#amys-snapshots

[amys-snapshots]

New Year Conversations 🤍

CC List:

Aislyn

Hair: S-Club Hair N56 Cecile by @rollo-rolls

Top: HARLOW crop golf shirt by @johziii

Pants: High Waisted Mom Jeans by @billsims-cc

Cailean

Hair: WINGS-OE1218 by @wingssims

Turtleneck: Innerwear by @haneco410

Top: Basic Shirt Gorillax3 TS4 to TS3 by @purplepxls

Poses

Couple Sit by @poses-by-bee

[thesimperiuscurse]

happy birthday @amys-snapshots 💓

I know you’re super busy, and much was already exchanged in our previous birthday conversation, but I want to wish the sweetest, brightest, loveliest simmer a very happy birthday! Not sure what the exact time is over there but you mentioned California’s crazy house prices once so I’m going off that clock, haha. Here is your favourite Gucci Boi to celebrate this momentous occasion! 

You bring such positive vibes to our little writing community and talking with you is absolutely the best 🌼 Any time you pop up brings a silly smile to my face, hehe. Your stories are super awesome and each chapter is so exciting—Aislyn and the gang are such fun, layered characters to follow, and the beauty of Jawline Connoisseur Cailean (and who could forget Gus) never fails to slap. The audacity 😫 You always bring immense thoughtfulness and kindness to conversations, and I’m ever grateful for your constant encouragement and inspiration! Thank you for all the years, dear friend. I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing day and many more to come 💛

[notjustabooksims]

3, 5, 10 and 12!

Thanks for sending this, Amy! 😍

3. Which process do you dedicate more time to, editing visuals or editing your writing? Why?

I actually think it must be around 50/50. I for sure spend ages on visuals, taking shots, and editing them. At the same time I read my chapters over and over and over again, both in my head and out loud to myself. I’m always correcting wording, little flaws, and character things. I also usually have someone beta-reading for me and so after they’ve read it and commented, I edit again (and probably a bit more). Yeah, I’m fairly certain it’s about 50/50!

5. Are there any scenes in your story that you enjoy re-reading?

He, he, yeah. It feels super egotistical to say, but I quite often re-read my older stuff. Any scenes that are very emotional or romantic are fun to re-read, I think. 🙈 Some of my favourites to re-read in gen 2: 13. Difficult Navigation, 20. Permanent, 21. Weightless , 39. Neutral Ground. And probably a few more. It’s not because I’m sitting there congratulating myself on my amazing writing or something. I often notice little things I don’t like or which could have been better about the whole story. I guess I just like once again being swept up in the emotion I felt at the time, because writing is an extremely emotional process for me - I feel in love or nostalgic or upset or angry, hell I even tear up sometimes. I don’t re-read older stuff (like og generation 1 or Champion or Moonlight) as much, but I do now and again and it’s quite nice to go back, both because I see all the improvements I’ve made, but also the core of those stories that I feel made them work (or not).

10. If you could choose to be one of your characters for a day, which one would it be?

Oh god, you know literally all my characters are either criminals or suffer from anxiety/self-loathing... or both? 🤣 But I guess I’d go for Lia, if nothing else then because I get to hang out in a beautiful forest and a cozy cabin while wearing the slickest business casual outfits. Yup, that’s what I’d pick!

12. What is your favorite thing about the simblr story writing process?

That would be seeing the text and visuals come together. I think my most recent chapter of Heartwood is one of the most satisfying I’ve done because I’ve both managed to convey mood and tension and everything - both with colours, poses, set, and editing. I personally think it turned out well and it’s so satisfying to see those two things play together.

[amys-snapshots]

What If: Gus & Aislyn

rules — Tell us about the “What If” couples in your story; how they might have worked or failed, what their relationship dynamics would be. 

Thanks to @thesimperiuscurse for the tag! *cough* one million years ago *cough* It’s probably cheating since Aislyn and Gus were already a couple at one point, so this isn’t much of a stretch. Buttttt the other couples I had in mind are kind of spoiler-y considering where the story is at (blame my glacial pace)... So, Guslyn it is~

I did mention on le blog before that they were almost endgame until Cailean showed up and completely changed the trajectory of the story, hehe. I think the friendship they have now - and will continue to have - is very solid and much more suited for them compared to them as a couple; part of the reason being that they both were trying to transition out of old habits that made forming any kind of partnership difficult. Had they met with the mentality they both have now, things could’ve been different, but at the same time, they wouldn’t have reached the point they’re at now if they hadn’t met and broken up with one another. 

What Works 

Aislyn and Gus share a lot of similarities personality-wise. They’re both very easy going, and are comfortable letting things be without feeling the need to get answers or question others even if they sense something is up. They’d much rather let the other party come forward with whatever’s bothering them. This allows for them to be comfortable in each other's presence without feeling the need to put up any kind of front, knowing that it’s okay to not be okay and not have to explain yourself unless you want to share. They’re both headstrong when it comes to certain things, and wouldn’t hesitate to put anyone intending to harm the other - emotionally or physically -  in line. They’re both individuals who don’t let the fear of consequences stop them from doing what they think is right in a given moment. They also share a similar outlook on what the future of their relationship would look like. Coming from families that aren’t whole - but for different reasons - both Aislyn and Gus aren’t big on the idea of starting a family. They hold the same view on marriage and children, which is a slight disinterest in both. What they both long for is companionship and stability and they'd be able to provide that for one another.   

