to worry about. But either way, she doesn’t need that kind of pressure.”

“Alright, that all makes some kind of twisted sense.” James pushed his glasses up his nose again. “Where do I fit into it?”

“Dorcas is already worried about me.” Regulus sighed heavily and rubbed a hand across his face. Despite the heaviness of the conversation, James couldn’t help but swoon a bit. “She believes that I am unhappy, and worries about my lifestyle.”

“Well… are you unhappy?” James asked slowly. Regulus waved his hand, as if physically batting the words out of the way.

“Whether I am or not is neither here nor there. What’s important is whether Dorcas thinks I am. Which is, as you said, where you come in.” Regulus pointed at James with a long, thin, perfectly manicured finger. James dug his nails into the meat of his thigh to stop himself from thinking about sucking on it. “Dorcas has, for some reason, decided that you are the key to my happiness, either as a friend or boyfriend. I don’t have time for either.”

“You want me to pretend to be your friend or boyfriend?” James squinted at him, his heart experiencing an interesting squeezing feeling. “Am I understanding that right?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” Regulus clenched his teeth, the muscles in his jaw flexing with the movement. James reminded himself to focus. 

“Sorry, can we back up to the part where you never answered if you were unhappy or not? I feel like that’s a little important,” he said, concern buzzing under his skin. They had only been talking for a small while, but James had given up on pretending that he shouldn’t feel so strongly about Regulus and had decided to just dive right in. He was concerned and angry and protective and he wanted to wrap Regulus in a hug. He settled for waiting for a response.

“I don’t…” The man across from him seemed to struggle with his answer for a moment before letting out a frustrated sigh. “I don’t know.”

“Don’t you want to be?” James asked.

“I don’t know,” Regulus repeated, sounding more and more unsure of himself. He squirmed a bit in his seat, for the first time looking something other than calm and collected. Two spots of color rose on the height of his cheekbones, and he bit his lip. Fuck, James wanted to eat him.

He shook his head sharply. Not the time.

“I’ll make a deal with you,” James offered. “I’ll pretend to be your friend or boyfriend or whatever you want for as long as you want.”

“And in return?” Regulus asked, face suspicious but intrigued. He leaned forward in his seat and folded his hands on the table.

“You try and be happy, and don’t stop until you are,” James answered firmly. “And then you say to me, “James, I’m happy,” and really mean it. When that happens, you’ve done your part.”

Regulus stared at him for a long time. James stared back. He hadn’t felt this strongly about anything or anyone in… forever. He’d never felt this strongly about anyone, and James made a silent deal with himself then that he wouldn’t let Regulus go. That whatever his answer was, this would not be that last time they saw each other.

“Okay,” Regulus agreed finally, face blank and eyes inscrutable. “I agree to your terms.”

James reached a hand over the table, and Regulus took it without hesitation. They shook hands, and James really wished he wasn’t thinking about how mouthwatering their skin tones looked against each other in such an important moment.

“You’re a very strange man, James Potter,” Regulus told him as he let go. James smiled.

“Thank you, Regulus- er…”

“Black,” Regulus supplied, with a slight smile of his own. James’ breath stuttered at the sight. “Regulus Black.”

“Regulus Black,” James repeated, tasting the name on his tongue. “You have the same last name as my best friend.”

Regulus hummed in response and finished his coffee, standing. James stood as well.

“I have to get back,” Regulus said, “but I’ll text you.”

“I’ll be waiting,” James replied, cringing a second later. Definitely missed ‘a friendly guy’ and fully crossed into ‘in love with a stranger’ on that one. Although, Regulus wasn’t really a stranger anymore.

James was rewarded for his awkwardness by another smile, larger than any he had seen before.

“Goodbye.” Regulus nodded at him, turned, and left.

James fell back into his chair and buried his head in his hands. When he closed his eyes, he still saw that last smile.

-----------

hope you liked it. im thepenguinclub on ao3 if you wanna read more stuff. comments and kudos are my life force so please leave them, especially comments they always make my day. ive posted some other stuff for harry potter, as well as merlin and sanders sides so if any of that's your jam feel free to read that too, otherwise have a fantastic rest of your day and i'll see you next time.

