Heart Of {a fantasy omegaverse story}

[heartofnovel]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

"Crown Prince Aushen's biggest headache of late has been his parents' insistence that he find a bride. However, his trip to meet a potential bride quickly becomes more complicated: Cultists, fantasy creatures, a secondary sex change, and a run-in with his first love- all before he's crossed the border to meet the neighboring kingdom's princess! Their arrival, though, brings even more change, and threatens to turn everything they thought they knew upside-down."

Hello, welcome to my blog! It's dedicated to my current work-in-progress story, 'Heart Of'. It's a fantasy omegaverse BL rated 18+ (although I do have a rated T version as well).

This blog will be predominantly for posting little snippets of the story, things about the characters, and inspiration for the story itself. :) ((Warning: Due to the nature of tumblr, it's basically impossible for me to hide spoilers. So if you really wanna read the story and not be spoiled, do that first and then come back here lol))

The link to the full story is above- I update it every Monday and Friday. If you want more info about the world or characters, I also have a glossary if you're interested.

Anyways, I'd LOVE a chance to chat with anyone about my story, characters, or just about writing in general, so feel free to message me about any of that :D Hope you enjoy, thanks for checking it out! ^o^

~ Ari

[soulcoda]

Writers/readers!!

When writing/reading incomplete stories on AO3 or your fav site, which do you prefer?

Writer; posting what I have written and then continuing as I go

Writer; only posting once I've completed my story

Reader; when a writer posts what they have, even if the update is delayed

Reader; when a writer only posts once they've finished writing the whole story

Writer; other/nuance/results

Reader; other/nuance/results

Voting ended onNov 25, 2024

Asking because I feel like reader feedback really does help me continue writing, but I also hate to let down my readers if I end up needing to put my story on hiatus... /pokes my three stories on hiatus. So what do you think?

[soulcoda]

Writers/readers!!

When writing/reading incomplete stories on AO3 or your fav site, which do you prefer?

Writer; posting what I have written and then continuing as I go

Writer; only posting once I've completed my story

Reader; when a writer posts what they have, even if the update is delayed

Reader; when a writer only posts once they've finished writing the whole story

Writer; other/nuance/results

Reader; other/nuance/results

Voting ended onNov 25, 2024

Asking because I feel like reader feedback really does help me continue writing, but I also hate to let down my readers if I end up needing to put my story on hiatus... /pokes my three stories on hiatus. So what do you think?

[soulcoda]

@Writers/Writeblr/Readers/People who use AO3 -

I currently have a WIP that’s up to 70 chapters now. I have it rated M. Out of those 70, three of them have explicit sexual content (all consensual, and my story is tagged for smut). All three of those chapters are clearly marked in both the chapter title and the beginning-of-the-chapter author’s notes as NSFW for sexual content. But lately, I’ve been wondering if that’s okay. I DO expect to have more smut, but that’s not what the story is about- the majority is plot and lore.

I’ve been hesitant to bump up the rating from M to E, because if someone starts reading it looking for explicit content, they’re going to be waiting awhile (like 50+ chapters).

So, what should I do?

Leave it as is- rated M but with individual chapters marked as needed

Rate it E & add notes at the start that if they came for smut they’ll be waiting

Mark it M, remove the E chapters, make a separate work for E content & link it

Something else (put your answer in reblogs or tags)

Voting ended onJul 8, 2024

PLEASE reblog this, I want to get as many answers as I can!! Thank you!!

[im-not-projecting]

kinda cute ship dynamics????

feel free to use! tag me if you do ^^

naturally bold flirt A x quiet B who flirts back (flusters A)

blunt, tired, deals w/ B’s bullshit x unhinged, chaotic, annoys A a lot

chaos magnet x chaos instigator

sarcastic loner (actually a menace) x confident asshole

loveable x hateable (LITERALLY INSEPARABLE)

“oh, i’ll fuck you up so bad” x “i’ll hold you to that”

scary looking & would kill you x cute but would also kill you

A snarky jerk x B who knows how to deal w/ them

“i don’t matter” x “you matter to me”

affectionate x not used to it

“you wanna kiss me so bad” x angered but flustered

always talks x loves listening to them talk  

“aw your so cute and short” x “i’m literally older then you”

scary (will kill you) x cute (will also kill you)

[luna-azzurra]

Tips for Fight scenes #1

Consider how each character's personality, background, and motivations would influence their fighting style and tactics. A character who is impulsive might rush into a fight without thinking, while a more strategic character might carefully plan their moves. Use the fight scene as an opportunity to reveal hidden depths or conflicts within the characters.

