#Current Dynamics

[munaeem]

Europe's Dependence on the United States for Security

Europe’s dependence on the United States for security has been a topic of considerable debate and analysis. This reliance can be traced back to historical, political, and strategic factors that have shaped the transatlantic relationship for decades. This document seeks to explore the reasons behind Europe’s reliance on the U.S., the perception of the Russian threat, NATO’s response, Germany’s…

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

*raises my hand to ask a question* what if we collectively refused to refer to AI as 'AI'? it's not artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence doesn't currently exist, it's just algorithms that use stolen input to reinforce prejudice. what if we protested by using a more accurate name? just spitballing here but what about Automated Biased Output (ABO for short)

[onionninjasstuff]

carrying each other :з

[happypeachsludgeflower]

Why does mxtx keep writing omega coded men and then announcing that they’re the top?? Not that I mind them being top?? But?? Binghe and Hua Cheng are so obviously bottom enthusiast, and Lan Wangji carnally desires being railed by Yilling Laozu, but these poor men are cursed to lives of top-hood.

[welcometogrouchland]

[ID in ALT] I've made posts before about Talia/Dick co-parenting Damian moments (will never happen but let me dream) and this came to me in a vision. Took me ages to finish for some reason 😭 and then even longer to post

[tanaor]

Want simple tips to heavily improve your skills with character voice??

(📝Note: character voice is the way you convey your character's personality though their pov or dialogue when you write. No two characters speak the same📝)

I speak from experience when I say character voice is hard to get right. Characters, like people, have lots of layers that affect the way they see the world around them and how they interact with other characters. That's why character voice is so important in stories, and why if you write it in a compelling and effective way it will hook people into your story. I hope you learn something new in this post!!

When writing character voice, there's a list of things that you should take into account:

Where are they from? Their past and what they've lived plays a huge part in character voice. Maybe your character grew by the ocean, and so they compare things from the present to the beach, the rocks or the sea itself. You will rarely read about a sailor that is an expert in pants and compares scents to flowers. They might, instead, talk about how a house smells like the wet wood of a ship.

Think about how their personality shapes their language. If they are insecure, they might end most of their sentences with "isn't it?" or "right?" and ask a lot of questions, whereas if you have a confident character, you might find them saying things like "we should do this" or "that will be fun" instead.

What their "lense" is. This is more of an ethic aspect of the character. What have they learn it's okay, and what do they find uncomfortable? Would they find it gross if their friend left laundry on the floor?

Give them special traits (both for dialogue and narration). Maybe character A quotes a lot when they narrate and uses long paragraphs, or maybe B speaks about their past a lot and uses popular sayings. Personally, one character of mine has the tendency to repeat himself when he speaks, as in "yeah, yeah, I'll do it" or "no, no, no. Never" because he is really enthusiastic, and it fits really well with his character.

Pay attention to how they would talk about themselves. Maybe your character doesn't like people to know they're sad because it makes them feel vulnerable, so they will just say they feel annoyed or don't want to talk in that moment. This also means that they will not tell the reader something they are not comfortable saying in the first place.

How is their education? Education is also very important in this context. Did they went to university and have a rich vocabulary and structured sentences, or where they rised in a little farm far from town? You can also play with both a bit: maybe your character did go to university, but maybe they also came from a low income family, and characteristic of both things merge when they talk. Example: long, structured, sentences but a simple and sight forward vocabulary.

That's all for now and happy writing!!

Other tips for writers: previous | next

[technikki]

this balloon smp bit with holly and val has been plaguing my mind for days

[comfortablynumb]

Something, something, Thomas Lawrence telling Aldo that, if he ever became pope, he’d want to be called John. And John’s Jesus’ favorite apostle, and is often referred to as “Jesus’ beloved” or “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” And Vincent Benitez is very clearly made out to be a Jesus figure, with his chosen name “Innocentius” or “the innocent one” really hammering that home. And Thomas, despite his anger and his doubts and his struggles with prayer, is the man Vincent most believes in, and they’re shown to lean on one another emotionally throughout the film. And towards the end, in Thomas’ final conversation with him, he stares at Benitez like he’s the embodiment of Christ.

[inafieldofdaisies]

The Decameron (2024) | Season 1, Episodes 6 and 8 Parallels | Lou Gala as Neifile and Karan Gill as Panfilo

“I can't seem to die without you.”

[zuzu-draws]

Yuuji's ''I'm going to die with him'' from the start of the series to ''Sukuna, Come back and live with me '' at the end is, honestly, very beautiful.