[writingquestionsanswered]

I'm sorry if you answered this before I just don't know how to word it to search. I love writing and whenever my brain wants me to write, I'll open up one of my WIPs and lay down about 2 sentences before shutting down and not being able to do more. Worse still, since I have several WIPs, my brain almost mixes them up. Is there any tips you have for that?

Only Able to Write Two Sentences at a Time

If you love writing and your brain wants you to write, but you're never able to get more than two sentences down per writing session, something's definitely up--you just need to figure out what it is so you can try to resolve it. I'll link to some helpful posts below, but here are also some general things to consider:

-- You have too many projects going on at once, so your brain can't really focus on any of them. In this case, I'd recommend choosing one WIP to focus on until completion, and set the others aside for now. This will also help with the issue of mixing them up.

-- You're not really sure what the story is about or where it's going, so you exhaust your creative energy just figuring out two sentences to write. In this case, I'd suggest doing some planning to flesh out what the story's about and where it's heading.

-- You love writing and you want to write, but you love and want to do other things more, so when you sit down to write, those things are competing for your attention in the background. In this case, I'd recommend setting aside a dedicated writing time, and eliminate all other distractions during that time. Ask housemates not to bother you, put your phone on silent and set it out of reach, turn off the TV and radio and only listen to music without lyrics, close your windows and/or try to write in a non-busy space, and use a temporary internet blocker if you must.

Here are some posts with other ideas:

5 Reasons You Lost Interest in Your WIP, Plus Fixes! Feeling Unmotivated with WIP Getting Unstuck: Motivation Beyond Mood Boards & Playlists

Happy writing!

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I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

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[eskawrites]

Do you like comments? Do you always read them? Sometimes if people don't reply to comments I wonder if I'm annoying them!

I have yet to meet a fanfic writer, or any kind of creator ever, who doesn’t like comments. I always always read comments, usually as soon as I get the little ao3 email. And then I reread them every time I look at that fic. When I was writing the Nancy pov of my cfdau I reread comments from the original fic every time I struggled with motivation. Whenever I’m feeling nostalgic or getting in my head about my writing or just want to look at something nice I go look at comments on old stories. My roommate is also a fic writer and we send each other the nicest comments we get. Back in one of my older fandoms I once got a comment from a reader that said my fic helped them come to terms with their own sexuality, and it completely changed the way I view myself and my art and the stories I create. I love when people talk to me on my fics, I love when people talk to each other on my fics, i even love when people reply to their own comments to talk to themselves on my fics. Comments are such a seemingly small thing but i truly cannot emphasize enough how much they mean to writers

As for authors not replying to them, I obviously can’t speak for everyone out there but I highly doubt it’s because they’re annoyed. I know for me sometimes I don’t answer comments for a long old time because answering comments feels important enough that I want to do it on my laptop instead of my phone, and it takes a while to find the time to sit down and give it the weight it deserves! And sometimes I also hold on to comments because I don’t know what to say, and I want to say the right thing in response because, again, the things readers say to me are so unbelievably meaningful they deserve my full attention and care when I reply!

I’m not the first person to say it but fandom is a community—talking to each other is a huge part of the experience! And without interaction—through comments, yes, but also through reblogs and replies on posts and asks and everything else, for fic and art and headcanons and analysis and whatever else you enjoy in fandom spaces—there’s really no point in being here? If I wanted to enjoy my media on my own I wouldn’t be sitting here sharing my thoughts and ideas with strangers on the internet, y’know?

[dwarfsized]

author quastions

tagged by my beloved @aevallare i love you. mwah mwah mwah

When did you start writing?

I've been telling stories since forever. I have notebooks upon notebooks, going back to when my handwriting was illegibly terrible, with stories that were also. terrible. but baby leetle was trying. and bigger leetle is still trying.

Are there different themes or genres you enjoy reading than what you write?

I think i wouldn't want to try writing a pure sci-fi story? and i love reading those.

Is there a writer you want to emulate or get compared to often?

uh maybe Mary Oliver, the poet? i come back to her work over and over again. I also love Tamsyn Muir's blend of absurdism and gut-punch. I'd be very happy if someone compared me to either, but I try to just be myself when I write.

