Thank you to @the-lonelybarricade for the canva template and @chaol-apologist for the tag!
I realized making this how varied my fics were this year and I absolutely love that. I didn't focus on ships, I didn't focus on fandoms, I just wrote what I wanted to write. Some of my fics were romantic, some were tragic, and several were pure character explorations. It was so fascinating counting up my fandom events and total ships because I didn't fall into any particular category and experimented with a lot this year. From different pairings, to no romantic pairings, to X reader, to multiple original characters I was all over the place and I wouldn't change a thing.
This has been a very hard year and I'm so happy to have had fandom friends who chose to stick by me through it all. Here's to another year of fandom, fanfic, and writing whatever the hell we want.
The funniest least-funny thing to happen to me today is finding out that someone scrapped the ONLY Viojack fic I’ve ever published —a whopping 992 words— for AI training…..
30 works in 6 fandoms with a cumulative 200k words in 7 years. Featuring prequels, canon compliant sequels, fix it fics, smutty one shots and fluffy drabbles. All those fics and they picked my VIOJACK DRABBLE?! BE SO FR I WROTE THAT SHIT AT MIDNIGHT FUELED WITH NOTHING BUT A PINTEREST QUOTE, AN IRON FLAME SCENE, AND (probably) A NUTELLA SANDWICH.
Whatever. May your AI crash and burn in the fiery pits of hell. I hope my bilingual grammatical errors and obsessive use of comma’s confounds your unintelligent, unoriginal, clusterfuck of a program.
Since I haven't yet started with the next FPF chapter, here's a bit from the other WIP I've been working on last week, the second chapter for Worthless.
“You think you can just… just ruin me for a night and then act like it means something?” My voice wavers, anger and humiliation tangling in my throat. “You don’t get to look at me like that. Talk to me like that. You don’t get to make me—” I choke off the rest before it can spill out, but the damage is done.
Jack knows.
He sees right through me.
Reflect and share! As 2026 approaches, look back on everything you've accomplished this year. What stood out to you? What are you proud of? What did you learn about writing? About yourself? How will you continue your success in the new year?
Wow - where to begin. The first thing to say is that this is one of the hardest years of school and life I've gone through for various reasons and I'm incredibly proud I was able to write anything at all. That being said, here are my top five in no particular order.
Tastes of Desire | ACOTAR - OC Vanserra Brothers X OC Female | 24,620
I'm really proud of this fic for the step forward it meant in my writing career. The main characters of this fic are all original characters, with individual personalities built into a complex lore and intricate family dynamic I've been creating the entire series. The first three chapters were written and posted in a week, and the last chapter is almost done! It grew a bit too much on me and I had to switch focus to other projects with deadlines.
2. The Hollow Women | ACOTAR - The Bat Boys Mothers | 6,018
This fic meant a lot to me. While these are all characters mentioned in the books, the names and the intentions behind their character development was original to my fic. I loved using literature as a base for the inspiration of this fic, a spin off of one of my favorite fics I've ever written (Take These Broken Wings). I loved getting to develop and write more about Illyrian culture and the struggles women face within the ACOTAR universe.
3. The Song of Azris, Book 2: Dice & Figs | ACOTAR - Azris | 5,394 (ch 2 WC only)
This chapter took almost a year to write. I really struggled with the angle I wanted to take and the voice I wanted to use in this fic. Writing material that's this intense takes a lot out of you and I'm proud of my growth in finishing this chapter and further developing the future story.
4. To Create Is To Control | Empyrean - VioJack | 16,619
I had no idea what I was getting into with this fic. I love a good villain fic (you've all seen my BFA shenanigans), and have no qualms about killing MCs. Bringing together so many emotions (grief, hate, lust, hope) and intricate lore (gods, venin, canon-accurate VioJack morsels, whatever the fuck you describe the ending of OS as) was one of the most complex things I had to do. ESPECIALLY when I got nervous about the very crucial plot addition of Brennaolin (thank you to my wife @greeneyedwildthing for the fear and our third wheel @saranova for the emotional support). This outline and this fic got written and rewritten so many times and I'm really proud of how it ended up.
5. I'll Give It All | Empyrean - Brennaolin | 8,982
For this fic, I tried first person for the second time ever and the first time I used it for an entire fic. It was so fascinating exploring the different points of view from this perspective, especially in such an emotionally-charged scenario. I loved this fic and the Fourth Wing fandom is always so welcoming when you try something new. It inspired me to write more works for this pairing in the future.
All in all, I didn't write as much as the year before, but I'm so proud of what I was able to accomplish. I learned that I'm able to accomplish anything I set my mind to, and that editing and rewrites don't have to be scary. I learned I'm capable of developing my own original characters and very intricate plots and I can't wait to see where that takes me. Shoutout to my ride or die beta @climbthemountain2020. None of this would have happened without her.
Thank you to @yams-77 for the tag! I'm tagging @iftheshoef1tz, @climbthemountain2020, @secret-third-thing, @whisperingmidnights, and @fieldofdaisiies to share what they're proud of next!
VioJaden Eiffel Tower I don’t go here but you know I love Paris
Oh... oh sweet, precious angel.
This fic has absolutely NOTHING to do with Paris...
This fic idea was birthed when I was trying to convince @greeneyedwildthing as her innocent little feathertail to write poly smut between Violet Sorrengail, Jack Barlowe, and Xaden Riorson. Venin powers will be involved, and the smut will be unhinged. We love a good villain fuck...
