e-thonrudwrites

[e-thonrudwrites]

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[e-thonrudwrites]

what are some friendly writing discord for a social anxious person? Like basically where authors support each other?

[e-thonrudwrites]

“Beg.”

Hero nearly stopped breathing at the command, they could feel the heat radiating off their face as they looked at Villain with wide eyes.

“Are you serious?” they demanded. “There is another villain terrorizing the city—a villain that you don’t want around either—and you want me to beg for your help?”

They were only met with an expectant stare from the Villain, a smug grin pulling at the corners of their lips.

Hero let out an annoyed huff, their face getting redder by the second. “Villain, I do not have time for your silly games. Are you going to help me or not?” 

“I’m waiting,” Villain said in a sing-song voice. They leaned back in their chair, swiveling side to side in a carefree manner as they bore their eyes in the hero’s. 

Hero heaved an embarrassed sigh, eyes cast down to the ground. “Please?”

 “No, no. Not like that.” Villain shook their head with a breathless laugh. They snapped and pointed to the ground. “On your knees.”

Hero looked everywhere but at the villain. “Is this really necessary?”

“Do you really want my help?”

Hero’s gaze shot back to the villain, their finger still pointing down to the floor. Hero really did need their help, this other villain was too sharp, too quick. Hero needed Villain’s powers combined with their own to stop this other villain. 

So they conceded. With a tomato red face and a chest heavy with shame, the hero sank to their knees. They kept their gaze locked onto the villain’s, hating the smirk that spread over their lips.

“Please, help me,” they begged. Their heart rate picked up as Villain leaned forward in their seat, elbows resting on their knees. 

“Say it again.”

An involuntary shiver ran down the hero’s back at the dominance that coated the villain’s voice, and Hero knew that Villain would never let them live this moment down. 

“Please,” their voice crack over the word. “Help me.”

“Again.”

“Please, help me.” It came out in a whisper, the shame finally getting to the hero. They watched as Villain rose from their seat and crossed the distance between them with a few steps. They crouched down to Hero’s level, a hand coming up to grip their chin. They held eyes with the hero for what could have been hours but Hero knew was probably only a few seconds before rising again. 

“You know, I was going to help anyway,” Villain said with a chuckle. “Be ready in five minutes.”

They began to leave their office without another word, leaving Hero to sit in self-loathing for a solid minute before they, too, rose and followed Villain out. 

“You’re sick, you know,” they called out, earning a hearty laugh from their nemesis.

[e-thonrudwrites]

I almost feel more emotional posting this than I did finishing the last bit on Friday night. I’m glad to say it was worth re-drafting my original idea and create this version. It’s a thrilling romantic sci-fi, with superheroes, my favorite part in history and ofc some back stabbing.

My goal for 2023 was to be done with this, and have a query ready to send. The question, is it going to be ready to query at new years? Idk, it all depends if I feel like I’ve nailed everything and that there is nothing bugging me.

I did it!! I finished my manuscript and sent it out to betas! And now onto searching for agents to query and all that fun stuff😂

[e-thonrudwrites]

As I'm editing the last bits, am I realizing that the voice/style of the WIP is basically past tense that reads like present, active, very much hitting the point.

With a 150 read books under belt (read in 2 years) I've not found a single book that matches the voice exactly.

It's both exiting and terrifying.

[e-thonrudwrites]

It's the best feeling ever. I'll be grinning like a gremlin hehehehehehhe

[e-thonrudwrites]

Today's edit favorite quote

Ed woke up, drenched in sweat. His heart hammered in his chest, punching the air out of his lungs. He pressed a hand to his throat and coughed. He couldn’t catch his breath. The Timeline creaked, making the warehouse tremble. Dust rained on him. The rat scurried across the beams and the corrugated steel roof shirked. The Timeline was doing everything to break free, breaking down the walls he’d built. Ed forced himself to inhale deeply. He couldn’t let the Timeline destroy everything.

[e-thonrudwrites]

Don't you love it when you come up with a new WIP idea and you like just because of ✨the vibes✨??

