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writerfae · 21 hours
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What a good day to remember that Henry nicknamed toddler Aiden little rabbit
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wordyshit · 4 months
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Just doing this bc I'm curious/research reasons
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hayatheauthor · 1 year
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How To Write A Compelling Character Arc 
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 A character arc is a measure of how a character changes over time. These arcs are linear, which means they have a start and a conclusion. Character arcs are a significant aspect of any novel as they help clearly translate your character’s struggles and personal developments to your readers. 
Unsure how to write a compelling character arc for your protagonist or other characters? Here are some tips to help you get started! 
Pick A Type Of Arc 
In order to create a compelling and successful character arc, you first need to recognise which type of arc is your character going to experience. Over the years people have developed various character arc types, however, there are three significant types every writer needs to be aware of when plotting their character’s story. 
Positive Character Arcs 
Positive character arcs are simply that—a character arc that results in a positive journey or development. 
A majority of books and movies or other cinematic pieces feature positive character arcs. This is because everyone enjoys a happy ending. An ending that makes you feel fulfilled and excited for the protagonist’s journey, or brings tears to your waterline as you reminisce on how far they’ve come, and how much they deserve this positive ending. 
A positive character arc doesn’t necessarily have to have a ‘’happily ever after’ however it needs to have a happy ending. If a character’s family was assassinated and at the end they get revenge on the antagonist who murdered their loved ones while developing themselves mentally, then that counts as a positive character arc. 
When writing a positive character arc it’s important to keep a few things in mind, such as: 
You need to end on a positive note. Things can be as chaotic as you want it to be, but you need to have a positive ending. Otherwise, you cannot define your character arc as positive. 
Your protagonist needs to develop as a character. Whether that be mentally, emotionally, financially, etc. 
Your protagonist cannot end up where they started. A character arc that ends in a full circle is more of a flat character arc than a positive one. 
Negative Character Arcs
Just like a positive character arc, a negative one is very easy to explain. This is a character arc that is typically used when writing antagonists in the entertainment industry due to the negativity it brings. When writing a negative character arc for a protagonist you run the risk of making your readers feel unsatisfied or creating a ‘bad ending’. 
Some examples of a negative character arc for a protagonist would be if the protagonist dies at the end of the book, or if the protagonists almost achieve their final goal but fail by a small shortcoming. Negative character arcs for a protagonist are usually implemented for the first few books of a series, especially in fantasy books. 
Using a negative character for your antagonist is simple—they fail. The protagonist wins and the villain dies or gets locked up until their final moments. 
When employing a negative character arc for a protagonist, here are some things to keep in mind: 
They shouldn’t end up as a person similar to what they started off as. The point is to corrupt them, ruin them and turn them to the bad side. Perhaps even make them fall victim to the antagonists. 
They can’t or will never achieve their long-term goal. Remember that goal you established at the start of your book? Your protagonist cannot achieve that. Or at least, they will never achieve it due to certain plot developments. 
They lose someone or thing important to them. Negative character arcs for a protagonist are generally triggered due to the loss of someone or thing important to the protagonist. Maybe their mentor is murdered by the government, or their failure to achieve their goals makes them turn evil. 
Flat Character Arcs
Flat character arcs are arcs that essentially lack any sort of arc. They are flat and begin and end with the character as the same type of person. 
These arcs are generally used for side characters, but they can also be used for a protagonist. Think of characters like Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, etc. They go through several trials and tribulations, but even after it all their personality remains the same. 
When writing a flat character arc it’s important to remember that your character cannot undergo any significant personality changes. Your protagonist can undergo such changes during the story, but they need to have a full circle by the end. 
Divide Your Arc Into Short-Term Goals 
Once you’ve decided where you want your character to end up at the end, you now need to know how they will get there. You can achieve this by referring to your long-term goal and then breaking them down into short-term goals. 
The protagonist is supposed to find a hidden jewel at the end of the book and discovers how corrupt their government is. Alright, now break that down into short-term goals that will help your protagonist get to their end goal. 
