#if it does then i'd love to experience it. but i'm inclined to think that it doesn't or is extremely hard to find at least
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Mortal Kombat 1 Intro Dialogues
a/n: some slightly flirty dialogues for suggested characters from Mortal Kombat 1 (and 11), reader is a blood mage, adjacent to "Unpunishable"
Warnings: Suggestive Language, Obscure References, Poor Attempts at Comedy
Shang Tsung
Shang Tsung: Liu Kang is squandering your potential.
Reader: I trust his judgement completely.
Shang Tsung: You were made for so much more.
...
Reader: You want me to make a deal with the Devil.
Shang Tsung: All I ask in return, is your soul.
Reader: It's too high a price!
...
Shang Tsung: I lay before you my eternal heart...
Reader: There is no love with you, only ownership.
Shang Tsung: I dearly love all of my possessions.
...
Reader: I must believe there's good even in the darkest corners of the world
Shang Tsung: Finding it in me might turn out to be a futile fight
Reader: I don't give up easily, Shang Tsung
...
Shang Tsung: Have you ever thought to say "stop"? "If you love me, you would stop?"
Reader: Not in a thousand years.
Shang Tsung: I see now, why we're destined for each other
...
Reader: The things you've been doing in your laboratories are vile
Shang Tsung: I've used the same magic, as the one coursing through your veins
Reader: Liar!
Liu Kang
Liu Kang: Empress Sindel has approved your application to study Outworld's medicine.
Reader: I'm honored by her trust.
Liu Kang: You'll do a splendid job as Earthrealm's ambassador.
...
Reader: I fear the pull of darkness overpowering me.
Liu Kang: I will guide you, until your mind is at peace.
Reader: What if it never ends?
...
Liu Kang: In the previous timeline, you were my close friend and adversary.
Reader: And in this timeline?
Liu Kang: I'm inclined to say the same.
...
Reader: Doesn't it get lonely, being a God?
Liu Kang: I'm devoted to protecting Earthrealm and its people.
Reader: You didn't answer my question.
...
Liu Kang: Beware Shang Tsung's honeyed words.
Reader: You've said we were destined for each other in all timelines.
Liu Kang: And your union always leads to your suffering.
...
Reader: You knew I'd reject Shang Tsung's offer? Fight him every step of the way?
Liu Kang: I had faith, you would make the right choice
Reader: Honestly, do you have music playing in your head when you say garbage like that
Johnny Cage
Johnny: Let me just say, there's no other place I would rather be, than right here with you right now.
Reader: I can change that very easily.
Johnny: Why so serious, sweet cheeks?
...
Reader: No, Johnny, I won't be playing in any of your movies, ever.
Johnny: Can I ask why?
Reader: Why I don't want the job that makes your brain explode?
...
Johnny: You might wanna reconsider your rendezvous with the Sorcerer.
Reader: Which one?
Johnny: Oh, you are a bad woman.
...
Reader: Don't be such a baby, it's just a scrap.
Johnny: And I need a hot nurse to patch it up.
Reader: Why do I even… You're impossible.
...
Johnny: You have experience with emotionally fragile men, right?
Reader: You're self-aware today.
Johnny: I was talking about Kung Lao...
...
Reader: Okay, Ninja Priest was actually kinda good.
Johnny: YES! I knew you had a thing for the clergy.
Reader: That's not what I... You're such an ass!
Kung Lao
Reader: Do you think Liu Kang has destined us to become friends?
Kung Lao: Obviously, I'd never choose this for myself.
Reader: He could've made you less of twat...
...
Kung Lao: It's way too dangerous for you to travel Outworld alone.
Reader: I don't need a babysitter, Kung Lao.
Kung Lao: Prove it, then.
...
Reader: If you buy me dinner at Madame Bo's, I'll heal your arm.
Kung Lao: I see your time with Shang Tsung is rubbing off on you.
Reader: See, now I gotta hurt ya.
...
Kung Lao: How does it feel, being in the center of the Snake's attention.
Reader: Fuck you man, I didn't ask for this.
Kung Lao: Not good then.
...
Reader: Come on, I paid for dinner last time.
Kung Lao: I'll be happy to pay... Once you beat me.
Reader: You can be an ass sometimes, you know that?
...
Kung Lao: You know I only meant it as a joke, right?
Reader: Let me show you just how funny I think you are
Kung Lao: Bring it on, Nurse.
Bi-Han
Reader: You betrayed everything your clan stood for.
Bi-Han: You have no moral high-ground here, Healer.
Reader: I don't need it.
...
Bi-Han: Join the Lin Kuei, and unleash your true power.
Reader: Not while they're under your command, traitor.
Bi-Han: Your pride will be your downfall.
...
Reader: I can feel your blood run cold through your body...
Bi-Han: It will boil while I destroy you.
Reader: You'll freeze to death, then.
...
Bi-Han: Your aversion to power is your greatest flaw.
Reader: Should I follow your lead, then, and betray all I love for a promise of greatness?
Bi-Han: Is it wrong to want more?
...
Reader: Maybe I can beat some sense into you…
Bi-Han: I will crush you, little girl.
Reader: Great, a quip about my height, so original.
...
Bi-Han: We meet again, Blood Mage.
Reader: I knew you couldn't stay away, Bi-Han.
Bi-Han: Let's see if your training has progressed.
Erron Black
(am i the only one devastated he wasn't included in mk1?)
Erron: What's a pretty lookin' thing like you doin' in a place like this?
Reader: Holy shit, you even talk like a cowboy!
Erron: …Nevermind.
...
Reader: If I win, I get to wear the hat.
Erron: You'd look mighty fine in it, I'd wager.
Reader: Don't you pull your punches on me now, Black.
...
Erron: There's quite the price on your head, sweetheart.
Reader: And you'll do everything to collect it, right?
Erron: I could be persuaded against it, with the right motivation...
...
Reader: Do you flirt with all your targets?
Erron: Only pretty little ones, like you, girlie.
Reader: Well then, let's dance, Cowboy.
...
Erron: I wouldn't mind giving you a ride around town, little lady.
Reader: I'd rather beat you where you stand.
Erron: Be still, my beating heart.
...
Reader: I know who sent you.
Erron: Someone who's eager to get their hands back on you.
Reader: You can both keep them to yourself.
#mortal kombat x reader#mortal kombat 1#mosrtal kombat 11#shang tsung x reader#liu kang#johnny cage#kung lao#bi han#sub zero#erron black#shang tsung#my writing#requested
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Hiiiiiiiii
Could I request for a Buddha NSFW alphabet? please? qwp"
the time...has come. I apologize for any kind of mistake or if it's not the best, I tried my best!
Buddha: NSFW Alphabet
A: aftercare <what they're like after sex>
I'm pretty sure this concept isn't too developed in Buddha's mind, I don't think he's the best person for aftercare, but he has his tricks to make you fall at his feet. I can see him offering you some sweets or your favorite snacks stored in the drawer next to your bed. I think Buddha deserved some cuddles, he tried so hard not to eat them!
B: body part <their favourite body part on them and you>
His favorite part of his own body is probably his eyes: Buddha likes the way they allow them to read you like an open book, or your dazed gaze every time you enchant yourself in front of his irises. His ego skyrockets every time it happens and he will never stop teasing you about it. As for which part of your body Buddha prefers, I don't think there is one in particular; he doesn't seem like someone who places too much emphasis on physical appearance. If he loves you, Buddha will love everything about you, without preferences.
C: cum <anything to do with it, really>
I'm pretty sure Buddha lives for cumming in your mouth. He would squeeze your cheeks or pull your hair, seeing how you swallow everything; a grin on his face when you struggle. "Was it sweet, honey? No, no, bad girl...don't talk with your mouth full~"
D: dirty secret <a dirty secret of theirs>
Buddha always had a fantasy involving candy in bed. Let me explain, he would masturbate you with a lollipop, making you lick it and asking you which is tastier, the sweet or you. Buddha would make you cum repeatedly with his tongue, licking you good in all the right spots, feeling the sweet taste of his two favorite snacks, giggling from time to time. You'll need a shower after...you'll be a little sticky-
E: experience <how experienced are they>
Well, Buddha had a wife and children before he set out on his path to enlightenment; so I'd say he has enough experience.
F: favourite position <self-explanatory>
I think the lotus position is the most suitable, because he can hold you close to him, neither of you is in control, you are moving at the same time. It's the right definition of equality and balance, just the way he likes it. Not surprisingly, another position Buddha is crazy about is 69; bring you pleasure with his hot tongue, while he thrusts ruthlessy in your mouth...it's just perfect for him!
G: goofy <would they use humor in the moment?>
It is Buddha we are talking about, it is obvious that he will crack a few jokes here and there. He's not serious AT ALL.
H: hair <how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the courtains?>
The carpet is slightly darker than the curtains. Also, Buddha is not really clean, travels all the time and lives on poverty and good principles. You certainly can't expect too much. I'm not saying he totally stinks, but remind him to wash up once in a while, okay?
I: intimacy <are they romantic in the moment or they do not care?>
Given his character, Buddha is not inclined to bond with anyone, but only with people who manage to catch his attention; as a result, he'll try to make every moment he spends with you special - in his own way. Your sessions are not necessarily long, but very passionate and romantic, full of love and sweet words.
J: jack off <...self-explanatory part 2>
To no one's surprise, he does, but only when he hasn't seen you in a long time. Otherwise, you can rest assured that he will come looking for you at the exact moment he feels aroused.
K: kinks <their kinks>
If there's one important thing for Buddha, it's feeling every part of you, he has to live you deeply. When you make love, Buddha kisses every part of your body and enjoys when you masturbate each other; plus, he has a thing for involving food. Once, he could easily blindfold you, and then cover you entirely with honey, licking and kissing you, mixing the sweetness of that sticky gold with the taste of your fluids.
L: location <where they usually do the do>
Buddha is a person who wants to bring out the best in you, trying to grow the couple, so his favorite time to do it is at night, in the moonlight. When the soft moonlight illuminates your red cheeks and bright eyes, while is hair falls softly on his shoulders, creating a sort of barrier around you two. Also, this boy has a penchant for fucking near water sources, like rivers, lakes, or natural waterfalls.
M: motivation <what turns them on>
How can Buddha resist your tongue and lips sensually enveloping a lollipop? Especially if it's HIS lollipop, which you literally ripped out of his mouth. If anyone else did it, that person would be dead by now, but since it's you...he'll give you another kind of punishment...
N: no <things they refuse to do>
Involving other people in your sex life, he does not feel like it. As I said before, Buddha has to live you and no one else, your relationship is like a small nucleus that no one has the right to intrude; whether it's from a sexual or amorous point of view.
