talibunny30

[talibunny30]

Life is just a series of obstacles preventing you from reading a book.

[talibunny30]

I adore you, my friend 🖤✨🧡

2024 Fic Writer End of Year Roundup

Answer and then tag three or more creators to keep the game going!

Oh, this has taken me some time. Thank you to everyone who's tagged me in their roundups, it has really warmed this shadowed, linty heart of mine ❤️

1. How many words did you publish on AO3 in 2024?

100,802!! I found out juust before the new year that I was missing 6000 words from a 100 000, and as luck would have it, I had a chapter for my secret santa fic that was just that long. Marvelous @neciebee stepped up as beta to help me finish it in time.

2. How many fics did you complete this year?

“Completed” is a bit of a complicated term, because technically it’s four, but I have continuations in the works for a couple. 

3. How many in progress or ongoing fics did you start this year?

On Ao3 it looks like I only have the one in progress that was started this year (WWUitS was started on the tail end of 2023), but I have four more docs that I’ve worked on from time to time. 

4. What was your favorite thing you wrote?

Autumn Winds Across the Sea continues to be my favorite in its entirety. An old poet took over my fingers while I wrote that. But there are also parts of Words We Use in the Shadows that I’m really proud of and happy with. For instance the poem-turned-song, and the confrontation and ensuing angst, but also the literary references throughout. Thanks to it its patron saint Marcel Proust ❤️

5. What piece was your most experimental or different from your usual style?

It’s probably Autumn Winds! I used aaall the adjectives and synonyms, and cosplayed as a Bronte sister while writing, so the result is quite gothic and picturesque. 

6. Did any fics surprise you - either while writing or their reception?

I mean, Words We Use has surprised me so many times. I originally thought it was gonna be around ten chapters, but the story grew legs and ran away from me. It’s currently just out of view, and I’m trying to rein her back in. I was also pleasantly surprised with the recurring readers I got to know, and some of which I now call friends. :) 

7. Do you have a fic you wrote and loved that went under the radar? (This is your sign to reblog/repost it!)

I really liked the tiny Prometheus retelling I did for Eris Week, but I think it might have been a little too niche? 

8. Who is an artist that inspired you?

There are many, and I can’t possibly remember all. But a few that have made works I have really enjoyed are 

@elleybug for her heartbreakingly melancholic depictions, especially of Eris, @palomita-de-la-sangre for her beautifully feral fae, @dawneternal for such wonderful noses, @velidewrites for making them all SO. DANG. SEXY, @thrumugnyr for such excellent incorporations of humor AND headcannons, @queercontrarian for wonderfully detailed character studies, for and the list goes on! 

9. Who is an author that inspired you?

SO SO MANY! If I've ever left a kudos or comment on your work, consider yourself included.And I’m getting overwhelmed trying to write something about everyone, so we’re just listing to avoid this staying in the drafts 

@chunkypossum @iftheshoef1tz @futurehunt @witch-and-her-witcher @the-darkestminds @jules-writes-stories @ysmtttty @talibunny30 @neciebee @mistandmemories @acourtofladydeath @secret-third-thing @unanswered-stars @withmychainzon @separatist-apologist @beesays @fourteentrout @yanny-77 @ofduskanddreams @nocasdatsgay @pippsmcgee @aurorasleeps-27 @born-to-riot 

I APPRECIATE AND ADMIRE ALL OF YOU 

10. Who is a new author you discovered?

See above. I think about ⅔ of the authors are new discoveries from this year, as I only got into Azris in the fall of 2023. 

11. Did you do any collaborations? How did it start?

No, but that could be fun :) Hit me up 

Though, it is sort of a collaboration to have a beta reader, and I’m very grateful for @talibunny30 , @pippsmcgee and @neciebee for helping me with some of my writing in 2024. Literal/literary ANGELS

12. What accomplishments are you proudest of?

Finishing Your Scars on My Pulse, and developing as a writer. It caused a bit of a writing slump, but I’m getting back in the groove!

13. What did you learn about writing or creating this year?

What writing styles that don’t work for me. I tried a couple different ways to draft my stories, mostly in hopes that I would get to the end result faster, but it turns out that my slow and steady way of doing it suits me better. Spewing out words and then revising just makes me frustrated. But it’s a great way for me to draft the overall story! 

14. What is your advice?

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Sometimes it’s very easy to write, and sometimes it’s really hard. It might just mean that you’re getting better at your craft, and your writing style is changing as a result, which can cause a bit of a dissonance. Or maybe you’re in a down period. I sure know how difficult it is to write when depressed. Give yourself the grace to get better, and treat your mind and body well. And don’t compare your work or your success to other writers, it only steals joy. Support others the way you would want to be supported. 

15. What are your creative goals for 2025?

Finishing Words We Use in the Shadows, and working on more original fiction. I would also like to write something lighter and less serious, but I think I mostly have angst planned, lol 

Here’s to a good year!

