author-orchids

[author-orchids]

Sleep Paralysis

My physical form doesn't open her eyes.

Let her sleep,

She doesn't need to know

What happens here.

My dark spirit opens its eyes.

Can see the fan blades moving,

Aware of the television scrolling,

And the thing,

At the foot of my bed.

I try to thrash.

To swing, kick, or flail.

I can’t move. Not a muscle.

I can’t even blink.

Such is the disconnect,

Caused between it my soul and she my body.

I scream.

Not from my frozen vocal cords,

But projected from the dark substance of my soul.

The thing standing at the end of my bed hears me,

It’s made of the same shadowy essence my soul is crafted from.

It’s scared,

It leaves me.

My flesh finally awakens,

She must’ve felt the changes in the room.

Her heart beats so fast,

Breathe, control it,

I so command my flesh.

My human body has trouble going back to sleep.

But she relaxes,

Eventually.

And this time,

When she slips away into blissful oblivion,

I go with her.

[author-orchids]

Creature Of The Night

The darkness,

Those oh so ominous sounds,

The chill down my back.

I should be scared.

I was scared,

Once upon a time.

Terrified.

I no longer fear the night.

The chill of her embrace.

I am one of hers.

I learn by example.

My human family fear the dark,

I did as they did,

Lighting my way,

Jumping reactions to sounds.

I recognize those sounds in the darkness,

They are my friends.

I no longer need lights,

Not as much, at least.

I know my environment,

I know where to walk,

I'm comfortable here.

Somewhere is my mother's real daughter,

Among my real family of night creatures.

Does she fear the daytime world?

Do lights burn her eyes?

[author-orchids]

Wrong, For A Human

Count my fingers,

Count my teeth,

Make sure,

I’m one of you.

Does my hair lay correctly?

Fix my posture.

I must look them in the eye.

Lest they know,

I’m not one of them.

Stand up straight.

Look into their eyes.

Speak correctly.

Pay attention.

Be human.

Try,

Fail,

Try again.

Humans try again.

And a human I must be.

But what’s the point in trying,

When I will never be

One of them.

[author-orchids]

Faerie Child

Mother once called me

A faerie child.

It was a joke,

A jest,

Something to do with the fake elf ears I like to wear

The rest of the conversation I don’t even remember.

But that comment,

Stuck with me.

I am

A faerie child.

I don't understand

Human money.

I don’t understand

The way real people socialize.

I don’t understand

The way normal people are.

Would I be

One of the normal people

Amongst my own kind?

Pixies and sprites,

High fae and elves,

Fawns and mermaids.

Would they understand me?

Or would I be

An outcast

Among them too?

Faerie child,

Do the grown fae

Understand you?

[author-orchids]

Small fantasy worldbuilding elements you might want to think about:

A currency that isn’t gold-standard/having gold be as valuable as tin

A currency that runs entirely on a perishable resource, like cocoa beans

A clock that isn’t 24-hours

More or less than four seasons/seasons other than the ones we know

Fantastical weather patterns like irregular cloud formations, iridescent rain

Multiple moons/no moon

Planetary rings

A northern lights effect, but near the equator

Roads that aren’t brown or grey/black, like San Juan’s blue bricks

Jewelry beyond precious gems and metals

Marriage signifiers other than wedding bands

The husband taking the wife's name / newlyweds inventing a new surname upon marriage

No concept of virginity or bastardry

More than 2 genders/no concept of gender

Monotheism, but not creationism

Gods that don’t look like people

Domesticated pets that aren’t re-skinned dogs and cats

Some normalized supernatural element that has nothing to do with the plot

Magical communication that isn’t Fantasy Zoom

“Books” that aren’t bound or scrolls

A nonverbal means of communicating, like sign language

A race of people who are obligate carnivores/ vegetarians/ vegans/ pescatarians (not religious, biological imperative)

I’ve done about half of these myself in one WIP or another and a little detail here or there goes a long way in reminding the audience that this isn’t Kansas anymore.

[author-orchids]

why the fuck does english have a word for

but not for “the day after tomorrow”

???

