#I'll be fine once I'm actually used to the formatting

[gaia-channel]

(What's the difference between regular anons and magic anons? Also should I still format my character speech in the same way for the anons or just say that all normal speech is Saphi?)

[cheeseceli]

SKZ arguing over the bill

Pairing: ot8!skz × gn!reader (individually)

Genre: fluff

Request: yes!

Warning: mentions of food, reader never pays lmao. Changbin, Chan, Seungmin's were heavily inspired by "Telling your Stray Kids boyfriend you can’t afford to eat out with them" by @ronnierites . If you don't allow this pls lemme know and I'll delete this post. Not proofread

A/n: that's kinda a new format, hope you guys like it! And this have been on my to do list since forever lol sorry for the wait

Bang Chan

Doesn't want you to feel uncomfortable

But he wants to spoil you so badly

Would let you pay if you were uncomfortable but he wants to make sure you get it he would love to pay for you as well

"You know Chris, I can pay for it."

"I know."

"So?"

"I'd rather do it. But thank you baby."

"But-" you stopped talking once you saw his card swiping. You truly should be used at this point "oh."

"Why do I feel like you're unhappy?"

"It's not that I am not happy, it's just that you always pay."

"It's my pleasure."

"But I don't know, I don't want you to think you're being pressured or something like that."

"Babe, I don't feel like that at all. Don't you worry. You're always doing so much for me, that's just a little 'thank you' of mine."

You gave him a little smile and proceeded to hug him, feeling safe in his warmth.

"I'm so lucky to have you."

"I should be the one saying it."

Lee Know

Bro you don't even spare a chance

He's paying before you even have a chance to take your wallet out of your pocket

I'm surprised you even try tbh

"Should we ask for the bill?"

"Oh, I already paid for it, don't worry."

You looked dumbfounded at him while he was finishing his food. You didn't see him talk to a waiter and you're sure he didn't pay for it before you two had your meal.

"What? When?"

"When we were asking for the dishes. Didn't you see it?"

"No?" you tried to recall the moment with no success "Why would you pay? I feel bad that you pay for everything all the time. I don't feel like reciprocating enough."

His eyes soften and a little smile comes to his lips while he watches you pout. If only you knew how much you did for him.

"Hey, look at me. It's okay. You already reciprocate with everything you do. That's already perfect"

Changbin

He pays with the money, you pay back with kisses

Sorry but that's his boyfriend duty

He is physically incapable of not paying for everything

"Hey baby. I'm off work in 40 minutes. I'll pick you up so we can have lunch, okay?"

You were glad that for once you were on a voice call with him instead of being in a face time like you'd usually do. This way he didn't see the way your smile dropped so quickly.

"Um, I don't think I'll be able to."

"Oh? Why?"

"I'm kinda... broke right now. I haven't received my last payment yet."

"Okay? What does that have to do with anything?"

"I don't want you to be the one who always pays for our things. I should be able to pay sometimes."

"You don't need to. That's my boyfriend duty. You know I don't mind, I actually enjoy it quite a lot."

"Still bothers me though. I'd hate to not contribute at all."

"You can always cuddle with me and shower me with kisses. That will make me happier than anything money can buy."

Hyunjin

Stop he'll be like genuinely so sad if he can't pay

He would let you pay if you were really insistent

But then he'll go like :( and you would let him take the bill out of pity lmao

"Hyunjin, stop looking at me like that."

"But darling, I can pay. You know it doesn't bother me."

"Just this once, let me pay, okay?"

"Okay"

"...Jinnie I really need you to stop that."

"I'm not even doing anything."

"Oh God" you sigh and let your head fall, knowing the man beside you won the argument once more "Fine. You can pay."

He didn't waste a second, swiping his card as fast as possible just so you couldn't have the time to change your mind. After he payed the meal, he took your hand in his and started to walk in the direction of the restaurant's exit with a triumphant (and really sweet) smile.

"I swear I don't get why you like to pay so much."

"My love should be treated as royalty, and that includes me paying for everything you wish for."

Han

Bro is offended

Believes with all his heart that he should be the one paying

Tries to distract you when the time to pay comes

"Were you paying while I was in the restroom?"

"... perhaps."

"Han."

"Baby. You know I like to pay for you."

"But you do that all the time."

"It's my way of showing love! If you ask me, I actually don't think it's enough. It's the least I can do."

He could see in your eyes that you weren't convinced. Unfortunately (for you), he only saw that as an opportunity to spend even more money. Maybe then you would believe him.

"C'mon, lemme show you a little bit of love. You can pay me back with thousands of kisses if that's what's bothering you."

Felix

He loves to pay.

If he could, he would pay for absolutely everything that you could ever want or need.

But if that's something which really bothers you, he will let you pay as well

Tries to do that "the one who invites is the one who pays" thing and fails

"Felix. Don't even dare."

He looked at you confused until he realised you were staring at the credit card in his hand, probably hoping that it could disappear before the waiter came back with the bill.

"C'mon, it's just a small lunch. I can pay for it."

"No. I invited you. I pay."

"Actually, if you think about it, I'm the one who suggested this place."

"Two years ago."

"Still counts."

"Not as an invitation though. I'm the one who asked if you wanted to come here."

Felix sighed, knowing he wouldn't be able to convince you of otherwise. If only he could.

"Okay. Next time it's on me."

Seungmin

LMAO sorry you're 100% not paying

Don't even try

Boyfriend duty pt 2 except he is even more dedicated somehow

"Why did you bring your wallet?"

"I wanted to pay for this one."

"... why?"

"You always pay for everything."

"And I don't plan on stopping so you can take your wallet away."

"Minnie, please. I don't want you to be the one who always end up paying for everything."

"But I want to. I wouldn't mind paying for every single thing for the rest of our lives. So you can't take your money away of my sight because I'm paying."

"For the rest of our lives huh?"

"Don't tease." But you didn't miss how the corners of his lips lifted once he thought you weren't looking anymore.

I.N

Rock, paper, scissors. The winner is the one who pays

It's funny and neither of you can complain about the outcome of it because it's technically fair

Except you always throw scissors first and never noticed it

And Jeongin doesn't have the heart to tell you

"We should change this game."

"No way" he said while giving the money to the cashier whilst trying to hide his grin from you "Not my fault you are horrible at this."

"Seriously though, I think you're cheating. It's impossible for you to win every single time."

"How does one cheat at 'rock, paper, scissors'? Besides, you won yesterday."

"After losing at least 50 times. And I got to pay for some ice cream. It's not the same as paying for a whole meal."

"Get better at this and maybe you get to pay for a whole meal one day. C'mon, we can have some milkshake now. Maybe you'll win this time."

You had a feeling you wouldn't though. He was sure you wouldn't.

Reblogs and feedback are appreciated!

Dividers by @cafekitsune

[triangularz]

6-19-2025: I occasionally think about revving this back up, but need some direct input. Whether I do or not, please let me know specifically (dm) if you've found benefit using the list. See red text below for context. Yes we're consumers, but caring as a community isn't a one-way thing, and connection can happen simply be dropping a note. Does wonders for the heart and soul, yeah? And I ain't too proud to ask, babes.

@creatingblackcharacters thank you for your words a few weeks ago ♥️

4-24-2025: Alright loves, with no responses/feedback to the red-text paragraph below, I'm sunsetting updates. wish I'd heard from y'all; I'll miss this! besos 💋 -> hazel

◼︎

2-2025- List usage: Thoughts welcome- is it being used? This project is my little contribution to our space here on tumblr, having seen comments about difficulties finding black authors and artists. I'm familiar with an incredible number of creators now; I'm so proud of us. I choose to do this unsolicited and unfortunately, this may not be a needed solution. I formatted the list about a year ago and have maintained it, which I think is something important and unique about it (every entry checked about once a month), hoping it might be beneficial. Many of you send thanks for being added to the list. But within the last year, less than five individuals have shared with me that they've actually used it (likes and reblogs aren't necessarily indicative of that) and very, very few have either asked to be added or sent additional writers/artists my way. Those requests have been clear virtually since the beginning. Without feedback I assume the list isn't impactful and that's fine. I'll wait until the end of March to decide whether to continue. Love you all! ❤︎

IMPORTANT: Reblogged versions of the list may not be most recent; click here for the latest. Monthly upkeep: 2/3/2025. List includes blogs active within the last 3 months. See also "Inactive with Content" section

We're here: Support, enjoy, follow, comment, reblog- pin/save and spread!

List begins below housekeeping, then a few of my thoughts.

Using the list? If you find works you enjoy, let me know; I'd like to know whether this is helpful.

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THE LIST | #-G

H-O | P-Z

Welcome & Celebrate! Darlings: This is a directory of Black individuals who create- different backgrounds, experiences, interests, etc-incl. a variety of preferences, writing styles, subgenres, fandoms, etc. Remember as you read: We don't all look alike, talk a like, live alike- and that's to be praised.

The focus is fan works creators: You’ll see some original fics/original art, and plenty of original characters in general.

Initial seeds for the list here: Thanks to @cardierreh15 who posted a request for black creators -> I organized, aggregated and continue to add.

Growing it:

The list ISN’T exclusive, no requirements for inclusion**.

DM me- incl. fandoms and tags (see below). Please spell correctly. I strongly encourage masterlist and/or featured tags for your blog!

Tag examples- smut, fluff, plot (plot plot) drama, mature, comfort, angst, series, 5k+ fics, humor, dark content, lgbtq+; illustration, comics; or your own.

Upkeep: I check the entire list monthly for removed blogs, name changes, etc. If you notice something, let me know. I will remove your entry if you ever prefer that.

Check out: @blkwriters ( @ramonathinks damn, the tags the organization of it wow)

content tags are not all inclusive.

abbrevs/definitions/listing of genres, styles, etc. here

no masterlist? search within the blog for fandom titles, characters, etc.

Find something you love? Reblog comment repeat!

Looking for something in particular? DM me.