Lint, laugh, love,

SL

[talibunny30]

Cabin in the Woods

Pairing: Azriel x Eris Vanserra

Summary: Eris is now High Lord of Autumn and his greatest secret has just been revealed.

Word count: 1.6k

Warnings: None, Angst, Fluff

a/n: It's been a minute since I drafted something up but Azris has been living in my head rent free...

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eris dusted the snow from his shoulders and hair as he took shelter under the awning of the small cabin hidden along the Autumn and Winter court border. He rarely ventured this far North to avoid the cooler climate, even though technically the land was half his now that he was High Lord.

The worn door only needed a small shove to send it creaking open, but there was no greater warmth waiting to welcome him inside. He felt like the temperature may have even dropped a couple of degrees. Snow skittered away from his boots as he crossed the threshold. He didn’t need to scan the small space to find what he came looking for.

Staring out one of the small windows there was no mistaking the form of the Night Court’s Spymaster. His rigid frame would have blocked out the entire view if he didn't have his wings pulled so tightly to his body. His scarred hands rested on the chipped windowsill and Eris wouldn’t have even known if he was breathing if it wasn’t for the fog of his breath on the icy glass. Though Azriel didn’t move an inch his shadows swirled around him in a flurry. They wove around his arms, slid along his shoulders and curled around his ear. He wondered what secrets they whispered to him. Eris could just make out the mountains of Winter over the Illyrian’s shoulder. Of course Azriel would be peering out towards the North, as if even facing the Autumn Court was a stain on his existence.

“How long have you known?” Azriel asked quietly. He could have even missed the words if there was any other sound for miles. But there was no mistaking the gravely tones of the shadow singer and Eris knew Azriel rarely had the patience to ask a question twice.

“Somewhere over 500 years.” He replied with complete honesty. Eris watched as Azriel flinched. Eris had never seen him lose an ounce of composure; not when he found himself at the wrong end of a blade, not under the scornful eye of a foreign High Lord, not even at the anger of his own High Lord, one of the most powerful fae in Prythian. But now, at his words, he flinched. Eris wanted nothing more than to winnow away. To open a rip in the world and slip between the folds of space and time and disappear forever. But he didn’t. He swallowed the lump in his throat the same way he would swallow whatever Azriel had to say to him, because he deserved whatever was coming.

“So that day with Mor..” Azriel’s voice was punctuated by the sound of his head falling to the glass. His shoulders slumped forward and his wings hung looser around him. He looked beyond broken. Shattered. Eris would have taken Azriel’s anger over this. He wished he would have met Azriel’s wrath, maybe even ran a blade through him instead. He would have taken anything over this.

“I didn’t know what else to do.” Eris dropped his eyes to the dusty floor. He couldn’t bare to see the wounds his words could leave. “I couldn’t walk away and let her die. I couldn’t touch her or call my men for help without laying claim to her. In that moment it was the only thing I could think to do.”

Azriel shoved away from the window and strode across to the small table near the door, where Eris had failed to notice a small silver bottle and two matching glasses. Azriel snatched up the bottle, pulled out the cork and tossed it over his shoulder without a second thought.

“This will take care of it.” He quickly filled the glasses and slid one in Eris’s direction without so much as a glance.

“That’s all you want to know?” Eris stepped forward and gingerly picked up the glass. He realised that it wasn’t the bottle that was silver but the liquid inside it.

“You let me believe a lie for 500 years.” Azriel snarled. “You let me believe that a mate bond had called me to her. What else is there to know?" He picked up his own glass and swirled the liquid around like he was about to taste a fine wine.

“I had no choice!” Eris confessed. “I had to protect you.” It made no difference now, he could finally share everything.

“Protect me?” He scoffed. As if Azriel needing protection was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard.

“If Beron found out," Eris took a step forward forcing Azriel to look at him for the first time since he’d arrived. “He wouldn’t have stopped until one of us was dead. He would have sent men to try to kill you.”

Azriel straightened as if he was about to argue the point, but Eris held up a hand and shook his head before he had the chance.

“I said try.” Eris conceded and Azriel simply nodded in response.

“He would have bet on Rhysand stepping in on your behalf, starting some sort of intercourt conflict he could blame on the Night Court all while ensuring your demise” Azriel’s eyes narrowed, more at the mention of his brother's involvement than at his own fate.

“When that failed he would have taken me prisoner.” Eris' teeth clenched at the thought. “Tortured me in Cauldron knows what ways in an attempt to lure you to Autumn. And when that inevitably failed he would have had me killed.” Eris felt somewhat lighter now that he had given Azriel his reasons. He’d said his piece and now he could accept his fate.

“He’d have his own son and heir killed?” Azriel’s eyes darted between Eris’, looking for any signs of a lie.

