on purpose.

pfp by stardisnight

[indomitable-love]

RWRB movie has slammed me right back into my ATG-era feelings (see: the pfp which is art that the incredible @stardisnight made for it) so I am taking the excuse to talk about it.

I started writing ATG all the way back in 2021 because I’d had an idea for a one-shot (ha!) about Alex struggling to reclaim his sense of identity and privacy after the leak. It was about how the leak might have impacted his relationship with the media and how he might have shoved all those feelings down and when they might start to surface. So I started writing, and oh boy did it spiral. I’d been writing post-canon one shots about firstprince, all set in the same universe for about a year or so, but as I started writing this fic about Alex, I realised that it was so much more than a one-shot and that all these other fics I'd written were part of a bigger story too.

The more I thought about the leak, about the trauma that comes with being outed and stalked and having your most personal and private words laid out for the entire world to read and the impact that would have on a person – especially a person who thrived on the spotlight as much as Alex did – the more I wanted to dig into the impact of it. How would Alex's relationship with the media and the people around him change? How would it impact his relationship with Henry? How would that impact his own mental health and his anxiety? His desire to be a symbol and a leader for people? How would he feel about how his feelings might have changed and how would he move forward?

ATG is a story about trauma but it's also a story about healing, growth and love. There’s absolutely zero angst of the relationship kind, just love and support – going through fire together and coming out stronger. I wrote much of it in the deep dark pits of a Bad Time, when throwing myself into Alex’s head was the only way out of my own. There are about a thousand and one things I’d probably change about it or do differently now but God, it has such a big place in my heart.

TWs are detailed in the tags but the fic deals with PTSD and anxiety and all of their related effects so please be careful if those things are likely to trigger you in some way.

Read all that glitters (is not gold) on AO3.

[rmd-writes]

for the '24 in review plz 14, 28, & 30

hello!! thanks for the ask 😊

14. What were your go-to writing songs?

I don't really listen to music while I'm writing, unless I'm on the bus and then it's just whatever playlist I'm in the mood for to drown out the sounds of other people.

28. If this were an awards show, who would you thank?

honestly, it takes a village. Fandom is a community and there is no way I'd have written what I have managed to write this year without being able to bounce ideas off friends, or sending them snippets and getting validation and encouragement back, having people beta read for me (or allowing me into their docs to beta read and cheer them on too). And all the times I've had to check what word Americans use for a particular thing, or for help titling fics, and, of course, actually co-writing and collaborating on fics!

I'm lucky enough to have a bunch of stellar people in my corner cheering me on and inspiring me - my ride or die @welcometololaland, @celeritas2997, @howtosingit, @lightningboltreader, @three-drink-amy (is tumblr still doing the weird thing where you can only tag 5 people in a paragraph?)

Also @kiwiana-writes, @indestructibleheart and my OGs @clottedcreamfudge, @everwitch-magiks, @indomitable-love,

And the people who've written fics that I've loved this year, because reading good fic is always inspiring and the people who've left lovely comments on my writing because the encouragement is everything 💖

30. What would you like to write next year?

There's a Tarlos [redacted] fic that Lola and I have been planning to co-write for a while now that we will hopefully write next year. That's the main thing on my list!

[2024 in review]

[rmd-writes]

It’s the most ✨wonderful✨ time of year! AKA time for the annual RWRB Christmas fic exchange that I do with some friends every year. Would you believe that this is our fourth year doing this?

For the next 8 days, we’ll be posting a fic anonymously each day to the Don We Now (Even More) Gay Fanfiction collection on ao3. I’ll update this post with the links to each fic as they go up. The author reveals will be shared before New Year’s Eve ☺️

I’m so excited to see what everyone’s come up with!

Day 1: Home for the Holidays || M || 9.3k || a gift for @indomitable-love

When Alex discovers that Henry's Christmas plans involve staying in their apartment alone, he does what any good roommate would do and drags Henry along to his family Christmas at the lake house. It's a win-win situation, since everything is better for Alex when Henry is around. Henry is his person. Completely fucking platonically, of course.