Group these goals and they will become stages for your book, break them down and you now have chapter outlines to work with. 
Playing with the details of your character arcs can help you easily plan out your book’s plot and set a steady pace. You can also use this as a reference sheet when working on your WIP. 
Take The World Outside Your Protagonist Into Perspective
Once you know the type of character arc you want and how you’re going to write it, it’s important to consider how this arc will impact your world. This includes your side characters as well as the general plot and layout of your world. 
Character Arcs For Side Characters 
It isn’t necessary to have a character arc for every single character, but it is almost impossible for only two characters to have an arc within hundreds of pages. 
Whether it be your protagonist’s mentor or your antagonist’s assistant, it’s important to take their stories and personal development into consideration. How does the story’s plot impact their outlook on the world or their personality? Do any of the minor antagonists turn out to be morally grey? Does one of the smaller protagonists end up betraying the protagonist out of jealousy? 
Remember, your smaller characters are also human. It’s important to take their stories and arcs into consideration so you can create a detailed and comprehensive world. 
A great example of this could be anime characters. Most animes tend to have separate backstories and endings for every character. These backstories and endings don’t have to all be necessarily revealed to your readers, however, as an author you need to know where you’re going with each of your characters. 
Reaction Arcs 
One easy way to implement character arcs for your side characters is by using reaction arcs. I don’t know if this term has already been established, but I personally coined the term to refer to a character arc that is a direct reaction to another character’s arc. 
Maybe your protagonist has a positive character arc and ends up becoming the most successful person in their field of work, but this results in a reaction arc for their best friend who turns bitter and has a negative character arc due to the way the protagonist’s story played out. 
Reaction arcs differ from other arcs due to the fact that they cannot be achieved without establishing another character’s arc first. Following the above example, the best friend cannot become jealous and bitter until your protagonist’s character arc is established. 
I hope this blog on how to write a compelling character arc will help you in your writing journey. Be sure to comment any tips of your own to help your fellow authors prosper, and follow my blog for new blog updates every Monday and Thursday.  
Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 
Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Haya’s book blog where I post writing and marketing tools for authors every Monday and Thursday. 
Want to learn more about me and my writing journey? Visit my social media pages under the handle @hayatheauthor where I post content about my WIP The Traitor’s Throne and life as a teenage author. 
Copyright © 2022 Haya Sameer, you are not allowed to repost, translate, recreate or redistribute my blog posts or content without prior permission
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metamorfishes · 10 months
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What happens when people open their hearts?
“They get better.”
- Murakami, Norwegian Wood
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doodle-pops · 5 months
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Dear anons,
If a writer's form of content is not to your liking, there isn't a need to barge into our inbox and TELL us that it's bad and we should seek help from others for improvement. We never asked, so we don't want to hear it. Most of the time, you all don't even know how to give proper feedback, so we don't want it.
We write for ourselves and our comfort. If you don't like a style of content or writing, unfollow, block tags, or come off the site. Attacking writers and claiming your advice was feedback is absolute entitlement. Writing isn't easy!
Sincerely,
Every writer who has gone through this shit
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linesandlattes · 1 month
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being a writer is simply trying to escape a writer’s block by pretending you won’t get the writer’s block if you continue writing, even if it is nonsense. being a writer is wishing you were the one who wrote that thought provoking line you just read online. being a writer is having the most refined sense of grammar while penning yet unable to pronounce a simple word when you are in public. being a writer is observing every little thing a person says or does because they are definitely going to write about it and being a writer is having the most messed up sleep schedule because the moon is often their muse. <3
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jack-daww · 11 months
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Writer ask game! (Both fanfic writers and non-fanfic writers)
1: What is the best compliment you've gotten on any of your works?
2: Do you have readers that you recognize by name (even if they may not comment regularly)?
3: Do you have scheduled uploads and if so, when?
4: How long was the longest work you've written?
