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Thank you to everyone who's reached out to me regarding this piece of AI-scraping garbage. I already reported it to AO3 and am hoping it will be removed. If there's anything else I can do, please let me know!
In the meantime, @bananaiguana is currently working on an absolutely fantastic podfic for Accountant's Guide, so if you've ever wanted an audio version -- this is where it's at. Grass-fed and 100% human-made ❤
Also, for the record: Scarlett would never.
Writing Interview Tag Game
Thank you so much for the tag @roguishcat ❤ I love getting to chat about these things.
When did you start writing?
I know this sounds cheesy, but the answer is probably as soon as I could hold a pen. My grandma still has stacks of little stories I wrote (and illustrated ...) when I was a kid. Very cute, but I'm glad I gave up on drawing in the meantime.
I've been writing on and off ever since, but it wasn't until I was in my mid twenties that I decided I'd actively pursue a career in writing. I wrote a few original novels, none of which were ever successful in the world of traditional publishing, then got into fanfiction as a way of rekindling my joy. Once I'm done with my current fic, I'm ready to try with traditional publishing again. Maybe it'll work this time, maybe not, but I guess the bottom line is that I'll always write in some capacity.
Are there different themes or genres you enjoy reading than what you write?
I really like stories that are a little unsettling. Not horror, per se (I'm a coward), but those underlying creepy vibes, especially when they come wrapped up in beautiful language and actually end up culminating in something cool toward the end of the story. "Uprooted" by Naomi Novik comes to mind, "The Devil and the Dark Water" by Stuart Turton, and "Portrait of the Pale Elf" by @larvasmoon.
Is there a writer you want to emulate or get compared to often?
Terry Pratchett is the person who first sold me on the English language. Prior to his books, I'd never seen anyone use English in such a fun, cheeky yet poignant way, and it's definitely something I find myself emulating (all while hopefully putting my own spin on it). I have been compared to him a few times and it's always made my day.
Oh, and I guess Stephen Sommers because people compare my fic to "The Mummy" a lot. Which honestly, is just as flattering.
Can you tell me a bit about your writing space?
At my desk, with a mechanical keyboard. Not because I'm a hipster but because I have absolutely destroyed my laptop's keyboard and then the shop where I'd buy the replacement keys stopped selling my model and I refuse to replace the whole laptop.
I need a sense of quiet when I write. Usually, I write early in the morning before I go to work, and it's honestly my favorite time of the day. It's dark and quiet, I'm all alone, and the day still feels so fresh and full of possibility. I cannot write in public; I find it too distracting. Occasionally, when I'm very in the zone, I'll edit at work but it's never quite as productive.
What's your most effective way to muster up a muse?
Go and hunt that bitch down. I know many people love romanticizing their craft and if it helps them to light scented candles or play aesthetic playlists - go for it! For me, the most powerful tool is routine. Knowing that every morning I will sit down and I will write, whether I feel like it or not. Sometimes I drag my feet the whole time, sometimes things click into place and suddenly, I'm having the best time ever. But I will always put words on the page and for me, there's no better feeling than having written (past tense).
Are there any recurring themes in your writing? Do they surprise you?
You probably know this, but I really, really love stories where a regular guy/gal saves the day. It makes me so happy to see the evil vampire lord taken out by the mousy accountant, the fountain pen striking harder than the sword. I think it's because I like to read about real people. People that you could have met in real life, that seem simple on the outside, but have all this strength locked up inside. It's why I dislike stories with picture perfect beauty goddesses that always have the perfect quip, always take out their opponents with 1 blow because they're just that special.
Normal people are special, too. You just need to look a little harder to see.
What is your reason for writing?
I believe it was Brandon Sanderson who said "Stories are like real life but with the boring parts removed". That has really resonated with me. I think the beautiful thing about stories is that they can portray very real issues and conflicts in a way that is infinitely more satisfying because it's all been arranged just so. It can give you closure, it can make you see something in an entirely new light without feeling confrontational. It's like a really, really good conversation with the author and I hope that's what my writing feels like as well.
Is there any specific comment or type of comment you find particularly motivating?
Two things. I love when readers point out specific lines they enjoyed and I love it when they tell me they reread my work. The term "comfort read" makes me particularly happy because that's exactly how I reread my favorite stories as well.
How do you want to be thought about by your readers?
I think the most important part to me is that my stories feel real. I dislike pretentious, over-the-top writing where you can tell the author is trying super hard to sound clever or sexy or just drowns you in heaps of cheap, undeserved drama that never leads anywhere. With my stories, I want things to feel earned. Natural. Maybe you wouldn't have made those choices, but it makes sense that these characters would have and now we're looking at the very real consequences of their actions.
What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?
Character voice, specifically in 3rd person limited. My favorite type of narration because I love getting into a character's head and making you see things through their eyes.
How do you feel about your own writing?