PS. If you're looking for more firstprince holiday fics you can find our earlier Christmas fic exchanges here: 2021, 2022 and 2023

cc: @welcometololaland @three-drink-amy @clottedcreamfudge @everwitch-magiks @athousandrooms

@indomitable-love @dustratcentral @villiageidiot

[ryns-ramblings]

[rmd-writes]

One of our collective favourite things about Alex and Henry is the way that they not only love each other, but have fun with each other in so many different ways – whether that’s as friends with benefits, best friends, boyfriends or husbands – in and out of the bedroom. And so, in honour of their birthdays, we decided that it would be fun to collaborate to put together this series of snapshots celebrating the versatility of their sex lives over the years and some of the many different ways they have fun with, and celebrate, each other.

never the same twice

A Firstprince birthday celebration collaboration by @everwitch-magiks @three-drink-amy @rmd-writes @indomitable-love @welcometololaland @athousandrooms bleedingballroomfloor, ifigo & chasingshadow (with the very essential and much appreciated support of @fuckingyrs @dustratcentral @clottedcreamfudge)

E | 8/8 chapters | 34k | NOW COMPLETE

The thing about sex with Henry is, it’s never the same twice. Sometimes he moves easily, caught up in the rush, and other times he’s tense and taut and wants Alex to work him loose and take him apart. Sometimes nothing gets him off faster than being talked back to, but other times they both want him to use every inch of authority in his blood, not to let Alex get there until he’s told, until he begs.

It’s unpredictable and it’s intoxicating and it’s fun, because Alex has never met a challenge he didn’t love, and he— well, Henry is a challenge, head to toe, beginning to end.

Or: series of snapshots of Alex and Henry’s versatile sex life throughout the years – because the more life changes, the more some things stay the same.

Chapter 1 by @everwitch-magiks

Chapter 2 by bleedingballroomfloor

Chapter 3 by @rmd-writes aka me

Chapter 4 by @three-drink-amy

Chapter 5 by ifigo & chasingshadow

Chapter 6 by @athousandrooms

Chapter 7 by @indomitable-love

Chapter 8 by @welcometololaland

“I’m overthinking it, aren’t I?” Alex asks, mumbling the question into Henry’s shoulder. “You’ve never liked blowjobs next to dumpsters.”

“I don’t recall ever verbalising that particular preference,” Henry replies, trying very hard not to laugh. “But you’re right.”

“Is it the rats?”

“I think it’s the general aesthetic.”

“I think dumpsters have a certain je ne sais quoi.”

Henry snorts. “Do you really?”

“Promise me something,” Alex asks, stepping back and offering his hand for Henry to take. Threading their fingers together obediently, Henry looks up and tries not to feel a certain type of way about how good his husband looks, even when he’s framed by a dingy alleyway.

“Anything, love.”

Read more on ao3

[rmd-writes]

One of our collective favourite things about Alex and Henry is the way that they not only love each other, but have fun with each other in so many different ways – whether that’s as friends with benefits, best friends, boyfriends or husbands – in and out of the bedroom. And so, in honour of their birthdays, we decided that it would be fun to collaborate to put together this series of snapshots celebrating the versatility of their sex lives over the years and some of the many different ways they have fun with, and celebrate, each other.

never the same twice

A Firstprince birthday celebration collaboration by @everwitch-magiks @three-drink-amy @rmd-writes @indomitable-love @welcometololaland @athousandrooms bleedingballroomfloor, ifigo & chasingshadow (with the very essential and much appreciated support of @fuckingyrs @dustratcentral @clottedcreamfudge)

E | 7/8 chapters | posting (mostly) every other day

The thing about sex with Henry is, it’s never the same twice. Sometimes he moves easily, caught up in the rush, and other times he’s tense and taut and wants Alex to work him loose and take him apart. Sometimes nothing gets him off faster than being talked back to, but other times they both want him to use every inch of authority in his blood, not to let Alex get there until he’s told, until he begs.

