one day I will write these stories

Main blog: missbrunettebarbie. Icon by laufire. NOT DOING STS, MGM OR ANY OTHER WRITING EVENT ANAYMORE.

[missbrunettebarbie-writer]

List of my WIPs

2022 has left me very little time and inspiration for my original writing. Sadly it looks like 2023 will be the same. So I decided to at least do a bit of a clean-up, figuire out what I want to keep and what I want to get rid off. I also changed a few premises, twisted a few characters and here is the final result:

Vanitas Vanitatum

Nefele Stellarion has been told all her life that she is her father’s most valuable asset, his well-guarded secret, that will one day help take down the fae ruling class. Privately, she had always thought she is his most shameful secret: proof that even the man who had done the impossible by bringing magic to humans had fallen pray to a fairy’s spell and sired her daughter. The coming Sacrifice Ritual is her chance to prove her allegiance to the man who had raised her, but blood is thicker than water and more bitter than bile. And once Nefele makes a choice, her destiny is forever altered.

Paint the town red

Everyone knows the story of Juliet Spencer, the priest’s golden-haired daughter, the town’s darling, Graveville’s missing girl. Less people know about Laura Spencer, her sister that was born after her disappearance. And what is there to know? Surely Laura’s birth has been a soothing balm for her eldery grief-stricken parents. Surely, she must have been loved and spoiled rotten. Surely, her strange behaviour is nothing but teenage rebellion. On her fourteenth birthday, Laura learns the same terrifying secret that her sister had learned two decades ago: when the door of your house is locked, you are trapped inside with the monsters. But what Graveville will soon learn is that the past always comes to haunt you. And a predator can easily turn into prey when the right monster comes along.

Pandora’s key

Christine Leclair has been accepted into the most prestigious school of witchcraft in Europe and she’s gonna redeem her family name by becoming the best witch of her generation. Falling in love with the beautiful, mysterious, effortlessly talented Elettra Fabbri has not been in her plans. But Elettra hides her own secret that might shake the entire school. Meanwhile, in a neighbouring country, Mira Adelardi has been trapped in a mental hospital for years, for the sole crime of knowing magic beyond what humans could comprehend. Escape seems a pipe dream before befriending one of her fellow patients, a seer that knows more than she should. Once the paths of these three women cross, Europe is never the same again.

All we are is skin and bone

A self-exiled werewolf, the disgraced heir to a dynasty turned vampire, the rebellious witch daughter of a conservative politician and a retired hunter; these are the secrets that the four members of the most popular up-and-coming rock band of the moment are hiding. But can secrets be kept when the spotlight is always on you? Eric Winn, host of one of the most popular morning shows, is ready to prove that the truth always comes out. The former werewolf hunter will stop at nothing to reveal to his audience what his four guests are hiding behind their glamour rockstar facade. 

[missbrunettebarbie-writer]

I am thinking of revamping 'Pandora's Key' so it has two timelines each telling a different story that is of opposite genre: on one hand there is Pandora's story which is a combo of a thriller and a romance, on the other is Electra's story that is a coming of age but also a murder mystery set in a boarding school.

This would mean expanding the cast of characters in Electra's school (GK might be an useful influence here), renaming a lot of people, focusing a lot more of family drama, getting rid of the story in a story concept so I can get into the head of some fascinating characters, and making a tragic romance far less tragic (and maybe less epic?). Idk.

I would need time and research of outlines before I do anything, but it's an idea.

[starry-sky-stuff]

Happy Tunes-day

RULES:

Listen to these three songs, and daydream about your WIPs!

Tell me about your WIP daydreams in the reblogs!

Or, make your own tunesday posts and use music straight from your WIP playlists! Tag me in them! I’d love to steal your music!

Tagging: @laufire-writes, @missbrunettebarbie-writer, @aninkwellofnectar, 

Here’s a few songs from my in progress The Heiress and the Rake playlist:

1 - Girls Against God - Florence and the Machine (there are a few specific lines in this song that really encapsulates Isobel)

2 - Louisa - Lord Huron

3 - Needed Me - Rihanna

4 - Girl is a Gun - Halsey

[missbrunettebarbie-writer]

While listening to these had been intresting insight into Dominic and Isobel, I have to admit I didn't like any of the songs. Sorry :) The only one I didn't dislike is the last one, but sadly, none of them inspire anything in me.