O: oral <do they like giving or receiving?>
He probably has no preferences, however, if someone were to present the choice in front of him, he would prefer to receive. Buddha must see you struggling as he grips your hair, abusing your mouth as he pleases. Buddha hears your gags, moans...everything, and it drives him crazy.
P: pace <are they slow and sensual or fast and rough>
It really depends on his mood, but he takes it easy most of the time. Buddha wants slow and romantic sex, full of passion, as if his every breath was the equivalent of a small part of his heart; but if you want it to go faster, you can straddle him and ride him like there's no tomorrow. He'll enjoy the pleasure, sucking your breasts while you ruin him❤️
Q: quickie <would they fuck you for five minutes or wait until you wait home?>
Let's say Buddha prefers to take his time and not act hastily: he wants you both to enjoy the moment, he wants to play it safe and take his time, and, more importantly, he wants to avoid anyone seeing you.
R: risk <...DUH>
To make you happy, but just to listen to you for once, Buddha would be inclined to take risks. But you absolutely choose a safe word and, at the first wrong thing, you stop immediately and cuddle.
S: stamina <how long can they last?>
His rounds are quite long and passionate, so Buddha can go on for a good few hours. I'll say at least 4 or 5 hours.
T: toys <do they own any? do they use them?>
I don't think Buddha has too many toys - also because he doesn't have enough money to buy them - so, I'm sorry but that's a no. However, you could easily involve simple things, like, bandages or bandanas to tie you up.
U: unfair <how much they like to tease>
All right, I say it, Buddha likes it a lot; however, it only does so because it can prepare you better that way. With his teasing, he always makes you nice and wet, ready to welcoming him and his cock.
V: volume <are they asking for a noise complaint, or are they quiet?>
Does he look like he's quite? This one a screamer, not gonna lie! Everyone knows when you are making love, and whoever hears you starts betting on who will moan the most, if you or Buddha. He can't help himself and sees no reason to not moan out of pleasure if he feels good.
W: wild card <a random headcanon☆>
Let's talk about that time you got stucked to the covers. After everything I've told you, you couldn't not expect such an episode. It was among the first times that Buddha had insisted on trying to involve food during one of your sessions, in particular, a mix between honey and caramel was created. You got attached to the bedsheets. Buddha laughed. That mix was never used again.
X: x-ray <what to they look like under there?>
Well, the size is average, it's neither too big nor too small, and it's perfectly straight. The base is slightly wider. The tip color is #e8a497. Oh, and it's a bit hairy!
Y: yearning <are they in the mood to fuck or are they tame?>
Buddha is very lazy, you have to stimulate him, always looking for interesting ways to make him lose his mind. You could play brat, that might get his attention...why don't you steal his snacks? That's a good idea!
Z: zzz <how quickly they fall asleep afterwards>
Pretty fast asleep, but he doesn't fall asleep until he's sure you're safe. So expect to find yourself sleeping on his chest where he can feel you close.
#record of ragnarok#ror x reader#ror x you#request#snv x reader#snv x you#shuumatsu no valkyrie x reader#shuumatsu no valkyrie#buddha x you#snv buddha#ror buddha#buddha x reader#record of ragnarok buddha
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YEAHHHHHHHHHHH TECH THOTS TELL ME ALL ABOUT HIM can we delve into the sex pollen thing because I'm ultra curious
I actually had to take an entire day to gather my thoughts bc omg, I feel like he’s kind of a mystery??? but here are a couple of conclusions I’ve reached
minors dni and ages in bios pls
early on, has a hard time figuring out if you actually like him or not, mostly because he's ruminating on the logic of why it doesn't make sense that you would choose him. he knows he likes you, but Does Not enjoy when his brothers make comments about his crush on you. genuinely won't even look at them or respond, which is basically confirmation for him (he doesn't realize this)
reserved, until he isn't. has a tendency to talk in purely scientific terms unless the two of you are in relative privacy. doesn't really like excessive PDA very much but will hold your hand especially in a crowd. Secretly feels a sense of pride if you lean your head on his shoulder
prefers to be communicated with directly so he can't reason his way out of his feelings. once you actually properly confess to him it's like a lever gets flipped in his brain
this man does not half-ass anything. ever. and that extends to his sex life
by that I mean I think he will truly try anything once, even if he doesn't already have an inclination that he'd like it, he'll try it anyway for you, and make some corny comment about the scientific process about it
equally submissive and dominant. a true switch if I've ever seen one
possessive. this post is already so long otherwise I'd elaborate but I fear I’d ramble. someone ask me about it
his primary love language is acts of service but of course it’s his own little spin on it of course. let him fix your datapad, tinker little inventions for you, if you need to go somewhere he’ll walk with you or pilot you there, he just wants to do things for you. His brothers are kinda flabbergasted because getting him to break his concentration for them is crazy difficult but if you ask him 👀
I have to stop there for general thoughts but I have a lot more headcanons but I wanna get into the sex pollen thing so!!
I can honestly see so many possible scenarios omg
let's start with what happens if you're not together and you happen to accidentally get hit with sex pollen on a mission
Tech is probably one of the only ones who knows the full extent of the effects of the pollen, and he's worried about you :( not because he doesn't know the solution (it's obvious to him what has to happen) but because you're clearly in discomfort
kind of floored that you want to fuck him and not just anyone to satiate the pollen. not to get randomly into his psychology on a sex pollen prompt, but I think Tech has a lot of self assurance (maybe even an ego) about certain things he knows he's good at and has other things he fully expects his brothers to be "the obvious choice" for
but he's not going to argue with you about it. maybe quickly verify that you're actually sure but that's all
gets really affectionate with you really quickly under this specific circumstance. normally he'd be a bit more restrained about calling you pet names or whatever but he's trying to reassure you a bit, so if he calls you love or good girl... well...
I would probably be prepared for this to spark a relationship with him after some embarrassment on both your ends. but I don't think he can fuck you for the first time in those circumstances and get over it very easily lol
okay alternatively... I fully believe during the duration of your relationship, he's accidentally fucked up and doused himself with sex pollen or a strong aphrodisiac somehow
he strikes me as a person who collects things "in case" or "to run experiments on later" in general so I can absolutely see him having random things around that are unknown levels of dangerous
and like. whoops. that random powder he picked up three systems ago that he meant to identify got knocked over, and is now all over his bunk
tries to deal with it alone. fails
goes to you kind of sheepishly and describes what happened
as if you wouldn't be happy to help him
at least he knows what the purpose of the powder is now?
after you've fucked it out of his system, he IS devious enough to think about the possibility of distilling it to be wayyy less strong and use it in the bedroom occasionally. for fun instead of necessity lol
#please if you are lurking and have tech thoughts my inbox is open#tbb tech x reader#tbb tech smut#feral thirsty for him in a way that will embarrass me laterrrr#tech ♥️#tech smut
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His Pet
Alastor X OC
Chapter 8
Rosie joined them in the parlor with a tray of tiny sandwiches and a pot of tea. “Alright Alastor, what seems to be the problem? You know I don't normally do relationship advice for free.”
He sighed, and his eyes gave an apologetic look alongside his smile. “I know my dear, I can offer a few other souls under my command if you desire. But I am in a rather unusual situation.” He motioned towards Zariah, who was just happily sipping the tea that was poured for her, tails swishing lazily.
Rosie looked at her, “I'm gonna need a little more explanation than that Alastor. You know you're ace right?”
Zariah's ears perked up and she raised her hand slightly, “so am I!”
He raised an eyebrow, “what does me being exceptional have to do with… this arrangement I've found myself in?” He was genuinely confused, but Zariah decided to help.
“Oh! Ace is short for Asexual in this case! A term for those who don't experience sexual attraction. Some can still enjoy those kinds of encounters to please their partner, while others are completely repulsed by the idea of participating. I'm in the second category, too many fluids, ick.” She scrunched her face, then went back to sipping her tea like nothing was said.
Rose nodded, “ah, alright, then maybe you two won't be that bad of a match after all. You're quite the well informed little thing aren't ya?”
Zariah purred at the compliment, “thank you, ma'am. Did Al bring me here because you're good at relationship advice?”
“That's right sweetie! Now, what kind of relationship are we looking at here?”
“Well, she claims to be in love with me, but I have my doubts about these claims. I own her soul, but I feel she got more out of the deal than I realized, and I'm more than a little angry about it.”
Rosie raised an eyebrow, “really now? She got the upper hand on you? Now that is surprising.” She turned her attention back to Zariah, “do you really love him dear?”
Zariah nodded, “I'd do anything for him. I already told him all I want is platonic affections, but he doesn't seem to believe me. I mean, I'd like cuddle time and mayyybe a few forehead or cheek kisses. But I'm not gonna force him into any of that if he doesn't like touching.”
Alastor sighed and pet the top of her head, causing her to purr. “She does seem to enjoy physical affection quite a bit. So I suppose I am inclined to believe that part.”
“Oh, I did think of something else that might upset you that I should tell you about. But, how comfortable are you with Auntie Rosie knowing the details of our deal?” She looked up at Alastor.
He pulled his hand back, “Ah, dear. Of course you would. I'm starting to expect this from you.” She could tell he wanted to grimace despite his smile. “Well, go ahead. There's nothing about our deal that she could use against me.” He tried to sound confident and unbothered, but she kept surprising him at every turn.
She nodded and made the chain from their soul deal appear. It was still a collar around her neck, but this time, it was a mix of green and blue, and the other half was shackled to his wrist. Alastor looked at it with wide eyes. He was screaming inside his head, and a screeching radio static could be heard coming from him.
Rosie looked worried as well, “Oh my… that's no good. Zariah, what kind of deal did you make?”
“He owns my soul, and he has to be my protector and caretaker.”
Rosie sighed, looking relieved “Is that all? Alright. Sweetie, mind if Alastor and I talk alone for a while? Let me have you wait in another room for a bit.”
Zariah looked at Alastor, who was still staring at the shackle and seemingly broken. She nodded and made it disappear.
“Okay… maybe I should have kept this to myself…” She felt terrible, she'd hurt him so much lately, when all she wanted to do was make him happy… there had to be something she could do right. Right?
Once she was put aside, Rosie looked at Alastor, and sighed. He was still staring at his wrist even though the chain was gone. The screeching had stopped at least.
She walked over to him and waved her hand in front of his face, “Alastor, wake up.” He blinked and looked up at her.
“Rosie, I don't know how this happened.”
“I know dear, but it'll be fine. I'll help you however you need, but first I need to know what you want.” She put a hand on one of his hands, kneeling next to his chair. He looked at her, his only real friend in hell. The one person he could actually trust in this nightmare of a place.
