Magic Ink

Hi! I'm Amy and this is my writeblr for all things fictional and creative. One day I hope to be a published author but for now I'll stick with writing things for fun! ;) My main WIP right now is "A Song of Sirens", feel free to ask my about it or tell me about your WIPS! I enjoy ask and tag games :)

[freddieardley]

“Consumed in a labyrinth of writhing branches; they had lost their way.”

Photographed by Freddie Ardley

Instagram @freddieardley

[writeouswriter]

[keatsgay-deactivated20200126]

foreshadowing done well makes me go feral like there’s NOTHING better than getting to the end a book or an important storyline moment and realising that the author laced information so intricately into their writing that weren’t noticeable upon first read but when you read back sections they’re light giant red flags like wow writing is amazing

[h-brook-writes]

[h-brook-writes]

The thrilling follow-up

[starkemaus]

Things I’ve learned over 18 years of writing:

There will be things you pour your heart and soul into that just never pan out. Learn to let go.

There will be large gaps of time (sometimes years!) where you don’t write at all. That’s ok. You’ll come back a better writer anyway.

You will make mistakes. Sometimes painful ones. Instead of shrinking away or digging in, grow.

The desire to write must be internal and not driven by outside validation. You must want to write regardless of anyone ever seeing it.

That being said, find at least one friend whose opinion you trust who will read your work and encourage you.

Never start the first draft over.

Rewrite the whole thing at least once from scratch (I usually do this on draft 4).

Research.

Write a little bit every day (even if it’s just a paragraph or a single chapter on an outline) and after a long enough time of pushing through you’ll find that you’ve developed a habit of writing every day and will write more consistently.

Spend less time worrying about advice/tips/fixing your writing and just use that energy to write and you’ll find that you’ve outgrown those errors.

I’m sure I will add more to this later but this is just off the top of my tipsy head!

[cassius-mortemer-has-advice]

I might’ve already reblogged this. Might’ve. I’m not sure. Tumblr might be lying. But this is painfully relatable

[writing-with-melon]

10 Questions Game round 3

I got tagged by @musicofglassandwords​ thanks for the questions!

Rules: Answer 10 questions, ask 10 questions, and tag 10 people!

The answers are about The Queen’s Co.

1. Describe your WIP in three words. The Queen’s Co. is an entertaining, action, clusterfuck

2. Short synopsis of your favorite scene. Cat teaches Nathaniel to dance and the others join in and it’s wholesome and beautiful.

3. What are some of the main dynamics between your OCS? They’re a family of overgrown children. But mostly they have a team dynamic, sometimes they bicker and fight and can’t stand each other but they are their own family so they stick together.

4. How do your OCs fight in danger/battle? They mostly use firearms, but Becky is the expert in that area. But when they don’t have that then, Bonaparte uses his military experience and Cat does a mix of boxing and ballet. Percy likes to use explosives and Arabella knows tai chi. Nathaniel likes to stay out of it but he does learn how to shoot. John never fights ever and Thaddeus knows a bit of boxing.

5. What are your OCs’ defining traits? Nathaniel is logical and open Catalina is bold and friendly Bonaparte is brave and loyal Thaddeus is charismatic and determined John is serious and reliable Arabella is confident and mysterious Percy is observant and thoughtful Becky is generous and optimistic 

6. What inspired your WIP? Many things, the state of the world, movies, music, the steampunk aesthetic. It started off being a “what if Queen Victoria had been assassinated and that set of a chain of events that made the world get stuck in a steampunk world” and then it evolved from there. 

7. What are your OCs’ fatal flaws? Nathaniel is naive and timid Catalina is selfish and impulsive Bonaparte is short-tempered and stubborn Thaddeus is arrogant and overprotective John is controlling and humorless Arabella is prideful and vain Percy is closed off and callous Becky is needy and selfless

8. How long have you been working on your WIP? It’s been an on and off project for like seven years? Oh gahd I really need to get get to it!

9. What’s the last book you’ve read? I think it was Carry On by Rainbow Rowell? I haven’t read an actual book since the summer, only online stuff.

10. What do you want to achieve as a writeblr on tumblr? I want to make friends and stay motivated to keep writing maybe get some feedback on my writing.