"Let's try again one more time Sukuna, but this time, without cursing anyone. Even if no one else accepts you, I'll live with you" do you understand what's going on here? This is Yuuji attempting to connect with Sukuna, to show a certain compassion that is entirely alien to Sukuna. To the way he delicately lifts Sukuna's remains, with such carefulness, as if holding the remains of a precious loved one, Yuuji tries to show Sukuna "love". The same "love" that has been teased to us this entire series, that who is it that will show it to Sukuna, teach him of it.

This is the same Yuuji, who, at the beginning of the series held absolute disdain towards Sukuna, and always looked at him with much accusatory contempt and mistrust. At that point, He truly did think of Sukuna as nothing more than a "curse". The same "curse" Sukuna calls himself one last time as the last embers of his soul fade in Yuuji's hands.

But this time, Yuuji has a troubled look in his eyes.

As if he disagreed with him.

This is the look of someone, who is looking at the Humanity Sukuna does not believe exists within himself.

Humanity that Sukuna denies himself.

That Sukuna is not a curse, but a human that has been cursed.

[rdps01]

this ship is growing on me :P

[runninglikeabuckley]

possibly hot take, but if/when they resurrect bobby, i would love it they didn't have athena's reaction be anger (which imo makes sense and obviously angela bassett would eat that storyline). i'd love if she just got to be happy lmao and maybe consider a career change. what i'd love to see is if BUCK is angry when bobby comes back. because bobby MADE him leave. buck took eddie wondering if he (eddie) could have done anything to save bobby, is because buck didn't. he didn't do everything he could to save bobby! bobby asked him not to! he asked buck to be strong, to take care of his team, and to let bobby have time with his wife. and we've seen how much buck is struggling, so imagine the ANGST if bobby comes back and instead of uncomplicated relief to have him back, buck is struggling to forgive him. for leaving, for telling buck to respect his wishes and let him die, for putting the weight of the team on his shoulders (in buck's mind). the angst!! there hasn't been a buck-bobby conflict since the lawsuit really, but they have such a good dynamic and its SOOO good and compelling to watch it come under pressure. also chim could be brought in as a parallel, given his anger with bobby pre-resurrection but i feel like given maddie and his kids it's harder for him to hold his anger once bobby is back (or give me a full buck chim storyline where they bond in a weirdly toxic way over bobby coming back, that would SLAP). ALSO!!! wouldn't it be convenient if there was another recent complicated father-son conflict that the show never fully resolved?? wouldn't it be interesting if there was someone who could relate to buck feeling betrayed by his father's actions?? or a father who could relate to bobby's catholic upbringing and sense of guilt over his son specifically, even though he never meant to hurt him?? wouldn't that be crazy

[baflegacy]

i can never be tired of amangela i’m sorry. you mean to tell me that one of the most popular dynamic and ships right now in the SMOSH fandom are two women??? you mean to tell me that two female cast members are fan favorites???? that they’re beloved enough to be sought after in smosh videos????? it’s a constant celebration for me personally (someone who is an enjoyer of women and the female smosh cast)

[cowboyemeritus]

“I don’t think I can do this.”

You look up from your phone. Perpetua is staring at himself in the bathroom mirror, inspecting his new purple, sequined jacket with a frown. His mask and pots of paint sit off to the side, waiting to be put on, but for now, he's bare-faced. You share his displeasure; the article reminds you far too much of his shithead brother, who needed three of them, for some reason. Marika had insisted that some continuity, something familiar for the fans, was necessary for the new tour cycle to affirm his role as the new Papa. He may not bear the Emeritus name, but Perpetua is still a member of the Bloodline, still one of the sons of Nihil, even if he didn’t know it until very recently.

You sigh, meeting his eyes in the mirror and giving him a sympathetic look.

“It’s okay to be nervous.”

He worries his bottom lip between his teeth. “This is more than nervous. This is…” The look of utter despair in his eyes makes your gut twist. Perpetua shakes his head. His breathing is starting to come faster, heavier. “I- I can’t do this. I can’t.” He’s trembling.

You rise from your seat on the edge of the bathtub. In an instant, your arms are around him, your chest flush with his back.

“You can’t back out now, babe.” The show is sold out, the buses already parked outside of the area and ready to unload for tomorrow’s ritual. Maybe it’s not the best thing to say, but you’ve come to learn that sometimes, all he needs is a little tough love. “But you’ve been rehearsing this thing for months. You’ve already done it.”

He swallows hard. “This is different. All those people-”

“Are going to love you. They already love you.” You plant a kiss between his shoulder blades, delighting in the way it makes him shudder. “Not more than me, though.” He lets out a little laugh through his nose, and you’re so relieved you could cry. It’s working; you just need to push a little harder.