[starry-sky-stuff]

🌹🌹🌹🌹

To Marry a Duke:

“I don’t deny that there are serious flaws in the bill,” Edward acknowledged. “But that does not change my mind.”

“It won’t pass.”

“I am aware of its chances.”

“Then why vote in favour? You alone won’t change the outcome. Better to vote against, there are more benefits for you to side with the Tories.”

“Benefits?”

“Appointments and such,” Lord Sumnerfeld replied. “Salisbury likes to appoint peers to positions. His Cabinet. Embassies and Imperial governorships. The Foreign Office still remembers your father well, if you play this right you could be appointed as an ambassador, maybe even a governor one day. Gladstone cannot offer you anything like that.”

“I have no interest in appointments. My place is here in England, with my family,” he said. “And even if I did. I do not serve in the Lords for my own interests.”

“Dear god, man, don’t be so stubborn.”

“I’m not being stubborn. I’m being principled. Something you clearly have no familiarity with.”

[starry-sky-stuff]

🌹🌹

The Heiress and the Rake:

“Are you sure we can’t find you another husband?” her sister asked.

“I don’t think we can switch them out this late. The marriage settlement has been signed and the licence readied.”

“Then, I’m afraid you’re stuck with the Earl.”

“I could be stuck with worse,” Isobel said. “At least he’s handsome.”

“Dreadfully handsome,” Delilah agreed. “Truly, one of the handsomest men I’ve ever seen. There won’t be any lying back and thinking of England tonight.”

Together they burst into a fit of giggles, something they surely hadn’t done since their girlhood. Not that Isobel could ever recall such a moment. She linked their arms together, leaning into the side of her elder sister, seeking a sense of familial comfort she’d long forgone.

Bit more than two lines, but I liked the whole exchange too much to cut it down.

[starry-sky-stuff]

🌹🌹🌹

To Marry a Duke:

“Father would be ashamed to see you treat me so," his sister scolded.

“Father’s dead. And since he was not permitted by law to leave you this house, you have no right to spend any more time here than I permit," Edward replied.

Their father had left everything he could to Cynthia. No dowry for Ada, a pittance of allowance for his mother, ramshackle estates for his tenants. None of that mattered so long as his favourite child received everything he believed she deserved.

[laufire-writes]

find the word tag 🔍

Let’s see if I can complete all the games I’ve been tagged in before the day&month ends…

I was tagged in several of these, but I’ll separate them for ease. Two of them were by @westcountrygothic, one more recent and another an eternity ago ^^U

UNIVERSE

The universe was vast, wondrous and, it seemed to me, tragically unexplored. As soon as I took conciousness of my place in it as a kid, I knew I wanted to experience more of it than I ever could trapped in that quaint little farm.

The Travels of Soyolmaa

TOMORROW

“Tomorrow it’ll be over, tomorrow it’ll be over, tomorrow it’ll be over-”

Vela muttered the mantra into her chest as she sat bare on the bathroom tiles, ignoring the stentch of her own bile staining it, with her blunt nails digging painfully into her shoulders.

A Child’s Covenant / Vengeful Cinderall WIP

WEEP

“That girl you’re describing didn’t exist, mother. Everything she was and everything she had was immaterial, ghostly; it could disappear with a whisper.” Latoya scoffed, almost amused. Casiphia couldn’t believe a word she was hearing. “Now? Countless of people are terrified of me because I took them for all they had. I brought down the Galatea, I escaped from Penjara, and I made the king of Besalt weep and beg me for his life like a little child! No one in her right mind would’ve expected me to even survive on my own after I fled Amentet. But I did. That, and more. That is all real and that is all mine! You say you lost everything, but I thrived. I am Captain Latoya of the Redstart, and I am as solid as they come.”

space opera ‘verse / book 2

HEAVY

Even in casual conversation, even in passing and when it had nothing to do with her, the word “marriage” fell like a heavy load on Maryam’s chest.