#

555sage (wwe- jay critch, dave east, more)

A

a-lumos-in-the-nox (harry potter, mcu- character x oc, fluff,

smut, angst, dead dove don't eat, series, multi-chapter)

abinitioart

@ablackfangirl (mha, jjk, h!!, naruto, aot, seraph of

the end,🔹)

ackee (original art; writing-ocs) akm87 (original art, ocs)

annie-manga (original art, ocs) aquiboni (original art, ocs)

arachine (stranger things, marvel, avatar- angst, fluff, dc,

nsfw) auraee (ds, genshin impact- sfw, fluff)

B

blkkizzat (jjk - smut, pwp, plot, ✒️ incl. 5k+,

black-coded reader)

bleach-your-panties (bleach, mha, aot, jjk, tr, tg, h!!, hxh,

ds, cm- smut, plot/pwp, dc, angst, fluff, x blk reader)

bluumey (original art, ocs, lgbtq)

bluesidez (miguel o’hara/astv- smut, fluff, angst)

boxofbonesfic (star wars, thor odinson, lotr/the hobbit,

h. cavill, marvel, c. evans, s. stan- angst, fluff, dc,

comedy, horror)

breyspage (aot, mha- fluff, nsfw)

bunnerscrib-28 (fanart, original art, ocs- toontown,

danganronpa, total drama, more)

bunnyboowrites (op- smut, occasional fluff, series)

C

c-nstantine (dc comics, marvel, mha, ocs)

c0pkiller (alt, jjk, ds, cm, hxh, op- sfw, nsfw, ocs)

caashmoneynae (tupac, method man, devante

swing, d’angelo, joey bada$$, more- plot, nsfw)

cardierreh15 (h. cavill- smut, angst, fluff, violence, series,✒️ )

captwaddledoo (xenoblade, final fantasy xv, octopath

traveler II- character study, introspection)

cevansbrat0007 (c. evans roles, a. mackie, s. stan (bucky

barnes)- plot, smut/explicit, series, ✒️ )

charee (original art)

@chrollohearttags (aot, ds, hxh, jjk, tr, kuroko no basket, h!!,

op- smut, fluff, dc, series,✒️ )

clouzyday (jjk- fanart and writing, series✒️ )

cocoamoonmalfoy (timothée chalamet, zendaya

and florence pugh characters, eivor varinsdóttir, loki

laufeyson, peter parker- various genres, series, ✒️ )

cocoadropp (aot, jjk, h!!, cod- smut)

cookiepie111 (marvel, könig, op)

cowinf (fanart, ocs, original art- deltarune, final fantasy, d&d,

berserk, more)

cozystars (fanart, original art- dungeon meshi, superstar

saga, more, lgbtq, mature themes)

creatingblackcharacters (art, writing, character design,

and racial sensitivity)

crescentmoontsuki (ds, jjk, mha, aot- fluff, comfort, angst)

crxssjae (honkai star rail, wwe- sami zayn, jey uso- smut,

plot, lgbtq, series,✒️ )

crystolnaut (original art, ocs, lgbtq)

cuddledot (original art)

D

darksideofthecocoamoon (timothée chalamet characters,

prince hal- dark content, series,✒️ )

darqchilddaydreamz (sons of anarchy, mayans, chicago pd,

good girls- humor, smut, angst, fluff)

dearkiryu (wind breaker, tr, mha, jjk, bungou stray dogs- sfw

& nsfw, smut, plot, dc, some fluff, series)

decodium (original art/fanart- iron giant, lupin the

third, lucky luke)

dejwrld (archived- aot, jjk, cod, h!!, mortal kombat,

vinland saga- sfw, nsfw, series,✒️ )

desavine (original art- lgbtq, blood, gore, horror)

dimikira (original art)

dreamsinfocus (roman reigns- smut/nsfw, series,✒️ incl. 5k)

dumbbunneybabey/regalityandcoffee- (ocs, wwe nxt,

william regal, jon morley, bret hart, dexter lumis, more- sfw,

nsfw)

E

ebonyslasher (slashers- michael myers, billy lenz, jason

voorhees, stu matcher, more- fluff, smut, humor)

elfqueen006 (sunny day jack- plot, horror, humor, plot, dc,

angst) ellethespaceunicorn (h. cavill, c. evans and

s. stan characters- explicit, mature, general, fluff, series,✒️ )

empressdede (wwe- smut, plot, series,✒️ )

F

fairune (original art, ocs) @fastlikealambo (hunger games,

dune, barbie, the last of us, marvel, dc, stranger things, feyd

rautha harkonnen- plot, series)

fineanddandy (character roles- brandon boyd, s. stan, aldis

hodge, charlie hunnam, manny montana, tess thompson,

more- plot, smut, angst, series,✒️ incl. 12k)

frogwhomp (original art)

G

gardenof-venus (euphoria, criminal minds, stranger

things, marvel- smut, fluff, angst)

getosbigballsack (jjk- smut, fluff, series,✒️ )

glorious-imagines (dc, marvel, naruto, tr, umbrella academy,

more- incorrect quotes, angst, fluff)

greyspaceghost (original art, ocs)

INACTIVE (>3 MONTHS) W/CONTENT OR ARCHIVED

(Then removed after six months of blog inactivity)

deathc-re (op, jjk, mha, angel of death, (marvel, more- suggestive, nsfw)

▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️

Some thoughts, with respect (roll your eyes if you’d like, it’s a lot of the same ole same old… if you do roll your eyes, send me a video of you doing it and I’ll try to care… jk I’m being cheeky, but there may be some newer folks here who might find this helpful!!):.

We’re very obviously diverse in artistic/creative style, speech, experience, philosophies, takes on the world, how frequently we post/ how prolific, our perspectives, personalities, all that… so find what you like, skip what you don't (Settings - Filtering for what you don’t want to fully see or just block). REBLOG (THEY’RE FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN LIKES). GIVE PRAISE. THANK PEOPLE. particularly with specifics (I’m working on all this too, my lazy ass), we don’t need more of us to leave… ✔️

Creating and pinning a masterlist is SO HELPFUL! ppl can better find your original works OR use a unique tag for each of your works so that ppl can search within your blog. ✔️

Tagging is important for your works and what you reblog- character or fandom x black reader, x black!reader, x fluff, x smut, x smut with feelings, #blk fanfic writers, #blk writers, # blk fanfiction, see how others use tags, there are a shit ton more ✔️

Adding name and age to your blog is smart. Many, many folks have blogs that include explicit content and topics, and they choose to use age restrictions block those who follow or reach out to interact if a name/age aren’t listed on that person’s blog ✔️

▪️

Besos, Hazel 💋

blk fanfic writer, triangularz

▪️

**Nothing about this list is official or bound by any kind of external requirements/others' expectations- this is a project l've created. There are some content topics I'm uncomfortable with, so if I happen to skim, and note that a blog contains:

glorification of/detail recounting of themes like inc*st, harm to minors, r*pe/noncon, glorification of abuse or similar, I will not add.

As I spot check or if others notify me and I verify, I'll remove. I'll do so quietly, no call outs or big to do's

If I don't feel comfortable with other topics, etc. I have the right to exclude and again, that would be discretely. I'm talking primarily about content concerns, not blog exclusion because of petty foolishness or anything like that. I want as many of us as possible to be listed! ✔️

[lee-laurent]

Scheiße - Luke Hughes

Summary: In which Luke falls for Nico's friend despite the language barrier. Or in which Sofia dates an American boy even though she barely understands him... at first.

Content: fluff, a tiny bit of angst (sort of), implied sex but no smut, making out

also this fic is formatted a bit different! it's kinda like a timeline of Luke and Sofia's relationship!

notes: everything in italics is in swiss german. easier than having to translate everything!! this one is for all my other multilingual queens/kings :) i tried my best to represent the struggle that i felt trying to learn english, but obviously everyone's experience is going to be different. the squirrel scene is very much taken from an actual experience i had haha

Meeting

"Stop picking at your nails, Sof. Everyone is going to love you," Nico attempted to calm his best friend.

"You don't know that. They could hate me," she argued, continuing to pick at her cuticles.

"Well... I'm their captain. So, if they do anything that makes you upset..."

"Don't threaten your team for me, Neeks."

"Just trying to reassure you, love."

The Devils were having a little pre-season get together with all the players and their significant others. Nico's best friend, Sofia, had recently made the move to America in hopes to improve her English; so, naturally he had decided to bring her along to help her make some friends in New Jersey.

Nervously, she followed behind Nico as they walked onto the roof of Nicole and Jesper's building. He placed a comforting hand on her back, leading her towards a group of WAGs.

"Nico! Hi!" Nicole smiled, "And you must be Sofia! Nico talks about you all the time."

"Hi," Sofia smiled sheepishly, playing with the hem of her skirt.

"Would you like a drink?" the blonde asked.

"Oh, sure. Thank you."

"I'll be with the boys. Let me know if you need anything," Nico smiled, walking off towards a group of hollering men.

Sofia fell into a steady flow of conversation with the Devils' significant others. Well, as steady as it could be with her limited knowledge of English.

"How long have you been seeing Nico?" one of the girls asked, taking a sip from her cocktail.

Sofia choked on her drink, giggling at the idea of being with Nico. "He is my best friend. We are not toether."

"Omg! I'm so sorry," the other girl blushed.

"It is fine! No stress," Sof smiled proudly at the use of the expression that Nico had recently taught her.

"So, anyone special back in Switzerland?" Nicole questioned.

"Oh, um, no. I... too focused on work. No time," she explained.

"Omg! We could set you up with one of the single guys on the team!"

"Oh... it's okay," Sofia giggled, taking a long sip of her drink.

"Let us know if you change your mind," Nicole winked, before starting a story about something that had happened at work earlier in the week.

"Sofia! Come here!" Nico beckoned her over to where he stood with a few players.

"Coming! It was nice meeting you all," she smiled politely at the girls.

"Wait! Give me your number! I'll add you to our group chat," Simon's girlfriend exclaimed. Sofia was giddy as she typed her number into her newly found friend's phone.

"Guys, meet Sofia," Nico smiled, placing his hand on her back once again. "Sof, meet Luke, Jack, Timo, and Dawson."