Eris couldn’t help that his own eyes darted down to Azriel’s scarred hands and then back. “What’s a son to a father?” He glanced down at his drink. “What’s a son to a High Lord?”

He took a half step closer and knocked the top of his glass against the one tight in Azriel’s grip.

“Cheers.” He raised the liquid that looked like molten starlight to his lips when suddenly Azriel’s free hand formed a vice around his wrist. For only a split second the High Lord’s power inside Eris swelled, it recognised a challenge in Azriel’s own.

“You wouldn’t have died at the hands of Beron.” Azriel’s grip loosened a little. “If you had trusted me, maybe things would have been different.”

“Please.” Eris scoffed as Azriel allowed him to lower his arm. “I saw the way you looked at me. When Beron’s power ripped through me and I lost control of the bond. I saw that look of disappointment on your face, the way your sword fell and your wings drooped when you realised it was me.” Eris ripped his arm from the last of Azriel’s grasp and lifted Azriel’s burn-scarred hand instead. “After all, how are you supposed to love something that tried to destroy you?”

Azriel shoved Eris away with his raised forearm and Eris stumbled back.

“I wasn’t disappointed it was you!” Azriel was yelling now. And yelling was good. Eris could do yelling. “When it snapped I could see you weren’t surprised and that meant you knew. You knew and you said nothing!”

“I couldn’t..” Eris began but Azriel cut him off.

“I winnowed out of there because I thought maybe you had known for awhile. That you concealed it because you wanted to reject it and I could be fine with that. But 500 years?” Azriel chuckled darkly. “You must have had a great fucking time laughing behind my back. Knowing I’d never find my mate because I already had one.” Azriel exhaled. He pulled out a chair and slumped into it. Letting his hands fall unceremoniously to the table. “These last two weeks I’ve had to relive every interaction in my mind, every piece of information, the rumours of your numerous conquests, all while knowing what you knew.” 

“And they were just that.” Eris muttered mostly to himself.

“What?” Azriel looked up in confusion.

“The rumours.” Eris folded his arms across his chest, glass resting on one forearm, suddenly unsure what to do with his hands. “That’s exactly what they were.”

“You don’t mean… in the hundreds of years you never..” Azriel began to slowly stand from his seat.

“You can feel that golden thread now, wrapped around that intangible place in your chest.” It was at his own chest that Eris gestured to though. “Now imagine taking someone else to bed.” Eris willed his cheeks not to dust with pink as he explained.

He watched as Azriel’s eyes focused on the middle distance between them, lost in thought for only a moment before his face began to contort in disgust.

“Exactly.” Eris chuckled softly. “It’s like all your favourite meals turn to ash in your mouth, and sure, you could swallow ash, but why would you want to?”

Azriel’s head tilted slightly as he considered Eris’ words. He slowly took a step forward, as if Eris might disappear if he moved too quickly. He gently reached up and pulled the glass from Eris’ grip.

“It’s like that always?” Azriel barely whispered.

“For me.” Eris nodded slightly. “Always.”

“You just wanted to protect me?” Azriel slid the glass back onto the table.

“That’s all I ever wanted.” Eris swallowed dryly under his hazel gaze.

Azriel watched his own hand as he lifted it to Eris’ face, he hesitated for a moment giving Eris a chance to protest or shove him away, before his fingertips brushed against Eris’ cheek.

Eris inhaled sharply, it felt like he hadn’t taken a breath in hours. Azriel’s eyes met his once again.

“Eris?” There were a thousand questions in the one word passing through Azriel’s lips. Eris answered every single one of them. “Yes.”

[talibunny30]

Another opinion cause I'm bored.

People only ship Mor and Emerie because they're one of the canon queer characters.

Yeah, I said it. Sue me.

Yes, Emerie blushed Mor during solstice but she also blushed at Rhysand. And since it's Rhysand, he's so handsome and beautiful and blah.

Blushing at someone doesn't imply they will end up together.

Mor said that Nesta should be tossed in the court of nightmares and to toss her back to the mortal lands.

The court of nightmares where she was heavily abused by her father?

Nesta, who is Emerie's best friend and sister?

And people think Emerie would like her, let alone be with her?

This ship is ASS but do what you wanna do.

Anyways, what about Cressida? That's a good ship.

Remember, this is my opinion, you don't have to agree with it.

[talibunny30]

If Cassian never saying I love you is not an issue because his "actions speak louder than words" than I'd like to propose we keep the same attitude for tamlin as well.

Who cares if he hasn't apologized, isn't bringing feyre's mate back to life enough? Isn't coming to war despite having his court, resources and army destroyed by his petty ex enough? Isn't putting his life at risk by blowing his cover, all to save feyre and her sister enough? Didn't he bring a sht ton of information about hyberns army, weaponry and camp? All of which helped immensely in the war efforts.

All this to: stop the hypocrisy.