“I… don't know what I want. Her powers are extremely useful to me… and she's a delight to be around when she's not stressing me to the point of madness.”
Rosie nodded, “does she make you feel warm and fluttery inside?”
He nodded back, “sometimes…” He gripped a hand at his stomach, remembering how he felt when she healed him, and how she felt in his arms carrying her, and how soft her fur and hair were…
“Hm, then I think you care really deeply for her. Only you can put a name to it, but my instincts say it might be some form of love.” His nose wrinkled for a second as she said this.
“Now don't give me that look, you know there's different kinds of love. Like our friendship, I'm comfortable saying I love ya. And so is she. I think she wanted you to be attached to her so she can care for you. She seems to be a romantic at heart from what I can tell. Now, I'm gonna let you think for a bit about your feelings, and I'm gonna go learn more about her and see if you two really are compatible or not.”
She patted his hand and got up.
He was left alone with the finger sandwiches, and started snacking while left with his thoughts. What is it that he felt for her? She was just supposed to be a pet. Something to play with like Husker and Nifty. But… she was so unapologetically sincere and kind. She was also weak and innocent. A proper gentleman protects and cares for those who are weaker. He hadn't really lost any control or power. He needed to care for her to keep her around as well to use her powers when he needed them… Ah, he really was being silly, wasn't he? She hadn't done anything to deserve his animosity, he truly was being an ass. He needed to fix things, he supposed.
By the time Rosie came back out with Zariah, the entire plate of snacks were gone. “Alright, Alastor. Turns out you got yourself one hell of a catch here and you better not lose her. She's probably the only woman who can handle you, seeing as you have a lot of similarities with her ex. So you two enjoy your queer platonic relationship, and actually talk about your feelings.” She looked at the plate and rolled her eyes, “ugh, you'd eat me out of house and home if you ever stayed for dinner with your appetite! Go on, you and I can talk later about payment for the help. Just call it an owed favor for now.”
He stood up and bowed, “Ladies, I'm sorry I made such a fool of myself earlier. I fear I must admit, there's something going on that has had me out of sorts lately. I promise to get a better handle on myself.”
Zariah smiled and walked over, hugging him as soon as he straightened back up.
“I know. It's okay Al, we'll get through this together.” She purred, and he felt that warm fuzziness again. And he felt less sore… was she healing him?! Is that what the “butterflies” feeling was all along?! Oh thank god that made more sense. He sighed and smiled softly, hugging her back. He didn't usually like touch, but… he could make her an exception. Sometimes.
Rosie smiled, “aww, that's just adorable! If you can really learn to trust each other, you two really will stand the test of time.”
#alastor x oc#alastor's pet#hazbin hotel#ace alastor#alastor#alastor x reader#aroace alastor#platonic alastor x reader#hazbin hotel rosie
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I find your thoughts on fandom interesting, and in general, I'm really glad to see more discussion of the bad shit fandom can/is doing to young women in radblr spaces. But I mean this as an honest question: Why do you consider fandom not challenging writers/readers such a problem? These aren't professional writing spaces, and the vast majority of fanfic writers don't intend to go into them. Does an artistic hobby *need* to challenge its participants to be worthwhile? I mean this all really genuinely, especially as someone who *does* work in the arts and *does* actively want work that challenges me, and has traditionally prided herself on it -- are these inherent moral goods? Am I a reasonable standard to expect of other people? Is engaging with boundary-pushing art a requirement of healthy maturity? Why? Is, say, a human rights lawyer who spends her free time watching trashy reality shows blighted, somehow, by that fact? What about a cashier who watches the same stuff because she's genuinely not interested in anything else? And, given the vast majority of readers of actual books basically read the way fanfic-only readers read -- the same genres, which use well-worn tropes -- do we think fandom is actually keeping its participants from more worthwhile experiences?
(I suspect you might argue this is dumbing down the publishing industry, which I would really disagree with, as someone in publishing -- I know we can all point to Ali Hazelwood or a million YA books that advertise with tropes, but I really can't emphasize enough that this has been the case since modern publishing began, and I think pinning "so-so prose that's The Same Old Shit" on the current young female writer cohort borders on sexism, tbh.)
I've been thinking about these questions a lot lately, and I just don't know the answers. My gut wants to say yes, it's good to present challenging work to people, especially women, because art is a key part of the human experience, and can effect all sorts of societal things. But also ... I know very little about the environment, including my immediate natural environment, and if I'm honest, I'm not really inclined to learn. I'm sure learning about it would effect all sorts of change in my life and concept of self. But I'm probably not going to do it because I have a limited amount of time and I'd rather give it to other things. Is that better or worse than engaging with challenging art? Is it better or worse to be me than the woman reading the same old tropey fanfic in her free time?
I think what I WOULD argue is that, specifically, fandom as it is reinforces patriarchy and induces a lot self-destruction and alienation in young women, with particularly vile effects on young lesbians, autistic women, etc. But if it didn't do that....would I still have a problem with it? I don't know. But it's interesting as hell to think about, and I'd love your thoughts on it.
hello nona :-) many interesting points, much to consider
>Does an artistic hobby need to challenge its participants to be worthwhile?
no. I’m sure there are plenty of people who enjoy crochet or knitting or something like that for the sake of it or to de-stress. I’m sure there are also plenty of people who write and draw for the sake of it with little interest in grinding for improvement. that’s fine. the problem is when you have people who replace reading and personal edification with endless fluff + pointless indulgence.
reading... things... that are above your level, that actually make you think, is how you increase your vocabulary, your linguistic competence, your critical thinking skills, your ability to express yourself. difficult and complex texts present you with opportunities to broaden your perspective. they stimulate your mind, present you with new ideas; they can help you grow as a person in ways that the Same Old Shit simply won’t/can’t. it would be like benching the bar every day for 10 years straight and expecting to get stronger... I presume. I don’t lift weights.
as I said previously, I don’t think fanfic is going to destroy your brain, but if you read nothing but fanfic, that is on the same level as (or maybe worse than) reading nothing at all. of course I’m going to be critical of a community of people who humblebrag about how they can’t bring themselves to read 25 pages of literature in an academic (non yaoitastic) context.
ya ya it’s a joke they’re joking very funny, but do you see people of other creative pursuits or hobbies joking about how they can’t bring themselves to focus on a piece of actual literature or nonfiction? how they have zero interest in anything outside of anime boys kissing each other? it’s a sign of intellectual stagnation (and eventual regression imo).
I watch a lot of shitty youtube videos, but I acknowledge that they are basically a waste of my time. meanwhile you have post after post singing the praises of how culturally important and worthy of respect Our Beloved Fic Writers are in spite of the fact that their work is, by and large, completely self-indulgent shit! there’s just so much potential that isn’t being tapped into & so much complacency... it’s very frustrating to me. I find it dishonest. red white and royal blue is not going to change the world... lol
for the record, yes, you are right, lots of Real book-readers also read mostly self-indulgent shit. genre fiction is far more popular than anything else... and I don’t care for booktok either. in fairness, literary fiction isn’t always good, and I’m sure there were many women who read nothing but terrible pulp novels 70 years ago too. that doesn’t make fandom any better! not to say this is all women’s fault - I just have zero frame of reference for how “cultured” men may or may not be, and I don’t really care either way. I focus on fandom girlies because they’re what I know, & I want women to be... better, or at least more interesting. this is, of course, sexist by definition. I hold myself and other women to higher standards. I will admit to that. I’ll also admit to the fact that I do not care about men or what they are writing or reading and would not give a shit if they all became illiterate thoughtless slugs. it is what it is.
truthfully, I have no interest in moralizing any of this. I just find it depressing! it’s resulting in more and more women who cannot relate to and have zero interest in anything outside of the narrowly defined fanfic bubble - so, more and more women who can’t relate to me or what I care about. I’m selfish, and I think it’s unfortunate that there are so many young female writers clearly capable of writing something interesting who nevertheless restrict themselves to lowest common denominator coombrained garbage because it’s what’s easy and popular.
do we have a responsibility to pester random strangers about their amateur fanfic? naw. who has the time? all I know is that conversations I’ve had with my female friends about our original works or other women’s writing have been vastly more substantial and enlightening than any argument about who tops or bottoms in supernatural... imo. in my opinion
re: the environment and social responsibility, I also have no interest in debating what matters are the most important and whether you have a personal, moral obligation to educate yourself about them. I recognize that we all have a limited amount of time and energy to dedicate to something which is admittedly fairly peripheral to most people’s everyday concerns (such as... paying the bills). then again, so is almost everything.
at the end of the day, I just think it is an awful shame that some women would - and they freely admit this - rather turn their brains off and do nothing, think about nothing, read the same shit over and over, watch the same shows over and over, draw and write the same things and dynamics over and over... than do anything else. anything different or thought-provoking or uncomfortable. it is a loss for the breadth and the depth of women’s contributions to culture as well as their empathy and intellectual curiosity.
obligatory food analogy: a little bit of junk food won’t kill you, but if that’s all you’re eating, you are probably not... doing... well
and that’s not even getting into the social contagion present within fandom re:mogai, relationships, and gender identity shit (which I would say probably has a lot to do with the underdeveloped critical thinking skills and worldviews of girls who read nothing but fanfiction). I would love to come back to that at some point, but I think this post is long enough, so I’ll just put a pin in it. there’s honestly an insane amount that I have to say about common talking points regarding the value of yaoi/fanfic (in terms of how they portray Marginalized Identities and Relationships and how it supposedly helps women navigate their own trauma through a proxy or some shit like that) oh god this is a horrible run-on .... that’s all for now! send post!
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A/N ::: @katkitkats and I talked about this about a week ago. I'm sorry this took me so long, Kat. I know it's a lot shorter than what I was anticipating. Ha, isn't that some shit. I DIDN'T write something freakishly long. Jesus. How weird. Anyway, I hope you like it, Kat. <3 As always, thanks for discussing your ideas with me
C/W ::: Timeskip Hanma x depressed F.reader, talk of feeling worthless, mention of leaving - I don't mean suicide, I just mean like, literally going away/leaving.
Hanma is uncharacteristically sweet and compassionate in this piece. Do I think he could ever be capable of such feelings? Honestly? I can see it happening but he's got a lot of growing up to do first.
WC ::: 1,284
Cry Until You Laugh
For Kat
The light from outside was an assault on your eyes that you would not soon forget. Or forgive, for that matter. Hanma pulled back the blackout curtains in favor of the light yellow embroidered sheers to filter the world from your sensitive disposition.
"It looks like it's going to be a warm day. What do you think about going for a rid-" You met his question with a loud groan and rolled over, pulling his pillow over your face. "Ok. So no ride along the coast. Noted. But you know you should at least-" He started again.