"Hi," Jack smiled widely.

"Nico always talks of you guys. Nice to meet you," the girl smiled, scooting closer into Nico's side. She was not a fan of all the eyes on her at the moment.

"Nice to see you again," Timo grinned. They'd met over the summer when Nico was training.

Luke could see her shoulders untense at the sound of her native language.

"You as well. It's crazy to meet everyone Nico talks about all the time. Like, sometimes I was convinced they were all in his head," she giggled, earning a glare from her best friend.

Luke, Jack, and Dawson chuckled awkwardly, completely unaware of what the conversation in front of them was about. They could be shit talking for all they knew.

"So... what do you do for work?" Dawson asked.

"Oh, fashion photography!"

"Ever tried sports photography?"

"I'm not as good at it," she nodded.

"She's being humble. She just prefers fashion," Nico laughed. While Nico talked to the boys, Sofia couldn't help but notice that the tallest boy in the group had yet to speak to her. Did he not like her? She was trying her best. She caught his eyes for a moment, but he quickly looked down at the beer in his hands. She was upset that one of Nico's close friends didn't like her, but she couldn't win them all.

Crushing

It was the third or fourth time that Sofia had hungout with the WAGs. This time she'd invited them to have their wine night at her and Nico's apartment. The girls were sat in the living room, chatting animatedly about the upcoming season.

"I know that Simon is so excited for his rookie season! He told me that Luke is feeling the same way," Simon's girlfriend smiled.

"I- I don't think Luke likes me," Sofia spoke up, swishing her wine around in the glass.

"What?!" Nicole exclaimed, "Why do you think that?"

"He never talks to me. And when I go to stand with Neeks, he walks away."

"That's funny because Curtis told me something completely different," Reanne smiled cheekily.

"What did he say?" Sofia asked, chugging the rest of her wine, before pouring herself some more.

"That Luke has a biiiiiig crush on a certain someone."

"Ooo! Sofia!" the girls cheered.

"But... he doesn't talk to me."

"Luke has no play, girl. He's probably just wayyy too nervous to talk you cause you're so stunning."

"He thinks I'm cute?" Sofia blushed.

"Duh! Who wouldn't? Do you think he's cute?" Nicole pressed.

Sofia pressed her lips together in an attempt to hide her growing smile, "He is like... how do I say it? My..."

"Type?"

"Yes! He's my type."

"Can I tell Curtis? Maybe he can talk some sense into Luke."

"We should let them come together naturally, Reanne," Nicole giggled.

"Okay, well... next game you're talking to him. Sound good?"

Sofia nodded happily. She couldn't believe that Luke had a crush on her! She felt like a high schooler writing in her diary about the cute boy in her class.

First Date

Sofia stood in the bathroom mirror, fixing her hair for the 15th time. She hadn't gone on a date in over a year and she was shitting herself. Luke had asked her out after their most recent win against the Rangers. She hadn't exactly told Nico who were date was with, but he knew she was going on one.

"You look beautiful, Sof," Nico smiled as she walked into the kitchen.

"It's not too much?" she asked, pulling at the bottom of her top.

"Are you going to wear a jacket?"

"Yeah, my jean one."

"I think that's perfect. Where are you guys going?"

"Some pizza place. Then we're going on a walk, I think."

"Cute. How'd you meet?"

"Oh, at the Rangers game. He came up to me when I was waiting for you."

"He wasn't a Rangers fan... was he?"

"No," she giggled, "He was wearing a Devils' jersery."

"Good. Have fun! You'll be back tonight?"

"Yes, Neeks. I'm not going to his on the first date," she giggled, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"Stay safe! I love you!"

"Love you too," she grabbed her purse, blowing him one last kiss before disappearing out the door.

"Hi," Luke smiled, "I like your outfit."

"Thank you, Luke. You look nice too," she admired the way his chest looked in the blue polo shirt he was wearing.

"Pizza?"

"Pizza."

The walk to the pizza place was full of laughter. Sofia wasn't sure she'd ever felt so confident in her English as when she was around Luke. He wasn't condescending at all, helping her when she asked and waiting when she didn't.

"Have you ever played hockey?" Luke asked, cutting himself a slice of pizza.

"No. That is not really... my thing?"

Luke nodded in understanding.

"But I love watching. You are very good."

"Thanks, Sofia. I have seen the outfits you've helped Nico make. Do you think you could help me?"

"You always wear same two suits," she giggled, covering her mouth.

"Don't bully me!"

"Sorry. I would love to help you, Luke."

"I, uh, wanted to apologize for ignoring you when we first met. I was under the impression that you were with Nico, so I was trying to push my attraction away."

"Nico is like a brother. I never think of him other ways. Promise."

"It's fine, Sof. No worries. I just being dumb."

"Maybe you are always dumb, Lukey."

Luke cackled, reaching out and holding her hand across the table.

"I'll just pretend that was your lack of English and not you bullying my again."

"I would never bully you," she smirked.

First Kiss

Sofia was cuddled up into Luke's side on the sofa, his hand holding tightly onto the dip of her waist.

"I can put the German captions on," Luke offered, as he watched Sofia's face scrunch up for umpteenth time.

"But maybe that would distract you."

"It won't, babe. I'll turn them on."

Sofia blushed at the pet name. Luke grabbed the remote, clicking on the German caption option on the film they were watching.

"What the hell is Eichhörnchen?" Luke asked, butchering the pronunciation.

"Eichhörnchen?" she giggled, correcting him, "It's squirrel."

"Say that again?"

"Squirrel."

"You say it so funny. I'm sorry."

"The 'skw' sound... that is not in German. Stop hating."

"Sorry, love," Luke giggled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

Sofia looked up at him as he pulled away. She placed a gentle hand on the side of his face, leading him back down.

"What're you doing?" he whispered.

"Can we kiss?"

"Wha- what?"

"Can we kiss?" she asked just as confidently as before.

Luke nodded, running his tongue over his bottom lip. He leaned forward, capturing her top lip between his. He smiled into the kiss, ultimately breaking it. Sofia pouted, pulling him back in for more.

Wearing His Jersey/Becoming His Girlfriend

"Do a spin for me?" Luke smiled from his spot on his bed. Sofia was dressed in her panties and a jersey with 'Hughes 43' plastered on the back. She spun around giggling as he got off the bed, picking her up.

"You. Are. So. Fucking. Beautiful," he said between kisses, hands sneaking under the jersey to give her exposed ass a small squeeze. She gasped, smacking his chest.

"Jack will be home soon, I should go."

"Do you have to?" he whined, sitting down and pulling her onto his lap.

"Yes, Lukey. I'll be at the game, wearing my new jersey," she giggled, pulling him into a passionate kiss. He attempted to lay down and bring her with him, but she was quick to stand up. She walked over to the side of the bed, hopping into her jeans. The vintage bell bottoms looked amazing on her and Luke made sure to let her know, letting out a low whistle as she walked out the door.

"A Hughes' jersey?" Nico questioned after the game, pulling her into a hug.

"Thought I'd switch it up. Can't always be repping the Hischier one."

"Where'd you get it?"

"Luke let me borrow it."

"I'm glad you two have become friends. I was worrying you weren't going to befriend any of the guys."

"We're the same age. It just made sense," she shrugged.

"You never told me how that date you went on was."

"Oh, didn't really work out. He just wanted to use me to get free tickets," she lied.

"Sounds about right. You'll find someone, Sof. Don't worry."

"And if I don't?"

"You've got me," he winked, making her laugh. "Need a ride home?"

"Yes! Let me say thanks to Luke again."

"I'll meet you at the car," he smiled, kissing her cheek as he headed out.

"Look at you," Luke whispered as he pulled her into a 'friendly' hug. "Look so good in my jersey."

"Stop being so horny," she giggled, pulling away from him.

"Can't help it when my girlfriend looks sooooo fine."

"Girlfriend?"

"Sorry, I- uh, I just assumed because we spend all this time together. But if you don't want to be my girlfriend, I understand. I shouldn't have-"

"Luke."

"Yeah?"

"I'd love to be your girlfriend."

"Oh."

She pulled him into one more quick hug, before skipping off to meet Nico.

Nico Finding Out

Luke hummed as Sofia straddled his lap, running her hands through his hair. He pressed a kiss to her jaw, another on her neck, then one on her collarbone before connecting their lips again.

"I missed you," he mumbled.

"Missed you too."

The boys had been on a week long roadie, and now Sofia and Luke couldn't keep their hands off each other.

"Mmm, I love this perfume. Is it new?" he asked, kissing her neck again.

"Yeah," her voice was shaky, gasping when he nipped at her jaw.

"God, Sofia. You're perfect."

"Luke."

"Hm?"

"Kiss me."

His hands gripped her waist as their lips met in another passionate kiss. They laid down on the couch, Luke holding himself up as his girlfriend giggled below him.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing. I just missed this."

"Me too, babe."

Sofia's hands moved under his top, feeling the smooth skin of his chest. Just as Luke was going to ask if he could do the same, a new voice echoed through the apartment.

"Sofia? Who's here?"

"What?"

"Who's here? There's some white sneakers at the door. Not mine."

"Oh, Luke's here! We're watching TV."

The couple scrambled to sit up and fix their dishevled looks.

"Hey, Luke! How's it going, man?" Nico entered the living room, dapping up his teammate.

"Good, good. How're you?"

"Good. You didn't tell me he was coming over," Nico turned to his roommate.

"Yeah... spur of the moment."

"Is that a hickey?" Nico asked in German, as not to embarass Sofia.

"What? No."

"It totally is! Who gave you a hickey?"

"It's not a hickey, Nico."

"Was it him?!" Nico gasped.

"What?! No!"

"It was! You're such a shit liar! How long?"

"Beginning of the season," she sighed, finally giving in.

"This is so funny! Why didn't you tell me?!"

"I'm not a shit liar, for the record. You had no idea until now."

"Was that date with him?!"

"Nico!"

"I'm right here... if you're talking about me," Luke scratched the back of his neck.