[talibunny30]

HAHAHA

[talibunny30]

2025 is a good number, it’s a quarter of the way through the 20 hundreds and it’s got that nice set of 2s separated by only a 0. not bad. whatever happens this year at least it’ll be happening during a good number 😌

[talibunny30]

Hair panel of Eris Vanserra. Or should I say Eris Van-hair-a? Explanations below the cut!

Figure 1: First War with Hybern. I’d place him at about 24-27 here. Traditional cut of soldiers of his rank. Adolescent by High Fae standards, but still old enough to serve in his father’s army. He’d worn it long up until this point and had to force himself not to be upset when he had to cut it all off

Figure 2: How I imagine Eris when he’s first introduced in canon as a named character, like when he’s negotiating with Keir and Rhysand and preparing for the war. Hair reaches down to his shoulder blades, slight wave to it, middle part

Figure 3: Second War with Hybern and on. I personally picture him with this hair even in the High Lord’s Meeting, but mainly this is just how I imagine him during and post-war (through and beyond Silver Flames as well). Gets more wavy, bordering on curly, the shorter it is. Switch to side part

Figure 4: High Lord Eris. Post-canon. This is the hair I picture (though styled better) in the fic Falling Stars by Phebes. This is also the hair I picture him having in my own fic Betting Like You Know the Odds. I most often imagine him with Figure 3 hair, even in a possible High Lord Eris future, but I reserve this fourth style for specific instances like the ones mentioned. Switch back to middle part as waves become more loose again

[talibunny30]

Embers of mine…

————————————-

Aww yish here we go again 👁️👁️

[talibunny30]

Everytime I think about that one tiktok that said Tamlin would be super homophobic but Rhysand would be an ally, I lose a little my mind a little bit more, because tf you mean the guy who can shapeshift himself into any person or creature ever and hosts an all-inclusive orgy every single year is homophobic, but the guy who enforces segregation and whom his own flesh and blood cousin is afraid to come out to is an ally????

[talibunny30]

Thank you kind person! I am so glad to know you 🫶🏻✨

2024 Fic Writer End of Year Roundup

Answer and then tag three or more creators to keep the game going!

(If you're in my answers consider yourself tagged if you'd like to play!!)

1. How many words did you publish on AO3 in 2024?

108,211 I think.

2. How many fics did you complete this year?

5 I think, and one or two that are marked complete but might go on eventually

3. How many in progress or ongoing fics did you start this year?

4 I think

4. What was your favorite thing you wrote?

I had a TON of fun writing "A Solstice Carol"

5. What piece was your most experimental or different from your usual style?

A Solstice Carol was my first ever class retelling, The Monster that You See is my first gift fic, I wrote my first event week fics. This entire year was out of the ordinary for me.1

6. Did any fics surprise you - either while writing or their reception?

Though I Burn, How Could I Fall surprised me because I wasn't expecting the Azris fans to be so rabidly supportive! I'm really proud of that fic, and really glad it was well received.

7. Do you have a fic you wrote and loved that went under the radar? (This is your sign to reblog/repost it!)

I don't know if it was really "under the radar" since it was an event week fic, but Gods of Frolic was my favorite thing to write this year; it was just joyful and inspired by the birth of my own daughter.

8. Who is an artist that inspired you?

Oh gosh, I loved @elleybug, @lucychanart, @krem-does-stuff there are probably oodles of others, but I would have to go dig for them, and I'm lazy.

9. Who is an author that inspired you?

@secret-third-thing has an unbeatable dedication to craft

@mistandmemories works overtime writing in two languages!

@chunkypossum brings the pain and is also so kind and funny!

@neciebee @g00seg1rl and @talibunny30 have written more words in comments than I've ever written AND they write beautiful stories

@pippsmcgee who is a world champion commenter, cheerleader, beta, and writer.

There are a billion more, I should write love letters.

10. Who is a new author you discovered?

 @the-darkestminds @secret-third-thing @chunkypossum @shadowsandlint @mistandmemories @ysmtttty @miscellaineeous @brunetterebel010 @pippsmcgee @jolenes-library @molcat07 @jon-snows-man-bun @born-to-riot  @mudandmire @secret-third-thing @iftheshoef1tz @g00seg1rl @neciebee @elleybug @queercontrarian @astro-h0e-4azris @greenvelvetcouture @buffy-vanserra @hnyclover @fourteentrout @ysmtttty @climbthemountain2020 @vague-shadows @catboyjamesbond @a-novel-idealist @futurehunt @yanny-77  @born-to-riot, thanksdraco (AO3), tessabeth (AO3)

11. Did you do any collaborations? How did it start?

Yes! A Solstice Carol with @jules-writes-stories and @mistandmemories! Started as a joke in the group chat and became the first collaboration, and retelling I've ever written.