And now my questions:

1. Which scene from your WIP would you like people to draw? 2. Does your WIP draw some inspiration from another story? If so which one? 3. Which of your OCs what the first to be born, like in your mind who appeared first? 4. Which of your OCs has been the hardest to write? 5. What is the color scheme of your WIP or which colors do you associate your WIP with? 6. What is the line that you’ve loved the most from your WIP? 7. How do you feel about the ending of your WIP assuming you have it figured out? 8. Which of your OCs would make the best Disney villain? 9. Do you have another WIP in the works? 10. Wich of your OCs would be your best friend in real life?

I’m tagging these people:

@stardustscribes @iced-ginger-tea @bookenders @abbie-writes @oneleggedflamingo @onemoredayofwriting @chronicleofstars @writtenwolves  @dogwrites @waterfallwritings 

[onemoredayofwriting]

10 Questions Game

I got tagged by @writing-with-melon to take part! Sorry I have been gone for so long - I started University a few months ago and finding the time/motivation to get on tumblr or even do any writing at all has been a bit difficult 😅. I haven't actually worked on my A Song of Sirens WIP in ages and don't know when I'll go back to it as I'm working on other stuff, but I'll answer the questions on it anyway!

1. Which scene from your WIP would you like people to draw?

Probably the scene where Ivor and Lavinia first meet because I find it really funny. They've technically met before and have a deep dislike for each other at first.

2. Does your WIP draw some inspiration from another story? If so, which one?

I can't remember it drawing inspiration from another story in particular.

3. Which of your stories was the first to be born, like in your mind, who appeared first?

Ivor was definitely the one to appear first. The main siren.

4. Which of your OCs has been the hardest to write?

Fletcher, partly because he doesn't have as many scenes, partly because he is separated from the rest of the group and so I can't bounce him off the other characters as well.

5. What is the colour scheme of your WIP or which colours do you associate your WIP with?

Colour scheme is probably all dark blues, greens, and browns. The kind of blues and greens of a dark ocean.

6. What is the line that you've loved most from your WIP?

If I had to pick one that was kind of a favourite, I'd have to go with this one: "stupid humans and their complicated, needy feet!"

Purely because the idea of Ivor being angry over having feet instead of his usual siren tail is funny to me.

7. How do you feel about the ending of your WIP assuming you have figured it out?

Honestly, I am not entirely sure on the ending yet. Like, I know kind of what has to happen but the details aren't there.

8. Which of your OCSs would make the best Disney villain?

Lavinia I think. Like, sure, there are the actual villains in the story, but I think Lavinia has a lot of potential for an over dramatic villain, haha.

9. Do you have another WIP in the works?

There's so many, you have no idea omg

10. Which of your OCs would be your best friend in real life?

Either Mei or Jerome just because I feel like they are the friendliest and I would get along with them best.

Okay, so here are ten questions:

1. What aesthetic does your WIP have? Is it a mix of different aesthetics?

2. Does your WIP make use of any tropes?

3. What are some random facts about your OCs?

4. Did anything inspire your WIP?

5. Are there any OCs that you think you would struggle to get along with if you met them in real life?

6. Do you have any other WIPS you are working on?

7. Which scene has been your favourite to write so far?

8. Are there any scenes coming up that you are apprehensive to write?

9. Which OC has been the most fun to write?

10. Has your WIP went through any massive changes since you started writing it?

I'm tagging:

@cookiecutterwrites @raevenlywrites @maidollyganger @marvinorjack @writingrailroad @ghostpicnic-writes @coffehousecreations @nemowritesstuff @alternativeforensicscientist @esoteric-eclectic-eccentric

No pressure to take part, just looking for people to tag!

[writing-with-melon]

The Ladies from The Queen’s Co.

Here are my girls from The Queen’s Company using @ummmmandy’s wonderful Picrew: Girl Maker because I felt like spouting random facts about them! 

Rebeka Bartholomew

nickname: Becky pronouns: she/her age: 25 height: 5′2 ft star sign: Cancer orientation: straight likes: pastries or anything sweet dislikes: cruel people special skills: pickpocketing and sharpshooting, this girl can hit any target Facts: Under her cute child-like exterior and her eternal optimism hides an anxious orphan who fears being abandoned and who often gives out too much of herself. Life on the streets taught her caution and that kindness goes a long way.