It’s unpredictable and it’s intoxicating and it’s fun, because Alex has never met a challenge he didn’t love, and he— well, Henry is a challenge, head to toe, beginning to end.

Or: series of snapshots of Alex and Henry’s versatile sex life throughout the years – because the more life changes, the more some things stay the same.

Chapter 1 by @everwitch-magiks

Chapter 2 by bleedingballroomfloor

Chapter 3 by @rmd-writes aka me

Chapter 4 by @three-drink-amy

Chapter 5 by ifigo & chasingshadow

Chapter 6 by @athousandrooms

Chapter 7 by @indomitable-love

Henry huffs out a laugh and twists in Alex’s arms so that he’s facing him. ‘You’re ridiculous,’ he tells Alex.

‘And you’re stuck with me,’ Alex replies, holding up his finger with a waggle. ‘Husband.’

He’s still not used to that. Husband. He’s Alex’s husband. Alex is Henry’s husband. His beautiful, intelligent, absolutely absurd husband. Henry wouldn’t have it any other way.

Read more on ao3

[indomitable-love]

I need you to know you were the gateway to firstprince fanfic for so many people – check out this thread:

https://x.com/liamsbloodymary/status/1767737054874529840?

💛

Oh this is the loveliest thing!!! I'm not on Twitter so thank you so so much for showing me!! V honoured to have been a gateway to firstprince fic for people 💛💛💛💛

[c-leadraw]

Happy B-day to Henry 🎂👑

[ash-fandom-blog]

A very happy birthday to HRH Prince Henry George Edward James Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor! (Alex made him a cake❤️)

[rmd-writes]

One of our collective favourite things about Alex and Henry is the way that they not only love each other, but have fun with each other in so many different ways – whether that’s as friends with benefits, best friends, boyfriends or husbands – in and out of the bedroom. And so, in honour of their birthdays, we decided that it would be fun to collaborate to put together this series of snapshots celebrating the versatility of their sex lives over the years and some of the many different ways they have fun with, and celebrate, each other.

never the same twice

A Firstprince birthday celebration collaboration by @everwitch-magiks @three-drink-amy @rmd-writes @indomitable-love @welcometololaland @athousandrooms bleedingballroomfloor, ifigo & demonpoxherondale (with the very essential and much appreciated support of @fuckingyrs @dustratcentral @clottedcreamfudge)

E | 1/8 chapters | posting (mostly) every other day

The thing about sex with Henry is, it’s never the same twice. Sometimes he moves easily, caught up in the rush, and other times he’s tense and taut and wants Alex to work him loose and take him apart. Sometimes nothing gets him off faster than being talked back to, but other times they both want him to use every inch of authority in his blood, not to let Alex get there until he’s told, until he begs.

It’s unpredictable and it’s intoxicating and it’s fun, because Alex has never met a challenge he didn’t love, and he— well, Henry is a challenge, head to toe, beginning to end.

Or: series of snapshots of Alex and Henry’s versatile sex life throughout the years – because the more life changes, the more some things stay the same.

Chapter 1 by @everwitch-magiks

Alex breaks the kiss to pull back just a fraction. His grin is a little wicked. “You sure know exactly where you want me tonight.”

He’s correct. Henry’s grip around Alex’s waist is purposeful. Demanding, even. There’s a silent command to Henry’s every touch, an expectation that when he pushes, Alex will yield.

Alex is certainly yielding.

“Do you mind?” Henry still asks. “That is, I'd rather like… I enjoy this sometimes. Taking charge. Giving direction.”

God knows there are enough areas of Henry’s life he has no say in whatsoever. Sometimes — when he's in the right mood — he likes to take the lead. Call the shots. Indulge in a fantasy where he's one hundred percent in control.

That is, if Henry’s partner would also care to indulge.

