soleilstice

[soleilstice]

sugar, spice, and everything nice

☾ haikyuu! ☾ honkai star rail! ☾ harry potter!

[soleilstice]

whispers of the heart

tba.

[soleilstice]

tips and tricks

For those who are planning on starting a writing blog, read on for some tips and reminders! 

Last Update: January 2, 2022

✦ CREATING AN ORGANIZED BLOG ✦

I’m sure you’ve seen some blogs with pretty themes and original tags like “ —(author)’s ramblings ♡”! Believe it or not, it’s not mainly for aesthetic purposes! Having a good theme can be welcoming for readers, as they can see how much effort you’ve put into your blog! That doesn’t mean those with the default themes aren’t as dedicated, though. Original tags can also guide readers to your content without seeing another author’s content!

— ✦ So how do you make a pretty theme? 

Unless you’re willing to try making your own, you can search for free themes to use here on Tumblr. Just type “themes” in the search bar and find accounts who make them. Usually, these accounts also recommend themes made by other people! Remember to abide by their rules and read properly to distinguish whether it’s a free theme or a premium theme! Theme makers also have strict rules on customization, but it varies from maker-to-maker so read thoroughly!

— ✦ How about tags? 

There really isn’t a need to go with difficult symbols like “ — “ and “ ♡ “! You can just type “(username): regulus fics” or “(alias): regulus black fics!” for easier typing. Basically, you can type whatever you want for your tags! The important thing is to be consistent! It can be a chore to go back to your previous post about a certain character and input the same tags, but it’s necessary if you want to be organized. 

— ✦ How do you make pretty graphics?

Canva. I’ve been using Canva for basically just about anything I make. If you want to try another program like Picsart or Photoshop, you can do that too! Canva is good because there are many templates and elements, each depending on the subject you’re designing for.

✦ INPUTTING THE RIGHT TAGS ✦

Yes, I had a separate section made for inputting tags. Don’t you think it’s unfair for writers when someone who isn’t even the main love interest is on the top searches of the character they’ve written for? I do. Although I understand and have experienced firsthand how this site’s algorithm brings agony and doubts to writers, it isn’t an excuse to type just about anything for your fic to show up on other unrelated searches.

If you’re writing for Draco, just go with “draco malfoy x reader”, “draco malfoy fluff” (if applied), “draco malfoy x you”, “draco x reader”, and the like. If it isn’t smut, don’t tag it as smut. Some people may have a certain character’s smut blocked (or just smut in general). If you think this widens the audience you have, it doesn’t. In fact, it restricts you. The same goes for tagging unrelated characters. Some people may have this character blocked because they aren’t comfortable with them. In short, tag properly. 

✦ ACTUALLY WRITING SOMETHING ✦

Writing is a journey. You won’t instantly get better unless you write, read, and write. Yes. I put “write” there twice because of course, you have to write if you want to get better in writing. Here are some tips!

— ✦ Make sure your fic is readable. 

Separate your paragraphs with spaces! Also separate dialogue! If words said by different characters are put in the same paragraph, the readers will be confused as to who said it.

 “No,” James answered. “Don’t do that, James!”

[Name] pointed her wand towards him.

Confusing, isn’t it? How about this?

 “No,” James answered.

 “Don’t do that, James!” [Name] pointed her wand towards him.

— ✦ Put trigger warnings and a summary before you start your fic/chapter.

That way, people who would most likely be uncomfortable with the themes of your fic would be warned about it. Remember to be as specific as possible. Here is an example:

Warnings: alcohol consumption, bullying, and verbal abuse.

Summary: Sirius Black encounters a Slytherin who goes against all his prejudice. 

— ✦ Put a “read more” if your fic exceeds 1000 words.

Scrolling through Tumblr can be tiring, especially for mobile readers. This is why fic recommendations are so important, because it saves the readers from scrolling down again when the page refreshes after a long read.

For PC writers: Just click this button (rectangle with three dots) to add a “read more” option.

ㅤ

For mobile writers: Just type “:readmore:” then click space. Save and check if it appeared.

— ✦ When writing a series, make an outline about what happens in every chapter.

Out of all the fic series I’ve written, I only finished one or two. If you want to write a series, make sure you know how to stay committed. It’s a reader’s risk to read an ongoing series but this is something to remember for a writer if you’re prone to falling out of love with your fics. 

— ✦ When posting your fic, take a look at the time.

Do you think your primary audience, wherever and whoever they are, would be awake and free to read your fic? I used to post my fics during 3-6 PM (or just about any time when I get impatient) in my timezone because I feel like more people would be online on Tumblr at that time. 

— ✦ Don’t make your author’s notes too long. 

Although some might be willing to read three paragraphs of what’s happening in your life and what you’ve planned for the fic, some would also just skip over what you’re talking about and go straight to the fic. You can summarize your points in a bullet form if needed.

— ✦ Make a masterlist of your fics once you’ve written five or more.