Arabella Lavender

nickname: Ara or Bella pronouns: she/her age: 26 height: 5′6 ft star sign: Pisces orientation: pansexual likes: fashion and dressing up  dislikes: wastefulness special skills: acrobatics and seduction Facts: Left alone after her home and people were attacked, she turned to the only profession a circus lady could find, hustling men. Confident in her beauty and skills she sometimes borders on vanity and arrogance but her caring nature manages to shine through. 

Catalina Beckett 

nickname: Cat pronouns: they/them or she/her age: 24 height: 5′7 ft star sign: Sagittarius orientation: bisexual likes: motorbike rides  dislikes: betrayal  special skills: ballet and hand-to-hand combat Facts: The life of a high born lady wasn’t for her, they knew that much thanks to her restless and rebellious nature, but it still hurt when her family disowned her. They may act bold and indifferent but that’s only a façade to hide their broken heart who is not ready to let anyone in. Though they are biologically a lady, they feel more comfortable in men’s clothing. She likes being fluid and she is fine with any pronoun. 

Tags for those who are interested: @iced-ginger-tea @adayforducks​ @dianacartertano​ @onemoredayofwriting​

[onemoredayofwriting]

Already love them all! Really excited to see everything else coming from this story!!

[arcenergy]

[writing-with-melon]

WIP Intro: The Queen’s Co.

The ruins of the city of Chicago have been replaced by the towering city of Newcast. It is the present, but a very different one, a more Victorian one…

art by Eddie Mendoza

Melon, presents The Queen’s Company

Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Steampunk 

Audience: New Adult 

Themes: friendship, revenge, right and wrong, revolution, identity

Premise: When his mentor is murdered, Nathaniel Tate is forced to team up with a band of outlaws calling themselves the Queen’s Company to enact revenge on the secret government faction that not only killed his mentor but is also responsible for ruining the lives of the company members. Together they will discover the evil faction’s plans to take the city, so it’s up to the Queen’s Co. to save the day and finally fulfill their plans of much-craved revenge.

The Queen’s Company: Characters

Nathaniel Tate: the orphaned inventor who prefers machines to people. He did not willingly join the team and had a hard time adjusting but with them, he finds a family. He becomes the team mechanic and strategist.

Catalina Beckett: crossdressing high society girl turned outlaw. She was cut off by her family for trying to elope. She’s an impulsive firecracker and does only what she pleases but has a good heart. 

Thaddeus King: the fallen heir to a multimillion company. His family’s company is not all that is seems and Thaddeus doesn’t want anything to do with it. He is the creator and leader of The Queen’s Company. 

John Knight: a nobleman from a good family. He runs the family’s business and is the main financial provider for the company. He is the childhood friend of Catalina and Thaddeus. 

Becky Bartholomew: took to the streets after she was expelled from the orphanage. She’s an expert sharpshooter and a literal ray of sunshine. Loves pastries more than her own brother. She’s totally head over heels for Percy and would die for him.

Percival Harlow: talented chemist who was presumed dead after his lab exploded in mysterious circumstances. He hides his gruesome scars as to not be discovered. He doesn’t talk much and prefers to act. He’s in a long term relationship with Becky and would die for her.

Arabella Lavender: ex-circus performer who lost everything when the government banned the circus. She is beauty, she is grace, she will punch you in the face. She may or may not be harboring feelings for another of the members.

Bonaparte Bartholomew: army deserter who is bitter at life. He abandoned his family to join the army but then deserted dues to the army’s less than moral actions. He’s very verbal about what he hates and loves to take charge. He doesn’t like to be challenged and often blows up when angry. Becky’s younger brother.

“We have a common goal, and we have each other, and that makes it not so bad.”

[writing-with-melon]

Nano is approaching and I’m so excited to work on this baby!

[onemoredayofwriting]

I love this idea so much!! Really cool

[undeadishness]

Hey does anyone following me have any super obscure vampire information 

[dawnlightsilhouette]

Vampires can squeeze themselves through narrow spaces. And I mean reeeaaaally narrow.

If you put a wild rose on a vampire’s coffin they can’t return into it.

Actually consuming blood isn’t really their thing, consuming life is. Blood has this status of being the juice/liquid/whatever of life. If something else had this status that would be what vampires drank.