Al Andalus WIP / Beneath the Foam

NIGHT

They all lived in armony in their eternal night, each human and vampire with a role most fitting to cultivate their excellence.

vampire mafia WIP

DANCE

Eva and Norma danced the night away, their wings drawing patterns in enticing forms that painted whole murals alongside all the other winged fae.

time tomfoolery ‘verse / All About Eve(s)

WIND

The cold winds of the plains hit violently against Gyeong’s covered face as she stepped out of the carriage. The icy walls of the palace shileded her once she entered, but it brought her no comfort.

The Legend of Gyeong

DREAM

Vivian awoke after a most strange and unsettling dream. She had been so sure someone was in the bed with her. A thumb delicately caressing her lower lip, contrasting with the strength of a hand pressing against the base of her throat.

regency horror WIP

FALL

Gillian breathed in the smell of the beginnings of fall with relief; she circled her neck once more with her black scarf, pulling it tighter.

witch coven ‘verse

I’m tagging @aninkwellofnectar @missbrunettebarbie-writer @starry-sky-stuff @anna-writes-fantasy

Your words are SCENT, CARRY, LETTER, TIME.

[starry-sky-stuff]

Last Line Tag

Jumping on @zmwrites open tag.

The Heiress and the Rake:

It was clear that Mr Wakefield was no more pleased by Isobel’s marriage than her sister had been. The disapproval didn’t bother him, that was to be expected, but for some reason the dismissal rankled him. Not necessarily of himself, but of Isobel. She was more than capable of looking after herself. She didn’t need anyone to protect her, or to question her decisions as if she were a child. 

“Do you love her?” Dominic asked.

“What?”

“Isobel, do you love her?”

Mr Wakefield shook his head. “No. As much as her father may have wanted it, our feelings have never run beyond familial. She is my cousin, more like a sister. I love her and I will always protect her.”

“And you think she needs protecting from me?”

“Or from her own sense of certainty,” he replied. “Isobel thinks she can handle anything.”

“I rather like that about her.” Dominic sipped his brandy. “I will promise to abide by the terms of mine and Isobel’s agreement, if that will give you any peace of mind. But that is all. My relationship with Isobel is between the two of us alone.”

Tagging: @missbrunettebarbie-writer, @laufire-writes,

[laufire-writes]

Last Line Tag

I’ve been tagged on this several times this summer as well LOL. Bby @theskeletonprior twice, by @bebewrites, by @starry-sky-stuff twice and by @aninkwellofnectar just today. So I’ll just post a longer excerpt than my usual for this one. This is from my regency(ish) horror WIP, set in the high fantasy world of the Soyolmaa Cinematic Universe.

The violin was Vivian’s most beloved possession. It was passed onto her in an enviable state by her doting grandmother, who taught her how best to play it like an extension of her body. Every time Vivian picked it up in the last few years she did so with reverence, allowing for a brief moment of wistfulness at the vivacious woman’s absence. Sometimes, she swore she could sense her presence behind her, quietly approving, whenever she played one of her grandmother’s favourite melodies. Vivian had soaked in that approval like a spongue, valuing each second alone with her grandmother that provided such necessary sustent.

When she played there was no fumbling, no backtracking, no second-guessing herself. A strange mixture of peace and elation surged in her and the world around her suddenly started making sense. She would have play for hours if her hands allowed her to without rest, and as it was, she played long enough that when she closed her eyes at night, sheet music floated behind her eyelids.

That morning Vivian was even more excited to play than usual, thoughts of her much missed grandmother distant on the back of her head. Young men would come to see a demonstration of her talent, albeit supervised. She could make up for any artless bungle made on the presentation by proving her masterful skill.

More than any of the others, who had dismissed her when they had little more than her to offer to a union and on the light of a new day she could only regard with bitterness, she was particularly excited for a second encounter with the charming Baron Vreunth. She wouldn’t let the strange disposition she started the day after those strange night terrors to ruin the day. Vivian was determined to prove herself to him.

tagging: @westcountrygothic @pinespittinink @missbrunettebarbie-writer @chishiio and whoever else feels like doing this!

[missbrunettebarbie-writer]

Happy Tunes-day!! 🎶

Rules

Listen to these three songs, and daydream about your WIPs!

Tell me about your WIP daydreams in the reblogs!

Or, make your own tunesday posts and use music straight from your WIP playlists! Tag me in them! I’d love to steal your music!

This time I chose to go with songs that I too associate with my own characters because I wonder if other people would associate these songs with their own OCs.