"One second, Luke," Sofia smiled. "It was, yeah. I... I was nervous to tell you. Was worried you'd think I was using you to get with him."

"That's funny, Sof. I couldn't care less. As long as you're happy."

Sofia stood up, pulling her best friend into a tight hug.

"I'm watching you though, Rusty. Hurt her and I'll hurt you," Nico threatened, heading to his bedroom.

"He knows?!" Luke gasped.

Guess Sofia had some explaining to do.

[torahoes]

(IDOLiSH7) Haruka Isumi - 16PRODUCERS Rabbit Chat

Please note that I am not a professional translator. If you come across any mistakes, feel free to let me know and I will make the necessary corrections.

Haruka Isumi:

Haruka Isumi:

Haruka Isumi: Oh, you read it already

Torao Mido: What’s this? You’re early, Haruka

Haruka Isumi: So are you! Are you done with your shoot already?

Torao Mido:

Torao Mido: Are you happy?

Haruka Isumi: I'm

Haruka Isumi: I'm not not happy....

Haruka Isumi: 😑😑😑

Torao Mido: What's with that, lol

Haruka Isumi: It’s nothing!!! 😑

Torao Mido: I was supposed to do the interview during my commute, but the shoot ended earlier than expected, so I’ve got some time to kill

Torao Mido: Your text popped up the moment I opened my phone.

Haruka Isumi: Hmmmmm

Haruka Isumi: We’ve still got time. Wanna talk about something?

Torao Mido: Let’s play Word Chain [1]

Haruka Isumi: LMAO

Haruka Isumi: Are you looking to lose to me again? 🥴

Torao Mido: I'm determined to win this time. I’ve come prepared with a strategy

Haruka Isumi: That's hilarious lolol

Haruka Isumi: Well, whatever 🥴 I'll take you on! Let's start with the letter “L”!

Torao Mido: Lip

Haruka Isumi: Princess

Torao Mido: Soup

Haruka Isumi: Print

Torao Mido: Tomato ketchup

Haruka Isumi: Wait, why do you keep attacking me with words that end with "P"?!?!?!?!

Torao Mido: That’s right. Now you know I’m not the same person you're used to facing. I’ve even overcome my fear of “H”

Haruka Isumi: Why am I being repaid for that one time right now!!!

Haruka Isumi: Plastic!

Torao Mido: Crepe

Haruka Isumi: UGHHHHHHH [2]

Shiro Utsugi: Great work today, you two! Are you getting fired up talking about foods starting with “P"?

Shiro Utsugi: Pudding! I’ve been really into it lately. The firmer ones are just so delicious

Haruka Isumi: Oh

Shiro Utsugi: Eh?

Torao Mido: Guess the game’s over now

Shiro Utsugi: Wait, were you playing Word Chain?! Ahhhh, I’m so sorry!! I totally ruined it for you guys!!!

Haruka Isumi: Not at all, it's fine. Actually, I should be thanking you!! 🥴 You saved me from losing

Torao Mido: That’s alright, I’ll just keep honing my skills for the next time

Haruka Isumi: And I’ll just beat you again then! Anyway, isn't it time already? Let's begin, Utsugi-san!

Shiro Utsugi: Thank you very much 😭 Once again, we’ve been asked to capture your usual relaxed interactions, so we'll be conducting the interview in this format using Rabbit Chat!

Shiro Utsugi: Isumi-san, please tell us how you felt when you heard Mido-san would be producing you!

Haruka Isumi: To be totally honest, I really had no idea how he was going to go about producing me!

Haruka Isumi: I mean, when I think about how Torao sees me, I imagine stuff like “good at singing,” “knows a lot about sweets,” or “really good at Word Chain.” I figured he’d be thinking along those lines lol 🤔

Torao Mido: Yeah, I guess we've never really had a proper conversation about what I think you're like as an idol and all that

Torao Mido: But after listening to the song, did you get a sense of how I see you?

Haruka Isumi: Mhm. I mean, sorry if I’m wrong, but...

Haruka Isumi: Torao, do you maybe actually like me quite a bit...?

Torao Mido: Well, it's not like I dislike you, right!? What do you take me for?

Haruka Isumi: RIGHT!? That's what I thought too... it's just that the lyrics and melody were so straightforward

Haruka Isumi: It felt like you really captured me in a song. Even though it was my first time hearing it, it didn’t feel like the first time at all

Shiro Utsugi: It really is a passionate song with a strong message! Mido-san, could you please share how you decided on the direction?

Torao Mido: Haruka has always been radiant

Torao Mido: He never lies to himself about his feelings. Whether he's happy or sad, he expresses those emotions openly. I've always kind of admired that about him.

Torao Mido: He possesses the kind of overwhelming power that can pierce through the pitch-black night and propel us toward the bright blue sky. Haruka was always at the forefront, leading us to brighter places. Like a hero.

Torao Mido: I packed that strength of his into "Aoku."

Haruka Isumi: You think I’m like a hero?

Torao Mido: Yeah.

Haruka Isumi: I see... I didn't know. It’s pretty rare for you to say such things openly, so it makes me really happy

Torao Mido: I'm glad we're doing this over Rabbit Chat

Haruka Isumi: I’d rather you said it to my face!!!

Torao Mido: No way! That’d be way too embarrassing.

Haruka Isumi: Well, fair enough 😆 But y'know, I think you’re like a hero too, Torao

Torao Mido: Me?

Haruka Isumi: You faced your feelings, your scars, head-on. Ever since that day, you’ve challenged yourself in so many ways and expanded the possibilities for us — for ŹOOĻ. You’re seriously so cool

Torao Mido: Well

Torao Mido: I really am cool.

Haruka Isumi: We’re cool, you mean!

Torao Mido: Yeah. We’re cool!

Shiro Utsugi: I am currently taking a screenshot of this conversation.

Haruka Isumi: Ah, I should too!

Torao Mido: Guess I’ll do it too, then.

Shiro Utsugi: No matter what the future holds, I'm sure ŹOOĻ will be just fine. And if you ever feel disheartened, please reread the Rabbit Chats from this project.

Shiro Utsugi: Though, of course, I’ll do my best to make sure that doesn’t happen...!

Haruka Isumi: Thanks. We're counting on you, Utsugi-san

Torao Mido: Please keep looking out for us

Shiro Utsugi: ŹOOĻ is the best!

Haruka Isumi:

Torao Mido:

Haruka Isumi: It’s kinda funny seeing Torao use King Pudding stickers lmao

Torao Mido: Come on. What’s wrong with using them once in a while?

Shiro Utsugi: This happens to me as well. Whenever I use stickers while chatting with the staff, they always ask, "Is something wrong?" with concern. I guess some things just suit certain people while others don’t

Haruka Isumi: Yeah, if Utsugi-san suddenly sent me a sticker while we were talking, I’d probably wonder what was up too

Torao Mido: But his emoji choices are already so weird; isn't it too late to be surprised?

Shiro Utsugi:

Haruka Isumi: That’s kinda cute lmaoo

Shiro Utsugi: Let’s get back to the main topic. Next, I’d like to ask about the photoshoot and the costumes. The use of wires and CGI really made for such a dynamic shot!

Torao Mido: I wanted to express Haruka’s energy and strength. You can really feel that sense of him piercing through the sky, right?

Torao Mido: Even in a stifling world that's buried in asphalt and moving at a dizzying pace, with Haruka's voice, we can take off and soar anywhere.

Haruka Isumi: Hehe, Torao just keeps saying things that make me super happy

Torao Mido: Was it scary? I remember you weren’t too thrilled about bungee jumping before

Haruka Isumi: At first, I was a little nervous about whether I'd do a good job, but it turned out to be SO much fun!!! I was like, “Woah, so this is how Torao always films his stunts too? That’s awesome” 😂

Haruka Isumi: Oh, and when you called out to me, saying, “I know you can do it,” it made me really happy.

Torao Mido: I meant every word. I believe in you, Haruka

Haruka Isumi: Yeah! Thanks. By the way, how did you decide on the costume? I didn’t think both my knees would be exposed like that 😆

Torao Mido: Heroes usually show some leg, don’t they?

Haruka Isumi: The heck? LOL. Then you should've had both your knees out too!!

Torao Mido: Listen. Try imagining me with both my knees out first

Haruka Isumi: It looked-

Haruka Isumi: It looked great! The Torao in my head totally pulled it off!!! 😂 LMAOO

Torao Mido: You’re laughing though, lol

Haruka Isumi: Show it to me next time, okay? 😂😂

Shiro Utsugi: Please show it to me too! 🐾 Well then, sadly, we've reached the end of the interview. Before we wrap up, could I ask the two of you to share a final message with your fans?

Torao Mido: I’m sure you fans have noticed it as well. When you listen to Haruka's voice, it stirs up an impulse within you, a feeling that makes it impossible not to keep moving forward. Haruka's voice guides us.

Torao Mido: From there, I came to realize that even we could become someone's hero someday. The future you reach after all your struggles is bright, beautiful, and blue. I hope you guys listen to the song a lot too.

Haruka Isumi: The lyrics, “The words I caught amidst lights that emerge and fade, now dwell in my heart,” are my favorite.

Haruka Isumi: There was a time when I used to tell myself, "I'm never going to pay heed to anyone's voice", "I'm never going to let myself be swayed by someone else's words." But now I realize I was wrong.

Haruka Isumi: I’ve always been supported by our fans’ words. Whenever you said, “Thank you,” my body felt lighter. Whenever you said, “You can do it,” I honestly felt like, “Yeah, I can!”. That’s why these lyrics resonate with me so much.

Haruka Isumi: Your words always reach us directly. Thank you so much for everything! Torao called me a hero, but to me, my members and our fans are the real heroes! I’ll make sure to treasure “Aoku” together with Torao!!!

Shiro Utsugi: Thank you, Isumi-san and Mido-san. I’m very excited for ŹOOĻ’s future...!

Haruka Isumi: Me too!! Let's keep doing this together, Torao!

Torao Mido: Yeah, of course. I’m looking forward to my future with you guys.

