Half Human & Half Machine

My AO3 is @halfd3af (which is also my tumblr main), and I plan to put original content on here someday.

[professorspork]

idk how to word this properly but wrt the fanfic thing you reblogged earlier. Why do fanfic writers have such different expectations than any other content hosting platform?

Like lets take youtube as a point of comparison, Engagement like comments and likes largely exists to boost the works place in algorithm, thats why youtubers put in calls to action and other engament bait. Few with decent reach even read the comments and the audience shouldnt try to develop any weird parasocial relationship with the youtuber. Fanfic authors ask for likes (kudos, because the websites gotta use nonstandard language for some reason) and comments despite them not having any impact on an algorithm, and seem to want the audience to try and develop a relationship with the author based on tumblr posts like that one.

Why the radical difference in behaviour away from the norm? And honestly with all the (usually) metaphorical blood spilled online about parasociality why are authors really surprised that the audience tries to keep their distance as is best practice with any other content producer?

okay I am going to answer this as kindly and as calmly as I can and try to assume that you are asking this in good faith. because my friend, the fact that you feel the need to ask is, to me, The Problem.

[this is, for the record, in response to this post]

fanfiction writers are not *posting content.* (I also have reservations about engaging with the term "content producer" or "content creator" but let's put that aside for now, I'll circle back to it.) you say "they seem to want the audience to try and develop a relationship with the author" as though it is strange, off-putting, and incomprehensible to you, when in fact that is the point of writing fanfiction. it is a way of participating in fandom. it is a way of building community and exchanging ideas and becoming closer with people.

if authors wanted to solely ~generate content~ that would get them attention (?? to what end, the dynamic you have described seems to equate algorithmic supremacy as winning for winning's sake, as though all anyone wants to do is BUILD an audience without ENGAGING with them, which I cannot fathom but let's pretend for a moment that is, in fact, true) then like. if that were the case why on earth would they choose a medium in which they categorically cannot succeed and profit, because it isn't their IP?

you are equating two things that are not at all the same thing. to the degree that parasocial relationships are to be avoided, and "that person is not trying to be your friend they are trying to entertain you, please respect their boundaries" is a real dynamic -- which it is!! -- like. you have to understand that the reason that is true for the people of whom it is true is because it is their JOB. they are storytellers by profession, and they are either through direct payment, or sponsorship, or advertising, or through some other means, profiting off of your attention. i don't say this to be dismissive, many wonderful artists and actors and comedians and any number of a thousand things that i enjoy very much go this route but they do so as a *career choice.* and so when you violate the public/private boundary with them, you are presuming to know a Person rather than their Worksona. the people who work at Dropout or who stream their actual play tabletop games or who broadcast on TikTok or YouTube are inviting me to feel like i know them to the degree to which that helps them succeed in their medium and at their craft, but there MUST be a mutual understanding that that's a feeling, not a fact.

however.

a fanfiction writer is not an influencer, not a professional, and is not looking to garner "success." there is no share of audience we are trying to gain for gain's sake, because we are not competition with one another, because there is nothing to win other than the pleasure of each other's company. we are doing this for no other reason than the love of the game; because we have things we want desperately to say about these worlds, these characters, these dynamics, and because we *want more than anything to know we are not alone in our thoughts and feelings.* fanfiction is a bid for interaction, engagement, attention, and consideration. it is not meant to be consumed and then moved on from because we are NOT paid for our work, nor do we want to be. the reward we seek is "attention," but attention as in CONVERSATION, not attention as in clicks. we are not IN this for profit, or for number-go-up. there is no such thing: legally there cannot be. we are in this because we want to be seen and known.

like. please understand. i am now married to someone i met because of mutual comments on fanfiction. our close friend and roommate, with whom i have cohabitated for over a decade now, is someone I met because of mutual comments on fanfiction and livejournal posts. that is my household. beyond my household, the vast majority of my closest personal friends are people with whom I built relationships in this way.