1. Cinderella's dead (A Mira song)

2. It's nice to have a friend (A Cesare/Idalia song)

3. Breakfast (A Juliet song. And the 'breakfast' part is quite literal since she is a vampire xDD)

Not many people seem to do this anymore, so idk who to tag. I think only @laufire-writes had played lately. I am tagging you, Lau, so you can roast my taste in music like I did yours :D

[laufire-writes]

Favourite Things OC Tag game

I was tagged by both @equusgirl-writes​ and @westcountrygothic​ to do this a little ago. I decide to go with Vivian (left) for the first, and with Darla (right) for the latter, as a way to flesh out a bit more these almost-new OCs ^-^

equusgirl asked for favourite drink, body of water, hobby, art form, and season.

Vivian’s are: grape juice, rivers/waterfalls, playing the violin, music, and spring.

westcountrygothic asked for favourite clothing item, holiday destination, hobby, fruit, and famous person (in-universe).

Darla’s are: gloves/mittens, little country towns by mountains, climbing, green apples, and Dutia Lamère, a famous human embassador in the land of the dragons that facilitated relationships between both species.

tagging @aninkwellofnectar​ @pinespittinink​ @missbrunettebarbie-writer​ @starry-sky-stuff​ @moonscribbler​ @tragicbackstoryenjoyer​ and whoever else feels up for it!

[laufire-writes]

Incorrect Quotes tag game

I was tagged a while ago by @moonscribbler (ty!)

I already did this one with the space opera ‘verse characters (specifically Latoya’s messy ex-royal family), and with the main ones in the witch coven ‘verse. This time I’m doing it with the crew in the SOV

-

Zira: When life gives you lemons, what do you do? Aaqil: Make lemonade! Zira: No, throw them back up in the sky and make life deal with it’s own shit.

-

Leena: I wish I could control wasps and bees to sting my enemies. Basil: You’re too young to have enemies. Leena: You don’t even know.

-

Zira: Ooh, somebody has a crush Latoya: Pfft, I don’t have a crush on Leena I just think they’re cool, it’s not like I stay up at night thinking about them. *Later that night* Latoya, very much awake: Uh oh.

-

Leena: I don’t think the therapist is supposed to say ‘wow’ that many times during their first session with a client, but here we are.

-

Latoya: I’ve invited you here because I crave the deadliest game… Basil, nodding: Knife Monopoly. Latoya: I was actually going to play Russian roulette, but now I’m really interested in whatever knife Monopoly is.

-

Aaqil: My gender is in a constant state of flux.

-

Latoya: I was put on this earth to do one thing. Latoya: Luckily I forgot what it was so I can do whatever I want.

-

Zira: Truth or dare? Leena: Dare. Zira: I dare you to kiss the hottest person in the room. Leena: Hey Aaqil? Aaqil, blushing: Yeah? Leena: Can you move? I’m trying to get to Latoya.

-

Zira: I have a problem. Leena: Kill it. Zira: Can you chill for like, two seconds?

-

Joram: You can de-escalate literally any situation by asking ‘are we about to kiss?’ Joram: Doesn’t work with getting out of speeding tickets, though.

-

Aaqil: So… what would you do if you were in bed with me? Alastair: Depends. Is your bed comfortable? Aaqil: Yes. Alastair: I’d sleep.

-

Redstart: Latoya is a perfect cinnamon scone who’s never done anything wrong in their entire life! Aaqil: Never done anything wrong?! They set a city block on FIRE!

-

Alegría: I tried to write ‘I’m a functional adult’ but my phone changed it to ‘fictional adult’ and i feel like that’s more accurate.

tagging @equusgirl-writes @westcountrygothic @bebewrites @daisy-writer and whoever else feels up for it!

[laufire-writes]

I was tagged by @bebewrites​ (ty <3) to use this fairy tale princess picrew for some of my OCs.

For this I chose Latoya in her actual-princess days (please, add the red eyes, fangs, and bat wings in your head xD), and Vela, the character I have this picrew is most fitting for. Please click for better quality!