Torao Mido: So, this marks the end of ŹOOĻ's part in this project, huh. Should we do something to celebrate?

Haruka Isumi: Good idea! Let’s have another party together! At your place, Torao!

Torao Mido: Sounds good. It’s winter, and for a big group, there’s really only one answer, right?

Haruka Isumi: Hot pot party!! 🤩

Shiro Utsugi: That sounds wonderful. If I’m not mistaken, I believe everyone’s schedules line up next week...!

Haruka Isumi: It won't be just us — Utsugi-san, you're joining too!

Shiro Utsugi: Eh, is that really okay...?! I’d be honored

Torao Mido: We’ll need a really big clay pot. Guess I'll go look for a good craftsman

Haruka Isumi: You're going to start by making the pot first? LOLOL

The End.

--------------

[1] They're actually playing Shiritori here, the Japanese version of Word Chain, where players take turns saying words that begin with the last syllable of the previous word.

[2] The word "Crepe" (クレープ) in Japanese ends with "Pu" (プ), so Haruka is once again frustrated to be given another word that ends with "P."

[cairavende]

My wonderful girlfriend got me Gideon the Ninth for Christmas and I realized why should I just give Worm recaps? Let's read some Locked Tomb! (We'll see how this format works, maybe I'll adjust it. Specifically might break stuff down into smaller segments instead of full acts, but I didn't think of doing this until after I had read all of act 1.)

Gideon the Ninth Act 1 (chapter 1 through 8) thoughts:

This book is so gay oh my god

Like, it's gay in ways I can't even explain. I love it.

Harrow beats the shit out of Gideon in chapter 2 and I don't know if I've ever seen someone get beat up in a more gay way.

"Oh Griddle! But I don't even remember about you most of the time." ROLL A FUCKING DECEPTION CHECK HARROW! You are saying this standing in the middle of the field you spent all night burying bones in just to foil her escape in the most dramatic way. You can't stop remembering her.

Gideon is the most herbo of herbos. I fucking love her. I love reading her PoV. She just knows punch and stab with sword and if those don't work than she'll just do them harder.

Also Gideon is SO fucking gay. Dear god. Dulcinea faints and Gideon turns off all though. HELP PRETTY GIRL. Nothing else.

Ok I could just make this whole thing "EVERYTHING IS GAY" but there is technically more than that.

I love how weird everything is and how little explanation is given. I don't want pages of exposition, I want to learn the world as it comes at me! This is perfect.

And just the very nature of things that seem weird not being given more than a passing thought in the book is information. Something may seem wild to the reader but it's so normalized to the characters that they wouldn't even think about the idea of it being different.

Lack of explanation also helps really show how much of a meathead Gideon is. Do the readers get to learn details about this thing? Only if it is a weapon, has tits, or Gideon is forced to listen while Harrow explains it. Otherwise no, why the fuck would Gideon spend her precious few brain cells on thinking?

And even if Gideon is forced to listen as Harrow explains it, the readers might not learn much cause Gideon might stop listening. I love her.

Aiglamene is wonderful. Crux is fine but I like her more.

Poor Gideon just wants a big sword that she can swing hard. It's not like she can't use a rapier. But why when she can go big sword?

SO MUCH CATHOLICISM

As someone who once was Catholic and then realized I was actually not a straight man, but instead a lesbian, I am in deep.

And the fucking slang used! Or whatever would be the right term. The shit they say! I love it. Just the weird sci-fi far future space necromancer universe and then suddenly "Are you asking me to . . . throw her a bone?", "Gideon had always known that this would be how she went: gangbanged to death by skeletons.", "Don’t hypothetically shove stuff up my butt again, it never does any good.", "Lo! A destructed ass.", "Well we were developing common sense, she studied the blade.", "Double Bones with Doctor Skelebone."

House of the First appears to be Earth. I kinda assume the House of the Ninth is Pluto, even though things obviously aren't in order given that the Seventh and Sixth are closer to the sun. Of course, I'm kinda expecting this to not technically be this solar system at all.

Undying Emperor, King of Resurrection, I Have Ten-Thousand Titles, Boss First, etc etc hasn't been on "Earth" in over nine thousand years. I wanna know MORE.

And the fucking Ninth House has their own prayer! Everyone else has one that the Ninth didn't know and then the Ninth had one that no one else knows! GIMME MORE!!!!

Also again, so many Catholicism metaphors or comparisons or whatever!

I could go on forever but gonna end this one with OH MY GOD SHE FOUND SUNGLASSES I LOVE HER. Fucking "I came prepared, my sweet." and "But then you couldn't have admired . . . these!" as she whips on the sunglasses. God. I nearly died.

[fyeahsmokinhot]

I have now digested (some of) what happened on Daredevil, so here goes.....

Killing off Foggy was a cheap shot, I'm sorry, but it was, ALTHOUGH at least they realised what a deal-breaker it would have been to have it off screen and actually filmed those additional scenes, THANK GOD!

Karen, Karen, Karen I need more of LOML Karen! I know they filmed extra scenes at the reshoots and these were limited, but to keep me waiting till EPs 8-9 to see her again?! FINE, I'll do it, but at what cost.

Look, let's just say it. IF IT AIN'T BROKE DONT FIX IT. Daredevil - Netflix was amazing, Disney you didn't need to mess with the format at all. I am so grateful at some point they WOKE UP and WENT WE MUST do a 180 and keep what works. I still HATE the CGI on this new one. You don't have to sell me Avenger movies, that's not why I'm watching. Give me gritty, give me realistic, give me New FUCKING York iconic!

IF IT AIN'T BROKE DON'T FIX IT! Original characters, imma need more of you. Where is Frank???

*Imma sneak my Kastle agenda in here and ask WHERE IS IT very quietly, I'll take all the crumbs sirs and ladies!* ...... FEED ME!

I do like that they kept Matt's personality: catholic whore 👏🏻.

Fisk uhh still love to hate you! I have to see where it goes.

Fisk: Starts yet another monologue. Sheila & me: FFS Sir can we get back on track!

Good for you Vanessa, have it all!

I used to be a Pointdexter apologist, no longer!

I'm gonna have to reserve judgement on the new characters and see who actually survives before I get too attached. I do like Sheila mostly cus she gets to fuck around at Fisk, hope she doesn't get the find out part.

Please, I love Hector! Protect him at all costs....(For now?).

I do hope Ulrich's niece and her friend on Fisk's campaign are secretly plotting against him, but this could totally be incorrect and I might be giving Disney too much credit.

*Mandatory Kastle agenda once again, because they own my heart!*

Thank you and goodnight 🤣

[no-name-publishing]

Kill the Director by erikschampion

My part in a gift exchange taking place in Renegade's California satellite server. This was a lot of fun and very experimental for me. My idea was to pursue something a little grunge, a little smudged, to go along with the early 2000s Brit punk vibe that the fic gets its title from. Spray paint, screen printing, some blood, some tears, and it's to its new home. Glamour and process shots under the cut!

The yellow base is a plain linen bookcloth that's been coated with acrylic. The pink accent color is a combo of spray paint and smudges of pink Golden Fluid acrylic paint. The endbands are sewn with Gutermann polyester florescent sewing thread, and the endpages are my attempt at an italian vein marble with pink, yellow, and black paint.

Some shots of the typesetting, and a video showing the book as a whole. The fic has some exposition written in a script format, so I typeset that to reflect. And it's always fun to include text message bubbles and emails and stuff.

The graphics on the case were done with screens and waterbased screen printing ink! I went through a few iterations and even tried to set my kitchen on fire in order to get it right before settling on the screens. I'm very very pleased with the result. (The fire was from my DIY attempt at making my own gelli plate with gelatin, glycerin, and rubbing alcohol. All the instructions were telling me to be careful about how many bubbles I was stirring into the mix but I was like, it'll be fine. I'll use my heatgun or a lighter to pop whatever bubbles are there. It works with resin so it should here. Yall alcohol is flammable lmao. Why did I do that. I put my lighter up to those bubbles and lost my vision for a moment at the flash of light. I've never done something that stupid)

The freshly marbled paper hanging up to dry in my kitchen; the screen for the front of the case; my practice piece including the spine design; the case drying on my shower rod (along with some pieces of fabric for another project lol). I have fewer process pictures than I thought lol.

The graphics on the front and back were also partially designed by hand. I printed images of the characters then cut them vertically, and alternated the slices. Copied that, then did the same horizontally. Scanned that, and then did some cleaning up digitally on my computer. Here's some shots of the steps and the pieces themselves.

The third picture shows my first attempt, as I actually did this process twice. The first time I didn't feel like the first pass was pixelated enough, so I cut it again both vertically and horizontally and alternated them once more. This was a mess, and ultimately I didn't like the finished result. Round two (second image) was the final round, and what wound up using in the project instead.

Thanks for looking!

[deoidesign]

if i may ask, is it difficult at all to re-edit/organize the comic pages from the webtoon format to fit the graphic novel format?

on another note, I'm so happy that your kickstarter was funded!!! I love time and time again, im so excited to see this all happen <3

I'll just turn this ask into something of a guide for the process! Because yes, it is difficult, but there are also many ways I have been preparing from the beginning for this very situation to make things easier for me!

I've worked in both print and scroll in the past, and have done this transition once before for a short story, so I already had familiarity both with my goals for print, and struggles with the transition!

How I prepared from the beginning for this transition:

1: My panels are 2500 pixels wide, so they can span my page (which is 8.3x5.8 inches) at 350 DPI (which is print quality)

2: My layers are organized: Text, FX, Foreground, Characters, Background

3: I draw one very large (twice as big as any panel would be, minimum) background for my major locations, as well as drawing furniture assets in isolation. This not only saves me time when making my actual episodes, but it also offers me INCREDIBLE flexibility when making this transition to print.

These 3 things let me pull the character art to the page by itself, scale it up or down to fit my panel, and then fill in the background behind the character.

So, I read the scroll version, decide how many and which panels I want on the page for the pacing (I also keep page spreads and page turns in mind while I am doing this), and then I pull those panels over from the scroll version to the page.

