dailyfanfix

[dailyfanfix]

All the writing advice that says every scene has to move the plot forward, every scene has to serve a purpose, every scene has to accomplish something...

I'm not saying it's not true. It mostly is, yeah, kind of. But so much of that advice misses something really important, and I think following that advice without this extra layer can kill your voice and strip all the personality out of your writing if you're not careful. So here is my writing tip: yes, every scene should serve a purpose. But remember...

Trying to make the reader laugh is a purpose. Making the reader cry is accomplishing something. Giving the reader a moment to breathe and live in your world helps carry them through the plot.

I see this most often with writing advice about writing sex scenes: only include them if they serve a purpose. Okay? Maybe the purpose of them is to make the reader horny.

"I want a reader to feel *this way* when they read my work" is just as valid of a guiding principle for your writing as any beat sheet you want to follow for plot, or story structure, or character growth. Considering all of those elements in tandem, balanced with one another, will make your writing richer and will make your voice more unique and memorable.

[dailyfanfix]

ak-47 knocked my fork out of my bowl of rice while i was talking on the phone to a doctor. she did it again while i was typing this post

[dailyfanfix]

Fic Rec II: Today I Bury You in Me, ch. 5

fic by: @the-darklings

Main Post

Thoughts on Chapter 5 (Spoiler Warning): Year 522

DREAMFALL HERE WE GO—

Okay so this is probably one of my favourite chapters (apart from chapter 10.) 

ISTG Wanderer and Corinthian’s relationship is sooooooo….AKJHFSAHFKAJSKH. No but seriously, in times when Dream just isn’t there, and even when he is, Corinthian is just that soulmate BFF that she needs. It’s hard to describe their relationship, but this is probably one of my favourite scenes of theirs, because Corinthian just casually made something for her and gave it to her like it’s just some random trinket, but the meaning behind it and what it means to Wanderer  is so profound. 

I GENUINELY JUST NOTICED THIS NOW— I knew that Morpheus made Corinthian is Wanderer’s image but OTHERS TOO?!

s i m p .

Anyway—

Onto my favourite scene in this entire fic (so far). I won’t say much, because I really don’t want to spoil this chapter for anyone. 

But this scene gets me everytime. Because to Wanderer, someone who can’t dream or even sleep outside of the Dreaming, this experience is something entirely new to who ever since her curse. 

Not just that, but for someone who sees herself as a plague, the fact that the Dream Lord himself is making her a dream is such a major point in her existence and in the story. She has something in the Dreaming now, something that others will be able to benefit from as well. 

So not only is she helping people in the waking world, but she also gave them a safe space when they’re asleep. 

Writing wise, the description in this scene is beautiful. It really brings out what Wanderer felt at that moment, and to me, it’s probably the most selfless Dream has been in the series. Because during Dreamfall, when everyone dreams, he made sure that the one person who can’t was taken care of as well. He wasn’t just thinking about humanity. He made Dreamfall all about Wanderer, basically. Because in a way, Wanderer represents humans and their stories, so I guess Dreamfall is honouring Wanderer just as much as Wanderer honours humanity.

Which is nice, because this chapter has two very important points in it. One, Corinthian carves a miniature Wanderer, and two, Wanderer now has a place in the Dreaming. This is the chapter that gave Wanderer a chance to be real. A chance to feel human. 

I apologize for the short review, I just really didn’t want to give away a lot of details, especially because we’re reaching some of the most important points of the story hehe.

-

(Masterlist)

Posted on Oct. 5, 2022

[dailyfanfix]

Fic Rec XI: so i’ll dance with Cinderella, Chapter 2: pleasedon'ttalktome

Main post

Thoughts on Chapter 2 (minor spoilers)

Idia begins to make plans on how to avoid Cater Diamond forever, and Ortho shows up to ask Idia what's been going on with him.

Ortho is already adorable in his first appearance in this fic. He evidently cares about Idia a lot and wants to know why he seems so upset. Idia doesn't look like he wants to talk about it, though.

Either way, it's nice to see Ortho being involved now. We know he'll be there to help and support Idia, and Idia really needs it.

---

Posted on October 3, 2022

Posted by Mavis

Ko-fi

[dailyfanfix]

Fic Rec II: Today I Bury You in Me, ch. 4

fic by: @the-darklings

Main Post

Thoughts on Chapter 4 (Spoiler Warning): Year 304-521

This chapter starts with—wait, pause, is the reason why Wanderer used to be close to Desire was because she used to desire a lot of things?? But ended up being close to Dream because she began to actually dream of things? Like, you can desire something for shallow reasons, but when you dream of things, you understand its true value. Is this a nod to Wanderer’s fantastic character development—???