[e-thonrudwrites]

Writers & Readers

My thoughts. I've been thinking about this relationship a lot lately and I wanted to summarize it in one post, which I hope will open some people up more and try to better understand what writers are dealing with.

You come up with a story, write it down, read it, wonder if it makes sense, remove repetitions and errors, read it again, create moodboards and headlines, publish and wait.

When I posted the first chapter of my story here, I didn't know how hashtags worked yet and I made many mistakes, my writing style, punctuation and syntax also left much to be desired. On the first day, my first chapter got 12 notes and one comment and I was shocked because someone read it! It inspired me so much that I wrote the second chapter the same day.

With each chapter, more and more people read my stories, I squealed with joy when one part received more than 100 notes, considering it a gigantic success (I still think so).

However, the more notes I had, the more successful my stories were, the more people reblogged my chapters, the more people began to appear who sent me unpleasant anonymous messages, usually calling them constructive criticism. There were some, but most of them were malicious remarks about the hero/heroine not acting as someone would like or that my approach was wrong, ending with insulting me and intruding into my private life.

I've noticed a pattern that other writers can probably confirm - these are often messages from other writers. Those who cannot cross a certain line, those who feel aggrieved that others support each other and reblog, but not him/her.

Except I was in the same place. I just earned it. I have improved my way of writing, my stories are better thought out, my readers have looked at my chapters themselves and decided that they want to follow my stories, for which I am grateful.

I'm tired of people who want easy solutions, I'm tired of people who hide behind anonymous messages - but - when you turn them off, they don't dare to write similar things in private. If they are so sure of what they say and that they are right and I am stupid, where are they now?

While browsing the wall, I come across and start reading stories that I don't like and then I stop halfway through and continue reading other posts. But I would never dare to write to such an author that I don't like his/her story.

I wouldn't dare tell him/her: these are my good tips, you better follow them if you want to succeed. No! It's rude, upsetting and unnecessary.

Never give unsolicited advice unless someone asks for it.

I am begging you, give the writers whose stories you love your support, your comments, hearts, reblogs, private messages or even asks, let them feel from time to time that you are with them, that they are doing a good job, that every day you are waiting for a new chapter of theirs history. Nothing is more inspiring.

Of course, we write for ourselves and our satisfaction, but it is your comments that comfort us, make us laugh, and give us the feeling that what we do is good.

[e-thonrudwrites]

WRITE!

Hey can someone yell at me to write please?

[e-thonrudwrites]

POV late night editing

[e-thonrudwrites]

Alright, I think I like tumblr now.

A pun post crossed my dash, and I reblogged it with an equally bad pun in return. A couple of my followers find it funny, it's a good day for everyone.

That was on July 7th.

Virality on Reddit was entirely algorithmic. You could garner a couple crossposts, but the success of a post was entirely dependent on whether or not it hit r/all--the main page of Reddit. If your post does that, it's immediately exposed to 10x the number of people and immediately gets upvoted.

On my pun post, I get a couple reblogs. And those reblogs get a couple reblogs--nobody really adds any content to the post, it just gets a couple reblogs here and there.

There's a specific chain of reblogs that I'd like to focus on. The most popular post on this chain has about 25 reblogs on it. Half the posts have three reblogs or fewer. Five posts in this chain have just one reblog total.

But the reblog chain keeps going. And going. It breaches containment many times over. And finally, after a chain THIRTY SIX posts long, at 9:30 AM, July 22nd this morning, it hits a popular account.

99% percent of the people who have seen the post--virtually unchanged from how it left my dash--have seen it because it was curated by 36 different people. That's insane to me.

None of those 36 people know that they're part of this chain. They saw a post, reblogged it, and moved on. If any one of these people had not reblogged, the post would have a fraction of the impact it has.

And yet, after two weeks, the post has effectively hit the main page of tumblr. It was picked up, only because people liked it enough to show it to their followers. There were no algorithms necessary.

You really, truly, cannot get this on any other website.