Then, I make the panel borders/page layout that I want, fit the character art into it, paste in the backgrounds, do any art editing that I need, add FX, and then re-do the text!

Sometimes I do need to draw parts that are missing (shoulders or elbows getting cut off is an extremely common one) and sometimes I need to adjust facial expressions, cut panels, or rearrange panels to make things read more clearly. Since it's my comic already, I know how to do these things while maintaining the original intent, but if I were working with someone else's comic I would need to work closely with them to know what can and can't be cut.

(original panel vs an expanded version)

Another common issue is that VERY tall panels will inevitably lose a lot of information when they’re turned to pages. Identify the purpose of the panel (pacing, showing a lot of detail, etc) and then replicate that with your page layout.

examples (in order) are: scene transition, being overwhelmed, suspense, and establishing shot. All of these were a single panel in the scroll version!

Another issue when converting pages is that panel order is a lot less straightforward than when starting from print format. Conversational back and forth that's fine in scroll often messes up the flow of reading in a page (characters facing out, not looking at eachother from panel to panel, etc) and so some creative solutions are necessary to keeping the reading order.

For the first page I had to delete and rearrange some panels, and in the second the dialogue bubbles guide us to read this page in a circle. (dialogue guides through a lot of my pages lol)

And the last really common issue that pops up is that height differences can be really difficult. Usually in print this is solved with clever angles, but I’ve already drawn everything. So, I’ll either resort to vertical shaped panels, panel pop-outs, or editing a character up or down to fit into the panel.

(examples in order)

So, yes, it is difficult! But I have a lot of experience with both formats, and having prepared for this from the beginning I've been able to make the transition a LOT more smoothly than I otherwise could have.

I hope this helps!

And, thank you about the kickstarter! I'm extremely excited I'll be able to print these, the proofs I've received so far look just absolutely stunning and I'm so so so excited to get to send them to people!!!

Obligatory self promo, if you want to see the kickstarter page and get these four books for yourself, then you can check it out here ^^ It's been funded, so at this point we're just reaching stretch goals and placing orders!

[salemssimblr]

hellooooooooo i love all of your renders and posts you're so talented oml. may i ask for a tut on how you did the smoke in this post? tysm ily :D

Hey, thank you so much ahhh!!! That means so much to me!! ILY! 😘

In truth, my method for smoke is not sophisticated at all... It's actually laughable how simple/easy my process is for this, I'll admit 😅

There is a way to do it right in blender, but for this particular trick I don't use blender (mostly because I've never been able to get it to work right, user error I'm sure haha). But if that's what you're looking for, there's an (untested) tutorial here!

I personally use photoshop for my smoke, and, I admit, brushes!

This tutorial assumes you have a basic knowledge of photoshop, but if you don't or if any of this is confusing feel free to send me an ask and I'll be glad to help!

A while back I scoured the internet for free cigarette smoke brushes and amassed a small collection of them. Unfortunately none of mine are marked with a name or anything so I can't link to specific ones, but here are a few I've found for this tut:

Click with caution! I use ad blockers and these sites are fine for me but as always be careful!

Brusheezy free smoke brushes 15

Brusheezy free smoke brushes 12

Resource boy 200+ free smoke brushes

If you're using photoshop, make sure the brushes are in .abr format!

Once downloaded (& unzipped), if you double click the .abr file it should automatically install and open your photoshop if it's not open already.

I've pulled one of my renders of Ariss (pre-smoke) into photoshop, so let's make some smoke.

Step 1: Create a new Layer!

Make sure you are working on a new, empty layer! This will be important in later steps!

Step 2: Add smoke using your smoke brushes

On the new layer, select the smoke brush you want to use, and make sure your color is set to white/off white/grey.

Hover over your image and select where you want your smoke to be. I was unable to take a screenshot of this process, but I put my smoke here:

Step 3: Adjust opacity/shading

You should have a layer for your smoke now. Double click it and the layer style window should pop up.

In this step... honestly go ham. If you follow exactly what I'm doing, it won't look the same because of differences in our base image (color, brightness, saturation, etc). But I usually adjust:

Blend mode

Opacity

Color overlay

Outer glow

If your smoke isn't on a separate layer, any adjustment you make here will be on the main layer, which we don't want!

I've adjusted mine, & ended up with this:

Step 4: Move & adjust your smoke

Because your smoke is on a separate layer, now you can move and adjust it.

This is all up to your preference! I typically just move, adjust, and edit the layer style until I get something I want.

Sometimes I'll also blur the smoke, which you can do by selecting filter -> blur -> gaussian blur, just make sure you're on your smoke layer!

You'll know you did it right when you get this window showing the transparency instead of your image, & if the smoke blurs when you adjust the radius!

& that's it!

There's a way to also use the standard brush tool and "path blur", which I've used before but don't usually like the result of it.

But if you'd prefer to try that, here's a tutorial for it!

[blazeanarchism]

Hi! There’s not much Winx fics on here and I noticed you were doing requests for them.

Would you be able to do a Riven x Reader fluff? Maybe where Riven x Fairy! Reader who also trains as a specialist and they are secretly dating. They end up fighting/training with each other to see who’s the best but reader gets injured and he feels so guilty and tries to make up for it. Then everyone sees how soft Riven is with reader and connects the dots LOL

Or you can just do your own plot/storyline & like kinks, that’s totally fine with me! Thanks!

"Secretly Soft"

Authors note: one question; marry me ❤️ /j I LOVE THIS TYSM FEEL FREE TO SEND IN MORE WINX REQUESTS!! (I'm also sorry this is so late I have things in drafts that I thought I had posted??)

Warnings: Blood, Fighting, fem reader, teasing

It was weirdly a warmer day on Alfea but wearing all black tachnical gear didn't help.[Name] was wearing her hair up in a pony tail, her top zipped down a little so she wasn't so hot. She carried a dagger on her left thigh her sword strapped to her back, she for lack of better words were a fair but never used her magic unless on the field. It took alot of convincing from Silva to even train here instead of training her magic. [Name] felt a presence coming from behind her hand nearly reaching for her dagger however she knew who it was as soon as the person stood next to her and their hands brushed eachother.

"Are you just gonna watch like a hawk today or are you actually gonna move and get your ass beat?" He said with his normal shit eating grin. It was Riven Thorp. She rolled her eyes and elbowed his arm a bit. [Name] and Riven have been dating for almost 8 months now, it was hard keeping their relationship hidden, especially from Sky and Bloom. Those two constantly pointing out how they would be a good couple.

Riven and [Name] have always agreed to keep things private, mostly due to the fact that both of them valued their privacy and kept the PDA behind doors. "Like I'll ever give you the entertainment of that" She bites back as she watches Silva gather everyone for the next training session. Riven leans down "I'd certainly rather be watching you do something else right now." He says just for her to hear before he winks at her with a special gleam in his eyes before he makes way to the groups. [Name] smiled and rolled her eyes as she joined the rest of them standing next to some of the newer trainees with her arms crossed.

"Today will be a little different; higher classed specialists will be paired in duo's and will fight while lower class specialists analyze the fights to use as their own." Silva announced. Calling out duos "Noura and Sky. [Name] and Riven].... Alright, get into formations." Silva announces and her heart drops a little but she could use the challenge as she gets into formation Riven next to her. He looks over with that look of Are you sure about this? She looks at him and just nods once before watching each match.

It was intense today, the sun blaring down on everyone as each duo fought and it was rough. Sky and Noura were next, they ended with Sky winning even though they both had equal amount of cuts on both of them. It was too hot at this point of the two walked to the mats. [Name] peeling off her jacket from her skin and laying it on the floor.

Riven had watched her as she flipped her sword doing Lil tricks with it, her dagger still strapped to her thigh waiting for Silva to call it. Riven knew her the back of his hand the flips and tricks were a nervous tick she did before most matches but that doesn't mean she'll go easy. "Begin!" Silva announces, and she strikes. All the specialist were leaning in close as they watched the two metal on metal and grunts being heard from the two.

[Name] swung her sword nicing him on the cheeck she almost paused to assess the damage if he didn't swing with twice the force. She ducked, tucking herself and rolling back nearly off the mat and into the small pond of water as she got up. Specialists were rooting for [Name] yells and encouragement being heard. The two went at it for longer both having a few cuts in. Riven swung his leg out to knock her off her feet, [Name] saw it and jumped but it did not protect her from the opening on her ribs and he sliced, it was deeper then a nic but not enough to be superficial.

[Name] fell to the mat in pain as she huffed pain reaching all over as she tapped the mat signaling she was done. "bloody hell.." Riven through his sword on the mat somewhere as he slid in beside her. He pulled her close her head on his lap "Shit, I'm so sorry love.." He whispers as he looks to see the cut. It had cut through her gear and nearly all the way through muscle. There were whispers from the specialists Noura and Sky with shit eating grins. "I owe Farah 20 now bloody hell" Silva mutters quietly.

Before Silva could even say or call infirmary Riven picked her up and brought him there himself. Walking through the field whispering encouragement "you did quite the number today" "nearly beat me" "you did so good" [Name] had to remind him that it was a cut, not a kill shot and that she was okay despite the pain. Terra made some healing potion to help her and had her lay in the private beds to rest and let magic do it's work. [Name] had fallen asleep while Riven held her hand his head resting against them.

It had been a couple hours since and he didn't move from where he sat, Sky had even brought him food knowing his best friend wouldn't have left her to get any. He had so many questions. "How long?" Sky asked and Riven explained anything but Sky was no where near mad he smiled. "Do you truly love her?" Sky asks remembering rivens old tendencies and Riven nods. Sky knows its genuine but he just needed to see it.

It was later in the night she had woken up, groaning from aches as she made move to sit up. Riven immediately helping, he looks at her and it reminds her of a sad puppy almost. "I'm so sorry love, i had not meant for it to cut deeper then it did." [Name] ran a hand through his hair as he rested his head on her tummy "You could always make it up to me"

She teased as he hummed kissing her tummy before lifting his head to kiss her. It was soft, and gentle she knew that he had sincerely regretted it. She hummed as his kissed trailed down her neck nipping at her pressure point before leaving slow kisses down her chest, stomach his fingers curling around the waist band of her pants as he looks at her that devious gleam back in his eyes......

