#writing in review

[vacantgodling]

i'd like to say that this year was more of a planning year than a writing year; not to say that i didn't write; but i spent a lot more time on outlining, worldbuilding, and a new skill that i've added to the fold -- conlanging(!!). because of that, i didn't hit all the goals i made last year but tbh that's aight. without further ado tho:

TOTAL WORDS WRITTEN [january 2024-november 2024]

111,535 (as of 11/15)

once again, if this was all in one place, that would be a full novel but. speaking of full novels:

2024 GOAL STATUS

❌ reach 150k words written overall ✔️ finish cage like it’s GOING to happen i will it ❌ finish the first draft of paramour!!!

so i'm only 1 for 3 and tbh i'm not that mad about it. finishing cage back in february was one of the biggest writing highlights of this year because i showed myself i could do it, i CAN finish something of novel length if i really put my mind to it.

(and yeah, i really did go and get it printed out lmao)

and more than just the accomplishment of writing 82k in one piece, it's also helped me really understand and work out what systems and processes i need to have set up prior to writing to make it work. this is why outlining has been such a huge undertaking for me this year, in varying levels of success (lmao). having a fully fleshed out outline with the literal beat by beat playout of how i want the story to go helped me TREMENDOUSLY in pushing through cage. even on chapters that were rough for me, having that outline to fallback on made it so much easier to stick to a every week one chapter system. and its something i plan to implement with my original wips too.

the only issue is, because original work inherently requires more work since there's no framework except what's in your own head... its been a bit slower for me writing wise. BUT next year i will be operating out of a desperate need for whimsey so i think i'm going to make my goals much.... less stressful than i did this year.

2024 WRITING HIGHLIGHTS

FINISHED CAGE! biggest accomplishment in my life right now tbh. seriously if you haven't and you have any interest in overwatch at all go read it and leave me nice comments while you're at it lol. technically i am working on the interlude piece between cage and its eventual sequel, schism, but that's been kinda slow going as i don't have much motivation to do it right now. first chapter of it is also up on ao3 though -> interlude - quiet

created a conlang??? in a very bizarre turn of events i have created a conlang for my wip with the working title HE WHO SMITES THE SUN (under the tag #s: ph). the language itself is called dzonime'si and if you want to see more of that process check out my #ren fights linguistics tag :)

finished the entire "first draft" of my wip betwixt thumb and forefinger--which is actually an idea that i only thought of this year so that's fun. for the uninitiated it is a gothic reimagining of twilight but with a shit ton more body horror and prochoice commentary. the reason first draft is in quotations is because it is technically a 16k word long outline that i am considering draft one. draft 2 is literally me going bullet point by bullet point and expanding the draft into something more akin to prose. i do have the first few paragraphs of draft 3 started, which is where i'm going to attempt actual prose writing for the first time. pretty much, btaf is becoming a very lengthy process but it's my first "test drive" on how this new outlining to written prose for my original projects will go. i've just gotten... distracted by other wips since then.

2025 GOALS

to be honest, i don’t know if i have many hard goals for next year. mostly because of *gestures at the state of the world right now* :))))))) it’s blatantly obvious that when things are tough, it becomes more difficult to do the things that you want to do that bring you joy. amid trying to just survive the day to day, there’s also my desires to get more involved in bothering the FUCK out of my senators, looking into ways i can be more involved locally (without burning myself out) and just generally trying to not let the state of the world get me down.

i think there’s a lot of things i want to do. i want to finish a bunch of outlines for my wips becuase i can’t tell you how REWARDING it’s been to be able to fully just go back and reread btaf’s outline whenever i like (and have the AMAZING multi leave comments on it like that’s actually another huge highlight of this year thank u friend 💛) and get excited about telling this story all over again. it motivates me to keep doing it! i'd also love to finish btaf's draft 2, maybe try and finish interlude - quiet etc. but—long story short. i don’t think i’m going to put myself on for any particular goals. next year is going to be about celebrating wins in any and every capacity. so all i wanna do is give myself wins.

looking forward to seeing y’all next year, crying about our ocs as usual

💛 ren 💛

[dreamtigress]

2024 Writing in Review

Thanks to @onthewaytosomewhere for the tag and inspiration!