*clears throat* Anyway. 

What I like about this chapter is that we get to see a little bit about Wanderer’s history, even though she doesn’t even know herself. You can also see that Wanderer does actually age, but not like humans. Her experiences, her curse—it wears her out, and you can see it. So you’re able to empathize with the character more, and her character, once again, gets deeper and more complex.

I have nothing to say about that line. It’s just good *chef’s kiss*

Ohhhh and! Now we get to the part where Dream talks about Hob Gadling. 

And I love how Wanderer reacts to it. It hurts her, and I actually felt so freaking sad about this scene because imagine being in her position, knowing that someone else was granted immortality, but is not cursed. 

Hob Gadling loves life, and his immortality provides him more time to keep loving it. As for Wanderer, her immortality takes life away from her. She’s alive, but she’s not really allowed to live. 

Then there’s that line. Wanderer has lived for so long, has been scarred many times, that she instinctively forgets that’s she’s human, too. 

AND THEN THIS:

OH MY GOD HE REMEMBERED—

Oop— that kinda hurt. Because it’s just one line, but you can really see one of Morpheus’ biggest flaws. He separates himself from humanity bc he's a being of great power, and so he can’t understand what Wanderer’s life is like. 

So he presumes that becoming “like him” is good, but to Wanderer, the fact that she’s lived so long, “becoming like him” means she lives more and more with her curse. Morpheus lives with no curse, Wanderer lives because of the curse. 

So the more she lives long enough to become sort of like him means more pain on her part. 

AHHH DREAMFALL— I’ll let y’all read that part if you haven’t. It’s too goo to spoil, so I won’t react to how special that line feels to me. 

The next scene, though, isn’t so happy. But what I like about it is that it kind of drags you back down from the moment earlier. It reminds you what life is like for Wanderer, and that the Dreaming isn’t a place she can be in all the time. 

It reminds you that this story isn’t just about Wanderer/Dream. It’s also about Wanderer’s story as a whole and what it symbolizes in regard to the humans, the Endless, and entities like Corinthian. 

There’s a depth to her character that is just SO GOOD AKDALDHAAKJD

I love how after all she’s suffered, she appears in the Dreaming, giving her the rest she deserves.  And it’s nice to see that the Dreaming’s inhabitant really care for her.

O U C H. 

I’ll say, though, that her saying that isn’t coming from how selfish Morpheus can be and has been. I don’t think it’s about Morpheus, I think it’s about Wanderer not being able to accept that she’s worthy of being accepted. 

All she remembers is being treated like a threat by humans, and because of her curse, she sees herself as someone who isn’t deserving of care, especially by someone like Morpheus. So I think that line is more of a result of her curse than something that was Morpheus’ doing. 

In a future chapter, it gets explained why that word is so important, and why the Morpheus telling her to call for him is important and so meaningful.

I won’t say any more, but please do read this series if you haven’t already. The author can make just one word mean so much. 

-

(Masterlist)

Posted on October 1, 2022

Posted by Sophia

[dailyfanfix]

Fic Rec XI: so i'll dance with Cinderella, Chapter 1: Unfortunate Revelations

Main post

Thoughts on Chapter 1 (minor spoilers)

Idia's Discord friend hasn't messaged him in a while and he's worried that they found someone a lot more interesting to talk to.

He realizes that maybe he enjoys talking to that friend more than he thought he did.

Here's a screenshot of that bubbling pining:

Who would have thought that before the end of the day, he would find out that friend's identity IRL?

---

Posted on September 30, 2022

Posted by Mavis

Ko-fi

[dailyfanfix]

Fic Rec XI: so i'll dance with Cinderella

source: https://archiveofourown.org/works/36944020/chapters/92171527

Author: Adverb_Slut

Fandom: Twisted Wonderland

Relationships: Cater Diamond/Idia Shroud

Point of View: Third-person

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Word Count: 21,754

Chapters: 11/13

Language: English

Tags by the Author: Romance, Fluff, Humor, Friends to Lovers, Wholesome

Summary by the Author:

By some cruel twist of fate, Idia finds out that his current Discord crush is none other than NRC's resident party animal, Cater Diamond.

Based on that one meme.