"Try to get outside. Yes, Shuji. I know. Thank you." You said softly, despite interrupting him. You knew that he was only trying to do his best for you. For the both of you. "But I think I'd like to stay in. You know how I feel about that fiery fucking thing in the sky. I hate it."
That drew a soft laugh from him. "Hana, what am I going to do with you." You knew what he meant but you just couldn't help yourself.
"It's recycling day, is it not? Just put something decent on me and sit me at the curb. Let the city handle the rest."
"Han- hana. Don't talk like that. Please? I'm never going to ... to do whatever the fuck you're talking about. Now come please. I have to get you up and running and then we’re going out. What sounds good for breakfast?"
You pulled the pillow the rest of the way from your face and flipped it behind your head, sitting at a comfortable incline. The look on Hanma's face was absolutely heartbreaking. He shouldn't have to be dealing with this shit. With you. It made you feel bad, knowing you were such a burden on everyone that has stuck by you up to this point.
Normally, you'd make some offhand comment about how a bowl of shredded glass and bleach would be all you'd need for the morning. But there was a noticeable sadness that was almost heavier in Hanma's eyes than in your own. It made you want to cry. But then that would only make him feel bad. And that was just one more thing you never wanted for him. You were sad enough for the both of you.
"Hana ... please? I know you feel like there are better things to do, but it's important to take care of yourself, baby. Don't you want to show the world how beautiful you are." He chuckles as he says the last part. "Eh, I know you don't care. I know you don't."
Hanma helps you up off of the bed and helps you walk to the bathroom. He lifts you up and sets you on top of the counter and pulls out the brush to run it through your hair. It's been hard for him, this experience with you. He loves you with every piece of himself. But sometimes he doesn't know how to act around you. You're a loose canon sometimes and if he says or does something that can set you off, there's no telling how long you'll be on that downward spiral.
"Hey... Look at me. It's going to be okay. We'll take some time just for us today." He tips your face up so you're looking at him. His amber eyes are glowing in the morning sunlight.
How, you wonder, can one person be everything when you are nothing.
He manages to take care of things and makes sure you do the bare minimum on top of everything else. It's so fucking exhausting being you.
Sometimes you play the "If I just left" game. But you would never leave him like that. You don't think, anyway.
"Look at me." His tone shifted from soft to commanding. "I mornings are hard for you. I know this morning is hard for you." As he notices you're not responding, he brings his face close, and caresses your cheeks, to make you see him as he stares at you sharply.
His reassurances are your downfall. You can tell him no over and over again. Tell him to fuck off until you're blue in the face. But he'd only tell you that blue looks really pretty on you.
"I love you." You break down in tears.
He holds you tightly, shushing you softly. "I'm here. I'm here, baby. I'm not leaving. I promise. I'll stay as long as you want me to stay. I'm not going anywhere." He whispers softly to you as he gently runs his fingers through your hair. "It's going to be okay."
You feel so stupid and vulnerable right now. You just want to crawl in a hole and disappear. But Hanma won't let that happen.
He helps you get ready for the day and takes you to the kitchen for breakfast. You hate it when he cooks for you. It makes you feel like a child. But he insists and you're just too fucking tired to argue.
After you eat, he helps you put on your shoes and a light jacket before grabbing his keys and wallet. He opens the front door and lets you walk out first before following behind you.
The sunlight was damn near blinding. You hadn't been outside in weeks and the fresh air felt foreign.
Hanma takes your hand and leads you to his car. You can already feel the anxiety starting to shake loose in your chest. It's been so long since you've been out in public. You just hope that no one you know sees you.
The ride to the park is a quiet one. You're still upset and you're trying not to cry again.
When you finally reach the park, Hanma parks the car and comes around to open your door. He offers his hand and you take it.
You walk in silence through the park. The only sound is the crunch of the leaves beneath your feet.
As you're walking, you notice Hanma taking pictures of you. You don't like it but you don't say anything. You know he's just trying to make you feel better.
You both stop at a bench and sit down. Hanma wraps his arm around your shoulder and pulls you close. "How are you feeling, hana? It's been some time since you've been out like this." He says softly.
"I'm alright." You respond quietly.
"You don't have to pretend with me, baby." He says as he caresses your cheek. "It's okay to not be okay."
"I just... I just don't know what to do anymore. I can't stand how I feel like this. I hate that I'm not able to be normal anymore." You sigh as you lean into his touch.
"You're doing the best you can, sweetheart. You're so brave and so beautiful." He presses a soft kiss to your temple.
"You don't have to keep doing this, you know." You say quietly. "You don't have to keep putting up with me. You can leave if you want."
"I'm not going anywhere, hana. I'm here for you. I love you and I'm not leaving you."
You lean against him as tears start to well up in your eyes. "I don't deserve you."
He stretched his arms above his head. "I know." He whispers as he gently strokes your hair. "Everything in the world, hana. You're worth it. I'll never leave you."
You sniffle as you try to hold back the tears. "I just want to be normal again."
Hanma sighs softly. "I know, hana. But what's the fun in that?"
He looks down and smiles at you.
And for the first time in a long time, you smile.
Really smile.
Taglist ::: @darkstarlight82 @viburnt @arlerts-angel @kazutora-kurokawa
#ask sarah#sarah answers#hanma shuji#shuji hanma#tokyo revengers hanma#tokyo revengers shuji hanma#tokyo revengers#tokyo rev#tokyo rev angst#tokyo revengers angst#tokrev angst#x reader
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Ask Comp 13/4 - 2
Yup! The Alpha timeline offers a novel solution to the problem of Sylladex capacity. If the Captcha index only needs to be consistent in the Alpha timeline, then it doesn't have to worry about reserving index space for every possible item.
If this is how things work, then the Sylladex isn't predestined, per se - it's enforced. Everyone has a finite set of objects that they're allowed to captchalogue, and if you pick up anything else, your index is invalidated - and your timeline is pruned.
You could still call it predestination, if you were so inclined, but that's only partially accurate. It's more that you're coerced into 'choosing' one particular destination - or else.
I'm loving these voice headcanons. Scratch as Emperor Belos is inspired.
What the hell? That's amazing.
Based on my (admittedly limited) experience with web administration, it's not all that surprising, either. Hacks like this are shockingly common.
No worries! The vast majority of followers don't actually interact with these posts' notes, but I still assume they're reading them. Just a quirk of Tumblr's norms.
My best guess is that the drones would arrive when the troll is on the cusp of adulthood, shortly before they leave Alternia. That would give them as much time as possible to form potent relationships - which would, in turn, give the Empire the most potent wrigglers.
I still think it would motivate younger trolls, though. I mean, if all single people are executed at eighteen, you might feel a little pressure to enter the dating game early.
Never forget the Der-sayer incident.
Rereading it, Karkat scans as sad, angry, resigned, confused, lonely, and trying to bottle up an avalanche of "FRESH RAGE."
I think we're both half right, here - he's drowning in a tide of pretty much every negative emotion imaginable.
Thank you!! We triple-checked, and it seems like Tumblr ate the first half of this ask :(
Much appreciated, though!! I love that metaphor for coming up with scattershot theories.
Oh, that makes sense. Can't believe I missed a Hussie pun, but that one was a little harder to notice.
This makes it sound like the universe is tethering her to life, just as she tethers it. What is up with this lady?
That's true! I'm pretty sure it's both.
I'd always imagined Equius as being pretty tall. They're all the same height in sprite art though, so I think it's another case of sprite art being non-representative.
I'm withholding judgement on the Meowrails until we get more interactions between them. Their early conversations were a little worrying, but it's possible that Hussie hadn't fully fleshed out the concept of Moirallegiance at the time. We'll see how they interact now that how their quadrant works has been expanded on.
[ Problem sleuth is still hosted there😁- C ]
It still seems to work for me!
Oh, fun! I guess John's birthday does sort of fall into a half-pattern with the others.
Still, it would have made more sense for him to be in a line with the other Players - his Chumhandle doesn't match theirs, either, so maybe John's just a weird case.
Thank you! I feel like this sort of analysis can only really be applied to fictional characters, though. Everything a character says or does is the result of a deliberate choice made by a writer, and I can use my knowledge of that fact to frame my analysis.
In real life, though, people just say shit - often for no reason, or for reasons they don't understand themselves. People are a lot more complicated than even the most well-written character, and understanding them requires a whole different skillset!
Someone also posted Hussie's author comment about this. It's been years since I watched the movie - and if I recall correctly, it was also pretty meta itself. Maybe I need to watch it again, as reading material for Homestuck.
ferretlady97 submitted: talking about the book commentary reminded me of something i was gonna send you when the troll black queen took off her ring but forgot
"Note that when she takes the ring off six orbs are filled. Three players from the blue team have entered the session, and three from the red team. Aradia was the second of the blue team to enter. Nepeta was third. Aradia's entry is when the frog mutations took effect on the ring-wearer. And then an interval passed before Nepeta's entry. Which means the queen actually spent a decent amount of time looking like a frog, deliberating whether or not she could put up with this for an entire game session. Ultimately, she couldn't hang in there. But this does imply she at least tried."
i just think it's funny thanks for your time
The language used here - the fact that she couldn't 'put up' with her transformation into a frog, and couldn't 'hang in there' - seems to imply that doing so harms her in some way.
All the frog symbolism is still a closed book to me. What exactly does Bilious Slick represent or symbolize that Derse hates so much?
[ you got another ask about LOLCAT but it has classpect spoilers so I'm saving it for later - C ]
I suppose that could work - but then again, it seems that 25% of all Lands have some association with water, so it can't always represent Life. I do want to come back to this later, though, when the Classes and Aspects are better defined.
Send away! It'll be a while until I use them, though.
I appreciate it! That's a minimum bound that I'd have to pick up the pace to reach, at this point.
Hey, what can I say? I'm here for a good time, and a long time. >:)
I keep forgetting that LOSS is a references to a fanfic. I associate it more with you, the LOSS Anon!
If she can't, she's definitely phrasing things in a misleading way, trying to imply that she can. The Tavros scene is arguable, but I really can't think of any other way to interpret how she talks about the Consorts, unless she's straight up lying - and she really doesn't do that much.
Vriska 100%s the game, but skips all the cutscenes?
...yeah, I can see it. Every side quest is another chance to win!!!!!!!! >::::)
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Oh I had. A thought for the Cinderella Rewrite AU. Because now there's a girl out there who is extraordinarily pissed at Yukako, right?
Well that's great for Yoshihiro Kira who is trying to find people willing to distract the Morioh Gang from hunting down and finding his son. And this girl already has a grudge against one of them? Perfect Enemy Stand potential!