you ask why fanfiction writers want THIS and not "the norm," but the idea of everything being built to cater to an algorithm to continue to build clout, as though the only method of reaching people is Distant Overlord Creator and Passive Receptive Audience being "the norm" is EXTREMELY NEW. this is not how it has always been!! please think of the writers of zines in a pre-internet fandom, using paper and glue and xerox to try and meet like-minded people in a world that was designed for you to only ever meet people in person, by happenstance, in your own hometown. imagine the writers of the early internet, building webrings from scratch to CREATE a community to find each other, despite distance. imagine livejournal groups, forums, and -- yes, indeed, of course -- comment threads IN STORIES -- as places where people go to *converse.* in the past, we had an entire Type Of Guy that everyone knew about, the BNF ("Big Name Fan") whose existence had to be described via meme because it was SO DIFFERENT THAN THE NORM. treating fellow fans like celebrities or people too cool for the regular kids to know was an OUTLIER, and one commonly understood to lead to toxicity.

in the past, I have likened writing fanfiction to echolocation. i am not screaming because I like hearing the sound of my own voice, though i can and do find my voice beautiful. i am screaming so that the vibrations can bounce back to me and show me the world. the purpose is in the feedback. otherwise it is just noise.

does this make any sense? can you see, when i describe it that way, why an ask like yours makes me feel despair, because it makes us all sound so horribly separate from one another?

perhaps I will try another metaphor:

a professional chef who runs a restaurant will not have her feelings hurt if you never fight your way into the kitchen to personally tell her how much you enjoyed the meal. that would, indeed, violate a boundary. professional kitchens are a place of work, and you have already showed her you enjoyed the meal by paying for it, or by perhaps spreading your enjoyment by word of mouth to your friends so they, too, can have good meals. you show your appreciation by continuing to come back. if a bunch of people sitting around randomly happen to have a conversation about how much they love the food, it wouldn't hurt that chef's feelings to not be included in the conversation. however: EVEN IN THIS INSTANCE, it is ADVISABLE AND APPROPRIATE to leave a good review! you might post about how much you like this restaurant on Yelp, and it would probably make the chef feel great to see those positive comments. but the chef doesn't NEED them, because the chef is, again, *also being paid to cook.* that's why she started the restaurant, to be paid to cook!

i am not being paid to cook.

i am at home in my own kitchen, making things for a community potluck where i hope everyone will bring something we can all enjoy together. some people at the potluck are better bakers, some better cooks; some can't cook at all but are great at logistics and make sure there's enough napkins for everyone; some people come just to enjoy the food, because that's what the party is for. and if I, as this enthusiast chef who made something from my heart for this reason alone, learned after the fact that a bunch of people got together in the parking lot to rave about my dish but no one of them had ever bothered to tell me while I sat alone at my table all night, occasionally seeing people come by to pick up a plate but never saying anything to me -- of course that would bother me, because I am not otherwise profiting off the labor I put in. this is not a bid to be paid, because if someone WERE to say "hey, great cake!! here's five bucks for a slice" i would say no, friend, that is not the point and give them the money back. i'm not trying to Get Mine. I am in it to see the look on your face. I'm in it so you can tell me what about it moved you, so that I can say back what moved me to make it in the first place. so we can TALK about it.

because what happened in the first place is this: one time I had a cake whose sweetness, richness, flavor, intensity, and composition moved me so much that I *taught myself to bake.* so I could see how much vanilla and sugar was too much, so I could learn how to make things rise instead of fall flat, so I could even better appreciate the original cake by seeing for myself the effort and talent and inspiration that goes into making one even half as good.

learning to do so is a satisfying accomplishment in and of itself, yes.

but I also did it because at the end of the day we should EAT the cake. and it's a lonely thing, to eat alone when a meal was always designed and intended to be shared.

so, to answer your last question: i'm not surprised, i'm just sad. because somehow two things that were never meant to be seen as the same have been labeled "content," and thus identical. and it diminishes both the things that ARE intended to be paid for AND the things that are not, because it removes any sense of intimacy or meaning from the work.

i hope you know i'm not mad at you for asking. but i'm frustrated we've come to live in a world where the question needs to be asked, because the answers are no longer intuitively obvious because we're so siloed.

[hollowedskin]

I think of ao3 as a knitting club at a local library.

It's not a craft market or a competition or a presentation or a test. It's also not necessary to go there do my thing, I can crochet just fine at home without company.

But I'm there to hang out and talk about projects and get advice and relax and enjoy doing a thing I love with other people who also love the thing and understand how good it feels to finally master that stitch you've been struggling with.

[hayatheauthor]

10 Non-Lethal Injuries to Add Pain to Your Writing

New Part: 10 Lethal Injury Ideas

If you need a simple way to make your characters feel pain, here are some ideas: 

1. Sprained Ankle

A common injury that can severely limit mobility. This is useful because your characters will have to experience a mild struggle and adapt their plans to their new lack of mobiliy. Perfect to add tension to a chase scene.

