The Scribe’s Nook

A cosy place for everyone who loves writing and reading. I blog about my own stories, inspirations and the ups and downs of the creative process.

[unexpectedlyme]

Die Welt auf einer anderen Frequenz

Manchmal fühlt es sich an, als würde ich versuchen, ein analoges Leben in einer digitalen Welt zu führen. Während alles um mich herum immer schneller, lauter und greller wird, findet mein eigentliches Erleben in den Nuancen statt – dort, wo die meisten gar nicht erst hinsehen.

Ich habe stilles ADS. Ein Name, der nach einer Diagnose klingt, aber eigentlich ein ganzer Seinszustand ist. Es ist nicht das Chaos, das man von außen sieht, sondern das Chaos, das im Stillen stattfindet. Mein Gehirn ist wie ein weitläufiges Museum ohne Absperrbänder; jeder Reiz, jedes Gespräch, jede Farbe im Vorbeigehen will gleichzeitig betrachtet werden. Das Ergebnis ist oft eine Lähmung, die von außen wie Desinteresse oder ‚Komischsein‘ wirkt. Aber eigentlich bin ich einfach nur damit beschäftigt, die Flut zu sortieren.

Diese innere Langsamkeit – oder vielleicht eher diese notwendige Tiefe – zieht sich durch alles in meinem Leben. Auch durch meine Sexualität.

Wir leben in einer Gesellschaft, die sexuelle Anziehung wie einen Lichtschalter behandelt: An oder Aus. Für mich existiert dieser Schalter nicht. Mein Verlangen ist eher wie ein Garten, der erst Monate, vielleicht Jahre an Pflege, Vertrauen und tiefster emotionaler Verbundenheit braucht, bevor überhaupt die erste Knospe aufgeht. Ohne diese Verbindung ist da einfach... nichts. Keine Anziehung, kein Funke, kein Bedürfnis. Inzwischen auch bekannt als Demisexualität.

In einer Welt von Dating-Apps und One-Night-Stands fühlt man sich damit oft wie eine Fehlermeldung. Man wird gefragt, warum man so kompliziert ist oder warum man sich nicht einfach ‚mal darauf einlässt‘. Aber man kann sich nicht auf eine Sprache einlassen, die man nicht fühlt.

Ich bin 27 und ich fange jetzt erst an, zu verstehen, dass diese Langsamkeit kein Defekt ist. Weder in meinem Kopf, noch in meinem Herzen. Es ist eine andere Art zu fühlen. Eine, die keine Abkürzungen kennt.

Ich möchte diesen Raum hier nutzen, um über das zu sprechen, was oft übersehen wird: Über das Leben im Schatten des stillen ADS, über das Glück der Introvertiertheit und über eine Identität, die Tiefe vor Schnelligkeit setzt.

Vielleicht hört ihr ja auch dieses leise Rauschen zwischen den Zeilen?

[thescribesnook]

Over and Out, English. Hallo, echtes Ich.

Grüß Euch!

ielleicht habt ihr euch gefragt, wo ich war. Die Antwort ist ein bisschen typisch für mich: Überall und nirgendwo gleichzeitig. Mein leises ADS hat mich auf eine ungeplante Weltreise durch tausend neue Ideen geschickt, während dieser Blog hier im Dornröschenschlaf lag.

Früher hätte ich mich für diese Funkstille geschämt. Ich hätte gedacht, ich müsste ‚konsistent‘ sein, um als Autorin und Künstlerin ernst genommen zu werden. Aber heute weiß ich: Mein Gehirn ist kein Schweizer Uhrwerk. Es ist eher wie ein Radio, das ständig zwischen den Sendern springt – manchmal laut, manchmal leise, aber immer voller Musik.

Warum es hier so lange still war? Leises ADS lässt grüßen. Manchmal ist die Welt im Kopf so groß, dass der Weg zu den Fingern auf der Tastatur unendlich weit scheint. Ich habe gemerkt, dass das ‚Dranbleiben‘ für mich kein Sprint ist, sondern eher eine Wanderung mit sehr vielen spannenden Umwegen im Gebüsch.

Und noch etwas ändert sich: Goodbye, English. Hallo, echtes Ich. Ich habe hier lange auf Englisch geschrieben. Vielleicht, weil es sich wie ein Schutzschild anfühlte. Aber damit ist jetzt Schluss. Ich will zu mir stehen – ohne Übersetzung, ohne Kostüm. Auf Deutsch fühlen sich meine Sätze nicht mehr wie eine Verkleidung an, sondern wie meine Lieblingsjeans. Ungefiltert, echt und ein bisschen chaotisch.