Take advantage of the surroundings to add dynamism to the fight. Characters can use objects in the environment as weapons or shields, or they might use the terrain to gain tactical advantages. Think about how the setting could influence the flow of the fight and make it more engaging for the reader.

Describe the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations of the fight to immerse the reader in the action. Instead of just focusing on the physical movements of the characters, bring the scene to life by painting a vivid picture of the entire sensory experience. For example, describe the metallic tang of blood in the air or the adrenaline-fueled pounding of the characters' hearts.

Ensure that the fight scene serves a purpose beyond just showcasing action. It should advance the characters' emotional journeys or the overall plot of the story. Consider how the outcome of the fight will impact the characters and their relationships, and use it as a catalyst for further developments in the narrative.

Don't limit yourself to traditional weapons or fighting styles. Research different martial arts, historical combat techniques, and improvised weapons to add variety and authenticity to your fight scenes. Think about how each character's unique skills and resources would shape their approach to combat.

Use pacing, suspense, and foreshadowing to build tension leading up to the fight. Hint at the conflict to come, then gradually escalate the stakes as the scene unfolds. Consider incorporating moments of uncertainty or doubt to keep the reader guessing about the outcome.

Every character should have strengths and weaknesses that come into play during the fight. These vulnerabilities could be physical, emotional, or psychological, and they should add depth and complexity to the conflict. Think about how each character's flaws or insecurities might be exposed under pressure.

Show the aftermath of the fight and the impact it has on the characters and the world around them. This could include physical injuries, emotional trauma, or changes in the balance of power between characters or factions. Use the fallout from the fight to drive further conflicts and developments in the story.

[bookishdiplodocus]

Reblog the writers’ fortune cookie for luck!

[redeadepression]

Guys I reblogged this and then wrote an 8000 word story I didn’t even have a solid plan for. Reblog this shit.

[oh-quiznakles]

@rileyh20

[rileyh20]

Heheheh, thanks :3

[papookwrites]

I think there needs to be a name for the kind of writer's block where you know what the story is, and generally how to write it, but you've been working on it for so long that you're exhausted because it's just. not. finished.

Anyway that's how I'm feeling about my writing at the moment :/

[sailorsol]

Writer's Are We There Yet

[aritany]

make me want to read your book in one sentence.

[soulcoda]

A prince and his childhood friend are caught in a mysterious ritual that changes the very fibers of their world--and gives the friend some unique new abilities--all for better or worse.

[theslashpile]

We're not dead

TSP has been around for 15ish years and some members have found new interests and others are dealing with more & more real life responsibilities as we've gotten older. However, that doesn't mean that no one's manning the boat.

If you have original fic recommendations, we want to see them! If you have ideas about how the original fic community can thrive, let us know. Obviously fanfic has grown exponentially over the past few years, but so has the original fic audience. We're not dead.

[sourdough-seal]

“omg you’re so creative. how do you get your ideas” i hallucinate a single scene in the taco bell drive thru and then spend 13 months trying to write it

[soulcoda]

I'M BACK

Sorry I disappeared lol, work was A Lot.

I reached 175k words on my story :D :D :D

[heartofnovel]

Photo by Ali Ahmad DANESH on Pexels

Excerpt from 'Heart Of', Chapter 10 - Resolve:

“No, he–” Valleus sighed heavily. “I didn’t want to say anything, but as it seems Your Highness really wants to know… He was speaking quite rudely about you.” 

“Me?” Aushen asked in bewilderment. “What about?” 

Valleus looked away. “About your being an omega…” he replied quietly. 

That was enough information for Aushen. Though he was very new to being one himself, he was quite familiar with the ways omegas were occasionally perceived. “Ah,” he replied dryly, cheeks reddening. 