2. Rib Contusion

A painful bruise on the ribs can make breathing difficult, helping you sneak in those ragged wheezes during a fight scene. Could also be used for something sport-related! It's impactful enough to leave a lingering pain but not enough to hinder their overall movement.

3. Concussions

This common brain injury can lead to confusion, dizziness, and mood swings, affecting a character’s judgment heavily. It can also cause mild amnesia.

I enjoy using concussions when you need another character to subtly take over the fight/scene, it's an easy way to switch POVs. You could also use it if you need a 'cute' recovery moment with A and B.

4. Fractured Finger

A broken finger can complicate tasks that require fine motor skills. This would be perfect for characters like artists, writers, etc. Or, a fighter who brushes it off as nothing till they try to throw a punch and are hit with pain.

5. Road Rash

Road rash is an abrasion caused by friction. Aka scraping skin. The raw, painful sting resulting from a fall can be a quick but effective way to add pain to your writing. Tip: it's great if you need a mild injury for a child.

6. Shoulder Dislocation

This injury can be excruciating and often leads to an inability to use one arm, forcing characters to confront their limitations while adding urgency to their situation. Good for torture scenes.

7. Deep Laceration

A deep laceration is a cut that requires stitches. As someone who got stitches as a kid, they really aren't that bad! A 2-3 inch wound (in length) provides just enough pain and blood to add that dramatic flair to your writing while not severely deterring your character.

This is also a great wound to look back on since it often scars. Note: the deeper and wider the cut the worse your character's condition. Don't give them a 5 inch deep gash and call that mild.

8. Burns

Whether from fire, chemicals, or hot surfaces, burns can cause intense suffering and lingering trauma. Like the previous injury, the lasting physical and emotional trauma of a burn is a great wound for characters to look back on.

If you want to explore writing burns, read here.

9. Pulled Muscle

This can create ongoing pain and restrict movement, offering a window to force your character to lean on another. Note: I personally use muscle related injuries when I want to focus more on the pain and sprains to focus on a lack of mobility.

10. Tendonitis

Inflammation of a tendon can cause chronic pain and limit a character's ability to perform tasks they usually take for granted. When exploring tendonitis make sure you research well as this can easily turn into a more severe injury.

This is a quick, brief list of ideas to provide writers inspiration. Since it is a shorter blog, I have not covered the injuries in detail. This is inspiration, not a thorough guide. Happy writing! :)

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!

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[hayatheauthor]

Everything You Need to Know About Writing Burns 

Burn injuries are a common wound type explored throughout various aspects of literature. Unlike stab wounds burns come in various different forms. Every burn cannot be the same. The substance, intensity, and contact level all play pivotal roles in determining the nature of the burn your character must endure.

I previously did a blog about everything you need to know about stab wounds, which you can find here, and decided to continue this series with burns. So, here's my guide on everything you need to know when writing burns. 

Understanding Burn Types

Burn injuries are as diverse as the situations that create them. To depict burns realistically, it's essential to understand the different types, each with its own unique characteristics and narrative significance. 

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns are superficial injuries, often caused by brief contact with a hot surface, a mild sunburn, or scalding steam. These burns primarily affect the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. While painful, they typically don't result in blisters. First-degree burns can serve as plot devices, adding realistic touches to scenes involving minor accidents or unexpected contact with hot objects.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns are more complex and can be painful and blistering. These burns affect both the epidermis and the layer beneath, the dermis. They can result from scalds, flames, or chemical exposure. In literature, second-degree burns are ideal for portraying characters' struggles with painful healing and the potential for scarring.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns are the most severe and life-altering. They extend deep into the skin, damaging or destroying not only the epidermis and dermis but also the subcutaneous tissues. These burns can result from prolonged exposure to flames, chemicals, or electricity. 

Third-degree burns can be used to introduce profound challenges and transformations in characters' lives. The road to recovery is long and arduous, often with permanent physical and emotional scars, which can be used for character development.

Intricately depicting these burn types in your writing adds layers of realism and authenticity to your characters' experiences.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns result from contact with corrosive substances, including strong acids or alkalis. They are typically more complex to portray in literature due to the need for specific knowledge about the chemicals involved. The narrative implications can vary widely, from accidents in laboratories to criminal acts of violence involving acid attacks or other harmful substances.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns occur when the body comes into contact with electric currents, leading to tissue damage. These burns are unique in that they may not manifest external signs immediately. They can be used in stories involving electrical accidents, lightning strikes, or even superhuman abilities.

