Herrinarte’s Blog

I draw sometimes:) You can find me on instagram too @herrinarte

[happysharkintensifies]

"But isn't Booktok encouraging more people to read?! In the end, it's just a net-positive, right?"

Let me counter that with my own questions.

Is Booktok encouraging readers to grow? Is it inspiring them to seek out new literature? Is it allowing them to expand their horizons and look for new genres? Is it introducing them to new literary mediums? Is it allowing them to look for more thought-provoking literature?

Or is it just a place where people can read shallow books with shallow writing about shallow characters enacting shallow tropes?

Is it just a place where people can absorb the same harmful messages and the same harmful stereotypes?

Is it just a place where the so-called 'reader' can call themselves such without actually reading anything?

[the-future-is-fowl]

Absolutely agreed, which is why SJM fans have no problem admitting their racism so out in the open now, and have no problem saying they don’t care that their favorite author’s a bad person.

[paper-mario-wiki]

do not forget the patron saint of these weeks that we celebrate ourselves proudly and openly in the streets

her name was Marsha P Johnson, and we have her to thank for so much.

remember, the first Pride was a riot, and she was one of the brave souls who endured it to help carve the path which so many of us walk today. she helped found several activist groups regarding LGBT safety and wellbeing. and she was absolutely radiant, too.

thank you, Marsha. we remember you.

[scifibabee]

Dialogue Punctuation Cheat Sheet

hey friends, i've found myself talking about dialogue grammar a lot as i do more and more beta'ing, so figured it'd be helpful to share more broadly :)

1. Dialogue + Tag (same sentence):

"I missed you," he said. "I missed you," Will said.

Use a comma inside the quotation marks.

Don't capitalize the dialogue tag unless it starts with a name.

2. Dialogue + Action (separate sentence):

"I missed you." He stepped closer.

Use a period inside the quotation marks.

The action isn't a dialogue tag, so it stands as its own sentence.

3. Dialogue Split in Two (same sentence continues):

"I think," he murmured, "that you should stay." "I think that," he murmured, "Will should stay."

Use a comma before closing the quotation mark and after the tag.

Don't capitalize the second part unless it's a name or proper noun.

4. Dialogue Split in Two (separate sentences):

"You're here," he said. "I wasn't sure you'd come."

Use a period after the tag, because the next quote is a new sentence.

Capitalize the new sentence of dialogue.

5. Tag + complete sentence of dialogue:

He released a breath before answering, "Always."

Use a comma after the tag.

Capitalize the complete sentence of dialogue.

6. Questions & Exclamations:

"Are you serious?" he asked. "Don't touch me!" he snapped.

Keep the ? or ! inside the quotes.

Follow with a lowercase tag unless it starts with a name.

hope this is helpful for somebody out there!!

[herrinarte]

Guys please stop being mean to Sarah about acotar 6 taking too long, she’s literally doing her best but it’s really hard to write using only one hand 😩😔

[illyrianbuck]

maybe…..shadow hounds are borzois………

[bykuki]

The one and only Queen of Elfhame 🥀⚔️

(I’m in dire need of more muscular Jude fanart 😮‍💨)

[sunnydewin]

But first they must catch you 🏳️‍⚧️ Prints

Introduce a law to legally protect the right of those aged 18 and over to transition using NHS services. This should specifically cover phys

[winged-freaksometimes]

OKAY. FINALLY. THEY'RE DONE. MY ACOTAR OCS. As to their status as fae they are fae but just. A Certain Kind.

BEASTS OF STICKS AND WHEAT

The beasts have no true names, and instead will respond to any name that is a synonym with what they're associated with

BEAST OF STICKS - "Branch" "Bramble" "Stick" "Twig"

This beast is quiet and stern in nature. She splits branches and trees to help fortify the shelters of her people. She's not very good with reading people and often will run up to show them some things she found unprompted. She, however, has a good intuition of reading "vibes" and will often wear her emotions (and her dislike" on her sleeve. Stick does not talk often and is often silent around her sister, letting her speak for her

BEAST OF WHEAT - "Barley" "Harvest" "Grain" "Wheat"

This beast is chatty and kind. She loves to dance and has a very open appreciation for the land, plants, and bugs. She dances to fuse the nutrients of the soil into the crops to help them grow. She's very close with her sister and can converse with her telepathically. She's often so polite to a tee that she hides her true emotions and intentions towards others

Both beasts come from a distant land on the continent far away... with their true origins being shrouded in deep mystery. However one thing rings true, they both love each other as sisters and they both love bugs even more.