There are so many ways this plotline could go which is amazing. Does the girl learn the error of her ways or remain stubborn, becoming a shadow archetype to Yukako, someone unwilling to settle her feelings in a healthy way? Does Koichi beat her or does Yukako? Does this happen on The Thursday? If so, does Yukako reluctantly drag in someone like Hazamada to help or does she try to go it alone only to fail and need the help of, say, Joseph or Tonio?
Speaking of which, if it isn't on The Thursday, where is Yukako during All Of That?
OOOOOOOOOOO THAT'S A FUN IDEA TO GO WITH AND A GREAT WAY TO TURN THIS INTO A THREE SECTION ARC 👀👀👀
While I have no idea what her Stand could be, I LOVE the idea of her being turned into a Stand User and getting involved in The Thursday. Maybe she ends up teaming up with Terunosuke in the kidnapping of Koichi and it sorta skews how everything goes. What her Stand is will definitely impact how things are going, but with how we've created her there are. So many possibilities and I'm not sure which would be best. I do think it should be more inclined to trickery than straight up power but other than that I've got nothing
ANYWAYS tho, as for how this ties into things and redirects them: maybe the girl (also, we really need to give her a name don't we) was set up to work with Terunosuke, but under the condition that Koichi and Yukako were hers. Teru does his thing and kidnaps Koichi and Tomoko, but he ends up passing Paper Koichi off to the girl
Josuke, Okuyasu, Yukako and Yuya are all going to temporarily be together and chasing after Terunosuke, but maybe somewhere during the chase the girl ends up jumping them and goads Yukako into a fight. Yukako tells the others to go on ahead and keep chasing after Teru and that she'll catch up later. It only after they've left that Yukako learns Koichi is actually here. I'd imagine their fight is a lot of chasing and shouting, and personally I really like the possibility of Tonio and Joseph getting involved, though I'm not super sure how
Koichi definitely gets freed at some point, and when he joins the fight there's a noticeable difference in the tide. After all, out of the four of them Koichi has the 2nd most combat experience (plus, Joseph's gotten a bit nerfed because of his age) and isn't afraid to pull his punches if he genuinely believes he's in danger. He's had like. Three near death experiences at this point, two of which could be argued were just flat out death, plus who knows how many other fights where his friends were in danger. Koichi knows what's at risk here and he's not going to let anyone else get hurt if he can help it. (Now, he's not going for lethal shots, but he's definitly aiming to hurt)
and maybe that's how Tonio and Joseph get involved? For safety and potential back up, Koichi and Yukako ended up running to Tonio's since it was the closest place and Joseph just happened to be there (Shizuka is fine tho, she's Jotaro at the moment), and they end up getting wrapped into things
for the resolution of this, I'll admit I really want to play into the fact that this girl has no IDEA what's actually going on or how much is actually at stake here, and how her ignorance to it has consequences. She's far from blameless of course, she did do some really fucked up shit in the past and now, but she also had no idea she's gotten involved with serial killers who are looking to do far worse than high school bullying. She'd been so wrapped up in her own little world of getting revenge that she hadn't thought to think Hey Maybe The Weird Picture Man With The Arrow Doesn't Have My Best Interests At Heart
Now does this mean she gets off scott free? No, and to be honest given the amount of property damage and kidnapping and manipulation she's done she's definitely going to be on the Foundation's radar, double especially because she's a User who was again, working for a known serial killer (albeit unknowingly)
but finally, after weeks and weeks of all of this happening, she finally gets to see how there's more to this world that her immediate circle and there are going to be concesuqences for her actions
#this was SO fun thank you so much for the suggestion I loved it#cinderella rewrite#jjba#jojo’s bizarre adventure#diamond is unbreakable#jjba part 4#jjba yukako#yukako yamagishi#jjba koichi#koichi hirose#jjba tonio#tonio trussardi#jjba joseph#joseph joestar#sb answers#ailingwriter
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A fandom thing that brings me great discomfort is the assumption that "all" queer fans are naturally going to flock around a single ship, and if you don't see it happening you're definitely straight and possibly homophobic. Those are some wild things to assume!
(I'll note a bit of added context here: I don't participate in Twitter fandom, so Discord and Tumblr are my main exposures to character and ship discourse, and AO3 and Livejournal and fansites are the current and past places I've consumed fic. When I'm into a show, I tend to read widely in the main tags even if I usually gravitate towards one or more favorite ships.)
In my current fandom, my inclinations are mostly centered around a m/f ship as well as multi-shipping a variety of monogamous and poly ships (many/most of which are queer). This is a bit of a departure from most of my previous fandom experiences, which have been centered around very subtextual f/f ships in fandom spaces where the fic-writing and discourse is nearly entirely centered around femslash. My corner of this current fandom includes tons of queer fans (of which I am one), as well as plenty of fans who don't identify as queer. In all the fandom spaces I'm in and in all the pairings (and gen fic) I enjoy from this show, there tends to be a lot of nuanced exploration of gender and sexuality, including explorations of queerness, including within transformative works about that popular m/f ship.
Over the last few weeks, I've watched the ship wars in my fandom, which used to be largely focused around that m/f ship I happen to love, kinda shift into what I think is a bit of an emerging-from-within defensive campaign for a popular m/m ship.
(Some more context: I have zero interest in engaging in ship wars. I believe all ships with adult characters are valid ships. I am invested in what will happen in the canon of this show, but "endgame" has never been the driver for my participation in any fandom, and I'd be shocked if I don't continue to create transformative works about my favorite ships for months and years to come regardless of what happens with the show. I personally don't adore the popular m/m ship, although I definitely see the chemistry and for most of the time this show has existed, I've appreciated the enthusiasm for the characters and the ship even if it's not my cup of tea. I enjoy both characters and their canonical relationship, and completely understand why the romantic ship is very popular.)
I find it genuinely kind of funny and amusing that for ship war participants fighting for basically any ship within this fandom, the arguments they experience from antis are incredibly similar--for character x and character y to get together, or for character x and character z to get together, it would be cliche, it would be tired, it would be unnecessary, we already have plenty of rep like that, or there's no way these characters could make sense as rep like that, there's nothing in the text that supports this ship, etc.
What feels newer is this insinuation that to opt out of shipping a particular thing means you are unable to see it. If you just don't prefer it or don't predict that it will happen in canon, that must mean that you believe the people who do see it happening are delusional, and therefore you are the enemy.
And attendant with that viewpoint is this idea that there are only two options in media: "the" queer ship will go canon, or the entire show is a big queerbaity setup. Does queerbaiting exist? Yes! Is it happening right now? No! Queerbaiting is, essentially, a broken promise from creator to fan.
The reason all this bums me out try as I might to ignore it and continue having a grand time is multifold: it's a gender thing and a rarepair thing and a thing about ship-as-campaign that saps the fun and joy out of (sub)text and text and the beautiful mystery of watching a story unfold faster than anything.
The gender thing: the show I'm talking about has a character who identifies herself as bisexual in the first season. Do I want more about that story? Do I think that story could and should take up more space? Yes! But is it there? Absolutely. And it's been disheartening to see people either ignore her completely or chalk this part of the story up to "lame jokes" as if humor and flirtation are less-than or inauthentic ways to engage with one's sexuality. It's disheartening to hear people talk about how they hope this show will have its first queer representation when there's been a queer woman on the show the whole time.
The rarepair thing: fic writers, presumably of every orientation under the sun, have been creating very queer fic about a multitude of characters on this show (including, notably, characters who are women) this whole time. There are queer pairings with twenty or fifteen or even three, two, or one stories in their tag. And it feels like lately all these pockets of fandom, regardless of what we've been writing, are getting lumped into this generic "straight" soup of people who lack the vision for the thing that's now "the" thing. But the things that made me want to write queer fic (and, yes, m/f fic) about all these characters, including one of the characters who is part of the popular m/m fic, are things I picked up in the source material, too.
The ship-as-campaign thing: it's exhausting. And it takes something that's pretty inherently queer--the communal act of engaging with a text and transforming it in a million beautiful (or depraved, or silly, or gross, or genre-defying) ways--and splinters it into factions. And assumes stupidity (or outright bigotry) on the part of those who don't see it the exact same way you do. Of course there's bigotry in this fandom, and among casual viewers. It's shit. So why invent more of it that isn't there when we could all focus on eradicating what is there? I don't think there's anything wrong with hoping fervently that you get to see the love story you want to see play out onscreen. That's absolutely how I feel. It's the way this stuff gets treated like a political platform that needs to do numbers to win...that's what bothers me, regardless of which ship it's about.
This has gone on way too long and I very easily might end up regretting making this post, which is very obviously about the thing it is about. If you reblog it, do NOT use it to campaign for any ships or belittle anyone for enjoying the ships they enjoy. PLEASE. Every single one of the ships is great and interesting and worthy of being explored by fandom, and you're selling fandom and community and queer culture short if you assume all the queers have to go in one room and all the straights have to go in another. We can be excited about the things we're excited about without making those hurtful assumptions and making ourselves miserable over a thing that is actually extremely cool.
#queer things#fandom things#hot dork club#personal#(but you can reblog as long as you don't use it for the purpose of ship wars or campaigns!)#and what the heck i guess i'll tag it with the show?#i don't wanna start anything but genuinely express something that i find hurtful and interesting at the same time!#ted lasso
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Jimin's birth chart (with birth time/houses)
Hey everyone! I saw on Twitter that Jimin recently mentioned his birth time but he didn't clarify am or pm. After taking a look at both possible charts, I vote for the am one. This was unexpected because 11:58 pm actually makes him a cancer rising and I've thought he was one for the longeeeest time but I think 11:58 am makes more sense overall and I'm gonna share why later on. Keep in mind this still can't be official so yes take this as a disclaimer I guess.
Highlights: north node in the 10th house, 10th house stelium, Gemini moon, Scorpio Venus and Mars, Jupiter in the 12th, Neptune in the 1st, Libra MC, Sun conjunct MC.
Air dominance in the big 3
So Jimin has a libra sun, Gemini moon and Sagittarius rising (if his birth time is accurate indeed). Those 3 signs are known for their independence and self reliable outlook when it comes to life. Gemini moon people can be very witty, intelligent and intellectuals but they are also prone to being moody or overly realistic when it comes to matters of the heart. I do think that Jimin has a softer nature than what his big 3 would suggest which made me think of a cancer rising, but I think it's gonna all make sense later. As a Sagittarius rising, Jimin is very curious about the world, he loves learning and exploring. He is someone thoughtful when it comes to life and the lessons that we learn from our experiences. From my pov, it seems like namjoon and jimin are pretty close, and it's not surprising since namjoon has a Sagittarius moon! Moon-rising positive aspects are chef's kiss.