I don’t know who’s done this already but I’m tagging some people, no pressure. Feel free to drop a link if you’ve already done it, or to jump in as if it’s an open tag ^-^

@aninkwellofnectar​ @missbrunettebarbie-writer​ @equusgirl-writes​ @starry-sky-stuff​ @grapecaseschoices​ @audreyrosebooks​ @daisy-writer​ @pinespittinink​

[erensattacktitandick-deactivate]

🐍 Green with Envy 🐍

Because I'm on chapter 9 of WWDTN I feel free to (re)share one of the funniest scenes I've ever written

“How may I help you, Your Radiance?”

Laila frowned somewhat at his propriety. “I wanted to thank you for the support you showed me at the meeting today. It meant a lot to have you on my side.” She paused, before deciding to add, “I much prefer it when you and I are working in tandem.”

His cold veneer thawed, somewhat. “I much prefer having you on my side too.”

Her face brightened at this, scintillating as a newborn star. “I was thinking perhaps we could further discuss a plan of action. If you’re not busy, of course.”

“Not at all, I—”

The door opened briskly behind him. 

Then out slinked Katerina with an alleycat smile adorned, draping her arms around his shoulders. “Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty. I was wondering what kept you.” Her eyes wandered over to Laila. “Ah, you must be the star princess I hear so much about!”

Laila felt something plummet within her chest at the sight of her voluptuous beauty.

“I am, indeed.” With each word, she felt her throat become a little more swollen. She smoothed out the skirt of her dress. “And you are?”

“Princess Laila, this is Katerina Blackwood of the Vidua Nocte.” Darius rubbed at his neck as though he’d been caught doing something shameful, yet he did not know why. He couldn’t understand the look of betrayal in Laila’s gaze. What’s more, he couldn’t understand why he felt culpable before it. “We were just—”

“Having a private discussion, you see,” Katerina interjected in lieu of him and bit the tip of his pointed ear, chuckling when Darius lightly nudged her off. “Which we had not yet finished.”

Laila needed them not to elaborate on what sort of conversation had likely taken place. “Well, don’t let me keep you.” She picked out her best smile and put it on for accessory. Then she turned on her heel. “Have a good evening, Darius Rex.”

“Princess—”

She ignored him. She could feel an invigorating surge of aether coursing through her veins, her body practically singing with it, that if she stopped now and if she looked at him she didn’t think she would be able to stop herself from detonating. 

She kept walking until she found herself in the middle of a hall, then she slumped against the wall. She closed her eyes, trying to think of anything but the images permeating her mind at that moment. She thought of Darius kissing Katerina, his hands on her body, murmuring sweet nothings in her ear, and it made her insane. 

Her breaths quickened until a pulse ejected from her body and swept across the hall, snuffing out all the flames in the sconces.

[erensattacktitandick-deactivate]

Penguin Classics Tag Game: The Essence of the Equinox

tagged by @whimsyqueenand @pinespittinink ♥

I made these covers ages ago to share on discord for my trilogy and so here we are!

tagging: @laufire-writes @missbrunettebarbie-writer @starry-sky-stuff @writingonesdreams @bloodlessheirbyjacques @tryingtimi @muddshadow @namelessscribe @tragicbackstoryenjoyer @stormbrightwriter @bebewrites @chishiio @equusgirl-writes @westcountrygothic @jess-p-edits @lord-fallen

How to do: This Website allows you to input your name, the title of your WIP, an image, and additional details, and it’ll make a cover for you in the style of the Penguin Classics covers!

[erensattacktitandick-deactivate]

Darius + Words of Affirmation 💕🗣

Since this ask I received where I talked about Laila and Darius' love languages got me thinking about how words of affirmation is very clearly Darius' I decided to go back and pull out some receipts for example:

When The Stars Alight:

“Are you alright?”  How strange to be on the receiving end of such unburdened empathy, no terms or conditions necessary, no dangling strings. Just a gentle touch on the shoulder and a crease of concern on her forehead and Darius wanted to melt within it.

-

“That is too cruel for me to accept,” Laila said, “living one’s life eternally shadowed by an oppressor isn’t a life worth living to me at all. What is the use of having forever if not to use that time to access higher planes of joy? Tranquility?” She came to rest her hand against his cheek. “Love?” Darius swallowed thickly, caught in the deep haze provided by her stare. He was to be a deep-rooted glacier of direction and purpose. Frozen, deadlocked. But she was the equator striking through him, matching his ice with her fire and it’s too much, too hot, the scorching white heat of her tongue. He steeled himself against the impulse to step back.