Radiation Burns

Radiation burns, often linked to exposure to ionizing radiation, are less common but offer a distinctive narrative dimension. These burns can result from nuclear events, medical treatments, or even futuristic scenarios involving radiation-based technology.

The Burn Substance And The Impact It Plays 

When it comes to depicting burns in your writing, understanding the substance involved can significantly impact the narrative. Different substances, from scalding liquids to caustic chemicals, introduce unique challenges and effects on the characters experiencing them. 

Scalding Liquids (Hot Water, Coffee, etc.): Scalds are common in everyday life, often resulting from accidental spills or moments of carelessness. These burns are typically first-degree, affecting the outer layer of skin. In your narratives, scalding liquids can add a touch of realism to scenes involving kitchen mishaps, hot beverage spills, or even cruel pranks.

Flames (Fire, Gasoline, etc.): Flames lead to more severe burns, ranging from second to third-degree injuries. Whether it's a house fire or an encounter with a fiery adversary, burns from flames introduce high-stakes situations and profound character development.

Chemical Substances (Acids, Alkalis, etc.): Chemical burns, caused by contact with corrosive acids or alkalis, offer a myriad of storytelling opportunities. These burns are often disfiguring and can result from accidents in labs, criminal acts, or acts of revenge.

Electrical Current: Electrical burns may not manifest external signs immediately, making them unique in burn descriptions. These can result from electrical accidents, lightning strikes, or even futuristic scenarios involving advanced technology.

Radiation Exposure: Radiation burns, linked to exposure to ionizing radiation, are less common but provide a distinctive narrative dimension. They can result from nuclear events, medical treatments, or futuristic scenarios involving radiation-based technology.

Understanding the substance involved allows you to accurately portray the type and severity of a burn, making your narrative more authentic and engaging.

Sensory Descriptions and Variations

When it comes to writing about burns, it's crucial to engage your readers' senses. Burns evoke a range of sensory experiences and effectively describing these sensations can immerse your audience in the narrative. Here are some factors you should take into consideration: 

Pain: Burns are notoriously painful. Depending on the degree of the burn, the pain can range from mild discomfort to excruciating agony. Describing the character's pain, its intensity, and how it evolves over time can create a deep emotional connection with your readers.

Heat: Burns often generate intense heat at the injury site. Describe the searing heat or scorching sensation as it radiates from the burn. This adds realism to your portrayal of the immediate aftermath of the injury.

Smell: Burns can produce a distinct odour. The smell of burnt flesh or singed hair can be nauseating or evoke feelings of dread. Including sensory details related to smell can enhance the reader's immersion in the scene.

Texture: The texture of a burn can vary. First-degree burns might feel raw or tender, while second and third-degree burns can result in blistering, peeling, or even charring. Explore how the character perceives the texture of the burn and its impact on their daily life.

Sound: The sound associated with burns can be subtle or pronounced. The sizzle or hiss when a burn comes into contact with hot metal, or the muffled cries of a character in pain, can amplify the emotional impact of a burn scene.

Numbness: In some cases, particularly with severe burns, the area surrounding the burn might feel numb due to nerve damage. This contrast in sensation can be a powerful narrative element in a character's journey to recovery.

By using sensory descriptions and variations, you can transport your readers into the world of your characters and make the experience of burns more vivid and memorable.

Anatomy of a Burn Wound

To depict burns convincingly in your writing, it's essential to understand the anatomical aspects of a burn wound. Burns affect different layers of skin and underlying tissues, and the depth of the burn significantly influences the healing process and long-term consequences. Here's a closer look at the anatomy of burn wounds:

Epidermis: The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and is primarily responsible for protecting the body from the environment. First-degree burns affect the epidermis and are characterized by redness, pain, and mild swelling.

Dermis: The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and is thicker. Second-degree burns extend into the dermis and result in the formation of blisters, intense pain, and possible scarring. These burns can be particularly challenging for characters due to the pain and extended healing process.

Subcutaneous Tissues: Third-degree burns, also known as full-thickness burns, penetrate the dermis and affect the subcutaneous tissues. These burns often result in charring, loss of sensation, and long-term scarring. Characters with third-degree burns may face life-altering challenges and lengthy recoveries.