ART EXTRAS

[herrinarte]

Day 7: Free day/AU

Nooooo the final day of @tamlinweek 🥺😭

It’s been so cool seeing so many great Tamlin themed posts I’m so sad it’s over already but in my mind it’s always Tamlin week!

For this final prompt I drew fem Tamlin because ✨WOMEN✨ but also because I head canon Tamlin as gender fluid. I think it would be interesting if when they were younger they gravitated towards their female form but when the magic chose them they felt like they had to switch to male permanently because of the whole “there are no high ladies” thing. Maybe Tamlin even met Rhysand while presenting female and Rhysand caught feelings but then after he learns that Tamlin is a shapeshifter and he sees him as male it confuses him and makes him question himself and that’s why they fall out???? Idk I just think gender fluid Tam is neat and i like pretty women

[herrinarte]

Yipee a prompt that I actually finished!!!!!

Obviously I had to do an artful depiction of Tamlin’s breasts bobbling boobily. Please enjoy respectfully 😇😌

Day 5: Tits Chest for @tamlinweek

[herrinarte]

Hello happy Tamlin week!!!!!

I procrastinated this fic so much that I only finished it today so please excuse any mistakes because there are definitely some in here. Also I finished 2 drawings and will be posting them on their respective days but idk if I will be able to finish anything else so sorry Tamlin nation I have failed you my loves 😔😩

Anyway please enjoy this poopoo quality fic and I’m sending virtual hugs and kisses to anyone who actually finished all the prompts, you are clearly way cooler, sexier and better at planning than me 💕

Tamlin Week

Day 1: Forgiveness

Tamlin knew every leaf and every sapling in the Spring Court. He could feel the wind every time it rustled a shrub, taste every wave of water as it crashed against the rocks of babbling streams. He was the Spring Court, and so he felt Eris’ polished boots burning into his soil, felt the daisies dying under his careless steps.

Tamlin prowled closer to investigate, still in his beast form with blood matting his mane from the game of his hunt. He found Eris scowling at a thorny branch that had got caught on his pristine tailcoat. He must have heard Tamlin’s heavy paws thudding against the ground because he quickly yanked himself free and straightened his posture. The disgruntled arch of his brows remained as they locked eyes and Eris took in Tamlin’s monstrous form.

Eris tutted. “Still as untamed as ever, I see.”

Tamlin leaned closer in reply, quietly prideful that Eris flinched, even if it was just for a split second. He grunted, making a strand of Eris auburn hair fall out of place.

“What, don’t tell me you’re here to tame me?” When Eris didn’t so much as laugh, he grumbled, “why are you here?”

Eris tucked the wayward strand of hair behind his pointed ear. “I’m the heir of the Autumn Court. Can I not visit my ally?”

“As the heir of the Autumn Court you should know that you shouldn’t cross a court’s boarder’s without an invitation. Ally or not. And I’m not convinced we are allies.”

Eris didn’t even have the decency to pretend to be disappointed. “Aren’t we?”

“No, not when you insist on getting cozy with the Night Court.” Tamlin shook his head, not able to hide how he was disappointed. He had always begrudgingly admired Eris. His father could never resist pointing Eris out at every gathering— not that he needed to, even in his youth Eris carried himself well and dressed even better, with eyes that seemed to pierce Tamlin to the ground he stood on and a laugh so wicked Tamlin found himself praying for salvation. Eris was the pinnacle of what a High Lord wanted in a son, where Tamlin was… to put it politely, terribly lacking in nearly every aspect. So to think of Eris making deals with the Night Court was unbelievable. Nearly. “I suppose your father really was right about cock from the Night Court being persuasive.” Tamlin’s chuckle was too weak to convince either of them that he found any amusement in the jibe. “Just get off my land. I don’t want anymore Vanserra blood on my hands.” With a flick of his tail he began to stomp off, only to find Eris striding beside him.

“It really isn’t,” Eris said, staring straight ahead as they approached the crumbling walls of the manor. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand my motivations but just know that I’m not doing this naively. I have a plan.”

“You always do.”

Eris’ eyes flickered to Tamlin’s. “Unlike some.”

“If that is what you choose to believe of me.” Tamlin didn’t have energy to argue anymore. People thought he was a lot of things these days. There was a time when he cared but that time had passed, like all things do.

“Are you saying I’m wrong?”