5: What is your go-to way to deal with writers block?
6: Do you have a motivational cycle? (As in phases in which you barely write and phases in which you write so much holy shit)
7: How long are your uploads in regular?
8: Do you look through any and all replies to your work? Why?
9: What genre is your favourite to write?
10: Do you read and write similar stuff or are there differences?
11: What kind of relationships do you like writing best? (Family, platonic, romantic, etc.)
12: Do you write in your first language? Multiple languages? A secret, third option?
13: How many WIPs do you have open?
14: What POV do you write? First person, second person, third person?
15: What is the weirdest thing you had to look up for writing?
16: What is something you didn't have to look up but is still weird to know?
17: Could you or could you not successfully pull of a murder (at least in theory)?
18: Do you have a beta reader?
19: Do you edit your works?
20: Do you start on new ideas immediately or do you write them down until after you finish your current WIP?
21: How serious do you take your writing? Do you get money for it? Do you want to? Is it a hobby or a profession?
22: How often do you write fanfic? (From not at all to exclusively)
23: Is there a project you want to talk about?
24: Do you stick to the same writing style or do you try out new things when you can?
25: Have you ever gotten hate and if so, how did you deal with it?
26: Do you have a special writing process you have to follow every time you write?
27: How many people you know irl read what you're writing?
28: What would you say is your specialty in writing?
29: Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind?
30: What is, in your opinion, the greatest achievement that you have reached in writing?
Please don't feel pressured to answer anything you're not comfortable with!
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om-is-ok · 1 year
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Oh dear diary I met a girl, she made my dull heart light up with joy...
No amount of time with her is ever enough, she brings me the peace I craved before...
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Moments with her are never dull, yeah she is the moon to my little world,
She's my precious and I want to hide her from the world.
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Her existence is blessing to me, I healed from my past just because of her...
She's someone who pushes me forward, so I can't imagine my life without her.
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Oh dear diary I met a girl....
She's my love, my muse and my girl.
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verses-n-moon · 2 months
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kuch to ata karna hoga Allah pak ne,
کچھ تو عطا کرنا ہوگا الله پاک نے،
jo dill bar bar Dua mangne per majboor hojata hay.
جو دل بار بار دُعا مانگنے پر مجبور ہو جاتا ہے
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scmoobly · 6 months
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Romance writers who's never felt the touch of a woman/man, hands up 🤚
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feverwave · 1 year
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when A finally kisses the person they've been obsessed with with, B but instead of kissing back B tenses into the kiss so A pulls back and wants to run tf away because oh okay will try again next time but B grabs them and kisses A rough and hard. Turns out both of them were simultaneously obsessed.
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writerfae · 1 day
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I once again forgot a name of one of my ocs 🫠
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wordyshit · 3 months
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Please reblog for more results!
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hayatheauthor · 10 months
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Ink And Venom: A Writer’s Guide To Poisonous Prose
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Within the realm of storytelling, poison holds a certain allure—a dark, mysterious substance that can both captivate and terrify readers. In this guide, I will delve into the world of writing with poison, exploring its various facets, techniques, and implications. Whether you seek to add a touch of danger, heighten suspense, or create memorable villains, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to master the art of poisonous prose.
When to Use Poison in Your Story
When should you use poison in your story? Poison can be a powerful tool for creating suspense and intrigue. By introducing poison into your narrative, you can build tension and keep readers on the edge of their seats. Consider incorporating poison in the following situations:
A Murder Mystery: Poison adds an element of mystery, as the true cause of death may not be immediately apparent. It allows you to create a web of suspects, each with their own motives and opportunities.
Political Intrigue: Poison has a rich history in political assassinations and power struggles. It can heighten the stakes and create an atmosphere of paranoia and treachery.
Betrayal and Revenge: Poison can be a weapon of choice for characters seeking revenge or harboring deep-seated grudges. It symbolizes a hidden threat, striking when least expected.