12. What accomplishments are you proudest of?

Branching out; event week, collaboration, getting deeper into a fandom space than I have in the past

13. What did you learn about writing or creating this year?

There are so many different ways to approach it, and I've gotten to pick the brains of a few of the greats. It's fun!

14. Any advice you’d like to share with new or aspiring writers?

It's a process to figure out your process. I'm chaos. Some people are outlines. Some people get possessed and write 10 chapters on their phone. Some need certain lighting, and a specific chair. I tend to leave things unfinished if I get derailed - or come back to them after months (or years) but some people are much more disciplined.

15. What are your creative goals for 2025?

Be slightly more disciplined, actually.

Finish "Though I Burn, How Could I Fall"

Focus on the Vanserra Valley fic/series; use this to practice discipline and organization

Play with a few event weeks (Poly ACOTAR, Azris, Eris)

Enjoy writing!

[talibunny30]

You are so talented 🫶🏻✨

2024 Fic Writer End of Year Roundup

Answer and then tag three or more creators to keep the game going!

(If you're in my answers consider yourself tagged if you'd like to play!!)

1. How many words did you publish on AO3 in 2024?

342,353 words

2. How many fics did you complete this year?

around 30 if you count all the small fics (on tumblr) as well

3. How many in progress or ongoing fics did you start this year?

2 but I decided to not continue either of them because I really don't like them anymore

4. What was your favorite thing you wrote?

A Court of Covert Desire and A Court of Sight and Devotion

5. What piece was your most experimental or different from your usual style?

I think Blue Neighbourhood (Azris)

6. Did any fics surprise you - either while writing or their reception?

I don't really think so?

7. Do you have a fic you wrote and loved that went under the radar? (This is your sign to reblog/repost it!)

I think the Blue Neighbourhood one again?

8. Who is an artist that inspired you?

definitely @queercontrarian @elleybug @fourteentrout @laxibbeb and many more

9. Who is an author that inspired you?

it's hard because there are soooo many but a few of them are:

@moodymelanist

@chunkypossum

@acourtofladydeath

@the-darkestminds

@brunetterebel010

@moonlightazriel

@c-e-d-dreamer

@nocasdatsgay

@areyoudreaminof

@born-to-riot

@sunshinebingo

@thelovelymadone

@thelov3lybookworm

10. Who is a new author you discovered?

@brunetterebel010 @mistandmemories @talibunny30 @neciebee and @the-darkestminds

11. Did you do any collaborations? How did it start?

nope

12. What accomplishments are you proudest of?

I don't really know? maybe finishing the post acosf series

13. What did you learn about writing or creating this year?

that you should write for yourself and that numbers don't matter that much

14. Any advice you’d like to share with new or aspiring writers?

write what you want to write and enjoy doing it

15. What are your creative goals for 2025?

to continue writing and write some one shots for celebration weeks

[talibunny30]

Night Court Tweets

Rhysand:

Feyre:

Cassian:

Nesta:

Elain:

Azriel:

Morrigan:

Amren:

[talibunny30]

on love arriving unannounced

[talibunny30]

Azriel 💙

[talibunny30]

I am so blessed to know you 🫶🏻🫶🏻

2024 Fic Writer End of Year Roundup

Answer and then tag three or more creators to keep the game going!

Thank you to everyone who tagged me! I'm sorry this is late. I've been working on it for days. It's really long.

1. How many words did you publish on AO3 in 2024?

366,893

2. How many fics did you complete this year?

9!

3. How many in progress or ongoing fics did you start this year?

I have 1 WIP: A Love That Bleeds and a Koschei x Eris fic that's not posted yet (but close to drafted).

4. What was your favorite thing you wrote?

I love all my babes equally, but I am most proud of Just Enough Light to Cast Shadows, which was my first fan fic, and a true labor of love.

5. What piece was your most experimental or different from your usual style?

Monster feels different from a lot that I've written. It's pre-cannon and examines Lucien and Eris's relationship, and is not ship-centered.

6. Did any fics surprise you - either while writing or their reception?

My Azris modern AU The Night Court Lounge really took me by the throat. It was supposed to be a slutty little spite fic and then it just took off. The boys caught feelings and I caught feelings. But I have @pippsmcgee to thank for hyping that story up. She was the brain child behind a big plot point, the pet names, and just talked me through positions and timing and what ifs... truly a gift.

7. Do you have a fic you wrote and loved that went under the radar? (This is your sign to reblog/repost it!)

Hmmm... not sure? Maybe my Amarantha x OC fic? It's hard to write pre-canon stories, especially for a villain! A Love That Bleeds is pretty dark and touches upon themes of slavery, love and autonomy, and is different from much that I write. But I am so proud of it.