Ich bin wieder da. Nicht perfekt, aber präsent. Wer von euch ist noch im Team ‚Kreatives Chaos‘? Schreibt es mir in die Asks – ich freue mich riesig, wieder mit euch auszutauschen! ✨“

[thescribesnook]

Love is a strange thing, at first I couldn't sleep because you weren't with me and now I don't want to sleep because you're with me.

[thescribesnook]

I wrote a poem about the invisible, the mysterious and the magic that lies in silence. About the invisible souls that surround us and the quiet wonders we often overlook.

[thescribesnook]

Fandom as Co-Author: The Psychology of Collective Creation.

In the world of literature and pop culture, there is a widespread misconception: the story ends with the final sentence of the book. That's only half the truth. A book is not merely a finished work of art, but rather the spark that ignites a huge, roaring fire—a fire kept burning by the tireless passion of its readership and fans. Fandoms are not simply a loose collection of admirers; they are living organisms that transform and expand stories, giving them an undying soul.

The Open Ending: The Psychology Behind Fan Engagement

Why is simply reading or consuming a story not enough? The answer lies in the human psyche. Fandoms are a profound reaction to the need for identity, belonging, and co-creation. When we fall in love with a fictional world, we adopt a part of its essence.

Identity Formation and Belonging: Fandoms create a safe haven. For many people who feel like outsiders in their real-life environment, a shared passion for a story offers an immediate path to community. The characters we love become projections for our own hopes, fears, and dreams. In discussing these characters, we not only find a group of like-minded people but also a mirror that helps us explore and solidify our own identity. The often-cited "Hufflepuffs," "Slytherins," or "Gryffindors" in fans' profiles are more than just labels—they are a commitment to certain values.

The Power of Co-Creation: Fanfiction and Fan Art are not mere hobbies. They are acts of creative empowerment. The act of writing or drawing is an active departure from passive consumption. It allows fans to take control of the narrative, fill in the blanks, and create new interpretations. This is particularly evident in stories with fascinating but incomplete characters or worlds. Consider the countless fan theories about Aragorn's missing years in "The Lord of the Rings" or the detailed backstories invented for characters in the "Marvel Cinematic Universe." Fans don't just want to watch; they want to participate.

Emotional Processing: Fictional worlds offer a safe distance to process complex emotions. In exploring the relationships between two characters (so-called "shipping"), fans can explore their own ideals of love and friendship. In grappling with tragic events in a story, such as the death of a beloved character in "Game of Thrones," fans can grieve collectively and experience a form of catharsis together.

From Niche to Mass Phenomenon: Examples of Collective Creation

While phenomena like Harry Potter, Twilight, and Percy Jackson have cemented the collective fan phenomenon in mainstream media, the tradition is much older. The early fandoms of Star Trek in the 1960s and 70s already created their own magazines ("fanzines") with fanfiction and artwork, long before the internet made this creativity accessible.

Every new generation of fans adds a new layer to the story. An author like J. K. Rowling provides the characters and the world, but it's the countless fanfictions exploring alternative relationship dynamics, the Fan Art that allows us to visually experience the characters anew, and the debates in forums and social media that keep the fire burning. The same applies to bands like One Direction, whose image was largely shaped by fan creations that bore witness to the emotional bond with the members.

The Anatomy of a "Fandom-Friendly" Story

Not every story inspires such a level of creativity. So what is the secret? What makes a story so special that it sparks people's imagination? It is often a combination of several key elements that create a kind of creative free space:

Complex, Flawed Characters: Characters who are not perfect and have internal conflicts are particularly attractive to fans. They offer the opportunity to delve into their psyche and explore their motivations.

Rich World-Building with Gaps: A well-thought-out world with clear rules provides a solid foundation. But stories that intentionally or unintentionally leave gaps—unsolved mysteries or unshown events—are like an open playing field for fans' creativity. They allow readers to fill these gaps with their own ideas.

The Emotional Resonance: Most importantly, there is a deep emotional connection. A story that moves us, makes us laugh or cry, has the potential to inspire us. This emotional energy is channelled and converted into fan works.

At the end of the day, the true success of a story is not measured by sales figures but by the passion and creativity of its community. The book may be a door, but the fandom is the house built behind it—a place where stories never truly end.

What do you think?

What untold stories in your favourite fandom would you most like to write yourself?

Is there a character you feel so connected to that they have become a part of your own identity?

How has a story changed your life, and how have you expressed that change in a creative way?

