kandadara - Tumblr blog

kandadara · 3 months

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All excellent advice, reblogging it!

Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- and How to Beat Them

I don't like the term 'Writer's Block' - not because it isn't real, but because the term is so vague that it's useless. Hundreds of issues all get lumped together under this one umbrella, making writer's block seem like this all-powerful boogeyman that's impossible to beat. Worse yet, it leaves people giving and receiving advice that is completely ineffective because people often don't realize they're talking about entirely different issues.

In my experience, the key to beating writer's block is figuring out what the block even is, so I put together a list of Actual Reasons why you may be struggling to write:

(note that any case of writer's block is usually a mix of two or more)

Perfectionism (most common)

What it looks like:

You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"

Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.

Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?

I hate everything I write

Cringing while writing

My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer

Things that can help:

Give yourself permission to suck

Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft

Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later

People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later

Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing

Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase

Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail

It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page

Lack of inspiration (easiest to fix)

What it looks like:

Head empty, no ideas

What do I even write about???

I don't have a plot, I just have an image

Want to write but no story to write

Things that can help:

Google writing prompts

If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out

Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that

It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing

Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them

If you're like me, world-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later

Boredom/Understimulation (lost the flow)

What it looks like:

I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt

Writing words feels like pulling teeth

I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted

I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window

Things that can help:

Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.

Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or text-to-speech

Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score

Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group

Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph

Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer

Intimidation/Procrastination (often related to perfectionism, but not always)

What it looks like:

I was feeling really motivated to write, but then I opened my laptop

I don't even know where to start

I love writing, but I can never seem to get started

I'll write tomorrow. I mean next week. Next month? Next month, I swear (doesn't write next month)

Can't find the time or energy

Unreasonable expectations (I should be able to write 10,000 words a day, right????)

Feeling discouraged and wondering why I'm even trying

Things that can help:

Follow the 2 min rule (or the 1 paragraph rule, which works better for me): whenever you sit down to write, tell yourself that you are only going to write for 2 minutes. If you feel like continuing once the 2 mins are up, go for it! Otherwise, stop. Force yourself to start but DO NOT force yourself to continue unless you feel like it. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to get started

Make getting started as easy as possible (i.e. minimize barriers: if getting up to get a notebook is stopping you from getting started, then write in the notes app of your phone)

Commit to a routine that will work for you. Baby steps are important here. Go with something that feels reasonable: every day, every other day, once a week, twice a week, and use cues to help you remember to start. If you chose a set time to write, just make sure that it's a time that feels natural to you- i.e. don't force yourself to writing at 9am every morning if you're not a morning person

Find a friend or a writing buddy you can trust and talk it out or share a piece of work you're proud of. Sometimes we just get a bit bogged down by criticism- either internal or external- and need a few words of encouragement

The Problem's Not You, It's Your Story (or Outline (or Process))

What it looks like:

I have no problems writing other scenes, it's just this scene

I started writing, but now I have no idea where I'm going

I don't think I'm doing this right

What's an outline?

Drowning in documents

This. Doesn't. Make. Sense. How do I get from this plot point to this one?!?!?! (this ColeyDoesThings quote lives in my head rent free cause BOY have I been there)

Things That Can Help:

Go back to the drawing board. Really try to get at the root of why a scene or story isn't working

A part of growing as a writer is learning when to kill your darlings. Sometimes you're trying to force an idea or scene that just doesn't work and you need to let it go

If you don't have an outline, write one

If you have an outline and it isn't working, rewrite it, or look up different ways to structure it

You may be trying to write as a pantser when you're really a plotter or vice versa. Experiment with different writing processes and see what feels most natural

Study story structures, starting with the three act structure. Even if you don't use them, you should know them

Check out Ellen Brock on YouTube. She's a professional novel editor who has a lot of advice on writing strategies for different types of writers

Also check out Savage Books on YouTube (another professional story editor) for advice on story structure and dialogue. Seriously, I cannot recommend this guy enough

Executive Dysfunction, Usually From ADHD/Autism

What it looks like:

Everything in boredom/understimulation

Everything in intimidation/procrastination

You have been diagnosed with and/or have symptoms of ADHD/Autism

Things that can help:

If you haven't already, seek a diagnosis or professional treatment

Hire an ADHD coach or other specialist that can help you work with your brain (I use Shimmer; feel free to DM me for a referral)

Seek out neurodiverse and neurodiverse writing communities for advice and support

Try body doubling! There's lot's of free online body doubling websites out there for you to try. If social anxiety is a barrier, start out with writing streams such as katecavanaughwrites on Twitch

Be aware of any sensory barriers that may be getting in the way of you writing (such as an uncomfortable desk chair, harsh lighting, bad sounds)

And Lastly, Burnout, Depression, or Other Mental Illness

What it looks like:

You have symptoms of burnout or depression

Struggling with all things, not just writing

It's more than a lack of motivation- the spark is just dead

Things that can help:

Forget writing for now. Focus on healing first.

Seek professional help

If you feel like it, use writing as a way to explore your feelings. It can take the form of journaling, poetry, an abstract reflection of your thoughts, narrative essays, or exploring what you're feeling through your fictional characters. The last two helped me rediscover my love of writing after I thought years of depression had killed it for good. Just don't force yourself to do so, and stop if it takes you to a darker place instead of feeling cathartic

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kandadara · 4 months

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Found this picrew so I decided to make some of my OCs x canon pairings. It's not exact, but it's simple and cute for the holiday season. Merry Christmas to everyone!

If anyone wants to do this feel free to reblog yours! I'd love to see yours as well! ^^

🌙 Amalthea & Shu 🎻

🎀 Amoretta & Laito 🌹

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #laito sakamaki #shu sakamaki #diabolik lovers oc #dl oc #picrew #christmas

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kandadara · 4 months

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I had this one in drafts for a while and forgot about it, so I'm pretty late on on this one. I finally got around to doing this.

Tagging anyone who wants to do this.

🎻 Shu x Amalthea 🌙

🌹 Laito x Amoretta 🎀

🔪Azusa & Rose🌹

~ New Tag Game ~

•From Neka• Link Here.

I Tag: @sakamakibride @animefanliz @yuriko-tsukino-rp @mermaid--bride @7sins7dreams @gagad @afra-blueraz @rukiyui-fanblog @hanakohanabe @munarisblog @cryptid-pet @nunezs-stuff @aquariaries and whoever wants to do this, feel free to join in. 💗

#neka.cc #dialovers #diabolik lovers oc #dl oc #shu sakamaki #laito sakamaki #diabolik lovers

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kandadara · 8 months

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Decided to look through picrew and happened to find this particular one today too, so I played around a bit. Saw the tag post, so decided to share the ones I came up with. Tried my best.

Tagging anyone who wants to do this.

Laito x Amoretta

Picrew Tag! 🌊

🌹Rose & Azusa🔪 🎀Yui & Ayato🏀

•Picrew Here.•

I want to see your ships!!! 👀

I Tag: @animefanliz @gagad @yuriko-mukami @nalia-tsukino @mermaid--bride @ariadnasdiary @bluerosethornrp @yuukanaazu @afra-blueraz @rukiyui-fanblog @sakamakibride @aquariaries @cryptid-pet @hanakohanabe and whoever wants to do this.

#tag game #diabolik lovers #diaboys #diabolik lovers fandom #diabolik lovers oc #diahell #picrew #laito sakamaki #laito x oc

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kandadara · 1 year

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I was browsing and playing some Nekas the other day and came across this one too.

Anyone who sees feel free to play it!

Shuu Sakamaki x Amalthea (OC):

Laito Sakamaki x Amoretta (OC):

Yui Komori x Ronaye (OC):

☕️Coffee Date☕️

Azusa & Me🌹💚

I’m a coffee addict so I had to choose the coffee pose option. 😆

Photo done on the Neka App. I’m not tagging anyone specific but I will share the Link to everyone if you want to create your own.