Muscle and Bone: In severe cases, burns can extend beyond the subcutaneous tissues, affecting muscles and even bones. These deep burns are catastrophic, leading to a range of complications and necessitating complex medical treatment.

Understanding the anatomical layers affected by a burn allows you to provide accurate descriptions of the injury, its consequences, and the challenges faced by characters on their journey to recovery.

How Do You Treat A Burn Wound? 

In your writing, portraying the accurate medical assessment and treatment of burn injuries can add depth and authenticity to your narrative. Characters' survival and recovery often depend on prompt and effective medical care. Here's what you need to know about medical assessment and treatment for burn injuries:

First Aid: Immediate first aid is crucial when a character sustains a burn. This includes cooling the burn with cold running water, covering it with a clean, non-stick cloth, and seeking medical attention. Accurate descriptions of the first-aid process can create a realistic sense of urgency in your story.

Medical Assessment: Medical professionals categorize burns based on their depth and extent. The "Rule of Nines" is a common method to estimate the percentage of the body affected by a burn. Accurately describing how healthcare providers assess and categorize the burn can enhance the realism of your narrative.

Wound Care: The treatment of burn wounds involves cleaning, debriding, and dressing the affected area. This can be painful, especially for deeper burns. Your characters' reactions to this aspect of treatment can add emotional depth to your story.

Surgery and Skin Grafts: Severe burns often require surgery and skin grafts to promote healing and minimize scarring. Detailed descriptions of these procedures and their impact on your characters can provide insight into the challenges they face.

Rehabilitation: Characters recovering from severe burns may require extensive rehabilitation, including physical therapy and psychological support. These aspects can significantly influence their character arcs and the overall narrative.

By accurately depicting the medical assessment and treatment of burn injuries, you can make your characters' journeys to recovery more authentic and compelling.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

While writing about burn injuries, it's essential to avoid common mistakes and misconceptions. Authors may inadvertently perpetuate inaccuracies in burn treatment. Here are a few common misconceptions to be aware of:

Applying Ice: Contrary to common belief, applying ice directly to a burn can damage the skin further. It's essential to emphasize the use of cold running water for cooling.

Popping Blisters: Characters might be tempted to pop blisters, but this can increase the risk of infection. Describing the correct care for blisters can improve the accuracy of your narrative.

Neglecting Long-Term Effects: Burns can have lasting physical and psychological effects. Ensure your characters' struggles and recoveries reflect the long-term consequences of burn injuries.

By addressing common mistakes and misconceptions, you can create a more accurate and engaging portrayal of burn treatment in your writing.

What About The Psychological Impact?

Burn injuries don't just affect the physical well-being of characters; they also have a profound psychological impact. Understanding the emotional and mental challenges your characters face can add depth to your storytelling. 

Post-Traumatic Stress: Characters who have survived burn injuries may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Vivid flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety can be depicted to illustrate their emotional struggles.

Body Image and Self-Esteem: Severe burns can alter a character's appearance, leading to body image issues and reduced self-esteem. Describing how characters come to terms with these changes can be a central aspect of their character arcs.

Fear and Anxiety: Characters may develop a heightened fear of fire, stoves, or any situation that could cause burns. Depicting these anxieties and how they impact daily life can create a compelling narrative.

Depression and Isolation: The emotional toll of burn injuries can lead to depression and isolation. Characters may withdraw from social interactions or grapple with feelings of hopelessness.

Coping Mechanisms: Characters often develop unique coping mechanisms to deal with the psychological aftermath of burns. Some may seek therapy, while others may find solace in creative pursuits or support groups.

By exploring the psychological impact of burns, you can delve into the complex emotional journey of your characters and illustrate their resilience and growth.

Looking At The Forensic Considerations

In crime fiction and mysteries, burn injuries can play a crucial role in forensic investigations. Authors should be aware of the forensic aspects of burns to accurately depict legal and investigative processes. Here are some essential forensic considerations when writing about burns:

Fire Investigation: In cases of suspicious fires or arson, investigators must determine the cause and origin of the fire. Understanding fire investigation techniques and terminology can help create a realistic portrayal of crime scenes involving burns.

Identifying the Victim: Severe burns can complicate the identification of victims. Dental records, DNA analysis, and other forensic methods may be required. Your characters can collaborate with forensic experts to solve such cases.

Evidence Preservation: When writing about burn-related crimes, emphasize the importance of preserving evidence at the scene. The mishandling of evidence can significantly impact the investigation's outcome.

