-loves loves lovesss binge watching any type of online content, has no specific interest but dabbles in whatever niche comes up their feed, deep dives and gossip are their only true calling
-in college/dropped out depending on the fic
-internet slang/hyperaware of everything
-"erm... actually"
-mentally well, physically ill most of the time (nothing crazy, mostly just flus) needs to be looked after when going out
-the advice giver of the group
-constantly ragebaiting everyone has no true sence of boundaries, maybe socially clueless
-despite the alt aesthetics they dress whatever and however they want, mostly handmade items
-for the sake of plot convenience just assume they have a good paying job as a tattoo artist, and a healthy relationship with their family which is why they're out of their life and living the way they want
-party goer but sober, drinks and smokes on occasion but again generally just a healthy individual with a slight bully mindset (in the best way)
-the driver who tries not to overdrink
-west coast valley accent cause they know it annoys everyone
-"you're so stupid" "i know i am but what are you!?"
- "do it for the plot"
-somehow knows everything and nothing at the same time
-the boys are lowkey fed up with them and their nonsense but they still find it endearing which is why they love you
-piercings.. piercings and tatts everywhere
-graffiti artist on occasion
-despite the extremely healthy relationships and overall good mental state, they're a little bored so when they stick around despite everything it's either genuine care or just pure boredom
-unbothered. not in a nonchalant way, will either walk away or just make things worst for everyone else
I’ve noticed some new followers here recently so first and foremost I just wanna say welcome! We are currently in the 1930s of a Sims Decades Challenge that has gone off the rails into full blown story mode. Starting from the beginning is recommended, although of course you’re welcome to dive in from whenever you started following. But if you would like to read more, here’s a bit of a guide on where to begin:
If you’d like to read Gen 1, I recommend starting with The Prequel and working your way through The 1890s and The 1900s. This is because there isn’t much of a clear delineation between the three; however, they are also the shortest and easiest to read. They cover the lives of Oliver, Florence, and Adelia as well as the upbringing of Rosella, Zelda, Virginia, and Isaiah.
If you would like to start when the story really begins to pick up, I recommend beginning in The 1910s. While this chapter will drop you in on ongoing plotlines, it stands on its own as the life of Rosella and Virginia, ties up the lives of Gen 1, and shows key formative moments for Zelda and Isaiah.
If you would like to jump in on the current cast of characters, I recommend beginning in The 1920s. This is actually my secondary recommendation after starting from the beginning, as it begins with a clear delineation and new plotlines. It covers the life of Gen 2 heir Zelda, as well as introduces Antoine, Josephine, Giorgio and shows the upbringing of Violette.
If you don't have alot of time/inclination to catch up, I recomend beginning in The 1930s. This will get you information directly relevant to the current plotline and covers the ongoing lives of Zelda, Antoine, Giorgio, Josephine, and pivotal development for Violette.
If you’d like more info even after all of this, browsing “extras” through the character portals is filled with my rants and insights into character motivations/personalities.
Also, we are grown out here, so this is a general content warning for alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, cursing, bad choices, and TV-level sexual content. I use the tag sim spice, but will also be linking out to Pillowfort when things get a little too HBO for Tumblr.
Likewise, there is a list of potential trigger warnings in my pinned post, but in general this is a story that deals with historical themes, attitudes, and prejudices so please proceed with that knowledge.
But more than anything, welcome, have fun, and enjoy the mess babes! ♥️😙
Pro Tip: Sign up for an AO3 account here. If you’re worried about anonymity, use a shell email and make an absurd username. The benefits of getting an account:
You get more fics! Many writers have their work “locked” to only registered users.
Searching is easier because you can save the fandoms you’re interested in
Going back to old favorites or wanna catch up later? “Bookmark” or “Mark for Later”
Commenting! More than kudos, writers thrive on comments. Even a simple heart emoji means a lot, but if you’re not sure what to say, check out this “Comment Builder” tool another group created to help give ideas for amazing comments.
Use DARK MODE! With an account you can go to Preferences-->Site Skin-->Reversi, and voila! Dark mode ;)
Now that the PSA is out of the way, how do we search and find what we’re looking for?
1. Find your fandom’s homepage.
For Lore Olympus, it’s here (bookmark it, if you don’t have it saved already)
2. Right hand side, you see “Sort and Filter”
If you’re curious, the most popular used are:
Kudos (The number of readers who, at the end of the fic, hit the “kudos” button)
Date Updated (Showing you the newest fics published)
Hits (Showing you the fics with the most visits/clicks)
But that’s just the beginning. Maybe you read the most popular and want more! Now it’s time to ask yourself what you want to read? Fanfiction is about exploration and fun...what do you want from this world and characters? Rule 34 of the internet whispers there’s almost always a fic out there to suit your needs. Again, we start on the right-hand side in “Sort and Filter” - For each of these sections, choose whether you want to INCLUDE or EXCLUDE the following:
3. Filters for Days
Though out-of-order, I’m going to start with the filters I use most frequently (and consider undervalued), then go on down the line.