Psychological Thrillers: Poison can serve as a metaphorical representation of internal conflicts or toxic relationships, adding psychological depth to your characters and their journeys.
By strategically incorporating poison into your story, you can create unforgettable moments that will keep your readers engaged and guessing.
Types of Poisons for Writers to Consider
As a writer, it's important to familiarize yourself with the various types of poisons available to your storytelling arsenal. Here are some common types of poisons to consider when crafting your narrative:
Plant-Based Poisons: Derived from various plants, these poisons can range from deadly nightshade (belladonna) to oleander. Research the properties and effects of different botanical poisons to create realistic and intriguing scenarios. In Agatha Christie's "Five Little Pigs," the deadly poison coniine from hemlock plays a crucial role in the murder mystery.
Toxic Metals: Poisons such as arsenic, mercury, and lead fall under this category. Their presence in the story can be subtle or overt, depending on the desired effect. These poisons often have accumulative effects, making them useful for long-term poisoning plots. In Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo," the antagonist, Fernand Mondego, uses a slow-acting poison containing arsenic to bring about the demise of his enemies.
Chemical Compounds: This broad category encompasses a wide range of synthetic poisons, including cyanide, ricin, and strychnine. These substances can be potent, swift-acting, and offer opportunities for creative storytelling twists. In Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Adventure of the Devil's Foot," a poisoned powder containing the deadly plant toxin ricin plays a central role in Sherlock Holmes' investigation.
Venomous Creatures: Poisons derived from venomous creatures such as snakes, spiders, or exotic marine life introduce an element of danger and natural lethality into your narrative. Understanding the effects and characteristics of different venoms adds authenticity to your writing. In J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," the venom of a basilisk becomes a crucial ingredient in creating antidotes and battling the Dark Arts.
Remember to research each poison thoroughly, ensuring accuracy in both their effects and potential antidotes, as this will lend credibility to your storytelling.
Common Side Effects and Symptoms of Poison
When writing about poison, it's important to understand the common side effects and symptoms associated with different toxins. This knowledge will help you craft realistic and believable scenarios. Here are some common side effects and symptoms of poisoning to consider:
Gastrointestinal Distress: Many poisons, especially those ingested orally, initially affect the digestive system. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and cramping.
Neurological Effects: Certain poisons can target the central nervous system, leading to a range of neurological symptoms. These may include dizziness, confusion, seizures, tremors, paralysis, or even loss of consciousness.
Cardiovascular Effects: Some poisons interfere with the heart and circulatory system, causing abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), increased or decreased heart rate, high blood pressure, or a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Respiratory Distress: Certain poisons can affect breathing and lung function. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing.
Organ Damage: Prolonged exposure to certain toxins can cause damage to specific organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs. This damage may manifest as organ failure, jaundice, or difficulty with normal bodily functions.
Skin and Eye Effects: Some poisons can have immediate effects on the skin or eyes upon contact. This may include irritation, redness, blistering, or even vision impairment.
Remember that the severity and timeline of symptoms can vary depending on the poison, dose, and individual characteristics. Conduct thorough research to ensure accuracy and realism in portraying the effects of poisoning in your writing.
Famous Poisons Through the Ages and How They Work
Throughout history, numerous poisons have gained infamy for their use in real-life incidents and their portrayal in literature. Understanding the famous poisons of the past can provide inspiration and context for your writing. Here are some notable examples:
Socrates' Hemlock: Hemlock, derived from the plant Conium maculatum, was famously used to execute the Greek philosopher Socrates. It acts as a neurotoxin, paralyzing the central nervous system and causing respiratory failure.
Arsenic: Arsenic, a toxic metalloid, has a dark history and was commonly used in poisoning cases. It was virtually tasteless and odourless, making it a popular choice for covert murders. Arsenic interferes with cellular respiration, leading to organ failure.
Curare: Curare is a plant-based poison used by indigenous peoples of South America for hunting. It works by blocking neuromuscular transmission, leading to muscle paralysis and respiratory arrest.