Read more on ao3

[interkellar]

[anervousmirrorball-deactivated2]

i didn't know i was broken till i wanted to change // i wanna get better

[cosmickid-inmotion-deactivated2]

Fanfiction Readers and writers, Reblog this and tell in the notes your favorite fic from the person you Reblogged from, and if you’re feeling extra nice, why?

[foetp]

taylor swift albums + text posts

[silvercistern-deactivated202307]

i’m going to say something that might make me seem ungrateful, but i think it’s true of many fic writers:

we want you to leave comments ON ao3.

we’re not angry or disappointed or anything like that when you leave qrts or lots of tags on our fic posts, not at all. we don’t NOT want you to message us to tell us how a fic touched you. but in addition to that, please consider just copying those words and posting them on ao3 as a comment.

why?

the reason is simple: leaving commentary in other places is ephemeral. story posts get pushed down. chats get pushed down in the list of chats, or worse, pushed up in lists of messages as the conversation continues. but comments on ao3 are easily accessible. and this is important because writers read and reread these comments regularly.

writing, especially writing longfics, is exhausting and drains your confidence over time. having a collection of people who enjoyed your past work at your fingertips is an excellent way to build yourself up when you’re feeling down. fic writers need this a lot.

i know over the past few years there’s this trend to be very descriptive with what is an “acceptable” comment. that’s all nonsense, as long as you’re not being an asshole, just say what’s on your heart.

but post it on ao3. please.

[eemamminy-art]

Also something I see a lot: people gushing to their friends in discord about a fic but not commenting on it to the author themselves. It's reassuring to find out secondhand that people gushed about your creation, but it's so much better when someone tells you directly! Reaching out directly on AO3 also helps to curb any lingering doubt of like... Is this something they'd only admit to in private but don't want their name connected to mine on AO3? Since there's a lot of weirdness around who someone associates with in fandom these days

[dsudis]

I will say also that some of my FAVORITE comments I have EVER gotten were copy-and-paste Discord conversations, like that is PURE! JOY!!! If you ever find yourself gushing about a fic in a server and everyone else in the conversation is cool with it, PLEASE copy and past that into an AO3 comment, you will make an author's YEAR.

[bomberqueen17]

oh i've never had anyone copy-paste a discord chat but that sounds really lovely!! what a great thing to read!

[bread-and-roses-too]

Not feminist as in "women should be included in the draft" but feminist as in "being drafted is a violation of bodily autonomy for any gender".

The draft should not exist. Drafting people into the military is a violation of human rights. You should not be able to force someone to risk their life. If you can't find enough people who care about a conflict to keep it going then it simply shouldn't keep going. You can't even force someone to donate a kidney using government power, why the fuck can you force them to donate their whole body and life to a cause they don't agree with or don't care about?

[rmd-writes]

thanks for the tags @hippolotamus @heartstringsduet @kiwiana-writes @cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut @three-drink-amy @strandnreyes @orchidscript @lemonlyman-dotcom @carlos-in-glasses @carlos-tk @cha-melodius @lightningboltreader @indestructibleheart @happiness-of-the-pursuit @redshirt2

Something a little different from me this week, some June POV (it’s not exactly seven sentences, but it’s close):

“He won’t like coming home to find you gone,” June insists.

“I know,” Oscar says, his voice soft. “But it’s better this way, you know how he is, nena.”

“I’m not a baby,” she says automatically.

Her dad chuckles. “No, you’re not. Alex isn’t either. I know he’ll be okay because he’ll have you to look after him.” He taps the end of her nose.

She will look after Alex, she always has. She’ll make sure he’s fine. But she’s not sure that her dad is right. Alex isn’t going to like being blindsided. He hates not knowing things.

not sure who’s done this already today but tagging @anchoredarchangel @liminalmemories21 @stereopticons @maxbegone @everwitch-magiks @clottedcreamfudge @tintagel-or-cockleshells @anincompletelist @cricketnationrise @ships-to-sail @sherryvalli + open tag