This ship. Let's talk about it. Warning for Series Spoilers:
I know most (if not all) of the fouth wing fandom refers to Jack Barlowe as JFB. And honestly? for good reason. The man has the personality of a wet paper bag and the plot armor of an old nokia phone. But I digress. It wasn't until my third or fourth reread that I realized that the main pairing (X/V) didn't hit the same strong enemies-to-lovers notes for me the way Viojack did-- especially in light of the fact that Xaden had never had the intention of hurting Violet because of his deal with her mother.
So let's dive into the canon moments for a rarepair that will never be! Please keep in mind that this is, in fact, all meant in good fandom fun. I still love Xaden, I just tend to love unhinged psychopathic characters a little more.
As I was rereading this for the fourth time, I noticed the subtle power play/primal play going on in this scene with Jack putting emphasis on pleasure and screaming. I also love how Violet's response sets the tone for their dynamic: Jack making threats and Violet refusing to back down.
His hand on her hip as he hovers above her while Violet presses a dagger to his balls... whats not to love?? I also find it interesting that Violet fixates on his eye color here, which is something that she seems to only do for the other main love interests (see: Xaden's onyx eyes, Dain's warm brown, even arguably Liam's blue eyes)
Omegaverse AU where... lol no but on a serious note I find it hilarious that Jack smells her before stalking away especially considering the fact that Violet canonically (from Xadens Bonus Chap POV) smells like citrus- the one thing Jack is allergic to. The irony is *chefs kiss*
I love how most readers will finish fourth wing with the impression that Violets fear towards Jack was completely one-sided (I know I did) because he's a Big Strong Murderous Man™ when *canonically* she repeatedly scares the shit out of him too.
This little morsel during threshing just buttered my biscuits because I love how she compares Jack to Xaden- aka the MMC and LOVE INTEREST- and Jack somehow unintentionally comes out on top?? this is a stretch but stick with me...
Also, I found it interesting during my reread that Jack wasn't the one who planned Andarna's murder. Tynan was the "genius" behind that plot, and also the one who bullied Oren when he voiced his second thoughts. Jack only followed along with the plot to an extent (he arguably ran at the earliest convenience) And I feel like readers put the weight of Tynan's plan on Jacks shoulders solely because we remember Jack as the asshole who participated (and survived). also see: Jack was never involved in the assassination attempt or any of the other dozens of times he could've killed her without repercussions.
ngl really loved that Violet's last thought as she was making her peace with death is Jack-centric.
Again, Jack is seen as the primary instigator but throughout FW Violet is the one that meets him where he's at. She's unwilling to back down and I love that about their dynamic because - in this scene- you can see her begin to gain the upper hand.
Another canon moment that I completely missed when I first read FW. But again, Violets actions/accomplishments instill a sense of fear in Jack. Also I just love that by this point she's able to read him so well.
Did everyone miss the fact that he blew her a kiss or was it just me??? because in light of the IF turret scene (you know where he saves her life) this had me feeling absolutely feral. Like of all the ways he could have instigated a reaction out of her it was blowing kisses that did the trick?! and I love love LOVE how she continues to be vocal about his cowardice when the rest of the quadrant doesn't.
Exhibit four of prime sarcastic banter from enemies that could become lovers (leave me to my delusions).
Out of context this is the most insane and more than a little erotic moment between the two of them??? like they're dick to butt here, and he's whispering? (where have i heard this before- oh right: that time Xaden kicked her ass on the mat. The only difference is one of them had dangerous intent which makes my E2L heart swoon)
Canon that, not only is Jack the first person Violet's killed, he's also the only person Violet's felt *guilty* of killing.
Listen, I get that this scene has more to do with her sense of self and loss of morality but I think it's interesting that she's grieving this after saving one of her best friends by sacrificing the main antagonist and primary pain in her ass. Read between the lines on that one lol
IF JFB's return lets break it down:
she's focusing on his appearance.
She points out that her signet manifested as she killed him. Now this is pivotal because during rereads we've uncovered that there's an easter egg during her *passionate* first kiss with Xaden. Keep that in mind. So we fast forward to War Games where she has another *passionate* moment- feeling protective of her best friend and fury towards her main antagonist. And that's exactly the moment where her signet truly manifests. Xaden may have been the first spark but Jack is her catalyst in both character development and achieving power. I also just love the irony that him pushing her towards destruction is what ultimately destroys him.
And again the way she fixates on his eyes. I love that in a room full of people applauding his return the first person he looks for is her. (it gives me the best chills every time)
AND FINALLY THE MOMENT THAT HAD ME SHIPPING THEM:
I love this on so many levels. I love how witty and sarcastic he is. How sincere. This is the scene that made me realize (amidst the X/V "tell me the truth" debacle in IF) that Jack has always been weirdly open with Violet. He wears his intentions on his sleeve. She never second guesses his motives until *this moment* because she's already in the middle of second guessing everything the other love interests (Dain and Xaden) have done towards her. While this scene felt out of character in comparison to the rest of the series, I personally choose to believe that he's being genuine and open with her. Because the last thing she's anticipating is the truth and it catches her- and us as the readers- completely off guard
Also I know general fandom consensus is that he did this to protect his double-agent venin status. However, as i've said before I'm a die hard believer that Nolon succeeded at mending Jacks soul for a short time but ultimately it's Jacks' greed for power that continues to push him towards veninism.
I’ll die on the hill that the reason Jack saved Violet in IF was because there’s a part of him that’s good but it’s greed that keeps corrupting his soul.
As part of her summer exchange RQ gift, I made @greeneyedwildthing four different VioJack moodboards related to the ship and her fic "To Create Is To Control". Each day she gets to pick a number 1-4, and yesterday she picked 4! What will she pick today? 👀