[e-thonrudwrites]

Writblr Introduction

I’ve seen so many writblr introductions that I wanted to do one!

P.S., it’s a long one.

So I got into writing (as a hobby, even though I’ve always loved creating stories as a kid) thanks to an old bully of mine in Swedish eighth grade. I wrote my first queer characters, in my first English WIP ever. It was a fanfic/AU of She-hulk and other Marvel characters, and of course I posted that bad boy on Wattpad and think it got 80k views over the year on something I’ve never finished. I remember being so nervous about making my FMC fall in love with another woman and for them to care for each other. In retrospect, it probably had to do a lot with trying to figure out my sexuality. But as soon as I did it I felt such relief, and I’ve never looked back on writing straight MCs.

But how does this connect with my writing journey and who I’m today? Well, I’m 23 yo, and my English is better, and that’s coming from someone who’s dyslexic, heck I think I can spell better and have a more advanced language in English than in Swedish which is ironic that it’s my native language. But genre wise nowadays, I write MM Romance in a bunch of different sub genres: romcom, fantasy/sci-fi, thriller, and a bit of horror. And ever since my disability progressed, I’ve tried to incorporate disability in my stories — have bad ass characters that just happen to limp. It’s not the end of the world and that’s what I wanna read.

Which is the most important thing I learned as a 16 yo kid posting on Wattpad and getting the social anxiety and burnout of posting there. Write for yourself. Write what you wanna read. Which has made me connect so much more with my stories and characters, especially when writing a WIP as RUINS OF DAWN and letting myself lean into the darkness I’ve always enjoyed as a kid.

But one of the negative things I know my bullying has affected me in is I know no one’s gonna care about what I write because I’m who I am. Because I’m me. And that’s why it took me so much time in to figure out that I can, and I’m allowed to send queries to agents. That just because I’m me doesn’t make it that anyone else who’s ace, queer, and/or disabled can’t connect with the characters and see a glimpse of themselves. Because that is what RUINS OF DAWN is for me. It’s a book for my 15 yo self that loved all the grimy and gory stuff, who was not feeling good or understood why I was feeling like this around people. Though RUINS OF DAWN is not for people under 18, but if I know myself, a bit of blood and spicy scenes wouldn’t have stopped me. My favorite and comfort movie is WARM BODIES. A damn zombie movie, though the books are more horrifying.

So what is RUINS OF DAWN then? Well, it’s the WIP I’m currently laying all my focus on getting done and ready for beta reading, and the one I’m gonna try to query.

RUINS OF DAWN is a dark sci-fi romance thriller, set in 1962 after the Cubs crisis has gone nuclear. It follows Ed Johnston, our Time manipulating protagonist who gets forced by the NTIA—an organization created by the President to watch supers (Psst, think of an organization corrupted like the TVA from LOKI)—to meet the Director, and where he meets his ex-lover the waiting room. It’s enemies-to-lovers, second chance with similar horror elements as Isaac Marion’s THE BURNING WORLD.

#ownvoicesdisability #ownvoiceschronicpain #ownvoicesqueerness

Comp-titles for RUINS OF DAWN: V. E. Schwab’s VICIOUS, Amal El-Mohtar THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE THE TIME WAR, Greg Rucka’s THE OLD GUARD, MOONKNIGHT (2022), DEADPOOL (2016), L. J Hayward’s WHERE DEATH MEETS THE DEVIL, Isaac Marion’s THE BURNING WORLD.

So if you like the X-MEN, THE WATCHMEN or anything to do with superheroes and time loops and time travel, then I hope you’ll follow me on my journey to get this bad boy published.

Also, I’d gladly get to know more writers. My life is definitely lacking writing buddies, because authors supporting other authors is the best thing ever.

[e-thonrudwrites]

[e-thonrudwrites]

How to develop the enemies to lovers trope effectively

I wonder why I didn't write this post sooner. The enemies to lovers trope is so fascinating! I think I love it from now!