8. Who is an artist that inspired you?

There are too many talented artists to list. Here are a few: @nus4y who makes Azriel's skin literally glow and everything just screams passion. LOOK AT HIS BRILLIANCE on A03 (NSFW)

@queercontrarian never fails to surprise me. Their take on the Court fashions, hair styles, jewelry. So much diversity and representation. THIS is one of my all time favorites. THEEESAN.

@palomita-de-la-sangre whose style is so unique and gorgeous and raw. This is what I mean.

@seihdacalling is immensely talented! Her Eris and pups and JEL Eris? AND LOOK AT MITHRAS (my beloved OC).

@bloodyplunder whose work is so passionate and full of color and movement. LOOK at this! AND (NSFW) LOOK AT JEL CHAPTER 25 on AO3!

@fourteentrout is inspired and talented. And all around incredibly kind and supportive. Just brilliant. LOOK AT FIRE SPRITE ERIS

@laxibbeb creates characters' faces in a way that hold so much emotion. NESTA is a favorite, omg... and AZRIEL IN STIRRUPS.

@elleybug @chunkypossum @lucychanart (who made me a Tamsand believer. God, this one?) so many more...

9. Who is an author that inspired you?

There are SO many. First and foremost, @chunkypossum who welcomes new creators with so much warmth and support. Every single story. Every word is magical. @iftheshoef1tz is another legend who is so kind and warm and wickedly talented. Every single story is perfection. Will they adopt me as my Azris parents? Maybe. Congrats! It's a shoe-possum!

@the-darkestminds is truly someone I could write a book about. The emotions she brings out with her characters and words will leave you breathless. If you want to feel, read her stories. You will walk away so full of every emotion, but also with a newfound appreciation for each character. And @mistandmemories whose Eris is the funniest, most clever, most lovable in the biz. Her Azriel makes me laugh constantly. How you ask? Shenanigans. Windows, pants, awkward moments of self doubt and a precious inability to communicate. Go read it. The plots, the politics. The WIT. The decades of delicious edging. (It was several chapters but gods it felt like a lifetime).

These two have been writing their own multi-chapter fics beside me this year, and without their friendship and support, I probably wouldn't have finished. ILY!

@pippsmcgee will never be rid of me and my neurotic little paws. This one just looks at a story, a character, a scene, and says "you know what will make it even more (painful, sexy, exciting)?" And you better listen. But she also wrote a beautiful story about young Azriel that inspired me so much this year.

@shadowsandlint is full of talent-- Her prose is layered with meaning and flows so naturally. I can't put her stories down.

@zenkindoflove For her OC Alexius, who is my baby forever and ever. Creating an OC is gutsy and brave and takes so much talent. She's got it all. Also stunning world building and dialogues! And don't get me started on Elucien...

@talibunny30 For her depictions of young Nesta and her OC Boudica. She shows so much of Nesta's trauma in a thoughtful and honest way. I love it!

@neciebee whose writing is like poetry. Every time I read it I'm like, wait! Come back. Tell me more. I want... more? Gimme!

@witch-and-her-witcher whose fics are so magical. Her Nessian is my all time favorite. Nesta, Cassian, the Illyrian culture that she built for us. Just stunning.

@born-to-riot for VAMREN. But also sexy plots, hilarious shadows, and fluffy Azris moments we need.

@acourtofladydeath for writing pieces that challenge readers to sit with uncertainty-- gray characters and grief that lingers but also carry lessons and hope.

@secret-third-thing for such perfect storytelling-- every word matters and every image counts. The descriptions and details are exact, the settings are lush and imaginative. Also, Artaban.

I could keep going... If you are not on this list, but I've commented or left kudos or bookmarked your fic, you've left a mark. If not, I'm coming for you in 2025!

10. Who is a new author you discovered?

@g00seg1rl who writes smut like a witch. A very sexy witch. @nus4y who is another sexy witch? Watch out for these two. @jolenes-library is so talented! Motorcycle Azris AU. Enough said. @buffy-vanserra whose prose is beautiful. Every word matters. @clockwork-ashes has so many lovely pieces I couldn't choose just one. @unanswered-stars for those damn letters. You know the ones. I'm still crying. @yanny-77 : Best Elain in the biz. And the Lip Ring.

11. Did you do any collaborations? How did it start?

@brunetterebel010 @mistandmemories and I wrote A Solstice Carol. It started as a lot of joking about Rhys being Scrooge. And it became a true passion project! @talibunny30 helped with brainstorming ideas and beta reading, and @fieldofdaisiies and @pippsmcgee beta read.

Also my partner in crime in all Azris fics: @pippsmcgee who talks me through plotting the political animal, asks the important questions, and twists the knife of angst. She keeps my eyeball obsession in check.

12. What accomplishments are you proudest of?

I'm most proud of Just Enough Light to Cast Shadows. It really is silly, but finishing it, right at the end of 2024, and looking back at all the new friends I've made along the way, and how it has touched other people just makes this year feel special.