Cyanide: Cyanide compounds, such as potassium cyanide, are highly lethal and act rapidly. They disrupt cellular respiration by binding to enzymes crucial for energy production, causing cells to suffocate.
Ricin: Ricin is a potent toxin derived from castor beans. It inhibits protein synthesis within cells, leading to organ failure. It gained notoriety due to its use in real-life assassination attempts and its portrayal in literature.
Tetrodotoxin: Tetrodotoxin is a deadly poison found in certain marine creatures, such as pufferfish. It blocks sodium channels in nerve cells, leading to paralysis, respiratory failure, and potentially death.
By researching and understanding the mechanisms of these famous poisons, you can add authenticity and depth to your storytelling. Remember to weave their effects and characteristics into your narrative in a plausible and engaging manner.
How to Kill a Character with Poison
When it comes to killing a character with poison, careful planning and attention to detail are crucial. Here are some key considerations for crafting the perfect crime:
Motivation and Intent: Establish a compelling motive for the character administering the poison. This could be driven by revenge, jealousy, power, or other deep-seated emotions. The intent behind the act will shape the overall narrative and character development.
Research and Accuracy: Thoroughly research the chosen poison to understand its properties, effects, and dosages. Accuracy is essential for maintaining reader engagement and suspension of disbelief. Ensure that the chosen poison aligns with the character's access and knowledge.
Method of Administration: Determine how the poison will be administered. Common methods include lacing food or drink, injecting a solution, applying a poisonous substance to an object, or even using a poisoned weapon. Consider the character's opportunities, resources, and the desired level of subtlety or overt confrontation.
Timing and Dose: Consider the timing and dose of the poison. A well-timed dose can create suspense and unexpected twists. The dose should be lethal but plausible, taking into account factors such as body weight, individual tolerance, and potential mitigating factors (e.g., antidotes).
Covering Tracks: Craft a plan to cover the tracks of the poisoner. This may involve creating alibis, tampering with evidence, or diverting suspicion toward other characters. A well-executed cover-up adds layers of complexity and intrigue to the narrative.
Consequences and Repercussions: Explore the aftermath of the poisoning. How does the death impact other characters and the overall plot? Consider the emotional and psychological toll on those involved, as well as potential investigations or consequences faced by the poisoner.
Remember that portraying a realistic poisoning scenario requires a delicate balance between creativity and accuracy. Strive to captivate readers while maintaining plausibility within the world you have crafted.
Considering the Implications of Writing with Poison
While writing with poison can add intrigue and suspense to your story, it's essential to consider the ethical implications involved. Here are some key points to ponder:
Responsible Storytelling: As a writer, you have a responsibility to handle sensitive topics with care. Poisoning, especially when depicted in a realistic and detailed manner, can be distressing for some readers. Consider the potential impact on your audience and approach the subject matter responsibly.
Glorification vs. Realism: Strike a balance between creating an engaging narrative and avoiding the glorification of harmful acts. Portray the consequences and repercussions of poisonings to illustrate the gravity of such actions. Show the emotional toll on characters and explore the moral dilemmas they face.
Reader Sensibilities: Readers have varying thresholds for violence, graphic content, and triggering material. Be mindful of potential triggers related to poisoning, such as discussions of self-harm, suicide, or traumatic experiences. Offer appropriate content warnings or handle such themes with sensitivity.
Research and Accuracy: Thorough research is essential for accurate portrayal. Misinformation or sensationalized descriptions can perpetuate myths or misconceptions about poisons. Ensure that your writing is grounded in scientific understanding and consult reputable sources.
Character Empathy: Develop well-rounded characters with motivations that extend beyond their use of poison. By humanizing them and exploring their complexities, readers can empathize with their struggles, even if they engage in morally objectionable acts.
Raising Awareness and Education: Take the opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of real-life poisonings. Provide information on prevention, identification, and response to actual poisoning incidents. Offer resources or references for readers seeking more information.