NEKA

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #diabolik lovers oc #diabolik oc #dl oc #neka.cc #yui komori #shu sakamaki #laito sakamaki

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kandadara · 1 year

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Your writing won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but there are people out there who genuinely will love it. Focus on writing a story that excites and that you’re proud of, and the right audience will come along.

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kandadara · 1 year

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LOL WOW HOW DID I ONLY JUST SEE THIS? XD

These are oddly... very fitting.

Rejet AGF2017 Diabolik Doctors

Translated in pink are their areas of specialty.

What do you think? Are there any that surprised you? That you think would suit better?

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kandadara · 1 year

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Twyla Appreciation Ramblings

Warning: Long

For as long as I've been into Monster High, Twyla has always been my favorite character. So let's talk about her.

Gen 3 Twyla is confirmed to have autism, as evidenced from her music video, the singer from said video posting it on Instagram who is also autistic, and having an autistic VA (according to IMDB). A lot of autistic people relate to Twyla and I'm glad that neurodivergent conditions such as autism are getting positive representation.

Though, it makes me wonder some things, especially about mental health.

I know this is a kids show, so maybe I'm making this too complicated, but I hope they'll incorporate mental health somehow, especially since this sort of thing affects so many. The subject is a delicate one, but even so, it is still important and shouldn't be stigmatized the way it is in our society.

Getting a little personal, as someone who has severe social anxiety and avoidant personality disorder, plus being on the introverted side, I could also see a lot of myself in Twyla as well and her character resonated within me. I don't know if I have ADHD and/or Autism or not, as there's a long history of me being diagnosed and misdiagnosed with a plethora of things since childhood, so I remain unsure of what all I may have anymore, but one, both, or neither are still possible. With that said, I'm still technically considered neurodivergent as I have OCD, which falls under the neurodivergence umbrella. Regardless, Twyla is a comfort character to me and always will be.

Now back to Twyla...

While this could just be me overanalyzing her character and going into headcanon territory (though let's be real, it's fun), her character is enjoyable for me to write and I love adding depth to her. I could see Twyla also having social anxiety and/or avoidant personality disorder, as she is painfully shy. Even for Gen 3, I could still see this being the case, alongside having autism. These sorts of things can and do co-occur. With that said, I'm no psychology expert, but I do try to do my research before trying to incorporate things like mental health issues and psychology into my writings.

This is all my opinion, but I'll share my take on Gen 1 Twyla, though these could still apply to the Gen 2 and Gen 3 versions of her as well.

The way I see Twyla is she's a shy, sweet, and introverted ghoul who prefers to keep to the shadows, finding solace in solitude. An introspective and contemplative sort that is prone to daydreaming, but has a good intuition nonetheless. She's a peaceful and gentle girl who likes to help people from the shadows, like an invisible ally. She always seemed rather innocent to me and I can see her being idealistic to an extent, thinking very much about what could be, especially in regards to a harmonious future for all monsters and normies alike. Though, deep down, I could imagine she feels a bit lonely and misunderstood, afraid to get close to people for fear of being rejected/judged/hurt and finds social situations difficult, but she still wants someone to understand her sincerest self. According to her profile in Gen 1, her favorite class is psychology, so I imagine she's also a curious type that likes to know the why behind things as it eases her mind and likes to read a bunch on various topics, including history (as seen in Gen 3). In her 13 Wishes diary, it is implied she doesn't entirely accept herself as she refers to herself as "bad" and "terrible", suggesting a struggle with self-confidence and self-esteem. More than anything, I think she wants to be able to be herself and live her truth, but also wants to be loved truly as herself by those closest to her so she feels conflicted at times. I see all this in Twyla and more, I could write plenty more, but I will leave it at this for now.

I feel many people can relate to these things rather well, just like I do.

As an older fan, I'm likely always going to be partial to Gen 1, but I look forward to seeing where this version of Twyla's story goes and how she'll be portrayed. Hope y'all enjoyed reading this post and ramble.

(PS: Unrelated, but the way her hands flap as she's reading those books is just too cute!)