10th house stelium in Sun, Venus and North Node
Aka the most I'm gonna be a major celebrity thing I've ever seen in a chart 😂 10th house placements are associated with fame, because the 10th house is associated with our life path and career. If someone has planets that they fall under the 10th house, sometimes they can suggest what you might be known for! The sun feels so good in the 10th house because they have very similar energies. The sun is all about leading, making a statement, being SEEN and it's under the 10th house? You were meant to shine sweetheart. It's also in his Venus, Venus being the planet of love, beauty and ARTS. Guess we know Jimin for all those things, aren't we? But the best placement to have it imo is the north node. The north node isn't a planet or an asteroid but a point that's always across your South node. South node is about our previous life (for those that believe in that) while north node can reveal our aspirations for this life, what we're more inclined to do, experiences and lessons for our current life. His current life is all about fame and his life path. But another thing I'd like to point out is that there is an abundance of fame indicators or career related ones which means that its a very crucial part of his life. Overall all this needs some balance and he does need some privacy with his Scorpio Venus and Mars too.
Scorpio Venus and Mars
Boohaha as if one Scorpio placement wasn't enough lmao. Scorpio in Venus is a notoriously bad placement (although I'd like to disagree) because the scoprio energy can be too intense for the gentle and soft nature of Venus. Meanwhile the second ruler of scoprio is Mars so it feels right at home there. He doesn't have a venus-mars conjunction exactly (because the degrees don't allow it) but we can all agree that he definitely gets his alluring side from the venus-mars positive aspect he has. I feel like Jimin has an one of a kind beauty that I've never seen in kpop before (he isn't even my bias lmao). His beauty is ethereal (we will see later why that is), sensual, pretty and mysterious all at the same time. Aphrodite's favorite son be like. Jimin likes to keep matters of his heart private or share them only with close friends. Love feels special only when it's secretive. He likes being trusted by others and when someone reveals their hidden or even darker sides of themselves to him. Despite his libra placements making him a peace maker that enjoys being well liked by others, when he gets mad, he gets mad!
Jupiter in the 12th
Jupiter is ruled by Sagittarius so it's a very lucky placement! It is his chart ruler as well if his rising is in Sagittarius indeed! Jupiter is a benefic planet and it expands traits. His Jupiter is in the 12th house, which is a very spiritual house. Actually the 12th house has a bad reputation in astrology because it's about the subconscious and illusions, but this is probably lessen with Jupiter's help. Also his chart ruler falling under the 12th house, is one aspect that might give him this ethereal look but the most important is....
Neptune in the 1st
The it girl/boy placement ladies and gentlemen! Neptune is the planet of dreams and illusions, it's all about the otherworldly and whimsical things. It being in the 1st, gives his looks an ethereal touch. Also Pisces rising and a Neptune in the 1st are great placements for models or idols because it makes someone a chameleon. Jimin is able to transform through their different concepts. You know how each Era a member looks their best? For Jimin it seems like most of the comebacks fit him like a glove. He is able to do bright, cute, dark or sexy concepts so effortlessly!
Libra in the Midheaven
Libra in the midheaven can suggest things about someone's life path/career and it being related to beauty or law. For Jimin it seems to be the first 😂 great placement for models especially, makeup artists, fashion designers etc. Jimin according to the members loves fashion so its very fitting.
Sun conjunct Midheaven
As if he didn't have enough placements to make him a star lmao. I find this particularly accurate because this is a great aspect to have! The sun makes us 'seen' and he is seen in his field, admired by coworkers and someone others look up to because they admire him or they want his guidance. Both are accurate for Jimin. Despite his young age many younger idols admire him and his accomplishments! What a star 🌟.
For astrology ships or chart readings DM me (5-10 USD)
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Love like You
Mystic Messenger
Jumin Han x Reader
Calling Jumin feels awkward. You've only been in the messenger for two days and hardly know anyone. But the nagging feeling of the conversation between Seven and Jumin leaves a horrible pit in your stomach.
"I heard Jumin is gay..." Seven had said.
If you said the statement hadn't piqued your interest, you'd be lying. After all, no one believed you when you said you weren't a girl—just because Seven had disclaimed it and said you looked like a girl. Your voice being so high doesn't help the case, but a book cover can be very different from the actual story it holds.
I'm very open-minded. The statement you make was hurried and quick, you had wanted to make sure you had mention something in case Jumin is...well, is like you. Yet somehow that simple text of yours was turned on itself and made into another joke.
"Isn't it rather late to be calling?" Jumin's voice suddenly and tersely cuts through the line.
You want to make it right.
"Jumin." Your voice is much more serious than you intended.
On the other end, you can hear him sit up a little more, readjusting and assessing. "We just spoke in the messenger. Is everything alright?"
"No." You say evenly, taking a deep breath. Knowing with the corporate heir, the best way to approach this would be calmly and logically. "At least I don't believe so."
"I'm sorry, " he says it so genuinely, that you wish you'd clarified why things weren't okay first. "While I'm not equipped to handle formal complaints in regards to the RFA, I will be sure to pass on any concerns to V."
"No, I wanted to apologize. To you."
"To me? As far as I know, you've made no transgressions."
"For what happened in the chatroom, I wanted to apologize to you." You say earnestly.
The sigh he makes is less understanding and more annoyed. "It's a ridiculous prank that Luciel and the others enjoy prolonging. The fact that you too have jumped on such a joke is not surprising—"
"I meant what I said!" You interject quickly, hoping you catch him before he decides to hang up. "Really and truly. Such affairs to gossip like that, they're private and personal. And to make light of it is a slight on that trust of privacy. But...I genuinely meant what I said."
He says nothing, his breath a soft and steady pattern for you to listen to. You close your eyes and wonder what he looks like in that moment. Is he disgusted? Intrigued? Or entirely disinterested altogether?
"It is no one's business in regards to who you love," you say softly. "And who, whether it's a man, a woman...or just a person making their way—it shouldn't matter. If you love them and they love you in return, and you're willing to treat each other as equals as you work through life together...then what does it matter?"
"You surprise me by the hour," Jumin finally says. It is a gentle and murmured comment. "I admit I've never given it much thought. But I like how straight-forward you've made it."
"So you're not—?"
"It's never been a forefront concern of mine, but I suppose I don't have a preference either way."
You smile to yourself.
"Perhaps, at the end of the day, I would love a person making their way, doing their best." You swear there is something knowing in his voice and you can't help but wonder...
"Jumin, I—"
And once again he cuts you short. "I'd like to disclaim, I do not wish for you to feel like you must share your own experience as I've shared mine...if there's something you're not inclined to disclose yet, don't feel like you must."
Your heart beats a bit against your ribcage. It's a lovely and anticipant flutter. "In my defense, I don't think I've been subtle."
"Oh?" He asks, bemusement seeping through the tone.
"I did, after all, come distinctly forward and say I wasn't a girl," you laugh.
At Jumin's hesitation, you can practically hear the gears turning in his head. "...are you a man?"
"Perhaps..." You smile. "Perhaps I'm just an ordinary person making my way and doing my best."
He chuckles, it is low and warm. You can't help the feeling of your heart and chest warming, like the slow steep of liquor once you've taken a drink.
"Well said," Jumin murmurs.
#mystic messenger#mysme#jumin han#mysme jumin#jumin han x reader#readers gender / orientation here is ambiguous for a reason so self-insert whatever youre comfy with#I've been replaying mysme and it really ticked me off how much 707 and Zen harp on the gay thing#so what if Jumin Han does gay??? Good for him
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Hi BPP,
I debated on this ask but decided to go for it. I have what may seem like an odd question but feel like you're probably the most sober minded about stuff like this because you've been in Kpop spaces a long time, aren't a Jimin bias, and have a much better understanding of how the big three and Hybe move. So I know you said in one of your previous posts that anyone thinking Hybe would purposely sabotage their own artist and choose to lose money is basically being an idiot (or something to that effect) I was inclined to agree except I can't think of another reason why things that may seem minor to some really do keep happening to Jimin.
His profile and merch not on Spotify.
His albums still not being shipped to Chinese fans after all this time.
Face not being restocked on the store.
Articles about an irrelevant racist shading Jimin and Yoongi actually posted on Weverse by the critic who was practically salivating over a Like Crazy freefall.
And the latest Take Two post by BH on Twitter with him being the only member with no embedded preview while all the others have it on theirs.
Now while the last may seem minor, the point is you can clearly tell it was intentional. Like you can't convince me someone just made a mistake. All these things and others taken together are not a coincidence. They are legit moving like he's not their artist at all, imo.
Anyway, my question is I know trending hashtags aren't all that effective. My ideas/experience of how to properly address these 'slights/errors/issues' or whatever we're calling them with BigHit where they will actually take it as serious from the fandom is non existent. I didn't mention all the things that happened with BB because for all we know that's being handled behind the scenes or not. Either way that ship has sailed and BB is basically committed to being shady to BTS so that to me is a losing battle until alot more people who can affect change in the industry join that conversation or until BangPD buys a radio station🙄. All that said it does seem to me it that someone in that company has a serious issue with Jimin. I know solos are problematic and always victimize the boys but in this instance I do think there is a legit concern. I have actually started to see other actual OT7 start to acknowledge there might be a problem. I guess my question is as loved as Jimin is (outside Army Twitter that is) I would think with enough incentive, push, noise by the fandom Hybe would get their butts in gear and resolve/address some of these things. At the very least ship the albums Chinese fans paid for. I know I can write to them but I guess I want to actually be effective and that takes more than one person so my question is have you ever seen this before and if so how exactly has Army addressed it in the past and gotten results? Yes, I know Jimin is a grown man and can advocate for himself but to be frank it doesn't seem like he spends too much time on focusing on unfair treatment. This seems to be more than that though and all these micro aggressions seem to keep happening. It's not like Jimin is aware his post on Tweet is different or his fans haven't gotten their CDs. Thanks for listening to my long diatribe and please don't hesitate to tell me I'm an idiot if I'm looking at this all wrong. I can more than take the criticism and frankly would love to have another perspective that makes a modicum of sense, instead of what seems like the obvious.
***
'Anon' later followed up with a link to a more exhaustive list of suspicious incidents that only happen to Jimin at the hands of HYBE. 'Anon', I know I said I'd get to this later, but I realized this would be simplest/quickest ask in my drafts to respond to, so might as well get this out of the way because the backlog I've got is atrocious lool.
Hi Anon,
I read the laundry list of suspicious incidents.
Normally, when I see these lists of grievances, I ignore them. For two reasons:
Hard as it might be to believe, I don't care to spend my time defending BigHit. With what I do for a living, incompetence is unforgivable, so you won't find me getting in the way of anyone checking even a whiff of it in BigHit.