Annnnnnd that's where I'm gonna end that! I hope that was to your liking!!

[a13xandri4]

Hii could I request an Ashlyn x reader for square c2? Tysm!

Of course! I'll do this writing as best as I can! I love the idea of Sleepy Confessions too and I think it'd really fit!

Ashlyn Banner x Reader!!

Requested by... Anon!!

Synopsis: Sleepy Confessions with Ashlyn Banner!

Format: Scenario Blurb

Warnings For: Possibly bad grammar, possible slight ooc, and chances for

Additional Notes: Please go check out my Bingo Board for SBG Writing Requests rightttt -> Here!!

You were down bad. You knew it from the moment you laid eyes on Ashlyn. She was gorgeous. Sure, she was shy, maybe a bit of a loner, but you were all in for it.

When you guys got paired up for a History project, as you were an extra person without a group in Mr. Thomas' class, you were over the damn moon. Which now left you in the philosophical hell you called the Phantom dimension, nearly seven months after the damn project.

It wasn't the worst, or at least it wasn't for you. Despite the horrors you experienced with the group nearly every night, it was comforting to have something solid beginning to form with Ashlyn. And now, that left finals coming up, and that meant that all seven of you were studying up until midnight. Every single night. It was awful and honestly, some days it was more brutal than what the phantom dimension threw at the seven of them. Today, that study session was at Ashlyn's house, and while the studying would most commonly occur in the bus, it was happening in Ashlyn's room due to a storm. You were on Ashlyn's bed, writing down notes beside her. Logan was going over mathematics and Science formulas with Taylor- Ben was refreshing up on history with Tyler, and you and Ashlyn were taking care of the English work. Oh- And Aiden was just making a playlist rather than actually studying. "I'm so boredddd, Ashhh," Aiden complained, messing with a Rubik's Cube,

"Aiden, you're not even doing anything.." She rolled her eyes, not even sparing the boy a glance as she double checked her notes with yours, moving one of her braids out of the way. "Hey, Ashlyn, maybe he's right," You spoke quietly, "We're all exhausted right now, plus, we've been at this for nearly three hours now." You reminded her gently, trying not to be too pushy, and Ashlyn looked hard at her notes, before looking up, She seemed to hesitate, but overall caved in, "Yeah, we can take a break. I might get some sleep before the phantom dimension," She had decided and your mind seemed to agree because you yawned a moment after she said that,

"Actually, a nap sounds really nice right now," you agreed out loud, stretching before nudging your notebook to the edge of her bed with your foot and you laid down on top of the insanely comfortable covers.

Tyler had looked up, just to set down his notebook, "If we're taking a break, I'm gonna go use the restroom," He nonchalantly announced, standing up, stretching for just a few split seconds, then heading towards the hall, and Taylor stood up right after, "I'm gonna go downstairs to check the board games, do any of you guys wanna come?" Taylor asked the group, heading for the day, and Logan, Aiden, and Ben all seemed in the mood to tag along.

As Taylor headed for the door, she winked at you. She had been your wingman the past three months, and she had proven to be very helpful.

Which you think that'd be good? But there was very few moments you were actually alone with Ashlyn. So it was extremely awkward once Taylor shut the door behind the group. "I uh- I can move to the floor if you want," You had offered, realizing how awkward it was that you were lying down on her bed, and before you could further insist she interrupted you, "No, it's fine.. Just--" She paused for a second, "Just don't worry about it," She finally said and you nodded, just sitting there. You quietly pulled out your phone and simply texted Taylor a short text, which read, 'What do I do now, she told me I can stay in the bed,' and you were left with a simple 'That's good, just act natural! 👍' from her. You mentally cursed at the realization you were on your own, as you felt the weight of Ashlyn dip the left side of the bed beside you, and you just followed suit.

As you laid down, you noticed her eyes were already closed in an attempt to sleep, and you waited about five minutes before you heard a soft snore come out of Ashlyn, and you breathed a sigh of relief you didn't even realize you were holding in.

For the next hours, you just kind of sat there, unable to sleep as you didn't want to do anything stupid while asleep. Tyler had come back around when Ashlyn had fallen asleep and realized Ashlyn was asleep, so he just quietly went downstairs where the others were.

"Good morning," You quietly greeted Ashlyn, unsure if she was actually asleep or not, just to hear a soft reply,

"Morning, hun.." and you froze. Was that a mistake, or was that intentional,

"Oh- uhm.. thank you?" You replied back and her eyes shot open. That was one way to wake up. Accidentally confessing when your barely conscious enough to process the words you're hearing,

"Wait, no- sorry, that was stupid-" Ashlyn immediately began to backtrack, and you were completely taken aback, but quick to ease her panicked expression,

"Hey, no worries, it's alright- calm down," You spoke like it was the easiest response, but you were still freaking out a bit. You weren't even sure if she meant it.

You weren't sure what to fill the silence with so you just said, "I uh, think you're pretty cool too," That was an awkward as hell phrasing, but you were trying, and she just stared at you for a second,

"Oh. Good." She said, ignoring the red that crept onto her cheeks. And you decided not to call it out, "So are we uh-?" You said, before she interrupted you,

"Yeah. Yeah, I guess we are," She said, her voice still laced with exhaustion,

"Cool.. cool, cool, cool.. do you want to go back to sleep, you seem pretty tired," You politely commented, and she nodded, before lying back down, gently tugging you with her.

She wasn't usually touchy or affectionate, so this was a win in your book at the end of the day. Or night.

And the others came in the room at around 11:55pm, to get you two, just to see you and Ashlyn tangled together in her bed.

I really pray I did okay for writing Ashlyn for the first time 😭I hope you enjoy the story, thank you sm for requesting!

For those who came across this! Hi!

You can find my Master list -> Here

My Anon List -> Here

And my Rules Page right -> Here

Last but not least!!! If you're interested in requesting a Fluff bingo square, you can go to the page righttttttt -> Here!!

[genjyoandgojyoandhakkai]

It's Still You - chapters 1 and 2

lol that rhymes

It's my birthdayyyyyy! So I'm posting two chapters today because I do what I want.

The continuing adventures of Xiqaa Laidir, Lucanis Dellamorte, and Emmrich Volkarin (and Spite)

I decided on a ship name too! (only 100k words too late lolol) I'll use it as their tag: Tempest Blades & Shades

“It’s something secret,” Rook continued, combing his hair gently. “Lucanis and Emmrich can't know yet. It's nothing harmful to them or me, I promise.” Rook kissed the top of his head, then tapped his lips with a finger, a silent reinforcement.

Read on A03! More snippets below the cut

Chapter 1:

Spite’s eyes widened, bright with curiosity at being the first to know a secret.

“Won’t tell,” he whispered excitedly. “Rook tell Spite secret.”

Rook hesitated. Once she told Spite, she was committed. Things were going well, and Maker knew they had enough problems waiting for them without Rook adding her plan to the pile.

Casting her doubts into the deepest Fade, Rook said, “I want to take Illario with me on a treasure hunt.”

Chapter 2:

Emmrich returned the kiss, running a hand down Rook’s arm, fingers tracing the new, still slightly raised corpse-beetle-and-jasmine-flower tattoo on the underside of their wrist. Rook shivered, shifting closer; a silent request for him to continue. Emmrich obliged, gaze fond.

"You’re not idiots, dearest," Emmrich corrected. "Both of you are extremely clever. Quite funny, too. However, I fear my manners haven’t rubbed off on you - or Spite, or Johanna - the way I’d hoped."

"My manners are perfectly fine, most of the time," Rook said, pointedly ignoring Lucanis’ unimpressed glance. "I just don’t care to be polite to a skull who sings satirical pirate songs at me like it’s some kind of curse. At least she doesn’t have the ability to scream actual curses. But I’ll be glad when you get that thing settled somewhere far away from me."

HUGE thanks to @flowersforthemachines for the divider and for doing a version with all three of my factions 🤩 They are the coolest, y'all. Read their Rookanis fic, it's legendary ✨

Edit for formatting...don't post at 3a lol

[fandomsfordays21]

Soul Experiment AU: Experiment 041: Ink

Thanks for the support on my previous post about this au!! Since Ink and Error are going to be the "main" characters in this au. I thought I would start with them. I have more ideas on what to do with Ink though so we're starting with him. I'm going to do a poll after this so you guys can decide who I post about next. I'm planning on posting about one character per day as well as posting about my magic/soul system and then I'll work on some other stuff for this au like maybe a fanfic if enough people like it. (I'm also aware of how badly this is written, it's hard to fit all the details in this post alone. There will be separate posts about each character that take the form of Error's "Scientific Entries" but I wanted to go for a more narrative format here. Once again, ask box is open if you need clarification on anything here. I will answer even if I plan on including it in another post.)

To begin with, Ink actually has a Soul in this au, but it just doesn't work properly. Monster Souls work as both the heart, brain, and all other organs that would normally be present in the body of a Human. The "brain" functions of Ink's soul do not function properly, as his soul does not produce the magic needed for emotions and motor functions. This is where Error comes in.

Ink was taken to the lab to be used as a subject for experiments under the name "John Doe" as he had no identification, probably no family, and it was thought that he was fallen down, and that there was no hope for him. Ink was exactly what Error was looking for in a subject, a skeleton monster, fallen down so his soul must be in a deteriorative state, and he was completely unresponsive to any and all stimuli. This made him the perfect subject for Error to test the different ways he was going to wake up Geno.

Once Ink arrived to the lab, however, and Error got to do a proper examination of the nameless shorter skeleton, he came upon a problem. This Monster... wasn't fallen down. Sure, he was unresponsive in a way that was incredibly similar to the coma-like state of a fallen Monster, but it was different. Ink's soul was completely intact and undamaged, and so was his body, his HP and all other stats were completely fine, so what the hell was wrong with the subject?