#monster high #gen 1 monster high #gen 3 monster high #twyla monster high #twyla #twyla boogieman #neurodivergent #autism #social anxiety #avoidant personality disorder #g3 twyla #ramblings #psychology #mental health #heacanons #probably overthinking it #character analysis #neurodivergence

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kandadara · 1 year

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Picrews of Yui Komori

Some picrews of the lovely Yui Komori, might add some more later on. The pictures and the links I used under the cut.

In case anyone wants to use the picrews, here's the links:

1. https://picrew.me/image_maker/698116

2. https://picrew.me/image_maker/43383

3. This picrew was very recently deleted, but I made this prior to its deletion. I don't know why the author decided to delete it. It was the Taeko 2 maker.

(PS/Disclaimer: All of the above authors expressed their wishes for these picrews to be used for personal/non-commercial use only, so please respect that if you're going to use the image makers. I have no intention of making any money off of these and I don't claim any of these image makers as my own, I'm merely doing this for fun.)

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #diahell #yui komori #yui positivity #yui protection squad #picrew #komori yui

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kandadara · 1 year

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Some picrews of my DL OC Luminita, though there's less now due to the fact that either the ones I used for Amoretta didn't have an option to make Luminita and sadly some of the image makers I used last time have been deleted.

Picrews and links I used under the cut!

In case anyone wants to use the picrews, here's the links:

1. https://picrew.me/image_maker/698116

2. https://picrew.me/image_maker/43383

3. https://picrew.me/image_maker/648

4. https://picrew.me/image_maker/318008

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kandadara · 1 year

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What Gives On The DL OC Hate?

So I've been seeing people who run DL OC blogs or ship their DL OC with a canon character receive hate from people because of it. What on earth gives? Now I love Yui, she's a sweetheart who deserves so much more than the hand she's been dealt, but I also love reading and writing stories about OCs too. I've got plenty of OCs: Inlaya, Kandadara, Sayaia, Atlnina, Cedrina, Luminita, Amoretta, Ronaye, etc to name some. My 2 cents is:

If you want to read/write that Diaboy x Yui story, do it.

If you want to read/write that Diaboy x OC story, do it.

If you want to read/write that Yui x OC story, do it.

If you want to read/write that DL yaoi or yuri, do it.

If you want to read/write the most random crossover of DL and something else with a crossover ship, do it.

If you want to read/write anything else, do it.

The beauty of fanfiction is you can create new stories and write what you want, the "what ifs" are fun to explore. It's your canon, so you can do what you wish with it.

So please, to the DL fandom or any fandom, let's support each other instead of tearing each other down. <3

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #diahell #yui komori #dl oc #diabolik lovers oc #diabolik oc #rant #support #fanfic writing #fanfiction #fandom #psa

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kandadara · 1 year

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Ronaye and Yui Halloween Picrew

A little late on the party for Halloween, but here's a picrew of my DL OC Ronaye and Yui for it. Wanted to go for a Yin-Yang kind of vibe for them. I swear, this is giving me Vandead Carnival/Lunatic Parade vibes with the chibi style.

You can find the picrew here: https://picrew.me/image_maker/1797391

#diabolik lovers #diahell #dialovers #yui komori #dl oc #ronaye #yui protection squad #yui positivity #picrew #diabolik lovers oc #diabolik oc #halloween #vandead carnival #lunatic parade #chibi #best friend

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kandadara · 1 year

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Phantasmagoria Chapter 1: Paradox of Loneliness

Story: Phantasmagoria

Fandom: Diabolik Lovers and Monster High

Pairing: Laito Sakamaki x Twyla Boogeyman

Rating: M for later chapters considering the controversial and mature themes DL has, plus Laito being Laito. Warnings will be in the author's note.

Genre: Romance, Drama, Angst, Hurt/Comfort

Summary: For whatever reason, we often put up a façade in front of the world, forgetting how to live sincerely. When your sense of self is lost, everything becomes distorted. Two souls, polar opposites at first glance, become entangled in ways they never thought possible, the lines between illusion and reality become blurred. Seeking love and understanding, are they so different?