Can you tell me a bit about your writing space?

I write in my living room on my laptop, curled up like a shrimp on the couch. this is bad for my back (and the rest of my body) but if i sat Correctly i think i'd die.

I also write on my phone Whenever and Wherever i have an idea.

What’s your most effective way to muster up a muse?

:') go do stuff. read books and poetry, watch movies, take a walk, see your friends, go to a new grocery store, experience something. you can't pour from an empty pitcher, and you can't write when you have nothing in the tank. At least, *I* can't write.

If you just want to be putting words down every day, you can also try having multiple projects. This wont mean that any of them get finished. But you'll be able to pick and choose what you work on and possibly muster up creative zest for something on any given day if you have several irons in the fire.

Are there any recurring themes in your writing? Do they surprise you?

That you will change and you can't do anything about it. That you can't go back, not really. That everyone is working with their own information and biases and that fucks things up, even when they mean well.

The one that surprised me was "looking for a sense of belonging" because, hey. Can I stop putting that in stuff, please.

What is your reason for writing?

Because I have to. I have no other choice. The stories have to come out.

Is there any specific comment or type of comment you find particularly motivating?

All comments rule but there's something really special about ones that quote something from the fic that they liked in particular.

How do you want to be thought about by your readers?

"wow she's really a freak about this concept huh (affectionate)"

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

i think my internal monologue rules and i think about worldbuilding a lot

How do you feel about your own writing?

i like it. i can see the cracks but when i put something out there for people to read, ive really worked hard on it. I'm proud of the effort i put in.

When you write, are you influenced by what others might enjoy reading, do you write purely for yourself, or a mix of both?

mostly its about what i want to write, because i cant stay motivated otherwise, but things like troubled thoughts that are love letters to people (hi alex) are total joys. that was so fucking fun. cant wait to finish parts 2 and 3. :)

i tag @mutualcombat and @again-please and @lyzelky and @kittenintheden and @septemberskye sorry if you've been tagged already im in a con vortex rn

[localplaguenurse]

I am just nosy, forgive me. Can you describe each one of your mutuals?

Buckle up people and prepare to get complimented >:3c

First and foremost, they’re all absolute sweethearts to me.

There are my irl friends, such as @wretchedshade, @granolabird, @siriuscitrus and @scales-of-stardust or beta as I usually refer to them. I share the same braincell with these people.

Wretchedshade has been my best friend since we were ten, we’ve been there for each other for 11 years. I initially got her into anime, and then she got me into jojo, and every once in a while we cry about Doukyuusei again. She’s a great artist and is really good at writing sad shit, which is why I write sad shit; to have the glory of finally making her cry. She kicked cancer’s teeth in a few months ago so it’s about goddamn time something good come her way and I WILL fight someone on that.

Granolabird is the dm for my dnd campaign, and like I said, absolute sweetheart, chaotic adhd haver (actually like most of my friend group is like this lmao we’re all queer and neurodivergent). Either way, we used to share thoughts on each other’s original stories, and we still do sometimes but it’s mostly just sending each other tiktoks/reels like “this you” or “this your oc.”

Siriuscitrus is usually pretty hyper, but also tries to be v considerate of everyone’s feelings. If you said that the McDonald’s employee put pickles on your burger when you said no, they’d probably be the one to tell them. They’re also scarily good at vibechecking people and told me I give “future he/they vibes” and like a week later I said “fuck you’re right oh my god.”

You’ve probably seen me and beta’s interactions on here or in the ao3 comments. We enjoy our like playful rivalry/enemyship. I like to torment tease her and she usually gets me back pretty good, it’s all in good fun. It’s also really funny to me whenever we meet up, I tell myself “you are friends with them for reasons other than fic so do not make it about fic” and then we’ll spend literally hours talking about and brainstorming fic ideas. It just Happens.