Legal Implications: Explore the legal aspects of cases involving burns. Characters may need to navigate the legal system, testify in court, or seek justice for burn-related crimes.

Historical Cases: Referencing real historical cases involving burns or fires can add authenticity to your narrative. Research well-documented cases for inspiration or incorporate them into your story's background.

Understanding the forensic considerations related to burn injuries can make your crime fiction or mystery more compelling but it also helps ensure you don’t accidentally offend any readers by inaccurately representing real issues. 

I hope this blog on Everything You Need to Know About Writing Burns will help you in your writing journey. Be sure to comment any tips of your own to help your fellow authors prosper, and follow my blog for new blog updates every Monday and Thursday.  

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Haya’s book blog where I post writing and publishing tips for authors every Monday and Thursday! And don’t forget to head over to my TikTok and Instagram profiles @hayatheauthor to learn more about my WIP and writing journey! 

[olderthannetfic]

Dude, are you having some kind of mental breakdown?

What's with all these distraught There Is No Such Thing As Community And Joy asks?

Maybe there isn't for you right now, but if so, it's because you're relentlessly negative and impervious to reality.

[magess]

what is the point of art that touches no one?

[purplepints]

There is no real or fake way of creating something yourself. You wrote it or drew it, you have brought something new into reality. Fuck the original source spouting such nonsense.

[teashoesandhair]

My hot take is that I absolutely post fanfic because I crave validation and the dopamine rush of comments and kudos, but also because writing for the sheer joy of writing is pretty much exactly what fanfiction epitomises: a medium where there's no financial reward, and the primary joy of it is in playing in someone else's sandbox. Wanting validation / enjoying seeing others enjoy your work doesn't negate the joy of creating. Writers write to be read.

That's not even a particularly hot take. Chefs cook so that people will eat their food. Musicians write songs so that people will listen to them. Artists paint so that people will look at their art. Writing isn't some special, secret thing that hashtag true geniuses do in the dark for no purpose other than pure catharsis and their own spiritual enlightenment. That's what listening to Ethel Cain is for.

[leebrontide]

"REAL artists only like talking to themselves. REAL artists would never use art to communicate with OTHER PEOPLE"

What a sad way to view art. I an only imagine this person is deeply terrified of other people and connection.

[teashoesandhair]

This just in: Charles Dickens confirmed as a fake and a phoney for publishing and using his books to open discussions about poverty in Victorian Britain, rather than shoving his manuscripts in a drawer and letting his wife use Oliver Twist to prop up the leg of their crooked dining room table. Michelangelo also confirmed as a fraud for painting someone else's ceiling, when his own would have been quite sufficient.

[blueviola-rebloghub]

You don't Get It, Dickens and Michelangelo are Real Artists bc they're getting the Money

It's only bad when it's for social validation and is a fanfic

(Or something, I'm so confused what they're trying to say here, but their insistence on it being in online spaces and receiving online validation seems to indicate something like that?)

[olderthannetfic]

Oh, if it's not apparent, the "you" in the post is probably me specifically.

They're butthurt that I've been saying that I learned to write in fandom, then went pro. I'm sure it's the usual "You having self confidence is an attack on me" nonsense that the insecure like to visit on anyone non-miserable in their surroundings.

There are other asks that are pretty clearly this same person sending ask after ask without waiting for them to be posted, like they're in the middle of some kind of episode. They elaborate on the idea that it's unbelievably rare to get good via fandom or to make that jump... as if like half of the famous SFF writer women of the last 40 years aren't fanfic writers—including a hell of a lot of people far more successful than I am.

Their meltdown is basically over other people going "I found community" or "I gained skills" and them feeling like these things are impossible.

It's sad. It's sad for them, and it's sad that they'd imagine they could knock my confidence in my writing with such childishness.

[em-dash-press-deactivated202410]

I am going to take a deep breath and just remind you:

Writing is messy, even for the best authors. It's supposed to feel a little uncomfortable, exhilarating, freeing, natural, and terrifying.

It's supposed to inspire you and feel like a too-heavy backpack.

Sometimes, you're going to love being a writer and sometimes, you'll feel so disconnected, you'll wonder if you were ever a writer to begin with.

Give yourself room to make mistakes and hate your work and return to it with renewed confidence that yes, you will get 1% better next time.

It's what we're all going through. Let's speed up the growing process a little by accepting the entirety of it.