I decided to post this on Tumblr as well, but I'll leave the alternate links if you want to check them out

Links:

Fanfiction

Archives of Our Own

Wattpad

Chapter 1: Paradox of Loneliness

Why do people desire to be the center stage in the limelight with everyone’s eyes upon them, desperate to be idolized by strangers? Abandoning their identity, performing a dog and pony show for society’s acceptance, including tricks and impossible tasks to fit in. Living in this world of charlatan conjecture with the hollowness of bamboo during the monsoon seasons, with no roots it blows away in the wind. Why do we do this?

The notion of people crowding around me, as if I’m a spectacle at the circus, a marvel at a freakshow. Every minuscule move under a microscope, the feeling of being trapped under a glass slide, my every flaw under suffocating scrutiny of prying eyes. Leaving me vulnerable and exposed, they can’t ever know me, nor will they put in an effort to empathize.

I’ve always lurked in the shadows; the darkness protected me like a blanket from the glaring eyes of judgement invading my solace of solitude. Foreboding dread and foreshadowed trepidation, board into my emptiness and shattering my psyche like a homing missile through a warzone. Since childhood, this way brought me a satisfied contentment, resting on the warm bosom of a sustained hearth. Like a turtle in their shell, impervious to pain, I am immune from the harsh reality of existence.

Observing in the sidelines, seeing the unseen, holding a secret longing to comprehend someone’s inner world. These taboo things, keeping those skeletons in my closest under lock and key, bolted shut, and wrapped in chains forever. Everything that I am, no one can ever know.

Deep down, could that be why I feel such a hollow loneliness?

The sky was clear, the waning crescent moon hung low, and the stars twinkled faintly. Darkness engulfed everything in sight, silencing the harshness of the day, the shadows brought a sense of serenity. The horizon seemingly stretched endlessly; the distance insurmountable. The unknown that lies beyond, infinite possibilities, and yet, such discoveries will never be reached.

The late autumn air was chilly, but still carried a gentle breeze. Animals already harvested their storage for the winter in their burrows, the leaves in varying shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown long since fallen. The winter drew closer, soon shadows will reach their peak and the world transitions into a state of hibernation. Taking the time to slumber away, replenishing themselves, but true appreciation remains a rarity.

Times for introspection, these things that hold such beauty, each vital in purpose to be thankful for, yet taken for granted. In that regard, night and winter were kindred spirits, often overlooked in contrast to day and summer. The law of nature, the cycle of life and death repeats, waxing and waning, just as there are seasons and phases of the moon. A strange poetry, Twyla found it hauntingly beautiful, the concept of duality, two sides of the same coin, each dependent on the other. The snakes forever eating their own tail, coming and going, yes, it is Ouroboros.

Always trying to seek deeper meaning, Twyla found herself wondering what her purpose was, a melancholic feeling looming over her. Time passes by, ever flowing, yet she drifts along, merely existing. She wondered why that was so, trying to understand her own rationale.

Could it be she felt ungrateful? She pondered that possibility, there was plenty she should be thankful for. She had parents who cared about her and loved her, even if at times they weren’t on the same page. Even though they were few, she had genuine friends who loved and accepted her, even if they sometimes had their differences. In the end, quality was better than quantity. She had family and friends, such blessings that many take for granted, but not everyone has the luxury of obtaining. They would always hold a special place in her heart, those bonds were something she treasured. And yet, she still felt as if something was amiss in her life.

Maybe it was a different reason? Was there anyone who truly understood her? Logically, she knew unconditional understanding and acceptance was impossible, yet emotionally she craved it, her greatest fantasy. She didn’t desire popularity whatsoever; in fact, the idea frightened her. For someone to know her sincerest self, a mix of fear and yearning, it was a paradox. Seeking to be known, to be understood; for her to wonder such things, such a desire surprised her. Did anyone know it?

Is there anyone who truly knows me?