2024 Writing in Review

Published on AO3 in 2024: 401,592

Everything was within the Six of Crows/Grishaverse fandom, with a large focus on Kanej, but with some Wesper and original characters. I branched off into spin offs stories, writing short form ficlets, and challenging myself. I gained new readers, some amazing beta readers, and did some beta'ing for others. I have expanded my own post-canon world a huge amount. While my writing has slowed down a bit, I have tons of future story ideas. I commissioned art for fics from great artists, and even received the first gift art for a fic just this week! Of the 22 stories I published this year, the length ranged from 542 to 75,125 words. I posted the last chapter of my last story for this year this morning!

Stories by Month Below the Cut...

January:

Broeder Liefde (Brotherly Love)

It’s been two and a half weeks since Inej set sail. Kaz has been coping, mostly. His cravings for touch are maddening, and he misses Inej fiercely. Jesper and Wylan try their hardest. We get to see some domestic and sexy Wesper stuff, too. This is wish fulfillment post-canon personal and relationship development. There are intense, and sexual, scenes between consenting adult characters, and discussions of trauma.

February:

Jezelf Leren Kennen (Learning To Know Oneself)

This piece exists in the space directly after Crooked Kingdom, during KoS/RoW, and serves as a prequel for my series Kanej Wansen. Exploring Inej’s reunion with her parents, her discovery of who she can be as Captain Ghafa, hunting slavers and doling out justice, and her path to reclaiming her own body and sexuality. Exploring Kaz building his empire in the Barrel, and his journey through practicing touch and examining his armor; seeing him hit despair, and clawing his way back out again.

March:

Zeilen (Sailing)

The Wraith has captured The Nalaika, and Inej and her crew celebrate the victory. We learn some of Mesa’s history, and see some resolution there. The Wraith may gain a new crew member. Inej goes on her “Lion Hunt”, and brings back a memento. I’ve built in layers of serious issues with more lighthearted moments, and with four Original Character POV sections.

April:

Verbanden & Geesten (Ties & Ghosts)

Kaz deals with waiting for Inej to return, gang politics with the Razorgulls, redecorating his bedroom, getting a tattoo, and a visit to his childhood home. Jesper and Wylan visit the Slat, meet Krai, and help Kaz out with some gang politics, among other things.

Drie Is Een Feestje (Three is a Party)

Meril, Mikhal, and Nico, Dregs members who work at Magpies & Makkers, are relaxing in the club after hours when Meril decides to reveal to her partner Mikhal that she wants to act on the attention they've both noticed from Nico. After some negotiation, they head upstairs for some kinky fun and power exchange that works out far better than any of them expected. (Spin off story from Kanej Wensen but in the same canon.)

May:

Vindingrijkheid (Fabrication/Invention)

This story follows Jesper’s Fabrikator training with Tij Bashnya at Toren Leder. This takes place during and after Verbanden & Geesten. (Spin off story from Kanej Wensen but in the same canon.) Jes begins learning how to better focus his powers, some leather crafting, and a good chunk about his mentor as well. We get a section from Tij’s POV, and see how she views her new found apprentice. We also get to see Jesper and Tij trading stories as they work on a custom order for Kaz.

Thuiskomst (Homecoming)

Inej returns to Ketterdam, coming ‘home’ to Kaz. It’s a rainy day, but they’re back at the Slat soon enough for a reunion dinner and reconnection time. They update each other on all sorts of news, explore some physical intimacy with a setback, recover and relax. Inej gets birthday gifts, and to see Kaz’s redecorated bedroom. Kaz brings up the ideas of going out to dinner and taking a vacation.

June:

Geheugen (Remembering)

The morning after Inej returns to Ketterdam, she pokes a little too hard at Kaz about his past, and he pokes back about hers. Their argument leads to confessions on both sides, of things they’ve kept hidden from each other. They discuss heavy parts of their past, bringing some things to light. They also explore how arguing can lead to better communication, and to make up sex. After some reconnection, they have a chat about Jesper’s random offer of spanking.

Bevrediging (Gratification/Naughty: To Cum)

Inej has another educational chat with Jes & Wy about kink. Kaz takes her out on a date in public to Pelegrini, for an amazing dinner. Upon return to the mansion, their evening gets very kinky. Inej takes control, tries out some new toys, and hilarity and hotness ensue. Kaz comes to grips with a new phrase from Inej.