Establish Strong Conflict: Create a compelling and believable conflict between the characters that sets them up as enemies. This conflict can be based on opposing goals, ideologies, or personal histories. The more intense and fundamental the conflict, the more satisfying the resolution will be.

Show Layers and Complexity: Develop multi-dimensional characters with depth and complexity. Avoid one-dimensional stereotypes and explore the reasons behind their animosity. Give each character strengths, vulnerabilities, and compelling motivations that contribute to their dynamic.

Gradual Shift in Dynamics: Allow the transition from enemies to lovers to happen gradually. Start by depicting intense clashes and heated interactions, gradually revealing glimpses of vulnerability or shared experiences that challenge their initial perceptions of each other. Show subtle shifts in their interactions and emotions over time.

Moments of Connection: Create opportunities for the characters to have genuine moments of connection or understanding, even amidst their conflicts. These moments can be brief and subtle, such as a shared joke or a moment of empathy. These small sparks of connection build the foundation for their evolving relationship.

Forced Proximity or Collaboration: Place the characters in situations that force them to spend time together or collaborate on a common goal. This could be a mission, a project, or a circumstance that necessitates their cooperation. Develop shared goals or a common cause that forces the characters to work together despite their differences. As they face obstacles and make sacrifices for the greater good, their bond strengthens, blurring the lines between enemies and allies. Proximity also allows them to see beyond their initial prejudices and discover shared values or unexpected qualities in each other.

Natural Development of Chemistry: Develop a slow burn in the characters' romantic feelings. Craft witty and engaging dialogue between the characters. Use banter, verbal sparring, and playful teasing to create chemistry and showcase their evolving relationship. Allow their emotions to evolve naturally. The chemistry between them should build gradually, fueled by their changing perceptions and shared experiences.

Internal Conflict: Explore the characters' internal conflict as they navigate their shifting feelings. They may struggle with their attraction, question their loyalties, or wrestle with the fear of vulnerability. Internal conflicts add depth to their journey and make the resolution more satisfying.

Growth and Change: Show personal growth and development in both characters as they navigate their shifting relationship. They should evolve beyond their initial roles as enemies, confronting their flaws, and challenging their beliefs. This growth is crucial for a believable and satisfying transition from enemies to lovers.

Mutual Influence: Demonstrate how the characters influence each other positively. Through their interactions, they should inspire growth, self-reflection, and change. Each character should have a transformative impact on the other.

Authentic Resolution: Ensure that the resolution of their conflict feels authentic and earned. The characters should confront and address the issues that initially made them enemies, finding common ground and genuine understanding. Their resolution should be based on mutual respect, trust, and a genuine emotional connection.

Vulnerability and Emotional Depth: Explore the characters' vulnerabilities and emotional depth as their relationship evolves. Allow them to gradually open up to each other, sharing their fears, dreams, and past traumas. This vulnerability creates an emotional bond and deepens their connection.

Conflicting Loyalties: Introduce conflicts of loyalty that challenge the characters' evolving relationship. They may have allegiances to different groups or individuals that complicate their feelings. This internal struggle adds complexity and raises the stakes for their choices.

Remember, the enemies to lovers trope is most effective when it is supported by strong character development, realistic conflicts, and a gradual evolution of emotions. And don't forget to maintain a balance between conflict and romance, allowing the characters to evolve while staying true to their unique personalities and circumstances.

If you want to read more posts about writing, please click here and give me a follow!

[e-thonrudwrites]

Myths about Traditional Publishing

Now that I'm in the book-writing world I see a LOT of anti-trad publishing posts. They usually have some nonsense in them so I'm going to address these myths/misrepresentations.

I’m NOT trying to say everyone should trad publish. In fact, I actually suggest people without significant writing experience not write a book at all until they get experience. Hate me if you will. If you want to write something faster without any editors and you're ok with doing a lot more work per sale, or if you haven't published anything shorter than a book, I DO recommend self-publishing to you. Just make sure you’re making your choice without influence from misinfo! 

🚫 “Traditional Publishing means less money because your royalty is less!”