“I didn’t really say anything to him, I just interrupted his conversation, and he left in a hurry. Though it may have had something to do with my pheromones,” Valleus added, mumbling. 

Aushen turned his eyes back to Valleus, who still shyly looked away. ‘By the spirits… I really am in love with him.’ 

[heartofnovel]

Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels

Excerpt from 'Heart Of', Chapter 10 - Resolve:

The candlelight illuminated Valleus’ pensive features as he sat expectantly. Aushen had risen to pour himself and Valleus a glass of water. Valleus accepted gratefully, murmuring something about how the crown prince shouldn’t be doing that for a knight.

Aushen shook his head with a small smile. “We know each other well enough not to worry about things like that between us, right?” he asked. 

Valleus leaned back into his chair, feeling his body relax for the first time since he woke from his nap earlier in the day. “I suppose,” he replied briefly. He then turned his head to fix his gaze on Aushen as he sat in the chair next to him. “What did you want to talk about, Your Highness?” 

Aushen felt himself ‘gulp’ as he looked at Valleus. In spite of everything he’d seen, his feelings for Valleus caused his heart to thump in his chest at the sight of the knight’s handsome features lit by the soft glow of the candles behind them, and the warm fireplace a little further back.

[heartofnovel]

Photo by Dasha Musohranova on Pexels

Excerpt from 'Heart Of', Chapter 10 - Resolve:

‘I hurt him… my best friend… the closest thing I have to a brother… 

I guess he was right to fear me.’ 

Wordlessly, the four went back around the corner to the door they’d come from. Upon reaching the castle, Valleus stood upright, no longer supported by Aushen. He folded the wings back into his back. Along the way, Valleus stopped to get a new tunic. His room was next door to Coriund’s. He returned clutching his best coat in his hands. Reaching out gingerly, he offered it to Coriund. 

After a few moments, Coriund sighed, taking the jacket and putting it in his room. No words were exchanged. 

[heartofnovel]

Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Pexels

Excerpt from 'Heart Of', Chapter 9 - Overwhelming:

“I’m– I’m so sorry…” Valleus sobbed, clutching Aushen like a lifeline. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” 

“Shhh,” Aushen soothed him gently. “It’s okay. You didn’t mean to. I know.” Since the night before, when he’d first seen Valleus’ draconic form, he’d had a suspicion that this side of him lay restlessly dormant beneath the surface. He wasn’t sure what had triggered it to stir up, but he had guessed that it would happen, and assumed that this wouldn’t be the last time. 

In spite of his better judgment, Aushen had taken his chances that he’d be able to calm this creature within Valleus. He didn’t know if he’d be able to do it again, and he wasn’t sure why it had worked this time. Nevertheless, he felt responsible. After all, if Valleus hadn’t been there to save him, he never would’ve ended up like this. 

The crisp air was silent besides Valleus’ sobs. He kept whimpering his apologies into Aushen’s shoulder as he held him close. Aushen rubbed his back gently. 

[heartofnovel]

Photo by Татьяна Чернышова🍒 on Pexels

Excerpt from 'Heart Of', Chapter 9 - Overwhelming:

Valleus rushed outside, the cool night air nearly causing his sweat to steam off his skin. He tried to slow his breaths. ‘Damn it… damn it! What the hell is happening to me?!’ 

Dizziness struck him hard. The vertigo threatened to throw him to the ground or drag up his dinner. He could feel the scales on his left hand itching, almost burning. In spite of his best attempts, he could feel the wings tucked into his back practically writhe as they tore through his tunic. Other spots around his body began prickling with the same hot itch in his left hand, and Valleus was dismayed to see scales wriggle out from under his skin wherever the heat touched. 

“I hate this feeling, again– Again?! Even here, even now?!”

Valleus stopped, fear gripping his heart. ‘That thought… it wasn’t mine, right?’

“No, no… no,” Valleus murmured aloud, stumbling further from the castle towards a lone tree a stone’s throw away. “I’m still human. I’m still me.” His voice quivered. “I’m still me!” An unsettling growl could be heard under his usual tone. He paled, even as the heat flushed his scale-flecked face. 

“I’m still fucking human!” he roared, punching the tree.