[anxiousr0b0t]

Eternal Life Orion watching Synth Orion

[historical-rp-memes]

{ Send me a headcanon about my character and I can only reply with ❎ for wrong or ✅ for correct }

[azirafuck]

we're all really just looking for that other dumb fuck we share our single brain cell with

[thaumaturtles]

[kidkendoll-deactivated20240714]

Oh my god they were cellmates

[anxiousr0b0t]

OC Music Playlist

I saw a thing in some OC tag thing, and I thought I’d try it out for my Sole Survivor, Orion Fitzgerald.

Your character normally summed up in song: The Bird and The Worm by The Used - It perfectly suits Orion’s relationship with his anxiety problems.

“Terrified of what’s inside; to save his life, he crawls like a worm from a bird”

Your character’s story arc summed up in song: Desire by Everything Everything - Through wanting something so bad, whether transitioning or trying to find Shaun, it’s all consuming and he can’t relax.

“Can I tell you that I'm empty? This is all that I see clearly”

Your character’s relationship with the protagonist(s): Don’t Give up by Part-Time Friends - This suits his friendship and eventual romance with Nick Valentine.

“Don't give up on me; You can't escape from who you are. Don't give up on me; That part of you is half of me”

Your character’s relationship with the antagonist(s): Infra-Red by Placebo - Trying to kill Kellogg? Any asshole who stands in Orion’s way? He’ll fuck em up.

“One more thing before we start the final face off; I will be the one to watch you fall”

Your character in love: Me & You by Honne - A song with part of the ‘One small step for man...’ speech has gotta be included with music for a man named Orion lol. It’s a good simple love song.

“You came into my life with no warning; like a flash of light”

Your character’s backstory summed up in song: X & Y by Coldplay - Orion struggled a lot mentally during Pre-War and still does, so this song describes that well. Robert came back from the war with a lot of trauma, so this song can be about him in a way too.

“You and me are floating on a tidal wave, together; You and me are drifting into outer space, and singing”

Your character at the end of the story: It’s My Life by No Doubt - Orion’s finally going “fuck it, I hate feeling like this” and being himself!

“It’s my life, don’t you forget; It’s my life, it never ends”

Your character’s acoustic theme: New Born by Muse - Orion likes to dissociate a lot, and this song’s lyrics give off that vibe of just, zoning out and feeling despair.

“Just break the silence; 'Cause I'm drifting away, away from you”

[cuz-im-the-wanderer]

Fallout OC Questionnaire

Whether your OC is a Lone Wanderer or Sole Survivor, these questions can be asked by others to know more about them! Or simply be used as a guide to further develop your character. Ask away, luv!

Which Fallout game are they from?

Which faction(s) did they join and which did they destroy? Why?

What is their S.P.E.C.I.A.L.?

Give us a summary of their backstory.

What’s their full name and does it have a meaning? Do they have any nicknames and how did they get em?

What’s their sexual, romantic, and gender orientation? Do they feel comfortable telling other people?

Do they have any mental illnesses? How do they cope?

Do they have any medical conditions? Is medicine/ treatment available for them?

How much do they care about their outer appearance? What’s their “beauty routine”? How often do they shower/ bathe?

What do they fear the most?

They’re biggest flaw? Do they recognize it as a flaw?

What are they most insecure about?

What Wasteland threat do they fear the most? (ex. Deathclaws, super mutants, raiders)

What’s their zodiac sign or which one do you think they relate to the most? What are their placements (if you know them)? (ex. Aries sun, Taurus moon, Aquarius Venus)

What’s their Myers–Briggs Type? (ex. ENTP, ISFJ)

What Harry Potter house would they be in? (ex. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw)

Which Pokemon Go team would they choose? (ex. Instinct, Valor, Mystic)

Out of the nine forms of intelligence (rhythmic, spatial, linguistic, mathematical, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, and existential) which one(s) are they really good at and which one(s) is(are) their weakest?

What natural alignment are they? (ex. Lawful Good, Chaotic Evil)

Do they have any hobbies? What are they?

Do they have a favorite holiday? How do they celebrate it?

What’s their favorite season?

Do they have a temper or are they level headed?

Do they express their emotions freely or hide their true feelings?

Are they a leader or a follower?

How do they come off to others? What first impression do they usually make?

Do they prefer to travel alone or with company? Who have they traveled with if any? Current companion if any?

Would you describe them as selfless or selfish? Does it depend on the situation?