Tamlin sighed as he came to a halt at the manor’s vine tangled doors. “I’m saying I’m tired. Goodbye Eris.” When Eris refused to move, only stare him down with a frown, Tamlin added, “You don’t need to keep checking in on me. I’m fine. Whatever responsibility you feel you have to me, feel free to forget about it.”

“I’d hardly call it responsibility. More like pity.”

“I can reject you, would that make it easier?” Tamlin didn’t mean for his words to have as much venom as they did. He steeled himself for a fiery comeback.

“For you it might. I suppose you and all of Prythian would love to see me driven to insanity.” He ground out, his cheeks hearing with rage. Without warning Eris tugged at the bond, making Tamlin quiver so much he shifted out of his beast form. Eris’ eyes slipped down Tamlin’s naked form, his grip on the bond burning hot.

“You know that’s not what I want.” Tamlin tried not to melt under Eris’ gaze, tried to ignore the way his skin prickled as Eris’ grip on the bond became almost tender as he stepped closer.

“What do you want?”

“Nothing. I’ve never wanted anything from you. I’m sorry that you were unfortunate enough to be tied to me, all because that damned cauldron sees me as a female, just because I have the capability to shift into one. I want you to just pretend this thing between us isn’t there. I want you to be as happy as your cold heart is capable of and I’ll try the same.” Before Eris could utter a word Tamlin pushed open the door. Inside servants and members of the court bustled about. Plant life spilled out from every crack of stone. Paintings and fine pottery lined the walkways and there wasn’t a single blemish on any chair or cushion. Every sentry was in their place and all bowed politely at their High Lord. The manor was perfect, at least in Tamlin’s eyes and he learnt over time that that was all that mattered.

“What, were you expecting me to live in a shithole?”

“Well… yes. All anyone has been talking about is how run down your court is.” Eris brushed his thumb over a red rose that clung to the wall. “When did you do all this?”

Tamlin shrugged. “A while. And as far as anyone else is aware my court is still in ruins. I’ve put up a veil so to outsiders it seems as if I’m living with nothing but rubble and dust. I couldn’t risk another attack. I figured if everyone still believed I’d succumbed to defeat they’d leave me and my people alone. So far we’ve remained unbothered so it seems to working.”

Eris blinked back at Tamlin in disbelief. “How— how did you even find the strength to do it?”

Tamlin paused for a while before answering, “I suppose I just forgave myself, which maybe I don’t deserve, but I can’t undo all I’ve done. All I can do is try my best to take care of my people and my court. I’ve decided that I’m just going to try and move on. I’ve made mistakes and maybe I’m a monster but this monster has a court to oversee and people who depend on me.”

Eris forced himself to turn away. “How noble.” Was all he could muster. Eris refused to look Tamlin in the eye and Tamlin was much the same, too afraid in case he might see something of himself in there.

“It would do you good to try the same. I won’t pretend to know all your secret and misdeeds, but I do think you’ve suffered enough. Try forgiving yourself, just for something small every day and then work your way up to the big stuff. It sounds ridiculous but it helps. It’s freeing.”

Eris’ expression hardened, his lips curling into a snarl. “It’s just that easy, huh? Well I hope you can forgive me for being blunt but I really don’t think I’ll be taking life lessons from you while you’ve still got your whole ass out in front of your court.” Eris crossed his arms and began to storm off. “I only came here to tell you to stop purring in your sleep, I can hear it in my dreams. Our bond is quite vocal, it seems.” He barked over his shoulder before disappearing out of sight.

Tamlin rubbed his temples. The maddening smell of burnt cedar and cinnamon still lingering in the space Eris left behind.

He hated how he lied to Eris. The truth was he still hadn’t forgiven himself for one thing, and likely never would. How could he ever forgive himself for cruelly burdening Eris with their mating bond? It was the cauldron that decided it but he was the only one responsible for not being what Eris needed.

[siriuslyobsessedwithfiction]

Writing YA books about Faes/Faeries: Holly Black and Sarah J. Maas

I’ve started to notice this trend and discussions on how some hardcore SJM fans didn't enjoy The Cruel Prince, whereas the Cruel Prince fans tend to be critical of SJM’s work.

Some of it can be blamed on tiktokification of reading, essentially wanting to just read porn, which would be fine, if people would admit to it instead of shitting on good YA books and making them unpopular, which results in publishing of more mediocre smut with problematic undertones with no consistent plot, which in turn dumbs down the audience. There's no need to turn an entire age category of books into Wattpad fanfics.