-

“The Citadel is my home, Laila, no one here knows how to breach it better than I do.” He took her wrists and lowered her hands from his face. “It has to be me.” “And what if Lanius kills you?” Strange it was to be wanted like this, worried over, when he had only known what it meant to be aflame with his own desire. He almost couldn’t believe it; had never dared to hope that she might look upon him as anything more than a beast to take into her bed. And yet.

-

He closed his eyes, all the wound tension in his body softening as he pulled her close. It would be so easy for him to lose himself in this for how badly he wanted it; wanted her to show him that she cared for him like this. “Come back to me,” she said softly, digging her fingers into the lapels of his coat as though that alone was enough to keep him near. “Do whatever you have to.”

-

“I’ve been looking for an excuse to get near you all night,” Darius murmured Mortesian low in her ear, “you are very high in demand.” “I know,” Laila said. “I’ve been wanting to ask how it is that you were doing?” “I’m as well as can be expected,” he replied, “though I feel immensely better now that I’m holding you.” 

-

“Léandre and I used to come here all the time during hiking. He always told me I should bring someone here myself one day. Someone special.” Her words rammed through him like a blade. How effortlessly she wielded that sterling silver tongue like a sword against his hardened black carapace. Slicing through him, flaying him of his impenetrable scales.

-

“It’s okay,” she said, pressing her lips to his bicep. “I’m just glad you’re here with me now.”  Darius swallowed, snuffing the sudden desire that perhaps, just possibly, she meant it, truly meant it in the way he desired her to. That she had sought the ghost of his company outside her most carnal fantasies as he had done her. But he knew better now.

-

“I want you,” she said, running her hands slowly down his chest, “I need you.” Though he fought against it, hearing her say she needed him was the crippling blow. He made a strained sound, as though wounded from it, and she seized his weakness.

We Will Devour The Night:

“How may I help you, Your Radiance?” Laila frowned somewhat at his propriety. “I wanted to thank you for the support you showed me at the meeting today. It meant a lot to have you on my side.” She paused, before deciding to add, “I much prefer it when you and I are working in tandem.” His cold veneer thawed, somewhat. “I much prefer having you on my side too.”

-

Laila looked down at him, eyes clouded with desire. “I want you again,” she said, surprising them both. “I haven’t thought of anything else.” The words made him throb with longing and for a moment he debated whether he was in a dream. “You have me.”

-

“What did you just say?” he asked, his voice a frail whisper. “I said that I’m in love with you, Darius,” Laila repeated, bolder now. Amazing how much easier it grew each time she said. “Darius, I love you—” His mouth collided against hers urgently, swallowing the words from her lips. He kissed her with such a yearning that she didn’t realise he’d been suppressing and, gods, but she never truly realised before now just what it was she did to him. The taste of the sweet wine from his mouth stained her own before he had his hands in her hair and pulled her to him. “Say that again,” he murmured against her lips.

-

“This is Mortos, Laila. Reliance on others sounds an excellent way to get oneself killed.” He stifled a noise when she touched a particularly tender spot. “Each member of my Eyrie has its utility, I can guarantee you that. But do I trust them? No more than a tiger in its cage.” “Sounds lonely.” Laila frowned, pressing deeper into the stubborn knot along his spine. “I didn’t realise you’d been lonely for so long.”  “No one has ever… been interested like that before.” 

-

“If you want, I don’t have to come in with you,” he said, when the desperation to say something could no longer be withheld. “I could just as easily have the driver escort me to the embassy.” “No.” She seized his hand forcefully and interlocked their fingers. “I want you here with me.” Having it confirmed caused his chest to lift, but the nearing of the gates made him waver.

-

“That’s what I keep trying to tell you. It’s…” She bit down on her lip. “What I’m trying to say is that…” Darius paused, his breath suspending. “I’ve decided that I might… keep it. And you.” She moistened her lips. “If that’s alright?” He moved in quickly to kiss her, causing any words she might have uttered next to become stuck in her throat. Laila made a soft whimper as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him that much closer.

[anncherie]

#stitch with @Isaiah Washington My bad. You're right. let me fix that. #characterinspiration #amwriting

@laufire-writes @missbrunettebarbie-writer i think we might have forgotten something hahahaha