RELATIONSHIPS: Is there a ship you LOVE? Check for the ship here. A slash (Jill/Joan like to kiss) means romance. An ampersand (Jill&Joan are buds) means platonic.
Pro Tip: There is a NEW search functionality to search for fics where you can search a relationship that is a “one true pair,” meaning no other relationships are clouding the fic. To do this, check-off the “Relationship” you want and in “Search within results” type: otp= true
ADDITIONAL TAGS: This is a good place to search for specific tropes, kinks, or situations if you want something very specific. As you read more fanfic, you start to learn the tags you prefer. As a start, you can check out the most popular tags on AO3.
Completion Status: If you hate the heartache of reading something that isn’t (and may never) be done? Click Completed Works Only.
Word Count: Do you prefer short or long stories? To give context, here’s a rough gauge:
2,500 words = 10 - 15min to read
10,000 words = 40min - 1 hour to read
Most novels range from 70k-90,000 words
RATINGS: What kind of story do I want - wholesome, kinda sexy, or sweating from the heat?
Explicit - Erotica-level smut. Can also mean extreme violence (but that’s rare)
Mature - Story includes sexy times or violence but doesn’t revolve around it.
Teen - Suitable for 13+ and may have romance, but nothing sexy
General - All ages. No disturbing content.
Not Rated - Writer did not clarify.
WARNINGS: Do you want to avoid stuff that may trigger you?
No Archive Warnings Apply - Reader doesn’t need any warnings. Nothing below applies to this story.
Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings - A warning below applies, but writer chose not to divulge.
Graphic Depictions Of Violence - Gory, graphic, explicitly described violence.
Major Character Death - A central character dies.
Rape/Non-Con - Non-consensual interactions, usually sexual
Underage - Characters under age 18 engage in sexual activity
CATEGORIES: Which ROMANTIC relationships do you prefer?
F/F & F/M & M/M - Female/Female, Female/Male, and/or Male/Male romantic relationship, respectively. Check off what you want.
Multi - More than one kind of romantic relationship, or a relationship with multiple partners.
Other - Romantic relationships that do not fall in the above. This is RARE. Do not tag family relationships with this. You will confuse/alarm your readers.
Gen/General: Either no romantic relationships or relationships are not the main focus of the work. (man against nature, solo roadtrip across the country, etc)
FANDOM: This shows some of the OTHER fandoms a fic may have integrated in their Crossover/Alternate Universe.
CHARACTERS: Is there a specific character you HAVE to see? This is good especially for the more minor side characters
CROSSOVER: Search for fics that have multiple fandoms. This search is a bit wonky with Lore Olympus because a huge number of fics also tag “Ancient Greek Religion & Lore”, though can exclude that if you like
4. Tailor your search
The cool thing is you can run MULTIPLE filters at once -
a novel-length fic with an “angst” tag that includes your favorite side character
a short, explicit (erotic) story with your OTP characters
a “fluff” tagged story about your favorite character
The possibilities are endless
5. Don’t forget the most important thing - Hit “SORT & FILTER”
Keep reading and experimenting until you find some new things you like :)
The goal of a critique isn’t to show how much you know; it’s to help the writer expand on his potential.
Feedback is really about the quality of your suggestions, not the quantity.
Example:
Too many “to be” verbs can take the energy out of your writing. Perhaps you could identify some and rewrite them. Here’s an example:
He was walking walked to the market to meet Mary.
In most cases, when someone asks you for feedback, you’re looking at a work-in-progress, not a finished product. Giving feedback is about finding ways to suggest improvements, not declaring the work flawed and walking away. Share your ideas and tips.
My name is Raven. Yes, I’m a book addict. I read about 3-4 books a week. I crave stories with sassy, sarcastic, crazy heroines that fall in love with the alpha male heroes that take no shit just names. I love the anti heroes that don’t believe in love but fall hard for the girl next-door. I need stories that take me to faraway places and to distant times. Fantasy landscapes and alternate realities populated with warrior vampires, sadistic fae, power hungry witches and noble werewolves keep me up late. Tales of lusty affairs, rock stars, biker boys, cold billionaires and the tattooed bad boys set my heart racing. I’m addict. By saying this I’m admitting that I have a problem that I don’t want help with.