Thank you so much to @pippsmcgee for helping me land that plane. And for being my very first comment, ever. When I saw you and @talibunny30 and @neciebee were reading, I felt legit. And to @mistandmemories and @the-darkestminds who were on this journey with me. It was so important to walk beside you during it all!

13. What did you learn about writing or creating this year?

Write was brings you joy. Comparison is the thief of that joy. You can only write your own story, and it's ok if it's not for everyone. Because a story that is everyone's is probably no one's, you know? It will reach the people it needs to.

Outlines are important (for my process). They saved my ass so many times. And beta readers. And friends. And reader-readers. They all saved me too.

14. What is your advice?

Surround yourself with people who cheer you on. Be sure to support other creators. The community aspect of fandom is important. We're all just out here putting our hearts onto the screen and hitting Post.

15. What are your creative goals for 2025?

Finish A Love That Bleeds, Finish my Koschei x Eris fic, and start plotting out a longer Azris multi-chapter fic. It's a little seed right now, but one day soon...

[talibunny30]

Thank you, darling soul, for being so wonderful 🖤✨🧡

2024 Fic Writer End of Year Roundup

Answer and then tag three or more creators to keep the game going!(If you're in my answers consider yourself tagged if you'd like to play!)

1. How many words did you publish on AO3 in 2024?

170 734 (most of these from A Song of Bonds and Legacies, but I also included the chapter I wrote for A Solstice Carol).

2. How many fics did you complete this year?

One! A Solstice Carol with @jules-writes-stories and @brunetterebel010 :)

3. How many in progress or ongoing fics did you start this year?

Three. A Song of Bonds and Legacies is still going, there is a "Slutty Oneshot" in my drafts, and yesterday I started on a fun little side project to diddle with on my phone.

4. What was your favorite thing you wrote?

Uhm... I'm tempted to say chapter 17 of ASoBaL (iykyk), but I actually think it's the final scene in chapter 23 of the same story.

I also really loved a certain line in "A Solstice Carol" that @brunetterebel010 , @jules-writes-stories , and @talibunny30 in particular helped hype in my head.

5. What piece was your most experimental or different from your usual style?

Chapter 15 of ASoBAL. This was written for Eris-week, and includes an intro-scene and an end-scene with elements of fairytale/myth wrapped up in a more high fantasy style than what I usually write.

6. Did any fics surprise you - either while writing or their reception?

Uh, yes. I'm fairly new to this game, so the reception to ASoBaL shook me to my core. I still can't believe that so many people read and appreciate it. The first time @pippsmcgee and @talibunny30 (whom I had seen in the comment sections of all the great Azris-fics when I was lurking as an anon) commented, I had to pinch my arm. Sometimes, I still do.

Also, when Tessabeth (seriously, read her work on AO3) offered to be my beta (and later my editor!) I'm pretty certain I ascended to another plane of existence. I simply couldn't believe my luck!

7. Do you have a fic you wrote and loved that went under the radar? (This is your sign to reblog/repost it!)

Not yet, not yet. But I'll nudge whoever is reading this towards A Solstice Carol since it's fairly new! :D

8. Who is an artist that inspired you?

Oh gods, there are so many! And I already feel bad for not including all of them, but here are some;

@illyrianbuck , @elleybug , @naariel , @chunkypossum , @fourteentrout , @lucychanart , @nus4y , @queercontrarian

I wish I was half as talented as you are.

9. Who is an author that inspired you?

Hold onto your hats, for this is going to be long! I'd just like to preface that I've only included some (again) and a sentence or two about each-- which by no means encompasses all the reasons I love their work!

@the-darkestminds for the most realistic descriptions of anxiety, depression and grief that I have read in a long, long while, not to mention badass fightscenes and the sweetest, most blush-inducing Bridgerton-moments of all time! You inspire me to be more real and less afraid when I write.

@chunkypossum for the ability to breake my heart in ways I didn't know it could be broken and reduce me to a shivering ball of angst, and for bringing me aesthetic experiences of poetic cinema that I will never forget! You inspire me to look for the dark and twisted; so that I can provide contrast to the light and heartfelt.

@jules-writes-stories for class A world building and lore, representation (!!!!) and storytelling that seamlessly weaves in fairytales, mythology, history and politics in ways that make my head reel and my heart soar. You inspire me to look at the bigger picture.

@secret-third-thing for introducing me to Tamris; in a fic that captures Eris so perfectly it made me scream. You inspire me to take my time and think about what I write.

@shadowsandlint for incredible constructions of lore based in canon and phrases that are too beautiful for words. You inspire me to search for synonyms and similes like no other.

@iftheshoef1tz for writing that borders on supernatural with how good it is (not just in terms of prose, but thematically as well), and for writing Eris Vanseagull, who is perhaps my favourite thing of 2024. You inspire me to look towards poetry and music for inspiration.