I’m also gonna add @memory-mortis into here because while we’ve not met irl I’ve introduced him to my friend group. Yet another sweetheart, love her art style a lot, and she was one of the first comments I got on ginkgo trees to motivate me to keep going. I was kinda worried about bringing him into my friendgroup because like if I’m not overthinking I am not thinking At All. I was super relieved and happy that she like IMMEDIATELY fit in with everyone so :D

For some of my other close but only on tumblr/ao3/outside my general friendgroup mutuals! (There are too many so I’m sorry if you’re not here it’s mostly people I interact with more regularly ;-;)

@crimson-ashes who I have occasionally with absolute love called my “askbox gremlin” because they live in my inbox. I need to stress this is affectionate because genuinely, I love opening tumblr and seeing I’ve got asks from them. They gotta stop posting Astarion though because I’m feeling So Tempted to play BG but I know my laptop would kill itself (joking).

@crystalflygeo and I know I’ve called everyone sweethearts but genuinely, she’s probably one of the sweetest people I’ve had the pleasure of talking to. She’s really wholesome (unlike her writing which is never gonna be a complaint in my book, good soup) and super supportive of other people.

@madamemachikonew who’s super polite and really kind. She’s also really creative/smart when it comes to referencing real world art and philosophy in her writing and integrating it into her own worldbuilding. I would have never thought to have done that, and it makes her writing very unique!

We don’t interact as much but @probably-doesnt-exist, @ethve, @euniveve and @ainescribe are such talented artists and super sweet, have literally made me screech and cackle with utter joy whenever they draw the characters from ginkgo trees. I rotate through which art becomes my phone’s lock/home screens.

This is long af but fuck it, I wanna brighten people’s days and I told myself to say “I love you” to my friends and family more, so consider this one big “I love you!” to y’all. It’s a pleasure talking to y’all!

[desceros]

How do you feel so motivated to write all the time? I have a fic of my own that I’ve been working on for a few months and have been posting but I’ve lost all the momentum I once had for it and only have 3 chapters left that I need to write. Whenever I sit down to write it I can never seem to put more than a few words down before I either work on something newer or just give up for the day. Sorry for the small vent I’m just trying to find ways to get back to it 💜💜💜💜

oh, that's easy—i don't! i have really, really bad adhd. motivation isn't something i can count on for, uh, literally anything lmao. which is bad for, like, eating and sleeping with any sense of regularity, but good in terms of me having learned how to do stuff i wanna do without motivation!

the first thing is consistency. i try really really hard to write every day, even if it's only a little. i have a folder in my icloud for daily exercises, and that's where i write little 500-1000 word snippets if i don't have a proper fic or novel that i'm working on. it's just a single scenario, single blip kind of thing. This has made it so that my brain expects me to write, every day, even when i'm not particularly motivated by one plot or another. though don't beat yourself up if you don't write in a day. that's pretty hard for me, but it's very important!

second, kind of part of the first, is that i have a time set aside every day to write. it's actually first thing in the morning when i wake up, because i'm super excited to do it and it gets me out of bed like nothing else!! i don't check my phone, i don't think about work, none of that. i just roll out of bed and sit down at my computer and start writing. because i have a specific time for it, it's very easy for me to go oh. well this is my writing time. the time for writing. i shall go and write now.

third is to have lots of different things that you're very excited about. i'll usually have three or four ideas bouncing around in my head at one time, because it makes me think 'oh i need to finish x so i can get to y', just in case x ever gets too boring for me. but also—don't be afraid to switch projects! if something isn't meshing, don't force it. you'll grow to resent it, and yourself for not being able to create, and that negativity isn't conducive to a fun time. i like to have at least two things that i'm actively working on that are very different in tone. this way, i can bounce back and forth as needed if something isn't vibing one day for whatever reason.

fourth is to kinda... trick yourself a little. if i'm working on a long project and i need to stop for anything longer than getting another cup of coffee, i stop in the middle of a scene—but, very specifically, a scene in which i know what the next step is going to be. sometimes, i'll even go down a line and put what the next action is, if it's really gonna be a while. that way, the next time i come back to it, i reread the scene, and by the time i get to the place where i'm supposed to start writing again, the flow is there. it's much easier to pick up in media res vs having to start a new section.

so yeah. motivation is fake, don't ever trust it, come up with a system that makes it so you never have to count on it ever again!