This feeling, it was such a rarity for her that it almost felt surreal. Ever since she was a child, she was perfectly content with solitude, even craved it. Her kind as a whole were known for being reclusive and as a boogeyman, a shadow being, Twyla spent all her life in the shadows, darkness was her sanctuary. She found relief in it, hiding away from those secrets she wanted to conceal. And yet, on this particular night, why is she contemplating these self-contradictory feelings?

Why is it I feel such a hollow loneliness?

Wasn’t such a sentiment more typical for Howleen? Despite being best friends, in that regard, Howleen and Twyla were polar opposites. She could remember vividly the times Howleen grew desperate to become popular and the chaos that ensued after.

It was the first day of the new school year and Howleen was plotting a way to make herself become known. Out of all the hair brained schemes in her attempts to become popular, building a billboard showcasing her name in lights was a top contender.

Twyla observed Howleen hammering away, fiercely determined to make a name for herself and finally be out of her sibling’s shadows. She tried to reason with her, but to no avail, the young werewolf was hellbent on this. Twyla didn’t foresee this ending well, every possible scenario of Howleen’s plan backfiring bombarded her mind all at once. She commented, tone slightly sardonic, “I’d like to go on record saying that this is a bad idea.”

“Noted.” Howleen replied, ignoring her warnings and continued on. She had a dreamy expression on her face, as if she was envisioning when she would finally have a limelight of her own. She truly seemed to believe nothing could go wrong.

Why was Howleen so obsessed with becoming popular? Weren’t connections like that typically shallow? Wasn’t popularity fleeting? Why must everyone know her name? Twyla couldn’t understand it at all, even though she tried. She spoke again, “You don’t need to do this to get everyone’s attention.”

Howleen turned to face her, giving a small chuckle, "Um, hanging in the shadows has messed with your vision Twyla.” Her face fell as she dropped the hammer, her tone becoming dejected, “Nobody knows who I am.”

Twyla shrugged; the logic confounded her. “Uh...Sure they do.” What was Howleen even going on about? Outside of Twyla, Howleen had plenty of friends and acquaintances, so why couldn’t she be satisfied with that? Why did Howleen feel so lonely?

“Yeah, they know me as Clawd and Clawdeen’s annoying little sister.” She gave a sigh before picking up the bulk of cables, “Nobody knows me for me...” As if she was struck by inspiration, a wave of excitement seemed to wash over her. She smiled, ever so optimistic, “But that’s all going to change after I pull this off! I’m going to be big time!”

Howleen began walking to the outlet, Twyla following behind her, questioning her, hesitancy evident in her voice, “And that’s what you want...?”

Howleen answered her question with a question, as if she believed it to be some universal truth, “Who doesn’t?”

“Me...” Twyla murmured, the very thought making her cringe in revulsion. In her mind, the less people to know her, the better. In fact, there were times she wished to stay in the shadows eternally. Such a way was just how she liked it.

Howleen chuckled as she placed the cables on the ground, before playfully quipping back, “Well, you, my testy bestie, are a better monster than me.” She turned to face the boogey girl again, an eagerness overtaking her, “Now please, will you help me?”

Twyla finally relented; these attempts were in vain. She simply replied, uneasy, “I’ll see you in class....” She began walking away but stopped for a moment and turned to face her best friend a final time, then added, “And for what it’s worth, you don’t need to be popular, Howleen.” She gave a small, gentle smile, “The monsters that matter already know how awesome you are.”

With that, she walked away, firmly believing those words. Howleen was a great person, Twyla wished she could see that, it saddened her that she couldn’t.

From what she was told, Howleen’s plan went up in sparks and flames, quite literally, resulting in Howleen, Clawdeen, and some of their other friends getting detention as a result. As punishment, they all had to help clean the attic, which had many artifacts. Howleen stumbled across a strange lantern, inside housing a genie, who could grant her 13 wishes. Naturally, Howleen was ecstatic, but Twyla remained wary. Straight away, she felt something different in the shadows, as if something was lurking within it. Within a short time, things took a bad turn, Howleen’s wishes went awry and slowly became corrupted by the one known as the Shadow Genie. Howleen nearly lost herself, which saddened Twyla greatly. Luckily, with the help of Clawdeen, her friends, and Twyla herself, they were able to save Howleen and repair the damage done. In the end, everything worked out for the best, Gigi Grant, the genie who granted her wishes was able to stay at Monster High and Wisp, the Shadow Genie, was able to become the genie as she wanted. Looking back on those days, while in reality it only spanned a few days, those days felt like an eternity to Twyla. That was probably the last time she felt lonely.