@neciebee for amazing lyrical prose that took me straight into mythos, for sadlube of the century and comments that deserve a prize! You inspire me to follow my brainworms, and to let go of the fear that sometimes drags me down.

@futurehunt for one of the most realistic, plotty, heartwrenchingly beautiful and hot Azris-love stories I have ever read. You inspire me to write a love letter to each and every character I include -- even the ones I don’t like.

@pippsmcgee for her brain and generosity, both of which are simply unprecedented. How one person can cook up so many ideas, include and engage with so many writers and write amazing prose at the same time is beyond me! You inspire me to think of and promote others.

@witch-and-her-witcher for the story that had me in such a chokehold that I still havent brought myself to finish the last chapter because it will be over and I won't get my fix anywhere else. The poetic quality and family dynamics - not to mention the Uncles (TM) - will always stick with me. You inspire me to search for symbolism and imagery that will show instead of tell.

@zenkindoflove for introducing me to Alexius (who must be protected at all costs!) and for bringing me perfectly balanced romance/plot. You inspire me to try and flesh out and breathe life into my original characters.

@brunetterebel010 for orb-wetting Tamsand, representation in Azris and dialogue that I would love to someday be able to match! You inspire me to write the storylines that comes to me instead of endlessly questioning them.

@fourteentrout for sexy and wonderfully written oneshots with the (to me) ideal balance of banter, tension and fluff, delicious Tamsand and friggin HAND PLACEMENT (you know what I'm talking about!). You inspire me to focus on the little details that makes all the difference.

@unanswered-stars for the piece that made me cry the most this year, and for poetry that tore at my heartstrings. You inspire me to let my experiences and my heart guide my writing.

Tessabeth for her mindblowingly delicious Casris, Cazriel and Cazris (yeah, I don't know the ship name for that last one), glorious OC's, insane twists, and writing that puts every single dictionary on the planet to shame. You inspire me to use the big words.

@mudandmire for prose which I have never seen the likes of. This is writing I would like to wrap myself in when I die. You inspire me to try for a more lyrical way of writing.

@aurorasleeps-27 for drabbles that are so sharp, so cleanly and at the same time poetically constructed and engaging that I feel as though I'll never get enough. You inspire me to write shorter, more poetic pieces.

@greenvelvetcouture for smut that burns my eyes off and lights my soul on fire combined with intricate plots and marvellous writing. Also; with Tess you have opened my eyes for the polycule (and for Casris). You inspire me to write about the things I find hot, focus on chemistry and broaden my linguistic horizon.

@talibunny30 for neat, hard-hitting writing, a beautiful character study (in this case of Nesta) and the most thoughtful and analytical comments. You inspire me to lift others and to write about things that matters to me.

And @acourtofladydeath for her original ideas and takes, and her focus on the less (in what I percieve to be the general public's opinion) loveable characters, conveyed through masterful writing. You inspire me to look for something intriguing in everyone.

10. Who is a new author you discovered?

Seeing as I'm fairly green here (or born again after almost two decades away from fandom) they are all new to me, but some of my most recently discovered authors are; @buffy-vanserra (whose writing is simply superb!), @jolenes-library (whose descriptions are simply mouthwatering), @g00seg1rl (who has the most deliciously unhinged and hilarious mind which translates so well into her writing).

Honourable mentions to @nus4y , @born-to-riot and @fieldofdaisiies whom I have yet to read properly (except for short peeks here and there), but whom I, from what I've seen so far, know I'll love.

11. Did you do any collaborations? How did it start?

I collaborated with @brunetterebel010 and @jules-writes-stories for A Solstice Carol, which started when Jules joked about writing Rhysand as Ebenezer Scrooge. This soon snowballed into a multichaptered fic that I'm really proud of.

12. What accomplishments are you proudest of?

Well, apart from actually hitting publish in the first place (and later, sending my stuff to others for beta'ing)... Maybe edging the Azris community for 3 months (maximum, whatever Jules says). It was so hard to write an Azris slow-burn simply because all they wanted to do was touch each other.

Oh, and writing the first 10 chapters of ASoBaL on my phone :P My shoulders are still recovering.

13. What did you learn about writing or creating this year?

Too much to write about here, but here are three things: 1. Sharing your work with others will almost always make it better. So will reading and engaging with other writers. I have been exceptionally lucky with how many people have commented on and discussed my work with me, and it has made it so much better (in my humble opinion). 2. Taking regular breaks and letting the story marinate while you sit on your hands is more productive than trying to squeeze stuff out while you're tired and unmotivated. 3. Give life to objects when the characters are alone to make the scene less descriptive/ monological and more interactional. For example; write how the shadows in the corners taunted him instead of how he looked at the shadows and felt mocked.

15. What are your creative goals for 2025?

To finish ASoBaL. That's it. Then we'll see. Though I am entering my villain era, so... Maybe to break some hearts?