You can also tag the characters you’ve written for in that masterlist, thus earning the attention of the readers who haven’t read your fic and are looking for fics about a certain character.

— ✦ Copyread your fics.

Yes. It’s taxing when it concerns a 10K word fanfic, but it’s worth it! Remember to do this after you’ve taken a break. That way, it’ll be easier for you to spot mistakes. Getting relaxed and letting your fingers do the typing is good, but remember to read over your paragraphs once in a while during the writing process. Copyreading wouldn’t be a chore if you’ve already fixed the mistakes before they could get major. 

— ✦ Mention your tag list at the end of the fic.

Or you can mention them in a reblog—I’ve seen someone do this before. Talking about tag lists, you can either have them send you an ask (which you can then tag accordingly) or have them answer a Google form. The latter option is better, since you can be specific with your questions and their preferences.

— ✦ It’s not necessary for you to stick to what’s canon.

What I mean is that you don’t have to align each and every fact as to what everyone knows. This is your fic, which means you have the freedom to let the story go the way you want it to be!

— ✦ Remember the difference between X OC and X Reader.

I almost forgot about this. This can be so frustrating, especially for readers looking for fics about an underrated character. So please, if you’re going to make a fic about a character and an OC named Amber or something tag it “character X OC”. Don’t put “character X reader” and “character x OC” in one post, I beg you. This is under the assumption that you’re writing about only one character here.

— ✦ Be as vague as possible about [Name]’s appearance.

Not everyone has fair skin and a thin build. Although I don’t usually imagine my own appearance while reading reader inserts, others do! Many have expressed their thoughts about not being able to relate to the reader’s described appearance. Thus, the best way to ‘solve’ this is to describe as less physical traits as possible. An example of this would be not describing the character’s embarrassment by “blushing”.

— ✦ You’re not obligated to write for others for free.

Writing fics is supposed to be a hobby. Remember to make time for yourself because you have your own life to live. If you aren’t in the mood, don’t force yourself to write. Writing is supposed to make you—mostly—happy. 

— ✦ Your likes and reblogs don’t define your writing skills.

Ultimately, the reason why I’ve lost motivation in writing was because a fic I spent most of my Christmas Eve writing had gotten less interactions than I wanted it to. Please, please—don’t bring yourself down because of this. It’s hard to do, I know, but this site has a trashy algorithm and many writers aren’t able to get past 100 notes. 

While honing your skills, I hope you know that the way you tell your story is unique. Nobody else can write the way you do, so you shouldn’t stop. Don’t let numbers stop you from what makes you happy. To all the silent readers who took their time to read this, please know that a simple like, reblog, or comment can make a writer’s day.

[soleilstice]

everyday sunshine

☾ masterlist! ☾ recommendations! ☾ writing tips! ☾ rules (byf/dni)! ☾ tags!

currently playing: laufey - bewitched

[soleilstice]

amortentia in the air

These are my personal favorites out of all the Harry Potter fics I've read! A reminder to please give love to all the writers you adore! They're writing for free, even going so far as to spend a whole day or more writing! 

I’m going to update this at a later time. I’ve read too many and loved too many fics. They all need to be here!

Last Update: December 20, 2021

✦ REGULUS BLACK ✦

—Pinks, Blues, and Yellows by @quillsanddaydreams - a short headcanon-fic by one of my favorite writers in this site! This fic, of course, showed how soft Regulus really is. I love him so much and I’m glad to see people requesting and writing about him.

—Runaways by @messers-moony - this fic isn’t a romantic reader insert, but a sibling reader insert! I’m just so happy I got to read a Sirius, Regulus, and reader sibling fic without them drifting apart and hating each other!

—Arranging Fate by @padfoot-and-prongsie - Regulus seems more like Sirius in this fic but who knows, a playful side to him that only appears when he’s with the reader is interesting! This is fic is a bit spicy, but very good!

—Safe Haven by @dreamcxtcherr - again, one of my favorite writers! This fic is both fluffy and angsty, with the reader and Regulus only having each other to rely on. They spend their days together at their shared attic, pouring whatever feelings they couldn’t show to their families. 

—Peppermints and Cologne by @lotsoffandomimagines - amortentia, yes. I love this concept. A flustered reader and Regulus is just *chef’s kiss*. 

—Later by @thoseofgreatambition - I am such a sucker for secret admirer tropes... Regulus is so cute here and I love how Andromeda helped him. The reader’s boldness is a plus too!

—A Little Longer by @quillsanddaydreams - Regulus secret relationship tropes break and mend my heart... 

—Belong Together by @cupids-crystals - one of my favorite authors, probably the first fic writer I followed with this blog! I’m more than certain that Regulus feels inferior to Sirius in some ways, despite being the “favored” child by his parents. This fic is just so fluffy, with the reader reassuring him of her feelings.

—Muggle Devices by @cupids-crystals​ - if only Regulus got to go along with Sirius when he ran away... this fic explores the happiness in that “if only”, with the reader teaching Regulus how to call her with a telephone. 