By navigating the ethical dimensions of writing with poison, you can create a compelling narrative while remaining sensitive to your readership and the broader impact of your work.
End Note 
From understanding when to use poison in your story to explore the various types of poisons and their effects, you now possess the knowledge to craft gripping tales of intrigue and suspense. 
(Note: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not promote or condone harmful actions. Always prioritize the well-being and safety of others in your writing and real-life endeavours.)
I hope this blog on a writer’s guide to poisonous prose will help you in your writing journey. Be sure to comment any tips of your own to help your fellow authors prosper, and follow my blog for new blog updates every Monday and Thursday.  
Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 
Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Haya’s book blog where I post writing and publishing tips for authors every Monday and Thursday! And don’t forget to head over to my TikTok and Instagram profiles @hayatheauthor to learn more about my WIP and writing journey! 
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slxsherwriter · 4 days
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In the works currently (as in I actually have things written down for all of these)
Rusty Nail x Single mom reader part 2
Mayor Buckman x reader
Richard Brake character soulmate/reincarnation part 2 ft Doom Head
Robert Englund has taken up residence in my brain and has done some sort of dark magic to inspire muse. So, you'll still be seeing a lot of him (I have 8 semi plotted fic/fic ideas for his characters beyond what is mentioned above and more brewing thanks to Bickerman....). Not even sorry.
To the anon that requested John Shepherd x reader, I have it on the list! Gonna rewatch the movie, likely this weekend, and get working on it.
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doodle-pops · 2 months
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Hi! I'm new to your blog and I really like it. Question for you, tho: I noticed that you have a queue of works you're working on. How long does it usually take to complete one of these requests? I know each unique prompt requires unique attention, but on average how much time do you spend on each one? Asking because i'm considering starting a requests blog of my own (for a different fandom, don't have the skill to write for this one) and I'm curious to how much time I should expect to put in.
Hello, welcome, and thank you very much 🤗
Now onto your question. I still can't give an estimated time I spend on each request because apart from each prompt being different, it also depends on the writer's mood and capability to create rapidly. Sometimes I take 2 hours, 2 weeks or months. Everyone has a different rate at which they can push out content, some are slow, while others are faster.
When I take in requests, I look at my schedule to know how free I'll be, life outside Tumblr, my mood, writing pace, and comfort level. It will differ for everyone else.
I normally take in 30-40 requests per requesting period, then I proceed to have a two-week head start. During those 2 weeks, I would sort out my requests based on what's easy, challenging, headcanons, fics, and genre. Then I would schedule the order of posting—I post twice a week, so it equates to 7-9 posts a month.
Once all that is completed, I spend the rest of the two weeks (attempting to) writing the first month's request in order. Once finished, take my break and proceed to the 2nd month and so forth. And that's how I organise myself when I'm writing requests. I try to have a month's work in the queue before the month starts so I don't have to rush last minute.
A few things to note:
Everyone writes differently. My method may not work for you, it may appear overwhelming. You must determine what rate is best for you. As a first-timer, start simple and graduate as time goes on should you wish to produce on a larger scale.
Know the volume of work you can focus on writing. Some people can only write small amounts of work while others do large. Stay within your regulated volume of requests unless you are ready to increase the amount.
There is no specified time frame to complete requests. If someone takes 1 day to write a headcanon, you might take 2 days, and that's alright. Find a comfortable pace to write. You may write slower than others and it's fine. If time management is an issue, create a schedule you can work with that would not create burnout or stress.
Work within your comfort zone of content, meaning write what you are comfortable with. Whether it be headcanons only, fics, or fluff, short or long fics, write to your comfort.
Remember your life outside of Tumblr influences how often you write and the rate you can complete pieces. Don't force yourself if you can't meet the deadline you created. Real-life situations are inevitable, they happen out of the blue.
Always remember to have time for yourself!! Don't devote all your time to fulfilling requests. Your readers WILL understand. Set aside intervals for leisure.
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