“No, definitely not.”

You rest your chin on his shoulder, gazing at him in the mirror. Despite your dislike of the jacket, you can’t deny that he looks fucking amazing in it. With the paints and the mask, it’s a deadly combination. His heart is still hammering beneath your palm, and so you drag your fingertips up and down his chest, trying to soothe him.

“A year ago, you were a high school band teacher.” He gives you a pointed look. You know he loved that job. “Nothing wrong with that, but look at you now. You’re a rockstar. You’re Papa.” You lock eyes with him in the mirror. His cheeks are already flushed a beautiful pink. “You’re Him, babe. You’ve made it.”

Perpetua watches the movement of your hand closely. “They’ll be expecting someone like Copia,” he mumbles. “Someone loud. That’s just not who I am.” You glower, tasting the bile of your hatred for Frater Imperator, whose downfall has become a sort of maladaptive daydream of yours. He’s the only man alive to whom Perpetua could turn to for advice, for some reassurance about his new job, but he’s chosen to act like a spoiled child, rebuffing him every chance he gets. Your beloved doesn’t show it, but you know the incident with the Twitter banner, as ridiculous a stunt it was, shook him pretty badly. It hurts him, knowing his long-lost twin hates his guts for no good reason, for simply daring to exist in the same space as him. For that, you’ll make the old bastard suffer… one of these days.

“If you ask me, that guy is a little too loud.” Your hand starts to trail lower, dancing across the planes of his stomach. The muscles twitch, and you delight in it, always having loved how ticklish he is. “You, though? Very mindful. Very demure.” Perpetua rolls his eyes at this, but the corners of his mouth turn upwards a little. When your fingertips brush against the button of his pants, you glance back up in a silent petition to allow you to continue. He gives you the most minute nod of his head, something sparking in his eyes, and that’s all you need. “You’re you. And you’re going to be amazing.”

Finally, he gives you a sheepish smile, head tilting to the side to rest against yours. “I appreciate your confidence in me, dearest, but-” In a swift motion, you pop the button open, and he sucks in a harsh breath. You’re pleased to find him hardening up as you pull down the zipper and reach in, palming at him through his underwear. He groans, the sound rumbling against your chest.

“No buts.” You give him a little squeeze, reveling in the way his entire body tenses up. Sparing a look upwards, you see he has his eyes shut. “You need to see this,” you purr. “Open those pretty eyes for me.” Hesitantly, Perpetua complies. If it weren’t for all the blood rushing downstairs, you’re certain his face would be beet red by now; he gets so adorably shy sometimes. You smile devilishly, stroking him a few times before your fingers hook under the waistband of his briefs, tugging them down just enough to free him from their confines. Taking him in hand, you start jacking him at a leisurely pace, pulling back the foreskin to reveal the tip, glistening with precum and nearing purple already. Your mouth waters, yearning for a taste, but you have an agenda to fulfill.

“Look at this perfect cock,” you command. Biting his lip, he complies. “You have no idea how many people want it already. A few photos and music videos, and they’re gagging for you, babe.”

“I wouldn’t-” Your other hand comes down to cradle his balls, and through gritted teeth, he moans. “You’re the only one I want.” In spite of the circumstances, it makes your heart flutter, keeping you steady in your resolve. He’s far too sweet, far too good to you; it would be criminal to just let him wallow in his anxiety for the rest of the evening.

“Oh, baby. What did I ever do to deserve you?” You fondle his sac as you continue to stroke him, feeling its weight and the way it’s already tightening up for you. He must be really keyed up — it’s further proof that he needed this. “My perfect man.” Turning your head, you plant a kiss on his neck, then lean in to whisper in his ear. “Papa V Perpetua. First of his name. A frontman unlike any before him.” You nip at his earlobe playfully, snickering, and he jolts. “You’re gonna take the Project to new heights, your Unholiness.” Upping the ante, you pick up the pace of your strokes, twisting your wrist while your other hand gently squeezes him, just how you know he likes. “It’s going to be fucking incredible.”

“Okay, okay, okay.” Perpetua hisses, head falling back against his shoulder, and you know from experience that means he’s close. “Whatever you say. Just-” He has to bite down on his fist to stifle a moan. “Fuck, it’s going to get everywhere.” You just chuckle.

“You’re Papa now. Make a mess. It’s your birthright.”

He lets out a shaky breath, hips jerking with a few abortive thrusts. Encouraging him, you tighten your grip around his shaft until he’s fully fucking your fist, chest heaving and moaning softly, like he’s being touched for the first time. He’s beautiful like this, cheeks all rosy and his face contorted with pleasure. He is a vision, the spirit of Lilith incarnate. It makes your own neglected arousal pound between your legs, but this isn’t about you. This is about hyping him up.