This is just what solos do, collecting an ever-expanding list of targeted sabotage on their chosen member, to buttress their case for why the member they believe is better than the rest, should leave his company and go solo. Like, that's literally what all these people are there for. Hobi solos have a list that's twice as long as the Jimin one, just from the last 12 months. Jungkook solos have a shorter list but I can wager 40 pounds it will be longer than Jimin's by the end of the year. RM's grievance list is more focused on the fandom than the company, but even then there's complaints of shipping and restocking delays aplenty. No other group of solos have perfected the art more than Taehyung's, in my opinion. Solos exist to differentiate their chosen member, in every way - he is more disadvantaged, more talented, more long-suffering, more harmed, more beautiful, than anyone else - all of it is fuel to intensify their devoted support of that one member. It has the side-effect of motivating solos to stream harder so if a missing cake pic gets someone to rejig their playlist, you won't find me getting in the middle of that. I too want more streams for Jimin and other members.
Plus, most of the claims in these lists can be easily dismissed or cross-referenced by anyone who keeps up with things for all seven members, to see that most of these issues aren't unique to Jimin or any one member.
For example,
300k JITB sales were deleted off Hanteo with no explanation, even more sales were deleted in week 2, again with no explanation,
OTS is still not registered on KOMCA more than 3 months after release,
Indigo still hasn't shipped to China, RM solos use a network to get albums in after the sales are registered/counted in Singapore,
Jungkook's brother was doxxed on a gallery linked to the company and YG,
Suga's profile still doesn't have a bio and merch page, and his Agust D page didn't get one until March 2022 - years after Agust D and D-2, merch came two weeks after D-DAY was out,
Taehyung's official youtube views were frozen for 37 hours straight and millions of views deleted,
Yoongi and Jin's in-ears didn't work during Not Today encore stage,
Jungkook's Spotify streams were mysteriously deleted in 2022 to give a Blackpink member the title of most streamed k-artist until pushback then the streams were recalculated,
JITB was not listed on the official BTS website shop or by Geffen for months after it was released, like, you couldn't even find it to see if it was sold out or not from those websites,
etc...
And this is just off the top of my head. Not like this is a competition, I just happen see it for various members, other k-pop groups, and have recently seen a Stella Quaresma solo stan make a similar list, and seen grumblings from FLO stans on inconsistent streaming numbers for the group. Also, most people eventually come to understand that BigHit is the only fully independent label under HYBE.
And so, I usually ignore grievance lists like that, and leave whoever feels so moved as a result of it to do what they want.
Because, as I keep saying, everyone in this fandom just does what they want. And, all of what I wrote above aside, of course it's bad enough that these things are happening anyway. It doesn't matter how common it is, if it happens to the whole industry or just one person, if I think it's wrong it bothers me, even if only momentarily.
And so, I do what I want.
Usually that means doing my research to confirm the claim or my suspicions, talking about it with friends, if the issue is on a 3rd-party platform I raise the issue through that platform's support channels, and write an email to BigHit in Korean if it's a problem on their end - if I've got time and I think it's an extremely urgent and severe problem. Most ARMYs already do this for issues they find very serious. And yes ARMYs have gotten results. Examples include rectifying misleading/insulting subtitles towards Jimin on a Vlive in 2021, fixing potentially misleading subtitles on the Festa 2022 video, and getting JITB's album finally shown on the official BTS website though this took months.
Personally, lack of public twitter announcements (Jimin's BB #1 was highlighted by company leadership to investors), cake pics, and albums still available to be purchased on the US store (FACE is not completely sold out on the US store), don't make the cut for me, also just as I don't expect JYPE, Universal or Sony to comment on their artist streams getting split, I don't expect BigHit to, but again, do you. Everyone else does anyway.
*
I hope I haven't come across as excessively flippant in my response to you, because I appreciate the time and care you spent sending me this ask Anon. I'm just another fan after all, and my opinion is only worth as much as yours. You're seeing things happen to Jimin that you cannot explain, injustices the company and fandom seem apathetic to, and you love Jimin and simply want the best for him. He deserves only the very best, as do other BTS members. You want to respect the agency of the adult male artist you support, but at the same time it's true he's not meant to micro manage his career, and the people paid to do it sometimes do a sloppy job. Plus antis and sasaengs worming their way into company spaces is a very real risk that's worth keeping in mind.
I'm constantly working under the assumption that the people I'm writing to aren't stupid, that everyone can think for themselves to decide what they want, and that anyone who ends up a solo, manti, or toxic shipper, was always going to be one. And that is just as well.
And so, I hope by this point, you can understand why I'll be saying what I'm saying next:
I read that laundry list, and it was immediately clear it was written by and/or sourced from solos or someone who spends a lot of time in a siloed environment in the fandom. Generally, anyone who thinks a member is always uniquely targeted, is well on their way to becoming a solo stan or is spending a lot of time around people hyper-focused on one member, and in k-pop fandoms, that means spending time with people who actively or eventually hate other members and seek to remove the chosen member from the group.
The motivations of solo stans inform every single thing they do, and it has less to do with love, and more to do with control. Everything in that list is crafted in such a way to communicate one message only. To do it, solos often rely on half-truths, artificially isolated accounts, and flat out misinformation. Which is a pain, because oftentimes there's some truth mixed in but like the boy who cried wolf, these lists lose their veracity soon enough for ARMYs who see these lists 7 times over. And because the ultimate motivation for solos is control, their approach to solving these issues is usually one that aims to destroy the public reputation of the team or weaken whatever connection is there to begin with.
Like, if I knew nothing about BTS and I read that list, I'd think you were lying if you told me the same company provided Jimin with remixes to support buying efforts, set him up with a camp for his first solo endeavour, etc.
At the end of the day, there'll be more of these issues for Jimin and other members, at least going by what I've seen flitting through various music fandoms for artists under big companies. Plus, being an ARMY for a while, I've come to expect something or the other happening from the industry mostly, towards BTS (also, YG is BigHit's distributor...). I trust that BTS are in control of their careers, and when I see things that don't make sense, I use any channels I find appropriate to flag it so it's corrected. If solo stans highlight something, I double-, triple-, and quadtriple-check it because those people just think different.
If you've made it to the end of my diatribe, thanks for taking the time.
Goodluck Anon.
#I read this post just once over to catch typos lol#so if you see any typos please excuse it#anyway#jimin#park jimin#bts#solo stans#bangtan#kpop#bts fandom#bts army
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extremely unpopular opinion but i don't think kindness comes naturally to lan wangji but he very much wants to be a good person. i think he finds being a good person difficult, in that i don’t think he likes people, so he finds it hard to care about them. i think his natural inclination is to be petty and selfish and angry, but that he knows this about himself and tries, in his own way, to not be like that. he does that by using an external system to help him make judgments since they don’t come easily to him. he is enormously self-motivated and clings very hard to rules to compensate for the lack of natural empathy. i think he has great concern for fairness, but that’s not the same as “goodness”, if that makes sense. so the concept of him always being where the chaos is that he does that not because he cares for people. I think he does it because he thinks it is unfair that they should give more or less help based on arbitrary markers like class, status, profit or glory. he’s not interested in playing nice and he doesn’t care who knows it. people perceive it as both a sort of intense honor or an intense arrogance, but I think it’s somewhere in the middle there. this is in contrast to lan xichen, who i think is naturally very inclined towards goodness, in a way that’s often debilitating. anyways, once again, this is not “i think lwj is a bad person” nor is it “i don’t like lwj”. i love lan wangji so fucking much. i love his selfishness, and i love his fucked up brain and i love his anger and his attempt to be good anyways, even though it’s hard. that’s really important to me. I think he is bad at empathy, but that doesn’t mean he is the worst (tm) or something
i'm sorry for taking so long to reply to this, i just had to sort of sit and chew on it for a while. i LOVE this take. i LOVE it, and the more i've thought about it, i think i agree. and even if i didn't, it's such an interesting take that i'd still love it.
it really hits on something i also love about lan wangji, which is how HARD he works for things. his drive towards good deeds is propelled not by inner softness and empathy, but by rigor and intellectually-based ethics. as you say-- he WANTS to be good, so he makes it so. (he actually sort of reminds me of JGY, when you put it like that, who i think also deeply wants to be a good person, but finds himself in circumstances that make that impossible)
i think it's also related to why he loves so deeply and immovably, right? when he does experience a form of care that he can't intellectualize, he has no tools for processing the intensity. he doesn't really experience the small-scale loves and infatuations and friend crushes and fondnesses that inoculate most people against getting utterly bowled over by the experience of love.
i love lan zhan and i love this take, thank you!!!!!
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hi, i wonder if you have advice on something?
i wanna get into writing but i have a huge mental block on writing characters/getting into their heads. like it always seems like i'll just come up with a copy of myself, or to avoid this i could shoot for the character to be nothing like me, but then it's boring - i still want to explore stuff that's relevant to me, just in moderation.
another solution could be to come up with plot first, and then characters would naturally fit around it, but i'd also be too bored with just plot without characters to come up with it lol
i'll be real, i think it's perfectly fine to explore characters who are a lot like you. there are some authors who have "writing transparent self-inserts into Situations" down to a science. like, stephen king did it enough times in a row that now he's famous enough to just write famous author stephen king into his books. unbelievably funny.
in some ways, i think the best (and maybe only) way to get around this mental block is to just write through it. your hangup is pretty specific but also echoes the same thing i feel whenever i try anything creative other than writing, in If I Do Not Execute This Exactly How I Want To Immediately Then I'm A Failureeee
it's okay to not know how to create completely unique, original, compelling, & well-written characters right from the get-go. this is a skill that takes trial and error!
as for my own process, i do consciously add and subtract character traits that are a lot like me when making OCs. sol is a transparent self-insert who gets to do a lot more murder than me, devin is a transparent self-insert who's just as sick but imo a lot kinder than me, nova is a transparent self-insert who's exactly what i Could be if i funneled a pathological need for attention into Being Awful, ruby ISN'T very much like me but DOES have the traits i most admire in other people, i feel about her the same way i feel about the ganseys and luzes in media.
distilling all of this Looks effortless, and it does come naturally to me NOW -- but it's built on a bedrock of Decades of writing, and reading, and media analysis, and learning. i've spent a really really really long time obsessively psychoanalyzing myself, and an equally long time picking apart exactly what i love about my favorite stories. it's taken a lot of practice!
aside from sheer practice, my other best advice is to look at the fictional characters and real people that you don't relate to At All..... and figure out what THEIR traits are. i know i'm less inclined to care about or analyze characters that i don't see myself in. but it's helpful to me to then figure out WHY i don't see myself in them -- and why some other people DO. that gives me a much better sense of the things that differentiate me from various peers! and it gives me a much better sense of how to write characters i don't relate to on a personal level, like ruby.
and even ruby shares some character traits with me. like the big big big feelings about language and diaspora and helping marginalized people. she just also deals with these feelings in ways that are different from me, and her flaws and fears and emotional bedrock are different from my own.
i think it's totally fine to write what you know, and it's totally fine if your stories are based around your own personal experience, and it's totally fine if you look to yourself for your initial OC inspiration. ESPECIALLY when you're just starting out. over time, you sort of naturally start to figure out what stories you like telling and how to build different characters. it's something that's Very Difficult to do if you're only studying without any practice.
you do not need to get everything perfect on the first try!