[author-orchids]

Changeling

When I was young,

We lived in a house with a fireplace.

A fire poker

Cold to the touch,

Unless it was being used.

They say,

That to get rid of a changeling

You stick a hot fire poker down their throat.

The little faerie’s real parents would come back,

Take the changeling away

And give your real child back.

We had a fireplace,

And therefore owned a fire poker.

Does mother know,

She could've given me back?

[author-orchids]

"I would die for you."

"I don't want you to die."

"I would kill for you."

"I don't want you to kill."

"Then I have nothing to offer you."

"If I ever find the person who made you think you're worth nothing more than that, they'll pay dearly."

[author-orchids]

🗡️ Oh, love, don’t let me go

won’t you take me where the streetlights glow? 🗡️ physical affection prompts

Tight hugs that feel like coming home after a long time away

Eskimo kisses!!!

Tracing constellations between freckles and moles

Reaching for their hand in a crowd, knowing they’ll guide you through safely

Cradling their face in your hands, thumb brushing against the creases of their smile

Kissing the back of their hand and gently squeezing it before leaving

Dog piles on a couch with limbs all askew yet very comfortable

After a terrible joke, flicking their arm or hand

Les bises (cheek kisses) upon greeting them

A hearty clap of joy on the back

Hidden tangling of the legs under a table or blanket

Resting your chin on their shoulder, arms wrapping them in a gentle embrace from behind

Friendly sparring while waiting around (if actual swords are included that’s even better)

Twirling them around in a big hug, bursting into laughter when you almost topple over

Sneakily finding the right moment to slip an ice cold hand up their shirt

Washing their back in the shower for them

When they’re injured or sick, carefully carrying them where they need to go

Secret handshakes just for fun

Hip-checking, either like a salsa dancer’s final move or a itty bitty bump for acknowledgment

Detangling or braiding their hair as their head rests in your lap

Spooning (big or little spoon, it’s nice 10/10 highly recommend)

Pressing a warm hand into their side/stomach/back to alleviate cramps or muscle strains

Scratching that ridiculously hard to reach spot for them

Brief shoulder massages when they’re stressed

Curling into their chest, protected from everything in the world for that moment

[author-orchids]

Fluff Prompt List

You can request one or two of these prompts and I will write a one-shot for it! The characters that I write for is on my masterlist

My Masterlist

Can we just stay in bed?

You make me so proud; you know that right?

Let me kiss it better

Give me a hug

You make me feel brave

You remembered

I can't believe I married you

I got you your favorite

I'll always choose you

I've been in love with you since we were kids

I like my shirt on you. It looks cute

Can you stay? I don't want to be alone right now

You don't have to pretend around me

You look pretty today

Are you wearing my shirt/hoodie/jacket?

I'll walk you home

I got coffee. This is your favorite, right?

Hey... you've been crying

Shh, stop fussing. I'm just braiding your hair

Don't get up, I'll do it

I know you haven't been feeling great, so I picked up a few of your favorite things (snack, drinks, etc.)

Wow. You look... you look amazing

Hey, are you okay?

Let it all out. I'm here for you

You don't have to tell me anything, but I'm here for you

You're safe now. I promise

A kiss here. A kiss there... Ah! There's the smile I've been hoping to see

Quit stealing all the pillows

Have a nice nap?

Don't be silly. I want to stay up with you

I know you said about getting a dog/cat... so I got you one

I'm so proud to be your mom/dad

You're getting a little brother/sister

I know I can never replace your mom/dad, but I want to be here for you whenever you need it

You are the best brother/sister EVER

[author-orchids]

"I'm going to do my homework!" Said I, the fool. I, the fool, then went on to spend hours making fantasy calendars, researching numerical systems, because they'll only work if I leave base five behind me.

[author-orchids]

All I wanted was to make some calendars...