With a final flick of your wrist, Perpetua comes undone, cock throbbing as it shoots a few ropes of spend across the counter and into the sink. He moans, groans, shakes like a leaf in the wind, and all the while you hold him close, keeping him steady through it. When his climax finally ebbs away you don’t let go, basking in the glory of the moment. Though you’re not still working him, overstimulation quickly sets in, and he begins to squirm uncomfortably, snapping you out of your reverie. With an apologetic look, you release him, and he steps aside, awkwardly maneuvering around you so that you can get to the sink and rinse your sticky hands.

“Feeling better?” Perpetua nods, tucking his softening cock away. There’s the smallest splotch of cum on his pants, and he stares at it with a worried expression. He reaches for a towel, but you stop him, gently grasping at his wrist. “I’ll take care of it.” Grabbing the waistband, you tug the garment down, prompting him to step out of them. He looks rather silly, in just his dress shirt, sparkly jacket, and undies, and you can’t help but huff out a little laugh. Then, you rise up on your tiptoes, planting a kiss on his forehead. “Go get ready for bed. You need to rest.”

“But-”

“No buts,” you exclaim, “except that sweet ass of yours wobbling on stage tomorrow!” You give him another kiss, this time on the lips. “I’ll join you soon, okay?” He nods again, and though there’s still a faraway look in his eyes, he smiles. Your heart swells, knowing he means it. 

“Okay, babe.” Then he shuffles past you, out of the bathroom and towards the bedroom. Before he’s completely out of sight, though, he pops back into the doorway. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without you, you know.” You wave him off, scoffing.

“Oh, please. I’d be dead in a ditch by now if it weren’t for you.” He just laughs, and then disappears.

He can do this. And if he won’t believe in himself, then you will. You always will.

[mozart-the-meerkitten]

*rolls up 15 years late with Avatar the Last Airbender thoughts*

So I've been rewatching clips from the show lately to refresh my memory while I'm writing my Zuko Alone fanfic. And last night I rewatched the clip where Iroh teaches Zuko how to redirect lightning and I have had thoughts about this scene for years so I might as well finally throw them into the void of tumblr.

So, this scene is insane to me, because at the end of learning how he could-hypothetically- redirect lightning, Zuko looks at Iroh and, completely seriously says "okay I'm ready to try it with the real thing now". Like, Zuko, the boy with a massive scar on his face from where his father burned him just looks at his uncle and says, "shoot me with lightning".

And yes, he's 16 and not thinking but that's part of the point because the amount of blind, complete trust Zuko has in Iroh to look at him and say "shoot lightning at me" after the insane trauma he had at the hands of his own father- that is WILD to me. Zuko literally trusts Iroh so much that he just assumes, without even having to think about it, that no matter how volatile and unpredictable the lightning is, Iroh won't hurt him because Zuko cannot fathom his uncle hurting him.

And of course, Iroh's appalled because Zuko's standing there with a massive scar on his face from when his father misused firebending against him and likewise, Iroh cannot fathom hurting Zuko. And since IROH knows how volatile and unpredictable lightning is and how it could literally kill his son nephew he is absolutely NOT going to use it just to let Zuko practice redirecting lightning, but he's so flabbergasted that Zuko would even ask him that that he just kind of splutters angrily that he will ABSOLUTELY NOT shoot lightning at Zuko. (it's also just another layer of how messed up Ozai is because he shot lightning at Zuko without a second thought later)

But I hope Iroh thought about it later and realized the amount of pure, unthinking trust Zuko has in him because ;-; the child didn't even THINK about it. "Okay uncle shoot lightning at me now. I know I'll be safe because it's you." I love them so much 😭😭

[tanaor]

Want some easy tip to make your characters 100% more believable??

I learned this some time ago, and wanted to share it because it has really helped me A LOT.

Think of your characters and imagine how they would be in their best moment and in their worst. But not like, happiest and darkest moment. Think of it as their healthiest and most toxic moments. Everyone is healthy sometimes and toxic sometimes. USE THAT. Write a about it, describe them and their actions in both situations.

Maybe you have a character that can be crazy possessive when toxic, but really supportive when healthy. Who knows?

Once you write that, chances are you already know how their gonna behave in almost any situation that pushes them to be healthier/ more toxic. Plus, you can also use it for your characters' positive/ negative arc or to develop relationships with other characters.

Happy writing!! 😙😙

Other tips for writers: next