✅Your royalty is less but every one of these anti-trad posts misses the very important financial reality that traditional publishers sell your book widely, meaning more sales without work on your end, and more importantly: the ADVANCE! Yes, trad writers get money before a single book sells! On average most traditionally published books make WAY more than self, even though there are very rare stories of financial success among the portion of self-published authors who are very talented and hard-working.

🚫 “The advance doesn’t count because you have to pay it back!”

✅BS. Money DOES NOT flow from the writer to the publisher unless it’s a scam. As the royalties come in, they initially start flowing to refill the advance that the publisher lost, and they go to the writer once that is refilled. The writer is happy because they already have their advance, which has already gone to paying off their debts or into an index fund or the downpayment on a house so they don’t have to throw away money renting, so they’re in a much better financial situation than with no advance. There is no downside to getting guaranteed money earlier. 

The only way you’d have to pay it back is like any job: if I pay you to fix my roof and you don’t do it, the contract is broken and I am legally entitled to my money back. Hopefully, you already knew that. 

🚫 “The advance doesn’t count because you get it in installments and you have to pay some to your agent and taxes exist!” 

✅The second part of that is true, but so what? With a $50k advance and an agent, you keep $42,500 minus taxes. That’s $21,250 on signing and $21,250 on completion. (And yes, there are different installment patterns, different advances etc.) With self-publishing, you get $0 and then $0 forever until your book starts selling. If your advance is small that’s unfortunate but remember self-publishing advances are $0. Zero dollars is much less than $42,500. Zero is less than $1. Self-publishers also go into actual debt to pay for editors and printers and marketing, so you could easily start with negative money.

🚫 “Traditional publishing sucks because they expect you to do all your own marketing!”

✅Huh? Whatever expectations are happening in the heart of my publisher are none of my business or concern. Marketing on my end is not in my contract and I doubt it’s in the majority of trad contracts. I’ll definitely promote my book as much as I can but I’m sure as heck not going to spend 40 hours a week doing it or getting a degree in marketing. 

However, the publisher employs professional book marketers and they are the ones incentivized to sell the first [insert advance dollar amount] worth of books. 

Also, who do you think markets your self-published book? The Marketing Fairy? 

🚫 “You have to write the whole book first.”

✅Yes with fiction. No with nonfiction. 

🚫 “Traditional publishing is just a lottery!”

✅I mean there are elements of luck, what’s in fashion, privilege etc. just like in all fields, especially creative ones. But most of the reason people get trad contracts is hard work, experience, a good concept, proof of successful publishing, caring about what the readers want, etc.  

Most people who I talk to who tried and failed to traditionally publish had no published writing of any sort. Most who succeed at trad publishing had plenty, as well as a lot of expertise in that area. Like, a degree and/or years of experience in that field, not "I listened to a few podcasts on it."

🚫 “Actually a smaller advance is better.”

✅Absolutely not. This is an insidious nonsense rumor akin to “a smaller salary is better” and I wonder if publishers started that rumor to financially abuse their writers or if writers spread it because hate themselves and each other. I’ve heard all the justifications, they make no financial sense, if you hate money give it to me.

🚫 “Even an advance of 100k isn't that much when you split it into four payments over 2 years. Better to get regular royalties. Not like $100k is enough to quit your day job.” ✅$100k split into four payments over 2 years is WAY more than the $0 self-publishing gets you before sales. Even $200/month for 40 YEARS is less than 100k, and that's without the time value of money or inflation. And, remember, trad published books get royalties too, the only difference is the first [insert advance here] is GUARANTEED, and after that, fewer dollars per book sold. If you make $100k per book and don't spend too much time per book, that can very easily BE your day job and you can certainly quit your other one to pursue that. But no one said anything about assuming selling one $100k is enough for the rest of your life. That would be an absurdly irresponsible mindset. Just because trad publishing doesn't guarantee anything crazy like one book financially supporting you forever, doesn't mean it's worse financially. What a weird, irrelevant straw man.