For Howleen, those events taught her invaluable lessons. She still was very much someone who sought out the limelight but has mellowed out some regarding it. Perhaps even among a sea of friends, family, or fame, someone could still feel lonely. In the end, being acknowledged and accepted were things most wanted to some extent, especially by those they regard as close or special.

What does it mean to regard someone as special...? Such a loaded philosophical question, as of late she wondered what it was she was seeking the answer to, a strange uncertainty plagued her.

She felt something nuzzle at her hand, causing her to come to. It was her pet dust bunny, Dustin, a lavender rabbit with green eyes snuggling up against her. She found him one day blowing in the wind all by his lonesome, immediately taking a liking each other and adopted him. He was a highlight of her day, ready to greet her whenever she returned home from school and cuddling next to her at night, she adored him for it. She stroked him gently, seemingly bringing him comfort, secretly hoping that even for a little while, her loneliness could be quelled even slightly.

What am I doing...? She thought, barely comprehending it. Was she losing sight of herself and what was most important things? These little things, she had to cherish them, no matter what. She shouldn’t wish for anything beyond that, feeling a sense of guilt and a wistful heartache in her chest as she did so.

And yet, why am I thinking about these things...?

She heaved a soft sigh, there was no use dwelling on it. Maybe in the realm of her dreams, a sign would manifest itself to her. Patience was said to be the key, good things happen to those who wait, or so she had been told. Yes, she wanted to believe that.

It was another day at Monster High, a place of diversity where all were accepted, regardless of their origins or appearance. A vision Headmistress Bloodgood held that one day all monsters and humans lived in harmony, she was slowly but surely making strides towards helping others unlearn the several millennia of toxic mindsets. In her time at Monster High, Twyla witnessed many fantastical sights.

Twyla found a comfort in this simplistic contentment, a beauty in these carefree days. Even if some complained such days were mundane, Twyla relished in it. Here, a safe haven for everyone to embrace their freaky flaws, she couldn't imagine it any other way. Even if they were like her.

Like her...

A simple wish, a world of love and acceptance, she longed for it too. Even if it takes an eternity and she will have long since passed on, she hoped one day it would happen. Even if she was a hopeless idealist, she wouldn’t ever lose sight of that dream.

She made her way to her favorite class, Psychology. A subject she found very fascinating, learning about humans’ and monsters' inner workings alike, and the psyche itself. She wanted to understand it all, the complex motivations of others, the morality spectrum, and the reason why behind it all. Sometimes knowing that there was still good in the world helped her sleep at night.

She thought of her own motivations, feeling a twinge of sadness as she did so. Unfortunately, whether it was human or monster, despite her desire to help them, she was never understood. No matter how much she wanted to convey her truth, she was forever like a shy little ghost, hiding away.

Was it better that way?

She took a seat, lost in her own little world, unaware of how much time passed by.

"Hey there, is this seat taken?" Came a soft, yet cheerful voice, snapping her out of her thoughts. In that instant, she felt her heart thump painfully in her chest.

She turned her head to see a boy whom she’s never seen before. The first thing she took notice of was how handsome he was, a blush creeping across her face as she looked him up and down. He was slightly on the taller and thinner side with fair skin. His clothing choice was interesting, seeming to prefer layering, he sported a white oxford shirt with a red tie around the collar, black and yellow striped sweater, a blue hoodie, and red capri pants. His shoulder length messy hair was the color of rust with a subtle golden ombre at the tips and he topped it with a black fedora hat with a red ribbon. His eyes were an emerald shade of green that held a mischievous glint and a playful smirk, she also noted a small mole on the right side of his chin. To say he was attractive was an understatement. For a moment, it seemed all her senses escaped her, time at a standstill. She was spellbound.