It’s the religious belief, the goodness, the religious symbols and the power those have because of what people believe that work against vampires, not christianity itself. You can defend yourself against a vampire with any religion’s symbols.

Vampires can control animals like for example wolves, bats, rats, flies, …

They can create fog.

Capes and speaking with accent weren’t vampire things until one of the first Dracula movies in which Bela Lugosi played Count Dracula.

Sun light doesn’t kill vampires, it just limits their powers to some degree.

It’s not a vampire’s bite that turns you into a vampire, it’s the circumstances under which you die. If you die to early and still have unfinished business, if you die forcefully for example through suicide or murder, if you’ve been an asshole while you were alive, if an animal jumped over your dying body, if you used to sleepwalk etc. are more commonly reasons that will turn you into a vampire. A vampire can actively turn you into a vampire by using some of those indicators and slowly killing you off. Another way is consuming vampire blood, if you do that you won’t be a vampire right away but you will be less human and under the vampire’s influence.

[thehonestauthor]

Writers working on an outline like:

[thoughts-ofawriter]

me: I have too many drafts. I need to cut down, or I won’t finish anything.

me, three seconds later: *starts a new story*

[otherwindow]

[otherwindow]

Iconic seafarer beards became a trend to scare away pesky mermaids.

Mermaid, seeing a bald pirate: Zero threat…! Mermaid, seeing a hairy, bearded pirate: If I get too close their face tentacles will eat me…!

[otherwindow]

Most mermaids only grow short beards as not to scare baby mermaids (longer beards look like the tentacled mouths of hungry squids and octopuses).

Pirates use this innate fear to their advantage to protect themselves from mermaids, hence the iconic beards and hat:

[ninjanaomi]

I like how this is presented as factual information

[water-of-the-bong-deactivated20]

because it is

[citizen-zero]

So in lore, vampires have this trait that I’ve almost never seen used, and that’s the fact that vampires are OBSESSED with counting things. Like, the Count on Sesame Street was almost certainly created specifically as a vampire because of this piece of lore.

Like, I read this vampire book years and years ago that explained that a surefire way to protect yourself from vampires getting into your house was to spread a ton of seeds on your doorstep–poppy and mustard seeds were particularly recommended for the purpose. Basically, if you suspected someone to be a vampire, all you had to do was drop a sackful of seeds on the ground in front of them.

If they didn’t immediately start counting them, they were not a vampire. However, if they WERE a vampire, they’d be seized with the urge to count all the seeds and they would not budge from that spot until they knew how many seeds there were in total. The point was to keep them there until the sun came up and killed them, because if they hadn’t counted all the seeds by sunrise they wouldn’t be able to leave. Presumably you could just go about the rest of your evening as normal, though no word on whether it’s possible to make them lose count and start over.

Having remembered this piece of lore, I want fewer stories about brooding tortured Edward Cullen-esque vampires. I want to start seeing more stories about math nerd vampires.

Vampire accountants who are an honest company’s best asset and a corrupt company’s bane because they are frighteningly accurate with the accounts and will not hesitate to blow the whistle on a CEO scamming money because fuck you for making the numbers wrong.

Vampire cashiers that don’t need to look at the register screen because they already mentally calculated your total. 10-items-or-less vampires who know goddamn well you have 20 items in that basket and NO, you cannot just slip in with the rest.

Vampire math tutors who are constantly in high demand and have to hold lotteries to see who gets to be tutored by them.

MATH NERD VAMPIRES

[the-real-rg]

Me: Okay! Here’s that death scene we planned!

My character, who was created for the express purpose of dying and has now decided Not To: bold of you to assume I can die

[the-real-rg]

My favourite thing about this post is how everyone is using it to

1. Call themselves out

2. Call that character out

3. Call THEIR FRIENDS OUT

No one is innocent. Everyone is guilty. The character still isn’t dead

[writeouswriter]

[blve0]

Come get y’all juice

[cephalotodd-deactivated20190310]

werewolves stink like wet dog and shed all over your furniture and are probably really really needy around a full moon and wake u up all the time with questions about morality but on the other hand vampires are like “øh hëllö thêrę vøuld yoü lïke to help me örganise mai evening vear closët for the third time this veëk :)” so really you cant win