somehow-a-writer

[somehow-a-writer]

subtle acts of love

giving them food without them asking for it

randomly bringing them flowers

holding a door open for them

pulling out their chair for them

guiding them with a gentle hand on the small of their back

making them lunch to take to work with them

fixing their clothes or hair

giving them a massage

talking casually about a shared future

showing them their appreciation for them

waiting at home to say hello when they come in

paying complete attention to them

giving them a casual, but thoughtful compliment

writing them a love letter and hiding it for them to find

showing them something that reminded them of their partner

humming a song to calm them down

giving them a quick kiss whenever they pass each other at home

casual grabbing their hand and swinging it back and forth

remembering something they told them

[somehow-a-writer]

List of “please don’t leave me alone” prompts

Using bodies to distract themselves from the fact that they don’t have someone to call their forever; that they aren’t worthy of anything more than just a one night stand or a casual fling.

Lying awake in the dark for the nth time, alone once again, the creeping dread of being alone forever eating away at them; the space next to them empty like it always ends up.

Finding someone and latching onto them for as long as they can, only to be left heartbroken, thoughts of things being this way forever so, so scary; wanting to believe they deserve love but perhaps they don’t and it’s something they have to be okay with.  

Hope at this point becomes false hope, because it’s starting to feel like they’re the reason no one wants to stay.

“Am I not enough of a reason for you to want to stay?” they would wonder on nights when nothing could distract them from their looming thoughts.

So when someone else comes along, they try to sabotage it because they think it wouldn’t work out anyway. As much as they like them, there’s a part of them that’s scared things won’t last, and they aren’t ready for another crushing disappointment.

Numbness is a self-defence mechanism at this point, and it’s quite clear to the both of them that that’s the case.

That person doesn’t leave, though. Not even when they’re being difficult as fuck. They go through many talks, and as frustrated as they are with them at times, they are very firm when they tell them they aren’t gonna leave and will be here for them through thick and thin; that they’re someone they do not want to lose.

Tears streaming down their face when they realise they’ve finally found someone who doesn’t want to lose them; that they’re worthy of unconditional love, as flawed as they are.

“You’re the first person to have ever told me that,” they whisper, voice thick with tears, as the other person holds them while they cry. 

Join my Discord server: Steaming Dumplings Nation

[somehow-a-writer]

writing isnt even like a hobby to me anymore its just that theres images trapped in my head and if i dont get them out fast enough they start rotting in there and stinking up the place

[somehow-a-writer]

thinking about posting my fics to other platforms i use to read fanfic as well and not just on wattpad and here. so ao3 and quotev. but no idea if i will. just an idea I'm playing around with currently

[somehow-a-writer]

Some of my writer’s block cures:

Handwrite. (If you already are, write in a different coloured pen.)

Write outside or at a different location.

Read.

Look up some writing prompts.

Take a break. Do something different. Comeback to it later.

Write something else. (A different WIP, a poem, a quick short story, etc.)

Find inspiring writing music playlists on YouTube. (Themed music, POV playlists, ambient music, etc.)

Do some character or story prompts/questions to get a better idea of who or what you’re writing.

Word sprints. Set a timer and write as much as you can. Not a lot of time to overthink things.

Set your own goals and deadlines.

Write another scene from your WIP. (You don’t have to write in order.) Write a scene you want to write, or the ending. (You can change it or scrap it if it doesn’t fit into your story later.)

Write a scene for your WIP that you will never post/add to your story. A prologue, a different P.O.V., how your characters would react in a situation that’s not in your story, a flashback, etc.

Write down a bunch of ideas. Things that could happen, thing that will never happen, good things, bad things.

Change the weather (in the story of course.)

Feel free to add your own.

[somehow-a-writer]

"Ah. I seem to have misplaced my soul."

"What."

"I told you I was forgetful."

[somehow-a-writer]

no. no. what the fuck? my writing's not allowed to make me feel things. i MADE you. you fool, i MADE YOU

[somehow-a-writer]

people will see a fandom thing and be like "why isn't this a fanfic" "why is there no fanfic about this" my brother in christ, because you're not writing it

[somehow-a-writer]

I enjoy the Two Cakes Philosophy and I believe it deserves its place enshrined in fandom culture.

Forgive me for the extended metaphor but I also want to simultaneously celebrate what I’m calling Bakery Display Case Philosophy. You know when you walk into a bakery and the display case is full of beautiful treats? And there’s a variety of different colors, textures, and flavors to discover? And that’s so deeply exciting?

You might say to yourself, “No one is going to want to read this pairing. No one is going to want to want a character study of that character. No one wants genfic in this fandom, only shipfic.”

And you might use that to discourage yourself from writing a certain fic.

Fandoms, like bakeries, need cakes and cookies and éclairs and cream puffs and shortbread and brownies and pies and tarts and petit fours and turnovers and cinnamon rolls and madeleines and meringues—and so many other things—to survive.

Write your dark chocolate pistachio croissant fic. Your fandom needs it actually.

[somehow-a-writer]

The two things I miss most about Wattpad

are the ability to like each chapter and leave in-line comments (which are always filled with the most random stuff).

Lately, I’ve started adding notes to my ePub books, and it’s been so much fun! Who else am I supposed to tell when I realize I wasn’t reading carefully and now have no idea how the characters ended up here instead of where I thought they were going?