From what she could tell, he seemed to be a vampire. His vibe certainly was a charismatic one, a confident and carefree air about him. He had a mix of both allure and danger, much like a siren’s call. A shadowed temptation.

And yet, she sensed something even beyond that, a sort of darkness. Sadness? Loneliness? Anger? Trauma? Or something else entirely? Or was it a combination of those and more? She wasn’t sure how she knew, but there was definitely more to him than what he projected externally. But she didn’t dare say a word, fearing speaking out of turn; she didn’t have the right to pry into his personal business like that.

"Hm?" He made a noise, jolting her out of her trance. "What are you staring at?" He teased; clearly amused.

"N-Nothing!" She spluttered out, feeling her face heat up even more. "Y-You can sit here if you want to..."

He did just that.

What was happening to her? She's never gotten so flustered over a guy before, this was the first time someone's caught her attention in this way. What was it about him that made her so nervous? This guy was something else.

How she wished she could just disappear right now.

He observed the shy girl in her entirety. Something about her seemed to intrigue him, though he couldn’t quite place it. She seemed almost familiar, too, somehow. Just who or what was this girl?

An understated girl, he got the impression she was a wallflower type that hides in the shadows, often overlooked by others. Ever so unassuming, the type of girl to shy away from attention, more than happy with staying in the background. He noted the way she retreated into herself, the way she nervously fidgeted with her clothing, and the way she coyly attempted to hide herself from his gaze; he noticed it all. Extremely flustered and blushing fiercely by his proximity, her expression was akin to a deer caught in the headlights.

She was certainly a pretty girl; her features were rounder and softer, with fairly prominent curves in all the right places, even if she tried to hide them. Her skin was predominantly a fair lilac shade, but her limbs had darker gray on them, swirling up her body like a shadowy mist. Her clothing choice was a modest one, comprising of the colors mint green, blurple, and black. The motifs she sported were interesting, which seemed to be dust, locks, keys, smoke, shadows, spiders, and dream catchers, though he despised creepy crawlies. Her hair was also unique, mint green locks with streaks of blue and purple that reached to her hips, he always loved the color green. But most of all, those violet and doe-eyed innocence eyes of hers were what fascinated him the most.

There’s an old saying that the eyes are the window to the soul, one could tell their inner world by looking in their eyes if they sincerely looked for it. In this moment, she was as transparent as water to him, as if her soul was laid bare to him.

She seemed pure of heart, or at least that was the image she wanted to project. While he could easily say that about nearly everyone in this place, especially compared to him, but she was on another level. She held an innocence and naivety so prominent that it was almost saccharine. He wondered if she even understood concepts such as depravity or corruption, but he found the chance to be highly unlikely.

Purity, he thought with contempt, it's such a crock of bullshit.

He wasn't sure why he and his brothers were even sent to a place like this, just what was his tyrant of a father planning? This place, an idealist's dream of one day of bringing all monsters and humans together, he felt it was a fool's dream, such a thing was impossible.

His thoughts were interrupted by the school bell, it was time for him to start his first class on the first day. He couldn’t help but wonder what his time here would hold for him, and whether or not he’d find some quality entertainment.

Purity, it had always been a farce to me. Why is it that people suppress their true desires? Why is it people try to live correctly by societies standards when inside they’re miserable? Wouldn’t setting yourself free, letting go your inhibitions, and succumbing to pleasure be the better thing? If I just indulge in those carnal desires, forever chasing euphoric lust, I’ll be able to drown out everything else. Repressing your true self, a mask so laughable, in the end it will only hurt you.

But what does it mean to truly be yourself? Searching for sincerity, the answer always eludes me, just slipping beyond my reach. Disillusioned by this world of facades, putting on a happy face or tough front just seems to be the easier choice. Could it be better this way, to not wonder about the impossible? No, being true to yourself is a fallacy.

Just as love is a duplicity, in the end it’s all inconsequential because truth doesn’t exist. No one has ever been saved by their belief...

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