Discord Work Skin by Heterochromia_Mars.

What you can expect:

Idia finds out that his long-time Discord buddy who he flirted with sometimes has been Cater all along. They both feel awkward about it at first, but thanks to Cater reaching out and Ortho helping his big brother, Idia and Cater start to become friends in real life too.

I'd never really thought of a Cater/Idia ship, but the premise of this one was interesting especially with the characters involved, and I wanted to see what would happen so I read it, and it's really cute!

I'll be sharing more of my thoughts about it per chapter~

—

(Masterlist)

Posted on September 30, 2022

Posted by Mavis

Ko-fi

Masterlist of the Chapters:

Thoughts on Chapter 1: Unfortunate Revelations

Thoughts on Chapter 2: pleasedon'ttalktome

Thoughts on Chapter 3: Skip Dialogue

Thoughts on Chapter 4: Let's Start Over

Thoughts on Chapter 5: THE AUTHOR CANNOT DRAW, SORRY

Thoughts on Chapter 6: The Cater Diamond Bot

Thoughts on Chapter 7: (edited)

Thoughts on Chapter 8: An Invitation to ... Something? Something ... Fest?

Thoughts on Chapter 9: The One With the Waifu ♡ Super Kawaii ♡ Super Love Bot

Thoughts on Chapter 10: The Mall Date (Part I)

Thoughts on Chapter 11: The Mall Date (Part II)

[dailyfanfix]

Fic Rec II: Today I Bury You in Me, ch. 3

fic by: @the-darklings

Main Post

Thoughts on Chapter 3 (Spoiler Warning): Year 304

This chapter starts off strong. Immediately you’re given a snippet of what it’s like to be immortal and cursed. And then BOOM–

If you’ve read this, you already know that heartwrenching feeling. 

I like how the value of The Dreaming is truly emphasised on this first part. Because the contrast of it compared to everything else Wanderer has been through makes the future events of the series even sadder.

I also love how Lucienne literally stayed with her while Wanderer recovered—literally being the MVP here. That scene builds their bond, and you really begin to appreciate her presence as something very personal to Wanderer.

Then she goes and says that Wanderer is under Morpheus’ protection—AKDHALDHA—but seriously, I like the subtle nod towards the fact that he’s starting to actually care. And I like how Lucienne told Wanderer that so she can be reassured.

Literally—the empathy Lucienne shows in this scene is greatly written. 

Then this next scene with the Corinthian:

First off, I like how the author didn’t just randomly make Corinthian a character that most of the readers empathize with. In this fic, he’s given reasons to have turned out the way he did—and his dialogue there explains a lot of it in very few words.

His dynamic with Wanderer, especially in this scene is so good because you can really feel how both of them strive to understand each other, and eventually do, which makes their bond deeper, but also tragic because he eventually murders people when we get to the series timeline. 

I like how this part of the story doesn’t sugarcoat Corinthian’s personality. It’s written around who he is, and how Wanderer accepts that. She sees Corinthian’s flaws, and she recognizes them, but they don’t scare her away because that’s just how they are. The complexity of their dynamic I think shows really well in this scene.

I can’t even begin to describe how much I adore this line. At it’s core, this is who Wanderer is. It’s a big deal that she says this to Morpheus, as well. 

For humans, purpose is good. Humans need a sense of purpose, because they don’t just have one given to them. And Wanderer is human, but she’s spent enough time with entities who aren’t that she’s come to know that what they want is the opposite. 

She’s literally cursed to wander—she can’t exist anywhere and therefore can’t really have purpose, but she’s learned that she can still help, which I think became her own sense of purpose.

But between Wanderer and Corinthian, the common denominator is they both want to be free. Corinthian from his purpose, and Wanderer to be able to simply exist and have the freedom to even want purpose instead of her fate being dictated by her curse. 

AND THE ENDING—I won’t spoil that one, it’s too good, but it’s the first we really see Morpheus kinda empathize with Wanderer, and it’s a beautiful moment. 

Except when Wanderer says “you’re safe”. It’s sad…if you’ve read the part with the future argument about Destruction. 

Yeah. That scene. 