What Doesn’t

While there’s a lot of overlap in Aislyn and Gus’s dispositions, there are also quite a few significant differences, one such example being their love languages. Aislyn is someone who enjoys making an effort through actions; subtle gestures, gift giving, and attention to details towards her partner is how she shows her love. And while these acts wouldn’t go unnoticed by Gus, his love language is physical touch, so he’d much rather prefer the latter. The disparity between them is that Aislyn shies away from, and never initiates,  those kinds of overt displays of affection Gus provides at any and all times, so that can cause a feeling of distance between them in their relationship. Likewise, as evident from the fallout of their relationship, while there was love between them - which shall remain - there was a lack of lust for one another, and physical attraction is something to also consider in relationships. While Aislyn and Gus feel comfortable with one another, they aren’t attracted to each other in that way, even though they can objectively regard the other as good looking. There is also the issue of there being some difficulty in them finding activities they both enjoy. Gus is more social, and enjoys going to big venues - like sporting arenas or concerts - to have a good time, whereas Aislyn is more introverted and would rather spend time on a quiet dinner or a night in. While there’s some truth to the expression opposites attract, because their ideas of a good time are so different, they’d feel like they’d be compromising each time they decided to do what the other enjoys for a date night, resulting in only one of them truly enjoying the time. For those reasons, their relationship wouldn’t - and didn’t, hehe - last very long. 

[amys-snapshots]

Sight Chapter 50 pt. 1: The Right Man

Cailean reflects on the recent developments in he and Aislyn’s relationship while also deliberating over a big decision in his career. Meanwhile, Aislyn mends bridges with Axel.

An excerpt:

“I wish I hadn’t had anything to drink, I could’ve driven you back. It’s not like I have anything to do today anyway.” Cailean holds Aislyn’s jacket out, and she slides her arms into it. “I appreciate the offer.” She says as they begin making their way downstairs. “And, I’m sorry.” Cailean looks at her questioningly.

“I’ve never seen you drunk before. I’m guessing that was my doing…” She adds quietly. “It was Kim’s doing actually.” Cailean says matter-of-factly. Aislyn raises a brow. “I don’t believe you, but thanks for saying that anyway.”

She slips her hand into Cailean’s as they reach the bottom of the steps and the naturalness of the gesture surprises him. He leans down and presses his lips to hers. “I’m regretting actually agreeing to let you go.” A blush spreads over Aislyn’s cheeks at his words. “Now that you’ve mentioned it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drunk either.” He says as his eyes drift along the color forming on her face. “I act more…” Aislyn stops herself. “More?” Cailean echoes to get her to continue. “…more like how I used to be.” She says with distaste.

“And that is?”

“More giggly, and emotional, and I hate it.” Aislyn says, her face reddening further.

“Everything you’re saying is only piquing my curiosity. Maybe our next date should be at a winery.”

“Sorry to dash your expectations, but I’ve sworn off of drinking for good. It would take something extraordinary to see me go for any kind of alcohol willingly.”

Despite the lighthearted nature of their conversation, there was a weight to Aislyn’s words, one Cailean wanted to carefully pick apart, but would have to wait until another time...

[amys-snapshots]

B & W Outtakes 🖤

[amys-snapshots]

Sight Chapter 49 pt. 2: Progress

Daisy provides Aislyn with some much needed advice to help mend the strained nature of her relationships with J.D. and Cailean.

An excerpt: 

“So, how long are you going to ignore Aislyn for?”

“I’m not ignoring her… anymore.” Cailean means it. Despite all of the other emotions he was experiencing, he did feel guilty leaving Aislyn’s calls the previous night unanswered.

“Oh? You didn’t pick up the phone earlier.”

“That’s because you were right there.”

“I didn’t know my presence could make you so shy.” She says sarcastically. “No offense, Kim, but you’re the last person I want to talk to about this.” Kim seems stung by his words. “Why not?” Her smile falters. Cailean sighs. “Don’t look at me like that. It’s only because I know you know a lot more about everything going on with Aislyn than I do.” Kim doesn’t deny this. “Sorry.” She mumbles. Cailean cracks a smile at her response. “Why are you apologizing? I’m not mad at you.” Cailean takes a few sips of his drink in silence.

“You aren’t going to ask me what happened?” Kim asks after a moment.

“It wouldn’t be right, hearing it from you.” At this, Kim nods. “Not that I planned to, but had I asked, would you have said anything?” Cailean asks, and Kim shakes her head. “Sorry.” She says again.

“I didn’t agree to stay so that I could hear you continuously apologize.”

“Then why did you? You aren’t venting.”

“Because I know how you are.” Cailean reaches out to poke Kim’s cheek lightly. “You were going to such lengths to try and help, and I appreciate it, but Aislyn and I aren’t going to make any progress if we don’t work things out on our own… Right now, just being in your company is enough.”

[amys-snapshots]

🖤 ❤️