Een Taal Aanleren (Language Lessons)

Omar and Ryo, Dregs members who work at Magpies & Makkers, discuss their mutual crush one evening on their way back to the Slat. Each man has a hurt from his past to contend with. Occasional language barriers make their night interesting. We get to learn more about Omar’s past crush on Nico, and why Ryo left Bhez Ju. This story turned into a tri-lingual affair, giving us more insight into both Ryo and Omar’s backgrounds and cultures.

July:

Schurken Gemaskerd (Rogues Masquerade)

This spin off story from Kanej Wensen ties together a slew of little plot lines and character arcs. We get ten different character POV’s surrounding the Rogues Gallery expansion opening gala. Zurye has a surprise meeting. Ryo gets a surprise assignment. Jesper is in a tizzy with all of his planning duties. Rook is in a tizzy because Jeter’s all dressed up. Kaz leads his Dregs in a Barrel parade to the Rogues Gallery. Mesa has a chat with Tajed while she’s trying to work. Inej finds out some intel from Rosa Ortega, leader of the Liddies. Wylan has a run-in with another member of the Merchant Council. Jeter is Kaz’s assistant for the night, and brings the news of an incident. Oxana gets to witness a private debriefing of the Crows.

August:

Canon Maintenance

Cannon Maintenance was created for @Discessio: For the Queer Pride Ficlet Friday Tumblr Challenge Prompt: Senn/Kalu and 4. "An unspeakable of the Oscar Wilde sort."

One early morning, Kalu decides to finally say something to Senn about the obvious crush the former Dregs member has on The Wraith's bosun. Fun times ensue.

Recruitment Pitch

Recruitment Pitch introduces a new original character who may be joining the Dregs. One of Kaz's part time spiders, Cory, notes a pick pocket working in Fifth Harbor, and intervenes before any of the bruisers see the thief.

Metamour Meeting

Metamour Meeting features The Wraith's new zowa crew member Zurye heading to Alexi's home after her chat about Oxana with Captain Inej Ghafa. (During Schurken Gemaskerd.)

Girl’s Afternoon

Seile and Meril go out for a Girl's Afternoon, eating waffles at the Kooperom and catching up.

Making New Memories

Making New Memories was created for @Tinyarmedtrex: For the Queer Pride Ficlet Friday Tumblr Challenge Prompt: 1. for any ship you want! ‘It’s my right as a bisexual to sit this way.’

Mikhal goes up to check on Nico after Ryo gave him a black eye during a sparring session. He attempts to help the blond bouncer forget his troubles.

Friends Like This

Oxana is really lucky to have Friends Like This. Alexi gives her some advice to help with her relationship with Zurye.

Dream Come True

Dream Come True was created for @Discessio: For the Queer Pride Ficlet Friday Tumblr Challenge Prompt: Senn/Kalu and Turquoise: Magic

Kalu wants to make a little magic happen for Senn, and further explore their relationship. This is a bit of a sequel to Cannon Maintenance.

October:

Grijp De Teugels (Take the Reins)

After returning to the Slat after working at their respective clubs, Anika and Pim have some kinky relaxing time together. Their power exchange runs contrary to what outside observers might assume, with Anika handing the reins to Pim. We learn a bit about their backstories, and get to see just how confident Pim is when it comes to handling his girl. They have some post sexy time snuggling, and an important conversation.

November:

Forest Green Lace

This idea has been in my notes for a while, and Smutsgiving seemed liked the right time to write it out. Jesper has a surprise for Wylan featuring forest green lace, and he's maybe a little nervous about it.

A little light on the smut, a little heavy on the soft and adorable.

Morning, Captain

One more thing for Smutsgiving! With a bit more smut. I had this idea in my Spin Off and Ficlets notes, and Lizabet and Specht totally needed some more screen time. Even if he is *supposed* to be getting up and being responsible.

December:

Vakantie (Vacation)

Kaz takes Inej on a vacation to his childhood home, the farm located not far from Lij. From reveals on the ride down, to days spent relaxing, they figure out how to enjoy a vacation. Inej gets some new insights into Kaz’s past. He relives and discusses painful memories, but also finds some solace in the process. There’s fun and connection, stargazing and sexytimes, and a few interesting surprises in the mix as well.