-

(Masterlist)

Posted on Sept. 29, 2022

Posted by Sophia

Ko-fi

[dailyfanfix]

Fic Rec IX: Fake It til We Make it

source: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40595646

Author: CerealMonster (@cerealmonster15)

Fandom: Twisted Wonderland

Relationships: Azul Ashengrotto/Jamil Viper

Point of View: Third-person, Jamil Viper and Azul Ashengrotto

Rating: General Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Word Count: 5,684

Chapters: 1/1

Language: English

Tags by the Author: Romantic Comedy, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Valentine's Day

Summary by the Author:

Azul asks for Jamil's help regarding something outside of the usual schoolwork. Jamil, despite himself, goes along with the stupid plan.

What you can expect:

Azul and Jamil go to dinner at a restaurant while pretending to be a couple, but someone recognizes them and they have to do a more convincing performance than they originally planned.

More subjective thoughts and minor spoilers under the cut.

—

(Masterlist)

Posted on September 28, 2022

Posted by Mavis

Ko-fi

It's a treat to see Jamil's thoughts about the whole "going on a date" with Azul, how he didn't want to at first but then he eventually agreed and I like that we see him think that Azul looks good in his date outfit.

They text each other after the date too and the ending is really cute 👀

Anyway here's a sneak-peek of the fic:

[dailyfanfix]

i love you beginner artists i love you new writers i love you amateur hobbyists i love you just starting off creatives i love you artistic improvement i love you creative passion

[dailyfanfix]

hey you. yeah you, reading this. your wip slaps. end of story.

[dailyfanfix]

Looking for new writeblrs to follow

Coming back from a hiatus means that I'm on the search for new writeblrs to follow!

Please reblog this post if you are a blog that posts mostly about writing, whether it be original posts or reblogs.

Bonus points (but not required) if you give writing advice, promote other writeblrs, write historical fiction, romance, urban fantasy or mysteries!

Feel free to introduce yourselves to me in this post and tell me about your projects as well; I'm always looking for new writeblrs to befriend and support.

If you're interested in becoming mutuals, you can check out my writeblr intro at this link here.

PS I follow from my main blog @undinology

[dailyfanfix]

Fic Rec II: Today I Bury You in Me, ch. 2

fic by: @the-darklings

Main Post

Thoughts on Chapter 2 (Spoiler Warning): Year 200-300

My favourite part about this chapter is how it slowly fleshes out the characters. We all know how Dream is pre-capture, and he’s very in character in this fic as usual. But the great thing about this fic is that Dream stays in character, while his relationship with Wanderer very obviously grows. 

He seems to be conversing more and understanding of Wanderer; Chapter 2 literally starts with him creating something with Wanderer by his side. So there’s obviously some developments in terms of their dynamic. 

Oh and this line???

*chef’s kiss* because the implications of it akjhdfaksjhask. Really, though, I think it’s the first obvious sign that Dream has taken a liking to Wanderer’s companionship. 

AND STARDUST–

I just freaking noticed btw that Wanderer literally asked Dream for a favour and he was p a i t i e n t about it instead of being all petty. It’s so sweet if you think about it, because he’s being empathetic now that he knows more about Wanderer’s curse. 

There’s also this emphasis that Wanderer is truly very scared of Dream because of her curse. You can clearly see the effects of being cursed and immortal. She’s so insecure, and she’s afraid to speak her mind to Dream, no matter how comfortable they are with each other at times. She’s always walking on eggshells, which is a nice touch because you get to see the depth in her character.

Also this scene: 

So at this point in their “friendship”, even though it’s been decades, they still hit some very rough patches because their personalities clash. For me, this is actually the first, deeper glimpse into how opposing their personalities are.

Dream is Endless who’s very keen on keeping his and everyone else’s function even if others get scared or harmed (*cough* or uncreated *cough*). And Wanderer, simply put, just wants to be free. If you really think about it, it makes you question the nature of their dynamic and just how bad Dream will probably get in future chapters. 

(and as someone who’s up to date with the story, damn it gets painful)

Also this:

She’s literally hurt and all but she’s still unfailingly affectionate when greeting Dream. Oh and, “The Dreaming contorts around him viciously” he’s literally so alarmed the entire Dreaming reacts.

Earlier, the Dreaming grumbles because he’s mad, and now it contorts around him because he’s worried. 

The details in this fic istg.

-

(Masterlist)

Posted on Sept. 20, 2022

Posted by Sophia

Ko-fi

[dailyfanfix]

hows a hero and villain secretly dating, with hero accidentally hurting villain during a fight and its just grumpy awkwardness and apologising when they get back to their shared house?

"What the-"

Crack.