[author-orchids]

thank you behind the name dot com your my savior behind the name dot com

[author-orchids]

YALL. Holly Black has a list of resources she's used for writing her books on the fair folk. I'm OBSESSED. I love her work and world building. it's so true to the heart of faeries

[author-orchids]

20 Compelling Positive-Negative Trait Pairs

Here are 20 positive and negative trait pairs that can create compelling character dynamics in storytelling:

1. Bravery - Recklessness: A character is courageous in the face of danger but often takes unnecessary risks.

2. Intelligence - Arrogance: A character is exceptionally smart but looks down on others.

3. Compassion - Naivety: A character is deeply caring but easily deceived due to their trusting nature.

4. Determination - Stubbornness: A character is persistent in their goals but unwilling to adapt or compromise.

5. Charisma - Manipulativeness: A character is charming and persuasive but often uses these traits to exploit others.

6. Resourcefulness - Opportunism: A character is adept at finding solutions but is also quick to exploit situations for personal gain.

7. Loyalty - Blind Obedience: A character is fiercely loyal but follows orders without question, even when they're wrong.

8. Optimism - Denial: A character remains hopeful in difficult times but often ignores harsh realities.

9. Humor - Inappropriateness: A character lightens the mood with jokes but often crosses the line with their humor.

10. Generosity - Lack of Boundaries: A character is giving and selfless but often neglects their own needs and well-being.

11. Patience - Passivity: A character is calm and tolerant but sometimes fails to take action when needed.

12. Wisdom - Cynicism: A character has deep understanding and insight but is often pessimistic about the world.

13. Confidence - Overconfidence: A character believes in their abilities but sometimes underestimates challenges.

14. Honesty - Bluntness: A character is truthful and straightforward but often insensitive in their delivery.

15. Self-discipline - Rigidity: A character maintains strong control over their actions but is inflexible and resistant to change.

16. Adventurousness - Impulsiveness: A character loves exploring and trying new things but often acts without thinking.

17. Empathy - Overwhelm: A character deeply understands and feels others' emotions but can become overwhelmed by them.

18. Ambition - Ruthlessness: A character is driven to achieve great things but willing to do anything, even unethical, to succeed.

19. Resilience - Emotional Detachment: A character can endure hardships without breaking but often seems emotionally distant.

20. Strategic - Calculative: A character excels at planning and foresight but can be cold and overly pragmatic in their decisions.

These pairs create complex, multi-dimensional characters that can drive rich, dynamic storytelling.

---

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[author-orchids]

NEED HELP WRITING? (a masterlist)

I have likely not added many that I've reblogged to this list. Please feel free to roam my blog and/or ask/message me to add something you'd like to see on this list!

Synonym Lists

Look by @writers-potion

Descriptors

Voices by @saraswritingtipps

Show, Don't Tell by @lyralit

Tips & Tricks

5 Tips for Creating Intimidating Antagonists by @writingwithfolklore

How To (Realistically) Make a Habit of Writing by @byoldervine

Let's Talk About Misdirection by @deception-united

Tips to Improve Character Voice by @tanaor

Stephen King's Top 20 Rules for Writers posted by @toocoolformedschool

Fun Things to Add to a Fight Scene (Hand to Hand Edition) by @illarian-rambling

Questions I Ask My Beta Readers by @burntoutdaydreamer

Skip Google for Research by @s-n-arly

Breaking Writing Rules Right: Don't Write Direct Dialogue by @septemberercfawkes

Databases/Resources

International Clothing

Advice/Uplifting

Too Ashamed of Writing To Write by @writingquestionsanswered

"Said" is Beautiful by @blue-eyed-author

[author-orchids]

Writing Description Notes:

Updated 9th September 2024 More writing tips, review tips & writing description notes

Facial Expressions

Masking Emotions

Smiles/Smirks/Grins

Eye Contact/Eye Movements

Blushing

Voice/Tone

Body Language/Idle Movement

Thoughts/Thinking/Focusing/Distracted

Silence

Memories

Happy/Content/Comforted

Love/Romance

Sadness/Crying/Hurt

Confidence/Determination/Hopeful

Surprised/Shocked

Guilt/Regret

Disgusted/Jealous

Uncertain/Doubtful/Worried

Anger/Rage

Laughter

Confused

Speechless/Tongue Tied

Fear/Terrified

Mental Pain

Physical Pain

Tired/Drowsy/Exhausted

Eating

Drinking

Warm/Hot