Open tags for anyone who wants to do a Writing Review of their year!

[thewatcher727]

Writing Description Notes:

Updated 9th September 2024 More writing tips, review tips & writing description notes

Facial Expressions

Masking Emotions

Smiles/Smirks/Grins

Eye Contact/Eye Movements

Blushing

Voice/Tone

Body Language/Idle Movement

Thoughts/Thinking/Focusing/Distracted

Silence

Memories

Happy/Content/Comforted

Love/Romance

Sadness/Crying/Hurt

Confidence/Determination/Hopeful

Surprised/Shocked

Guilt/Regret

Disgusted/Jealous

Uncertain/Doubtful/Worried

Anger/Rage

Laughter

Confused

Speechless/Tongue Tied

Fear/Terrified

Mental Pain

Physical Pain

Tired/Drowsy/Exhausted

Eating

Drinking

Warm/Hot

[lapdogchase]

i hate writing smut.

[ducktracy]

sharing a very sage bit of advice from The Simpsons' own John Swartzwelder that i've been trying to hamper down in my writing and drawing alike. let your inner crappy little elf do his worst

[loveelizabeths]

love elizabeth s.

[0thello]

Undine (sculpture), 1904 - 1988.

by Isamu Noguchi.

[hesbuckcompton-baby]

people who don't study history will simply never understand the joy of reading historian beef. there's nothing like it

[cockroachparty]

currently playing infinity nikki for the first time (as well as my first time playing any gacha game) and i am. so perplexed by this girl.

she is nonconsensually ripped from her home and sucked into some other universe. the annoying rat is taken with her and they end up in some dark souls esque world. she now has the powers of levitation (?!) and shooting objects from her hand (?!) that can only harm bad guys and completely miss everything else in the environment. are these powers conscious of who it can hit or does nikki just have really good aim? after she meets some lady who has been chained to the ceiling for who knows how many years, a "heart" of some sort is forced into nikki's chest which gives her weird pains (no shit) from time to time when she witnesses emotional or "whimsical" displays.

anyway, im traversing this new land, in shock that this poor girl opened a simple wardrobe and is now in what appears to be some alternate universe where clothes have magic powers. if that were me, i'd be freaking out and wondering where the hell i am, what planet im on, and if im dreaming

nikki, though?

nikki is having the time of her life

i mean, shes casually introducing herself to dada and giovanni like shes just some girl from the next town over; no! youre not supposed to be here!! youre essentially an alien and youre fooling everybody!!

this girl is catwalking miraland like stuff like this happens to her ALL. THE. TIME.

which, if it does...

is nikki ok??? should she be put down???

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

How To Plan A Book Series: Ultimate Guide

Writing a book series can be an incredibly rewarding experience for authors, but it also requires careful planning and execution. A well-crafted book series can captivate readers, build a loyal fan base, and provide a steady stream of income for writers. However, planning a successful book series is no easy feat.

It demands a deep understanding of world-building, character development, and plot progression. In this ultimate guide, I'll help you explore the essential steps to help you plan a compelling and cohesive book series that will keep your readers hooked from start to finish.

Develop a Compelling Premise The foundation of any successful book series is a strong premise. Your premise should be unique, engaging, and have the potential to sustain multiple books. Consider exploring a complex world, a captivating concept, or a character with a rich backstory that can evolve over the course of several books. Ask yourself: What makes your premise stand out? What will keep readers invested in the story for multiple installments?

Create a Detailed Outline Before you dive into writing, it's crucial to create a detailed outline for your entire book series. This outline should include the overarching plot, major story arcs, character development, and key events for each book. Having a solid outline will help you maintain consistency, avoid plot holes, and ensure that each book contributes to the overall narrative. Don't be afraid to make adjustments as you write, but having a roadmap will keep you on track.

World-Building: Crafting a Vivid and Consistent Universe One of the hallmarks of a successful book series is a richly developed and immersive world. Whether you're creating a fantasy realm, a futuristic society, or a contemporary setting, pay close attention to world-building. Establish the rules, customs, histories, and geography of your fictional world. Consistency is key, so ensure that the details align across all books in the series. Consider creating a "bible" or a comprehensive guide that outlines the intricacies of your world, making it easier to maintain continuity.