[somehow-a-writer]

ok, because i just saw a terrible take, i feel compelled to say that there is no "fic market" to "oversaturate" in fandom. good gravy.

[somehow-a-writer]

unfortunately, I will write this fic and I am writing this fic are two very different things

[somehow-a-writer]

Angsty Question Prompts #4

Some angsty dialogue prompts for your next story!

"When did we stop trying?"

"Hold me, please?"

"Can we get through this?"

"Why did all have to end?"

"Are you going to be okay?"

"Will this change things between us?"

"Have you ever loved someone before?"

"When will it finally stop?"

"Can you even imagine the pain I felt?"

"Why did it have to be me?"

"How can you act like nothing happened?"

"When will I see you again?"

"Why don’t you just leave me alone?"

"Can you look me in the eyes and tell me?"

"When did we lose ourselves?"

"Did you ever think about telling me the truth?"

"Was she worth all of this?"

"And now what?"

"How can we change what already happened?"

"Why can’t we just stay here forever?"

More: Angsty Masterpost

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[somehow-a-writer]

maybe your fanfic doesn’t have to change someone’s life maybe it can just brighten someone’s day for a bit

[somehow-a-writer]

3 Tips for Fanfic / AO3 Readers!

I love, love, love reading fanfic (McLennon, helllooooo).

Here are 3 ways to make your fanfic reading easier / more enjoyable since it's off the traditional publishing path:

If you love listening to Audiobooks, download NaturalReaders, upload a PDF of a fic & listen like it's on Audible. If you think you'll listen a lot, I highly recommend getting the Plus Subscription ($19/month). This is not an ad, btw, I don't get a kickback for this. But the Plus Subscription AI voices are so insanely realistic & expressive that you'll feel like you're listening to a human narrator. My personal favorite is Andrew (U.S.). If you don't want to pay, their free voices are fine - it just doesn't pass for human. (Bonus: I use this subscription for work & write it off on my taxes. Then I use it to read long/boring work docs. But duh, fanfic is the real reason I pay for it!) NaturalReaders is my favorite way to consume long fics while I'm cleaning/cooking/driving, including and especially my current fav, On Our Way Back Home. One tip, though: If you wanna listen to a particularly long fic, like hundreds of pages long, it's easier if you split it up into a couple of files before you upload it. It will load much faster and it's easier to manage since it won't have chapter markings like on Audible.

Download AO3 files on Kindle. You probably already know this - but I didn't realize, until recently, how incredibly easy this is!! Here's how: - Download the Kindle App on your phone / iPad. - Open AO3 and download any fics to read as an EPUB file. - If you've downloaded these files on your computer, airdrop to your iPhone or iPad. If you've downloaded on your phone you won't have to do this step. - Go to your downloads or whatever folder it’s saved to. - Click the file with a long hold then select to "Share to Kindle." - Make any changes you want to the title / author's name and then click upload! It'll be available on your phone/ipad in a few minutes. Just like a regular Kindle book you can highlight, annotate, change font size / color, etc. 3. Keep your fics organized on Kindle with "Collections." "Collections" are essentially themed folders on your Kindle. I use them to sort fics into categories: unread, currently reading, and favorite fics that I'm excited to re-read! I also sort based on fandom / length. So "Short McLennon Unread" or "Favorite McLennon to Reread." You could use the folders however you want, of course. One advantage of this is that you can batch upload dozens or hundreds of fics on your phone / iPad and then find which one you want more easily. I love, love, love doing this before an international trip so my Kindle is always fully loaded with hours of McLennon entertainment. Sorry, not sorry to anyone reading over my shoulder on a flight. Do you have any fanfic reading tips for me? I'd love to hear them :)

[somehow-a-writer]

10 Subtle Ways to Show Love Without Saying “I Love You”

Subtle gestures can convey deep affection and understanding without the need for words. Here are 10 subtle ways to reveal just how much your character cares, without using words:

Surprising Them with Their Favorite Snack

Character A notices Character B eyeing their favorite treat at a store/party, and later surprises them with it, showing they're paying attention to the little things.

Fixing Something Without Being Asked

When Character B's favorite [object] breaks, Character A quietly repairs it and leaves it for them to find.

Leaving a Hidden Note

Character A slips a small note into Character B's bag or coat pocket, something sweet or funny; could be good after a minor fight.

Covering Them with a Blanket

Character B falls asleep on the couch, and Character A drapes a blanket over them gently. Again, cute if it's after a fight.

Warming Their Hands with Theirs

On a chilly day, Character A takes Character B’s cold hands into their own without a word, offering warmth and comfort.

Offering Their Jacket

As Character B shivers in the cold, Character A instinctively hands over their jacket without waiting to be asked. Post-fight cuteness x3

Cleaning Up After a Tough Day

Character B comes home exhausted, and Character A has already tidied up the space. Great if they're married with kids.

Brushing Something Off Their Face

When Character B has a strand of hair or speck of dust on their face, Character A gently brushes it away; a classic, intimate action.

Waiting Up for Them to Get Home

Character A stays up late just to make sure Character B gets home safely, greeting them with a warm smile or a cup of tea when they walk in.

Running an Errand They Dislike

Knowing Character B dreads a particular chore or errand, Character A does it for them without making a big deal, or when they’re stressed/sad. 

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors! Instagram Tiktok

[somehow-a-writer]

reading a fanfiction and reaching that one scene and you realise you read the same fanfic ages back when you didn't even have an ao3 account