I think every writer struggles with their confidence here and there. I've gone through so many cycles in the past 1.5 years, it's kind of crazy. Going from constant failure in the world of publishing to writing your very first fanfiction just for fun and then having it blow up out of nowhere, all these people showering you in praise, only for the vast majority of them to disappear immediately afterward is a lot to process. We write for ourselves, yes, but as a writer, you can't help but take reader responses to heart. Fortunately, I've never let it influence what I write or how I write; it really only affects my mental state. I know what I like to read and those are the stories I am going to tell, whether they're successful or not.
Aww, this was fun! Tagging @larvasmoon @davenswitcher @pickel182 @karinamay @pouroverpaloma ❤ ❤ ❤
OC smash or pass! - Zoraya
Thank you for tagging me @amoremagnificentbastard! Scarlett's post is right here.
This time I'm tagging @larvasmoon (for Selene) @pickel182 @shockdowndefiance (no pressure of course!)
Rules: include physical descriptions or pics, and propaganda. the "other" label can be used for "sexuality misalignment" (ie: oc is femme and you're gay, vice versa or you aren't into smashing but a specific thing you wanna do with them like perhaps hug or study them under a microscope idc).
(art by @riskpig ❤)
Facts:
Height: 1.8 m (or 5"9 for the unfortunate ones stuck with retarded units)
Age: 35
Race: Half elf, half human (Gur)
Gender: Female (she/her)
Class: Ace Attorney (which is apparently a thing in DnD???)
Pros:
- Badass lawyer and part time monster huntress
- Lives with the most important cat in all of Baldur's Gate
- Always sees the good in people, even if she has to squint
- Disciplined, hard-working, holds herself to very high standards both in terms of work and how she acts as a person
- Looks great in heels
Cons:
- Can be a little preachy with her ethical views and often expects too much of others (although never as much as she expects from herself)
- Sucks at any kind of domestic activity like cooking, cleaning or laundry
- Imposter syndrome; genuinely believes she has to overperform to "earn" her place
- Has been in love with one and the same guy since she was a child so really, you don't stand a chance
- Will probably think about that guy while you're making out and later guilt-trip herself
smash or pass?
smash!
pass!
respectfully look after her as she struts by (and show results)
OC smash or pass! - Scarlett
Was tagged for this twice (thank you @wetcatspellcaster), so I'll do both my girls! Zoya's post is right here.
Gonna tag @larvasmoon (for Beatrice) @davenswitcher @roguishcat if they feel like participating.
Rules: include physical descriptions or pics, and propaganda. the "other" label can be used for "sexuality misalignment" (ie: oc is femme and you're gay, vice versa or you aren't into smashing but a specific thing you wanna do with them like perhaps hug or study them under a microscope idc).
Scarlett
(art by @fluffyhoneytoast and @riskpig ❤)
Facts:
Height: 1.58 m (or 5"2 for those of you stuck with retarded units)
Age: 25
Race: Human
Gender: Female (she/her)
Class: Accountant, er, I mean wizard. Quandrix, to be precise.
Pros:
- Will frame people for tax fraud to avenge her loved ones
- Thinks on her feet, does calculus in her head -- you know, the usual
- Always has a fountain pen at the ready
- Patient with other people's bullshit, tries to see their perspective, flexible moral compass
- Generally very content and chill, doesn't feel the need to prove herself
- Is going to have great posture as she gets older :)
Cons:
- Shy, introverted, major office mouse vibes
- Never wears the hot clothes you get her because she feels silly in them
- Her idea of a good time definitely involves going to the stationary store (What happens there is up to you though)
- Obsessed with her job and incapable of realizing when other people are not, so you will learn stuff about accounting whether you want to or not
- Has been known to flirt people into depression, so approach at your own risk
smash or pass?
smash!
pass!
hire her to do your taxes (and show results)
Hi hi I’m here from Ao3 and have been following Magistrates Advocate relentlessly since I found it. I’m so excited to see how it turns out 😭
Hi! Thank you so much for stopping by, that's so so sweet of you ❤
I still get a little ... befuddled (?) whenever someone reaches out to me about MA because for quite a while there, the story had so little reader response - I was pretty sure it was dead in the water. Thank you for shouting it out and for pouring your heart into my story. It means a lot to me.
I still have quite a bit of stuff planned for Magistrarion and Zoya (as you can probably tell from how I keep correcting the final chapter count haha). The ending in particular is something I am super excited for. I hope you'll have fun with this final act of the story!
Have a wonderful day, dear reader, and thanks again ❤
Your writing is absolutely beautiful. ‘The Accountant’s Guide to Taking Down an Evil Vampire Lord’ reads so well. It’s one of my favorite fanfics of all time. I was wondering where you learned to write? Specifically if there are books or videos you could share that had a hand in teaching you. Your character development reads so effortlessly… heck, your story reads so effortlessly. I don’t struggle to stay with you while reading. Would you be willing to give a girl some tips?
First off, please know that your ask put the biggest, goofiest smile on my face ❤ When I first sat down to write "seriously" (i.e. with the intention for other people to see it), I read a number of writing craft books, but what stuck with me the most was "Save the Cat" by Jessica Brody and "Story Genius" by Lisa Cron. Both of them were immensely helpful in figuring out the overall structure of the type of story I like to read, as well as choosing a protagonist who would fit the narrative and actively drive it forward. I've been writing all my life, but it wasn't until I read "Save the Cat" that I ever made it past the 50% mark in a story, and I still return to it for guidance whenever I start a new project.