Develop Compelling Characters Great characters are the heart and soul of any book series. Your protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters should be well-rounded, multi-dimensional, and undergo significant growth and transformation throughout the series. Craft backstories, motivations, flaws, and strengths for each character, and ensure that their actions and decisions drive the plot forward. Remember, character development is an ongoing process, so be prepared to explore new facets of your characters as the series progresses.

Establish Recurring Themes and Motifs Themes and motifs are powerful tools that can add depth and resonance to your book series. Identify the central themes you want to explore, such as love, redemption, power, or identity. Weave these themes throughout the series, allowing them to evolve and deepen with each installment. Motifs, like recurring symbols or imagery, can also create a sense of cohesion and add layers of meaning to your narrative.

Plan for Cliffhangers and Resolutions One of the key strategies for keeping readers engaged in a book series is the strategic use of cliffhangers and resolutions. Cliffhangers create anticipation and leave readers craving for the next installment. However, be cautious not to overuse this technique, as it can become frustrating for readers. Balance cliffhangers with satisfying resolutions that tie up loose ends and provide a sense of closure, while still leaving room for the story to continue.

Consider Pacing and Narrative Structure Pacing and narrative structure are crucial elements to consider when planning a book series. Each book should have its own narrative arc, with a beginning, middle, and end, while also contributing to the overall story progression. Vary the pacing between books to maintain reader interest, alternating between action-packed and slower, more introspective sections. Experiment with different narrative structures, such as multiple perspectives, non-linear timelines, or frame narratives, to keep the series fresh and engaging.

Manage Continuity and Consistency As your book series grows, maintaining continuity and consistency becomes increasingly important. Keep detailed records of character descriptions, plot points, world-building elements, and timelines. Regularly refer back to these notes to ensure that you're not introducing contradictions or inconsistencies. Consider creating a series bible or a wiki to help you keep track of all the moving parts.

Plan for Character Growth and Evolution In a book series, characters should undergo significant growth and evolution. Plan for character arcs that span multiple books, allowing your protagonists and supporting characters to face challenges, make difficult choices, and emerge as changed individuals. This character development will not only add depth to your narrative but also keep readers invested in the journey of your characters.

Anticipate and Address Potential Plot Holes As your book series expands, the potential for plot holes and inconsistencies increases. Be vigilant in identifying and addressing these issues during the planning stage. Regularly review your outline and notes, looking for any logical gaps or contradictions. Enlist the help of beta readers or critique partners to provide fresh perspectives and catch any potential plot holes you may have missed.

Consider the Overarching Story Arc While each book in your series should have its own narrative arc, it's essential to plan for an overarching story arc that spans the entire series. This overarching arc should tie together the individual books, building towards a climactic conclusion that resolves the central conflict or mystery. Ensure that each book contributes to this larger narrative, advancing the plot and raising the stakes for the characters.

Plan for Marketing and Promotion Finally, as you plan your book series, don't overlook the importance of marketing and promotion. Develop a strategy for building buzz and engaging with your audience throughout the release of each book. Leverage social media, author events, book tours, and other promotional opportunities to keep your readers excited and invested in your series.

Remember, writing a book series is a marathon, not a sprint, so be prepared to invest time, effort, and dedication into crafting a truly remarkable literary journey. Hope this helped!

Happy Writing - Rin T.

Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!

[logophilist1982]

Franz Kafka & love

[vacantgodling]

2024 Recap Game!

thanks for tagging me @magic-is-something-we-create !! i also did an in depth version of my year back in november (bc december can suck my dick) which you can find here -> boop!

so i will summarize & do some big braining bc even though i said in that post i don't really have hard goals (which i still don't) for 2025, i can give off more vague vibes of what i kinda have in mind perhaps.

2024 Accomplishments!

finished my yeehan fic cage. technically it started in 2023, but i finished the 20th and final chapter in feb 2024, clocking in at 82,288 words total. which is actually the most words i've ever written for one continuous project. so lots of wins.

started conlanging for a wip that has fully expanded paramour's universe, the related but also completely separate wip he who smites the sun. and connected that entire universe and multiple wips all in one timeline in one continent of a world which is super cool.

finished the first draft of my current brain rot wip betwixt thumb and forefinger. which, is essentially wuthering heights x twilight, the wip lmao.