I’ve seen ACOTAR fans on tiktok (before I deleted tiktok) say they “didn’t get” Cruel Prince or had to DNF because it was “boring” and "too much politics, no smut”. I had heard all of that before I read either Holly Black's or SJM's work so here's an objective take because I'm not a hardcore fan of either of them.

If you think The Cruel Prince has a lot of politics, you have been tiktokified or don't remember a book that wasn't romance or YA to begin with, so please go read one. It's good for you to broaden your horizons. It doesn't have a lot of politics even for YA. But I will say this: the pacing was slow and the romance was practically nonexistent. You'll have to really look into details and speculate. I wasn't digging it at first at all. I had to come back and reread it again after finishing the trilogy. I fell in love with Jude x Cardan only during the second reread. The Cruel Prince trilogy is not for smut seekers.

However, what some fans don't realize is that unlike SJM, Holly Black doesn't excuse Cardan's or Jude's actions to make them look like great people and leaders or forces the narrative and other characters' pov's to do that. Holly actually writes Fae as what they're supposed to be - actual different creatures from humans with different ways of thinking and feeling. I read somewhere that humans have black vs white morality they navigate, while the fair folk have orange vs blue morality. It's not the same for them, and yet, ones who are actually evil are easily distinguishable. Holly manages to pull that off beautifully. The writing in that regard is masterful. I would also say that Jude and Taryn have adapted to and adopted orange vs blue morality in their own ways. Which translates in them seeking security in the world that's not designed for them, as well as their ambitions.

SJM, on the other hand, writes Fae as way too powerful, constantly horny, conventionally hot people. There is no orange vs blue or even grey morality, they're just selfish people with victim complexes. Their backstories serve as an excuse, not as an explanation. Everyone yaps about how powerful they are but always need their asses saved. PTSD is written unrealistically and the author only whips it out when she needs it. Characters' grand gestures of growth feel shallow since they always go back on their words or ignore the actual root of problems. Faerie folklore is not properly explored, random mythology is tossed in, plot bends backwards to make the perfect ending for protagonists...I would call it porn with plot except the smut isn't even good.

SJM also can't write politics, so instead she feeds her readers propaganda so they won't question the rulers' incompetence and incapacity to make a change in centuries. The whole thing feels like a parody of making fun of filthy rich people. It would be at least somewhat clever if it was.

Lastly, a shout-out to Margaret Rogerson for writing the best and loveliest way I've seen about what it's like to give up humanity to become Fae and grapple with remaining humane in her book An Enchantment of Ravens. Fair warning though, the book is pure fluff, no smut.

[herrinarte]

Blah blah blah Tamlin is toxic…blah blah blah Eris can’t be trusted….blah blah blah Nesta is a bitch…

Ok hater, then explain;

Why Tamlin have big voluptuous breasts????

Why Eris cunty cunty slay slay????

Why Nesta mother so hard????

🙄 exactly, you can’t.

Checkmate loser x

[herrinarte]

Fools can say Rhysand is straight all they want, but I know an evil little queer when I see one.

[herrinarte]

She’s thinking about killing somebody 😌😇

[herrinarte]

Don’t mind me, just shuffling forward with my only contribution to Lucien week….

I swear I had every intention of doing more than one day but then idk life got in the way and I’m not allowed to take time off work just to prep for a week dedicated to a fictional character which is ass 😒

Anyway I managed to do day one so enjoy Lucien dressed in his lil suit being all gentlemanly and admiring (insert whoever you ships him with because all ships are valid) from afar because he’s very respectful 🥺💕

Also sending hugs and kisses to everyone who is doing every prompt for Lucien week because I WILL be liking every Lucien week post I see because YOU DESERVE IT 🫵😤

[1800naveen]

Acotar characters who I think are fruity (for the ones who aren't confirmed to be)

Rhysand: He never got over his breakup with Tamlin and loves to annoy him, probably got jealous that Feyre banged him

Tamlin: He actually moved on after the breakup. Him and Lucien lived together for centuries, something had to happen

Lucien Vanserra: Lived with Tamlin for centuries, something had to happen. He acts like a wife whose husband went to war when it comes to Tamlin.

Eris Vanserra: Everytime he's near Azriel

Azriel: Everytime he's near Eris

Nesta Archeron: SHE WAS MEANT TO BE A GIRL KISSER! HER AND CLARE BEDDOR WERE LOVERS.

Tarquin: I feel like he's very close with Tamlin. Emphasis on the very.