— a short Regulus prompt by @/scandalous-chaos - this. This is a super good short standalone fic and I can’t help but think I want someone to write a poem for me like that.

✦ JAMES POTTER ✦

—The Best Prankster by @deathlyhogwarts - I don’t read much James fics but this! The prompt is amazing, completely in character with James’s persistence. It’s really cute too (and funny)!

— A Done Deal by @/wrathspoet - this was so cute and kinda wild—this fic is just SO James if you know what I mean!

— Authenticity by @/mirclealignr - pureblood customs can go and * themselves. 

— Insufferable @/mirclealignr - I LOVE James reader insert detention fics... especially when it’s enemies to lovers (or at least on the way to lovers)!

✦ CEDRIC DIGGORY ✦

—Invisible String by @wnterwidows - For those hopelessly pining for someone else, this is a fic you’ll want to read! The pain hits way too close to home but you’ll actually be happy in the end because it has a happy ending!

—Real by @wnterwidows - the trust issues are real in this one! It’s classic fluff, appealing to me with one of my favorite tropes: secret admirers. Cedric is the secret admirer in this one, which makes it all the more cuter!

—Second Task by @screamingpasta - please, if I really was the reader in this fic I would slap Cedric. Spending my nights crying over a boy only to find out that [redacted] is the last thing I’d want! It has one of my favorite tropes as well, which you’ll be left to guess when you read it!

—a Cedric prompt by @persuasivus - not too long and very very cute as well! The reader is so sassy, a type I’d like to see with Cedric more often!

—Somebody to You by @iliveiloveiwrite - an evening dose of fluff before you go to sleep! It features the tug of war between two people in love with each other. This fic is a mess of hidden feelings and it’s just so cute!

—Yule Ball from the Sidelines by @imaginexmeintheuniverse - this one HURT. The first few sentences of this fic just prove my statement. I LOVE these types of fics, with one of them ‘liking someone else’ and the other just... suffers. 

—Woes of a Prefect by @wondernimbus - honestly so cute! I love the first years here, they’re so honest that it’s really funny! This fic just shows how much of a good boyfriend Cedric is (definitely my type)! 

—Ceaseless Interruptions by @imaginexmeintheuniverse - this is the fic that pushed me to start reading Cedric reader inserts. It has my favorite five times trope (five times they almost kissed + the one time they did). 

—The Art of Flirtation by @dreamcxtcherr - please, if Cedric was beside me I wouldn’t get anything done too. This is a short, very very fluffy fic! I want to go on a date with him so much it’s not even funny anymore.

✦ DRACO MALFOY ✦

—They’ll Hold Him Down by @boxofbadaddiction - this is NOT A READER INSERT but I love how this fic emphasized the lack of a normal family Draco had. It was always about pureblood status, the Malfoy name, and whatnot. I’m also hooked with the concept of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looking out for him.

—Trouble and Sufferings by @holden-caulfield - this fic isn’t that romantic, but it’s cute nonetheless! Professor Trelawney just making Draco and the reader ??? with some accurate prophecies!

—The Girl by @holden-caulfield - probably my favorite Draco fic! I love the pen pals trope, it’s just so romantic! It’s also fluffy-angst (slight) with a happy ending. It’s like the author mixed all the stuff I love into one fic!

—How to Fall in Love by @holden-caulfield - yes, love potions. Another one of my favorite tropes. This trope gave that little push both Draco and the reader needed to come to terms with their feelings!

—Desperately by @holden-caulfield - this is basically Blaise snitching Draco’s feelings to the reader and it’s just so cute and funny! Draco didn’t even know what was going on, but he got what he wanted in the end anyway!

—You’re Pretty! by @desiredmalfoy - this honestly sounds something Draco would say when he sees his super pretty girlfriend when he’s not thinking properly (and thus can’t remember anything about his super pretty girlfriend). 

—Shake on It by @tcmhollnd - an ongoing series I love so much! I can’t wait for it to update (no pressure to the author of course)!

—Wardrobe Malfunction by @tcmhollnd - one of my favorite Draco fics as well! This fic has a secret relationship trope with fluff and angst, ending happily, of course!

✦ HARRY POTTER ✦

—Nervous by @scvrllet - I don’t read much Harry fics but I absolutely loved this! It isn’t too long and the high school fluff is just right! It’s perfect if you want to read one more fic before you go to sleep!

✦ NEWT SCAMANDER ✦

To make things short, I had a phase where I read Newt reader inserts (angst with or without a happy ending—all involving Tina or Leta or both) as my coping mechanism. All of the following fics are by @inkstainedfanfics​ unless stated otherwise:

—Burdens 

—What’s a One-Sided Friendship Called?

—Friendships Can’t Last Forever

—Another Ghost in the Halls

—Breaking Down

—Three’s a Crowd

—Insecurities

—What’s in France