2025 (Writing) Goals!

finish btaf's 2nd draft -- currently i'm 22k-ish words deep and its been fun working on it so i hope i finish it this year

work on dzonime'si more (the conlang in he who smites the sun) and potentially develop a few more for several regions in this world, mainly eyeing 2nd century galarian because it does get mentioned in paramour as something hya can't read bc its so old so i'm kinda curious about it.

get back into mapmaking, i'd love to have an actual decent map of the continent that all those wips take place on

continue to do things because they interest me and they're fun and try not to worry so much about interacting with others. obvs interacting with people is GREAT but at the same time, i don't want to stop myself from doing things because i feel like people won't care or i don't have anyone to talk to about it.

i'll poke a few people if they want to do this (but consider this an open tag in general) -> @multi-lefaiye, @void-botanist, @kudzucataclysm, @sarahlizziewrites, @galactic-mystics-writes :)

[figtreeforever]

[thewatcher727]

Writing Description Notes: Physical Pain

Updated 6th June 2024 More description notes

It was as if his bones were made of glass, shattering into a million pieces with every movement and sending waves of sharp, shooting pain coursing through his limbs.

His muscles screamed in protest with every step, each movement sending jolts of electric pain shooting through his body.

The ache settled deep into his bones, a dull, persistent throb that seemed to resonate with every heartbeat.

Every inch of his body felt tenderized, as if he had been used as a punching bag in a brutal workout session.

The sensation of blood trickling down his skin was a grim reminder of the violence he had endured.

His ribs screamed in protest with every breath, each inhalation a sharp reminder of the blows he had taken.

The world seemed to spin around him in a dizzying blur, his vision clouded by the stars of pain that danced across his field of vision with every movement.

A sharp, stabbing sensation shot through his lower back, making him wince.

Her temples throbbed with a relentless, pounding headache.

He clutched his side, pain radiating from the bruise with every breath.

Her muscles screamed in protest, the soreness a reminder of yesterday’s workout.

A burning ache spread through his chest, each heartbeat intensifying the agony.

She bit her lip, trying to stifle the groan as pain flared in her twisted ankle.

His knuckles were raw and throbbing, evidence of the fight.

She pressed a hand to her forehead, a dull ache settling behind her eyes.

A searing pain lanced through his knee, nearly buckling his leg.

She gripped the edge of the table, knuckles white as pain shot through her arm.

Her trembling hands betrayed the unyielding agony in her joints, a relentless companion.

Doubled over, he fought against the relentless cramps that seized his stomach.

A sudden, searing pain in her wrist forced her to relinquish her grip, the cup clattering to the ground.

Every step reverberated through her aching feet, a reflection to the miles she had traversed.

Rubbing his shoulder provided little respite from the persistent agony that gnawed at the joint.

A sharp sting on her finger brought fresh irritation, the paper cut a small but sharp reminder of vulnerability.

His tooth throbbed incessantly, a deep, pulsating ache that clouded his thoughts.

Each movement of her stiff and sore neck elicited a fresh wave of discomfort, a constant reminder of strain.

A stabbing pain in his chest made each breath a struggle, a reminder of mortality's grasp.

The throbbing in his hand, where the door had slammed shut, served as a relentless reminder of his own clumsiness.

A dull ache settled deep within her lower back, rendering even sitting a feat of endurance.

His leaden legs protested with every step, each movement a symphony of agony.

His head spun, the pain behind his eyes making it hard to focus.

Sharp pangs in her side served as a reminder of the physical toll of her exertion, a stitch from pushing too hard.

His throbbing ankle, swollen and tender, made each step a test of willpower.

Gritting her teeth against the shooting pain, she cursed the strain from overuse that tormented her wrist.

Pressing a hand to his chest, he felt the pain radiate outward in relentless waves, a reminder of vulnerability.

Her burning shoulder protested each movement, the pain a constant reminder of her injury.

He winced as sharp pains flared in his elbow, each movement a reminder of his body's fragility.

A deep ache throbbed in her hip, a persistent discomfort that refused to be ignored.

His fingers tingled with pain, a result of gripping the tool too tightly for too long.

[lapdogchase]