Error called in the Joku twins, Dream and Nightmare, both coming from a family of Monsters with emotion-based abilities, both brothers being the last of the line and with the strongest recorded abilities. They sensed... Nothing? There was no emotional output from the nameless skeleton's Soul whatsoever, or even any emotional input, since neither of the twin's auras had any effect. This is where the experimentations began.

First line of business was to identify the problem. A Monster's Soul is similar to an organ, yes, but also so much more complex. Was the problem within the emotional magic portion of this Monster's Soul? Or was there another underlying problem that was causing it? If this Monster truly did lack the ability to produce emotions in his Soul, so much so that he was in a vegetative state, then how was he alive? How had he lived to be around the same age as Error? The scientist shook his head, 'I have more urgent things to worry about with this subject.'

A breakthrough. There was a breakthrough in Error's research that he had never seen coming. He had figured out how to isolate the emotional magic in a Monster's Soul. More importantly, he had figured out how to extract it. It wasn't a nice process, the Monster's had to be fully alive and aware during the extraction, which was incredibly painful and had lead to the death of many subjects, but it was incredible. If Error could manage to directly transfer magic from one monster to another, he could very well do similar with Human Soul traits or even entire souls.

However, this had to be tested first.

The original trial of Ink's colors is one of the few he can actually remember. He woke up on a cold metal stretcher with a bunch of machines making noise around him. His whole body felt weird and heavy. He was feeling emotions at the time, yes, but also didn't feel quite right. Like something was missing or that he didn't have enough of something. This was, of course, due to Error only providing a low dosage to start with, in case anything went wrong. Ink, of course, didn't know that, nor did the notice the glitchy skeleton wearing a lab coat that was sitting in the corner of the room, observing quietly and taking notes.

Ink blacked out again within two hours.

There was lots of testing done after that. The first trial was called that for a reason, after all.

Error introduced himself properly to the shorter skeleton by the time of the second test, seeing how the subject would respond to another person, which was met with overwhelming enthusiasm and then a puddle of vomit on his shoes.

That was a problematic side effect.

The main problem with harvesting emotional magic is that each emotion has to be harvested individually, and each is a different color. This was a problem because no particular label was given to any color, so testing each color and then recording the results was the most probable solution. Followed by giving more or less to see what dosage was the right one. There may or may not be a particularly ripped page in a notebook that desperately outlines the dangers of an intense amount of red.

Every time a test was conducted, Error would ask a series of questions to see if the influence of different concoctions would yield different answers, but also to learn more about the individual with the strangely marked bones. Oddly enough. Ink had no memory of a time before waking up in the lab, and never remembered anything that happened between tests. The memory problems were consistent, unfortunately, however not on the level of amnesia that was previously suffered. "Ink" is a chosen name, based on the markings on his face and the rest of his body.

Months passed and eventually Subject 041, or "Ink" as he had chosen to be called, was functioning as properly as an individual with a malfunctioning soul could. Going outside the lab was an option now, and Ink does regularly. He carries around vials full of each color (He decided that ingesting it was much easier than the injection method being used prior) but still lives within the lab as it is the source of his ability to feel and is where most of his companions live. (Getting to see and bother Error on a daily is a plus too.)

[mango-jpeg]

2024 writing retrospective (shamelessly copying dex, sorry. ur an icon)

i posted something every month of this year ! which is not something i set out to do but once i realized i was halfway through i had to see it through (<- guy whose biggest motivator is committing to the bit)

one takeaway from this was the value of just sitting on a fic for a few weeks… i always want to post as soon as a thing’s done, while i’m still riding the high of completing a project, but giving myself time and distance to edit is good, actually. whoda thot

also confirmed the value of setting arbitrary deadlines - birthday fics were also great for this lol - these days i've set sunday as a soft, rolling deadline (if it's not ready by this sunday i'll wait a week (so i'd better finish it))

bit of a grab bag year in terms of fandoms and pairings, and that was really fun for me !! there are some i’d like to return to if i can think of a new angle (yaoqing trio) others i might leave behind (i think covid erased argenthill from my brain)

also a year where i challenged myself a little and - probably because i posted so regularly - feel i’ve improved a bit

singularity was tough to string together but through the sort of episodic format i got better at writing little chunks. linger a little longer was like puuure character study, very scary. i feel like i have a middling understanding of action but gunfights - instead of swordfights or hand-to-hand - were a challenge in hard feelings

all the king’s horses was a sort of surreal experience. the basic idea and structure came together quite suddenly but it was difficult to write in the limited time i gave myself. also funnily a return to form for me (used to only write angst lol) while at the same time felt very different from my usual

more and more i enjoy writing longer, sillier fics, which are much harder to write than pwp and simply do not do numbers in the same way lol. this is fine - i write for myself first, & i've been writing porn longer so ofc it's easier and probably better - but it has meant that i appreciate comments more and more all the time :~)

coincidentally began and ended the year reading books about writing:

Consider This is very much a how-to guide with practical advice that was interesting and thoughtful. got me thinking about form/organization

Track Changes is a history of word processors that made me think about how my own creative process is irrevocably tied up in specific technology. really cool read

wips i’m carrying into the new year: kaeluc royalty au (still), olympic year (yes, still), welt/caelus/dan heng + whipped cream (...)

ideas i’m starting the year off with: ryudate 5+1, singularity sequel, kaeluc outsider pov, chiscara!!!

i’m very excited to finally take part in a ship week (nsfw akishinji week) which is something i’ve wanted to do for literally years. yippee!!

as always, a goal for this year is to write more comments on fic + art, it's just a muscle i'm always working on

i’d still like to write more for/with others - requests are fun but i get very few... is it weird to request requests ?

my other goal for the year is really to uhh write less. sad. gotta make the diss work a priority

these liner notes are excruciating to write but i think after 2 years i'll stick w them a little longer. they're good practice in organizing and expressing my thoughts

i hope it's a yaoiful year for all !!! see u in march <3

[honeyhotteoks]

in the spirit of the writers' game (except its not actually a question so no presh) do you have any tips on getting integrated into fandom community? i have like 12 bajillion fic ideas bumping around in my head that i wanna gab to someone about but i dont know how i'd like.. get someone's attention without it being.. weird? or like manufactured... i'm reticent to post because so much attention spooks me Out of writing which is like, not the end goal lol

tldr how do i make friends please and thanks but in the least pathetic way possible

this is a great question!! i'll be honest with you, i'm not sure if i'm the best person to answer this, but i'll do my best.

for some context, i'm actually very introverted. i really struggle to make friends both online and in real life. while most of my meaningful friendships are fandom based, typically it's because a pretty extroverted person snapped me up and then i got comfy talking, not really from me doing the outreach first.

when it comes to writing and a writing community, i'm also pretty insulated. i would love to be friends with some of my favorite writers on here too, but honestly i just can never bring myself to reach out, and my adhd is really intense so i tend to miss messages/notifications/engagement when other people reach out to me.

all of that being said, if you're interested in creating a writing space for yourself in this fandom, i do have some advice, and maybe you'll be better at grabbing onto the potential friendships that do come from that, which is the part i struggle with.

to start, i'd recommend becoming an active participant in the reading community if you aren't already. i'd create a fandom blog for yourself here and/or on twitter and use that to just start engaging with fic you like - reblog stuff and add fun tags, compliment the authors you're loving, drop messages off anon from that account if that's something you're comfortable doing. just start getting your username and your pfp on people's pages more and more. (this is one of those reasons i'll never change my username or my pfp btw, people know this as me and they've known that for a long time so in a small way it's kind of my writer's brand)

then think about what you're writing or want to write. is it big multichaptered work? smutty oneshots? romantic imagines? list-style stuff / scenario stuff like "hyung line headcanons" etc? figure out what you feel compelled to write, not just ideas, and start to write them. write them for yourself even if they're "bad" or unpolished and just enjoy that process a little bit while you're engaging as a reader / casually making fandom connections.

once you feel like you might have ideas to share, i think it's completely fine to make a post asking if anyone would want to beta read or if anyone else would want to talk about fics/headcanons etc. if you really want someone to connect with before you ever post your fic, i think this is the best way. i personally don't love messages asking me if i would be willing to read or edit someone's fic because to be honest that's a huge undertaking and i always find i'm too critical / take it too seriously. i also think when it's done this way it kind of makes the relationship a little awkward overall.... some people might be okay with it and i might be overthinking it, but that's just how i feel in general. BUT if you find people by asking the community and people are reaching out to you, that's completely different imo and i've done that in the past in other fandoms.

then once you're ready to throw a hail mary and post something, whether it's beta read or not, i'd recommend taking some time to do the following:

consider the look of your post and the aesthetic. people are so much more likely to click on it if it's formatted well and has some kind of a header image. go look at what other people do, what you like, and what you want your fic 'look' to be.

edit, and edit again. i know it's exciting to want to post asap, but if you're nervous, read it again. in my opinion, fic that you post should be fic that you want to read. if you're struggling to read your own work because something is a little clunky or you find yourself skimming it...... someone else might feel the same

post it at the right time. you don't need to be a marketing major and try to like drive engagement, but if you post it at 3am on a sunday i promise you people will miss it, and then you'll be struggling with the feeling of why did no one like my fic that i spent hours on etc.

your first fics aren't going to get much attention. that is totally okay! keep going, keep trying, and over time you will find your audience.

reblog reblogs.... if you get a reblog of someone adding tons of tags / fun comments / a review of your work etc., reblog their reblog and thank them! answer questions! engage! opening that door in this way as a writer will help build a little community of your own.

i would say that over the last three years here i've gained a little community of my own. i have consistent readers, anons and mutuals i recognize, people that i look forward to engaging with every time i post something even if they don't realize it. that means SO much to me as a writer, but truly it took a long time to create that space for myself here. admittedly though, even with that being true, i really struggle with connection but that might not be apparent to people just following my blog. i guess this is all to say, comparison is the thief of joy. as you start to create your own space here, reader or writer, don't spend time looking at other people and other blogs and wishing you could have xyz too. focus on what you truly want, what makes you happy, and do it for the love of writing. the rest will surely follow in time. 💛