What do they find most attractive in others? Name at least one psychological and physical trait. (doesn’t have to be romantic attraction)

Do they flirt often? How easily do they fall in love?

What’s their love life like? Are they interested in anyone or in a relationship?

Do they prefer to solve things diplomatically or using violence?

What is their combat style? What range do they prefer? Do they sneak?

What weapon(s) do they always carry with them?

Their most prized possession?

Their thoughts on power armor?

Favorite armor/ outfit?

How’s their aim? Do their hands shake while pointing a gun?

What are their thoughts on having to kill on a daily bases in order to survive? Does it take a toll on them? Or do they shake it off rather easily?

Thoughts on death if any? (ex. Fear it, accept it)

Do they move around a lot or prefer to have a place to call home?

What’s their favorite location?

Their opinions on ghouls, feral and not feral?

Do they scavenge for their supplies or simply buy them?

Are they the type to get distracted and go off to an unknown nearby location or do they stay on track?

How do they sleep? Are they picky about where and how or can they sleep basically anywhere?

What’s their favorite radio station and song? (post-apocalypse)

What’s their favorite post-apocalyptic food? Are they a picky eater? Do they know how to cook?

What’s their favorite beverage? Do they drink alcohol?

Do they have any tag skills?

Anything they like to collect? (ex. Unique weapons, Bobbleheads)

Are they good at disarming traps or do they constantly miss them?

(Add other questions you want to be asked if I missed any)

[valtsv]

i’ve seen a lot of good character dynamics on my dash recently but there’s an excellent one i think you’re all forgetting: two people who are the smart, sensible voices of reason respected by their peers for their level-headedness and intelligence when they’re apart, but who turn into unholy chaotic disasters with zero impulse control as soon as they join forces

[valtsv]

like they each have an IQ of 160+ but whenever they’re together they cancel each other out and regress to utter Dumbass Bastard Mode™️

[anxiousr0b0t]

I only got two more chapters of A Million Dreams Ago to write, and the last one is already done!

[squishyhowell-deactivated201802]

PUT A “∞” IN MY ASK BOX AND I’LL SHUFFLE MY MUSIC PLAYER AND GIVE YOU MY FAVORITE LYRIC FROM THE SONG THAT COMES UP.

[clubsprout]

YALL PLEASE DO THIS

[the-feral-one]

(and if it suits a character or group of characters, I’ll describe what they’ll do as the song plays too)

[commander-cullywully]

otp question meme

send me a pairing & a number, then I’ll tell you:

Who is the most affectionate?

Big spoon/Little spoon?

Most common argument?

Favorite non-sexual activity?

Who is most likely to carry the other?

What is their favorite feature of their partner’s?

What’s the first thing that changes when they realize they have feelings for the other?

Nicknames? & if so, how did they originate?

Who worries the most?

Who remembers what the other one always orders at a restaurant?

Who tops?

Who initiates kisses?

Who reaches for the other’s hand first?

Who kisses the hardest?

Who wakes up first?

Who wants to stay in bed just a little longer?

Who says I love you first?

Who leaves little notes in the other’s one lunch? (Bonus: what does it usually say?)

Who tells their family/friends about their relationship first?

What do their family/friends think of their relationship?

Who is more likely to start dancing with the other?

Who cooks more/who is better at cooking?

Who comes up with cheesy pick up lines?

Who whispers inappropriate things in the other’s ear during inappropriate times?

Who needs more assurance?

What would be their theme song?

Who would sing to their child back to sleep?

What do they do when they’re away from each other?

one headcanon about this OTP that breaks your heart

one headcanon about this OTP that mends it

[anxiousr0b0t]

I’m making an original synth character for my fanfic prequel and she’s a trans girl, I’m so fucking excited to write her in the next chapter

[anxiousr0b0t]

I keep thinking of awful ways to make Orion feel Worse in A Million Dreams Ago. My brain keeps focusing on the fifth chapter rather than the current fourth one I’m trying to write, and chapter five is gonna have some Bad Anxiety and stuff in it. So naturally, my course of action is to Escalate That Shit

[anxiousr0b0t]

Orion and his late husband, Robert, are like, two Chaotic Lawfuls (maybe Neutrals but eh). They’re just super rambuctious and full of energy when they’re together. Two unstoppable forces. But Orion with Nick? Nick’s Lawful Good for sure. Nick can reign in some of Orion’s craziness.