This is what the villain remembered from the fight. They slammed into a concrete wall, after being hit by the hero. Their body hit the hard surface and lit up with an overpowering blanket of pain. They felt something move in their shoulder. Their skull's impact made them tear up. They then crumpled to the floor, unable to sustain consciousness.

In the mostly black, blurry world of being half awake, they heard the panicked tones in the hero's voice. Their beloved. At one point warm arms, the wind in their face. A throbbing in their head.

And then, open eyes.

They stared up at the ceiling of their bedroom. Painted bright blue. It hurt their eyes in this state. They felt the hero's hand in their own. Their partner seemed to be sitting next to them, on their side of the bed. They wiggled their fingers and the hero squeaked.

"Oh gods." The hero scrambled so they were in the villain's eyeline.

They helped the villain sit up. Immediately, there was a barrage of questions.

"Are you okay? How's your head? I put ice on it. Does it hurt anywhere else? I think your ribs are okay, but there's a bruise-"

"Stop."

The villain clutched their forehead and held out a hand to cut off the hero.

"My head is killing me. Can you not right now?"

The villain weakly swung their legs over and put them on the ground. They pushed themselves up on the hero's shoulder. The hero tried to take the villain's arm. The villain pulled away, shuffling out of the room.

"Let me help you." The hero said, following the villain.

"Next time I want you to tackle me against a wall, I'll let you know." The villain would have snapped if they had the energy.

The hero swallowed.

The villain stopped at the kitchen. They turned around, facing their supposedly nice and pleasant significant other.

"Wow. You're not going to say sorry?"

The hero stuttered. "Of course I'm sorry."

"That wasn't an apology."

The villain went to the cupboard and pulled out the box of first aid things. They popped open the lid and grabbed a bottle of painkillers.

"Don't take too many. You should pace yourself."

The villain sighed, but shook out two pills. They went over to the sink. Behind them, they could hear the hero putting the box away. They grabbed a glass from the drying rack and pushed the sink tap with the back of their hand so they didn't drop the pills. They refused to speak to or look at the hero. The hero didn't want to talk first, but they hated awkward silence more.

"I'm really sorry I hurt you."

"There it is." The villain rasped.

The took the pills and downed the water. They then wiped their mouth, set their glass down, and turned around. They waited, putting their elbows on the sink. When the hero just stared and fiddled with their hands, they raised an eyebrow, which hurt a bit.

"Saying sorry is hard for me."

"Tell me why."

This was almost normal. The hero confessing something, the villain wanting to know every detail about it. Except the villain was having trouble keeping their eyes open, and the hero couldn't look in them anyway.

"Well, like, little things and all that are fine. But physically hurting someone? It's like a. . .a switch was flipped in my mind a long time ago. . .or something."

The villain sat down on the checkered kitchen floor. The hero did the same.

"What does that mean?"

"Like, when I hurt a criminal in a fight, I didn't feel bad. Not that I've done anything life threatening. But- remember when I broke your wrist?"

The villain did. It was maybe three years ago. They nodded.

"Well, I felt, like, almost no remorse. It was in the context of good defeating evil or smething."

"Oh. That stings."

"I know. I'm. . .sorry for breaking your wrist three years ago."

They cringed through it. The villain smiled. The hero noticed.

"Okay. I am so, so sorry for. . .slamming you against a wall. People were watching us fight, and I wanted to make it look realistic."

"You could have just told me to take a fall."

"I know. That's definitely what I should have done. What I did was. . ."

"Selfish?"

"I guess so, yeah. I wanted to look cool."

The pain medication finally felt like it was starting to work. The villain closed their eyes.

"So, how did you get me out?"

"Gave a speech about heroics, said I was carrying you off to a better tomorrow."

"It worked?"

"Yes, actually."

"Wow, people are dumb."

"Or they trust me."

"They shouldn't."

The hero snorted. They stared at each other. The thing about relationships is, the ice never stops refreezing. It's up to you to choose to keep breaking it.

"Want me to help you to the couch, give you ice cream, and let you watch whatever you want on Tv?"

"100%, yes."

[dailyfanfix]

Think it’d be really cute that when Dream has a crush and he’s like tryina flex that he’ll like recite you a shakespearian sonnet or a romantic or gothic poem and when he’s done he’s like “I helped! 🥰” like he’s low-key nerdy about it and super tries to hide it waiting to see if you appreciate it but fucking low-key BEAMS when you do and want to talk analysis of this stuff with him

[dailyfanfix]

Actually we need more nonverbal/mute characters in media

[dailyfanfix]