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How do i get better at writing, if ur willing to- do u have any tips or tricks?
I think everyone has their own writing tips or tricks and so what works for me might not work for you, and you should definitely experiment and figure out what you like or don't like, but here are some tips/tricks I swear by personally:
Write what you want to write. Unless you're being paid to write something, there's no reason to write something you don't want to write. So write whatever you want. Let it be as self-indulgent as possible. If you are enjoying it, it will come across in your writing, and then your readers will enjoy. They will feel your love for what you're doing and they will be inclined to regard it with similar affection. I only ever write what I want to read in the world. In fact, usually my fics start with me having an idea and being like, "Argh, has no one else done this yet?! If I want to read it, do I have to write it myself????"
Think about the writers you admire most. Whenever I read something written by someone I think is really good, I try to figure out why I think it's so good. What is it that I admire so much? Sometimes it's something I feel like I will never be able to achieve, but sometimes thinking about it makes me realize I could do it, too. Or at least try. The difference in my writing before and after I discovered The West Wing is so striking, I will forever be grateful I found Aaron Sorkin and he taught me how to write rapid-fire dialogue as well as those grand, big, emotional speeches that no one ever delivers in real life but he does SO well. I devoured everything I could find that Aaron Sorkin had ever written, and I didn't do it to consciously mimic him, but inevitably I started to sound a little more like him, mostly because I'd begun to realize what he'd been doing so effectively. I do the same thing with anything else I read that I love (mainly pieces of fanfiction these days). Like, if I'm impressed by a particular scene or plot or whatever, I take note of what that writer did that I loved about it so much.
But also: be you. You learn from other people, but you don't need to reinvent YOURSELF. I think working hard to be someone else will just exhaust you and not be fun for you. I don't think of writing as being super-different from talking. Slightly more polished, but however I would tell you the story in person, that's how I want to tell the story in type. If you feel comfortable talking and uncomfortable in front of a keyboard, maybe do some dictation to open yourself up. That doesn't personally work for me, but I could definitely see it working for some people.
Don't skip writing the boring parts to get to the good parts. Better: Don't write any boring parts lol. Like, if you're too bored to write the bit, then your readers will probably be too bored to read the bit. If the bit's so boring you want to skip it, maybe you don't even need it.
Be wary of cutting to black too much, or too soon. A lot of times it can be really tempting to just write something like "They talked all night," or "Over the next few months, they grew closer." Whenever I find myself writing something like that, I pause and think about it. Sometimes, that really is what the story needs: You can't write down every single thing the characters do, of course. But sometimes what you're skipping over is actually where the meat of your story lives, if you're telling a love story. What they talked about all night, or over the next few months, is what makes your readers (and you!!) believe in them as a couple. Like, I find myself writing those moments instead of letting myself skip over them because I'm looking for the part where they click for me -- and then I'll know that they clicked for each other. A good example of this is in "Next Christmas," when I threw in all those text conversations between Pete and Patrick. I skipped those months in the narrative, but I felt it was extremely important for all of us to see how much they interacted over those months. I could have just said "They'd been texting constantly for the past six months," but I personally think it was more effective to write out the texts. Maybe you disagree! Like I said, everyone writes differently! But I point it out just on the off-chance that you might not have thought about why I spent the time to write all those text conversations. I thought they made a difference to the story, so I put them in. They also made a difference to me. I like it when I can pick up inside jokes for the characters to have with each other lol. Another thing in "Next Christmas" was I needed Pete to talk about something, rather than put in a fade to black, and I'd just learned about opossum genitalia, so I had him say that, and then look at how much in the story came off of that. SO MUCH. And that was only in there because I felt like Pete needed to keep talking but I had no idea what to have him say so I just picked something random.
Just write. The only way I know how to write is to write. I never outline. Or not the way other people seem to. I know some people would never, ever write by the seat of their pants, which is why all writing rules are only suggestions, and if that thought terrifies you, don't do it. But I tend to believe that outlining becomes procrastination for me. Same with research. I'm doing it to delay writing. It's never a good thing for me to do. Just write. Even when I don't feel like writing, I try to make myself write just a few sentences. Sometimes it's just not coming that day, and I'll give up, but I always try, because sometimes once you start, the continuing is much easier.
Keep writing. I am a much better writer today than I was ten years ago, and an incredibly better writer than I was twenty years ago. The more you write, the more tricks you learn, the more you grow to understand your brain and your process, the more you can lean into it.
Trust your characters. I'm not great at plotting (or outlining), because for me I just go where the characters want to go. If I'm having a really hard time writing something, it's probably because I'm fighting against what the characters want to do. That's just an unpleasant way to write, I think. Let them do what they want, even if it's different than what you have planned. I just have this theory that being true to the characters will in the end serve your story better than whatever plot you want to jam them into. Of course, they might fit perfectly well within your plot! Cool! But sometimes, you've gotta give up on the idea you were in love with because a better idea has come along. Another example from "Next Christmas": I truly did not know if they were going to break up that Christmas they got together or not until the scene was written. I could see it going either way, and making sense both ways. My natural instinct once characters get together is to let them stay together, and I always worry that I will therefore put characters together too soon (what I did wrong with the dystopia, too). So what I did was start writing the scene where Patrick shows up freaking out to see what he would say and what Pete would do. And when it was done, they were broken up. And I think that was right. I don't think it was contrived, I think if I'd done what I wanted to do and let them stay together, Patrick never would have trusted what had happened and eventually it would have ruined them and it wouldn't have been as satisfying a story because that would have been looming over them.
Read your work over, not just for typos. If there's any moment you hit where you find yourself a little confused as to how it reads, fix it. If you're confused over something that came out of your head, your readers definitely will be. Also, as you read it over, think about the pacing of your story. If some emotional thing has just happened that you really want to make sure your readers notice and absorb and relish, something that you love and want to highlight, add in some character reaction, to let the moment breathe more and not move on too fast.
Finally: Have a good time! I do not believe that writing should be emotional torment through which you perform therapy on yourself or other people. If that's what you want, cool! But if you just want to have a good time, then please, have a good time.
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I spaced on sending this when you initially made the post, but if you were ever so inclined to make that full list of recommendations on metafiction/the liminal space of tangential genres, I would be very interested to see it! (the original list was 100% some of my favorite books/media)
Oh man I've been uh. bad at reading as regularly/much as I'd like for the past few years, something I'm attempting to remedy, and I've never been the biggest of film buffs, and as such that covers a lot of the high points.
(obligatory reminiscing): Truly the the most "not actually a real problem" tragedies of my life is that I was a teenager before the Goodreads era and so I was shaped, indelibly, by whatever Collected Science Fiction Anthologies of the Latter 20th Century my local library had circa 2004. As a result there's like a thousand 70s and 80s sci fi stories the titles of which I cannot remember but which are etched deep within the recesses of my brain. Occasionally I have enough details to go to some thread on the internet and say "pretty please can you find it," but often I don't. There's definitely one I'm thinking of in which a group of scientists keep doing an experiment to change the time line and they keep believing that it fails, but as a reader you clearly see the list of names and various details is changing. This is not super helpful to anyone other than to say "go read short speculative fiction." ANYWAY here's a few more.
On the topic of short fiction, Sword Stone Table is a collection of short stories inspired by Arthurian legend which I read last year, and not all of them worked but there were enough to make it worth it (and it's a quick read). Hilariously, the coffee shop AU was one of the more metafictional examples.
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. I don't remember this well but I own a copy and might re-read it; I distinctly recall purchasing it because she made a chapter in the form of a PowerPoint presentation and got interviewed by NPR about it since she could see how many people quit reading at that chapter thanks to eReader data, and I was like "sounds cool". I love when authors are hostile to their audience in a way that's good for them, and I remember enjoying that chapter very much.
I mean your bio quotes Calvino so I'm assuming you're good there but like...I have not read all their work, but I trust Calvino, Borges, Le Guin, and Susanna Clarke to always deliver.
Jules Feiffer's A Barrel of Laughs, A Vale of Tears; Diana Wynne Jones' Fire and Hemlock (among other Diana Wynne Jones books); The Phantom Tollbooth; and the various works of Ellen Raskin (best known for The Westing Game but I read so many of her books) are middle-grade or YA but they are in fact a big reason why I eventually became a college student who would read House of Leaves and Calvino for fun and why I became an adult who devoured Piranesi in one sitting.
The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson
It's also been a hot minute since I read Possession by A. S. Byatt but I do remember loving it at the time.
For...the best I can put it is "popcorn reads?" low postmodernism? mass-market metafiction? Fun shit? Jasper Fforde is your guy.
Technically The Princess Bride is metafiction. Fun fact: a good friend of mine in college did not realize it was not legit a translation when he read the book. His undergrad thesis was in part about translation. We made fun of him for this.
David Mitchell's literary universe, notably Cloud Atlas. David Mitchell is a very good writer who does tend to have a pretty dark interpretation of our world's future and so I sort of fell off following his works because they were particularly depressing but like, that's a me problem because he's immensely talented. (note: did not see the film adaptation, cannot speak to that.)
I am also going to plug the Teixcalaan books (two so far, starting with A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine which is a bit of a stretch but I'm doing it anyway because I think it’s underappreciated (it occupies the same space in my mind tbh as Ada Palmer’s Terra Ignota and to an extent Yoon Ha Lee's Machineries of Empire, both of which I’ve mentioned before, of an incredibly intelligent SF story with queer characters and relationships that was well received but just doesn't have the buzz of some other modern sf series). It’s not metafictional per se, but it does have an incredibly strong theme running through it of engaging with narrative and controlling it (honestly? Similar to Black Sails in that regard.) The Teixcalaan Empire is hyper-aware of language and legend, naming patterns are a number and a word, and the cool thing to do is write complex forms of poetry. The second book also has a character purchasing an indie comic and drawing all sorts of interesting comparisons to her ongoing situation... a little bit like Tales of the Black Freighter within Watchmen.
Run Lola Run/Lola Rennt (I watched it as a non-German speaker with subtitles and enjoyed it)
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