I also always recommend the Youtube channel of Brandon Sanderson. He's one of the most prolific fantasy authors of our time and whether or not you like his stories, his channel has so many incredible resources that are all free. Like a complete lecture series right here. Another storytelling Youtuber I really enjoy is Tim from "Hello Future Me".
Apart from that, I think the best advice is to read. Read things you like and read things you dislike and try to analyze what it is that does or doesn't work for you. Look at the way they set up a scene, how they progress their characters, and how they make dialogue flow. Take the things you know you love and try to put your own spin on them (My fic writing style is probably best described as "Terry Pratchett on a really horny day").
Don't forget that stories are subjective and that you can never make everyone happy. The goal is to find your niche and write for your audience. I have been asked why I don't make my OCs more conventionally attractive and / or emphasize their hotness. The answer is that there's plenty of stories like that out there - they're just not mine.
I would also like to stress that none of my fics are first drafts. My writing process is very iterative; I'll fast-draft stuff way before I even start posting a fic and then I work my through the draft later and edit as I go. So what you see is the result of a lot of effort and thought behind the scenes, not something I just churn out.
Thank you for reaching out with your love for the story and letting me ramble about my favorite thing! I hope this was somewhat helpful. Have a great day ❤
Fanfic ask game! 💚(green) 🤎 (brown) and 🤍 (white)
I answered 🤎 for my 2 main fics here and here!
💚 - Do I feel inspired by and/or jealous of other people's writing?
Yes. Both. I've gotten pretty good at recognizing my own strengths and telling myself that just because I could never write like that other author doesn't mean I don't have my own little niche to fill. That's the beautiful thing about creative endeavors: We all have our own stories to tell in a way that no one else ever could. Still, there have been times when I've had to step away from reading a fic I enjoyed, simply because I kept comparing myself to them (be it in terms of quality and / or engagement). I've had to stop looking through the AO3 rankings because there is nothing more depressing than watching your work fall lower and lower as new stuff comes in to take its place. Interestingly, I don't fall into the trap of self-comparison nearly as much when I read novels, so that's usually what I focus on when I'm going through a vulnerable phase. When it comes to fandom, all I want to be is a cheerleader for other people's work, so if I'm not in a state where I can do that, I'll rather take a step back and reread "Guards, Guards" for the gazillionth time.
🤍 - What's a fanfic scenario I'd like someone else to write?
Gonna cheat a little here because the wonderful @larvasmoon is already writing the Pirate Astarion fic of my dreams (and I cannot recommend it enough!).
As for something I haven't seen yet: Mafia AU. Specifically, I'm thinking a scenario like in Leigh Bardugo's "Six of Crows" where we're the underdogs and have to pull off an impossible job to show the big bad (aka Cazador) what's what. I want there to be a tinkerer and an acrobat and a schemer and a badass fighter, and I want a whole lot of unresolved sexual tension until they get locked in a vault and have to make out to save air. Someone. Please. I am literally begging.
Anyway, thanks so much for the ask! Really, I'm so happy you reached out and let me nerd out for a minute (or two or 40, ahem). I appreciate it ❤
Pink and brown for the ask game! 😊
Aww thank you for the ask!
Going to tag @larvasmoon and @pickel182 since they also submitted pink - Do I find certain characters easier or more difficult to write?
This is a very fandom-specific question for me because in my original work, the answer is No. I only create characters I am interested in following. Fandom, however, comes with its own set of characters that are outside of my control and I really struggle with the ones that I do not care about. Not to say I don't like them, necessarily, but I just do not have anything to say about them. I love writing Cazador because even though he is a piece of shit, I am interested in his shenanigans and enjoy exploring them in my work. There's a reason why Gale, Lae'zel and Karlach tend to be very prominent in my fics, while other characters are pushed to the sidelines. There's also a reason why Halsin has never been featured in any of my work. I want my stories to be full of vibrant characters that all contribute to the plot in their own ways. If I can't do that, I'd rather leave them out altogether.
I answered brown for Accountant's Guide over here, so as for MA: I decided to write it because I'd built up a shit ton of head canon regarding Astarion's Magistrate Days while playing the game. Maybe this is due to the fact that I grew up watching anime, but I love me a good backstory. I love digging into what made a character who they are. When Larian decided not to focus on his magistrate days, I was disappointed, but kept telling myself that there'd be a fic some day. A proper longfic that would really flesh out his relationship with Cazador and the Gur and his family, honing in on themes of morality and justice in a way that just doesn't feel fair with canon Astarion.
Three months after game release, there was still nothing in sight, so I rolled up my sleeves and went to work! We as a fandom deserve a Magistrate Astarion longfic. Also yes, I wanted to write the kinky courtroom smut, but me being me, there also had to be a whole lot of plot around it lol
Thanks again for submitting your asks! Honestly, two minutes after reblogging the post, I was certain no one would ask anything, so thank you for saving me from that ❤