What is your most personal contribution to the fandom you belong to?

Toodle-oo and Cheerio! ( ˘ ³˘)♥

[thescribesnook]

Uniformity or Variety? The Male Beauty Ideal in Literature

I want to talk about a topic that’s been on my mind for a while, especially since I started writing my own New Adult series. It's all about the body image of men, particularly the love interest, and the fact that they almost always conform to the same standard of conventional beauty in books.

What's The Point?

It's genuinely sad that what's marketed as attractive and sexy is so far removed from reality. We're shown a male image that completely lacks diversity. Where are the lads with crooked teeth, noses with a little bump, extra weight, dark circles under their eyes, acne or disability? I almost never read about these things. It's as if we've all agreed on a sort of beauty filter that perfects the characters before we even get to know them.

And it's a trend that's everywhere. When I look at the mood boards authors share on Instagram or films and series (especially in romcoms), I almost always see the same types: models with high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and an athletic body. These are the guys presented as the ideal. I can't help but wonder, what does that do to us as readers, and what does it do to me as a writer?

My Personal Journey and Doubts

I’ve been asking myself this question repeatedly while working on my own male main characters. In the first book, the boys are still teenagers, right in the middle of a phase where their bodies are changing, and they're not yet entirely comfortable in their own skin. I think that's the perfect opportunity to show diversity and authenticity. But then the doubts creep in: Would readers even be interested in a guy who doesn't conform to their clichés and romantic fantasies?

These worries are real, and I believe many writers can relate. You want to create a character that resonates, but at the same time, I want to be honest. I want to put guys on the page who have rough edges and with their own kind of beauty, because those are the people we meet in real life. I want my readers to be able to see themselves in my characters because they look like the boys in their class or at the supermarket.

For me, this is one of the reasons I'm reading fewer of the typical romance novels and paying more attention to how I portray my own characters. With this topic, I don't want to judge anyone who uses this stylistic device for their characters and sees their characters this way or who uses these tropes. Every writer has to be comfortable with their characters. But the sheer number of figures who look like they were created from a blueprint is just very noticeable to me.

The Influence on Us

I believe that the influence of the media on men's self-image is often underestimated. If the hero is always muscular, perfectly sculpted and flawless, this quickly becomes an unattainable ideal. It creates the impression that only one type of masculinity is attractive. This can lead to enormous internal pressure, which can affect mental health, even leading to body dysmorphia or eating disorders. If young men do not see themselves reflected in these stories, it can reinforce the feeling that they are not “good enough”. The message is: your body, your appearance – just as you are – isn't worthy of being a love interest.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this. Have you ever wondered why so many love interests in books have to be so perfect? And do you think this indirectly influences who we find attractive?

You are also welcome to give me examples of books that break with these ideals.

Toodle-oo and Cheerio!

[thescribesnook]

I've got my paintbrushes out again.

Maybe you know the feeling too: thoughts or emotions often come up that you don't want to have, because they cause pain or just don't reflect what you wish for. Most of the time, we believe these thoughts and emotions. We identify with them and make them our truth. But the truth is: thoughts and emotions are simply like clouds in the sky. They come and go and appear in all sorts of different colours and shapes.

You are not these clouds; you are the sky. You are infinite, pure, no matter which clouds appear.

For a while now, I've been trying to look at my thoughts and feelings. Do I have to judge them? No. Do I have to spin a story around them and make them bigger, so they overwhelm me? No. I can just feel and observe them, like clouds in the sky, and know that they will pass.

It's okay when storms roll in, rain falls and it storms, when feelings surprise you. You are still the sky.

[thescribesnook]

Hey everyone! Because I'm brand new here and you may not know me yet, I thought I'd introduce myself.

Now I'm curious: please answer one or two questions in the comments so I can get to know you a little better!

[thescribesnook]

A new poem from myself. Sometimes we are liked, but not loved. For anyone who has ever felt invisible while being seen.

[thescribesnook]

Right then, let's get started:)

This blog is an attempt to sort out my countless thoughts on the world of books and my own writing. And I really do mean attempt. But I simply need a corner where I can write about everything that's rattling around in my head, and there's often quite a bit.

I'll be writing about everything that fascinates me in the world of books: from tropes I love and those that really wind me up (and there are a fair few of those!), to my own writing process—which is more chaotic than I first thought—right through to the themes that are important in my own stories.

I often feel there’s so much to be found between the lines of a book, and I want to talk about it all here. I want to share my thoughts and hopefully connect with people who feel the same way.