#iamwriting

[inadvertently-writing]

the human element

the calm before the storm...

wait for it...

I can feel it...

come on...

it's been calm too long...

where the hell is the storm?

by @inadvertently-writing©

[secret-emotions]

Thank you Jim and the team at Dimple Times for publishing my poem.

[noneedtoamputate]

It doesn't matter how many times I proofread, I will still find an error or two after I post.

[spacebabe51]

OK so a couple people seemed interested in the fic rec list so here it is. I haven’t done one of these before so keep in mind this is just my personal likes, and idk if this is usual but i’m also going to put my little mini reviews + warnings (not content warnings but anything I think might deter someone from reading) on them so you kind of know what to expect. Obviously I can’t vouch for any of the authors on this list as I don’t know any of them personally, so if some fic ends up being written by a heinous person just know I didn’t raise them that way. List under the cut: 

OK! Without further ado, I’m going to be ranking these in descending order down to my all-time favorite, but first I'm going to add two fics that are kind of nebulous to rank because they are both crossovers. If I were going to rank them, both would be near the top of the list.

“Now You’re Thinking With Real Science” by Jaywings

This fic is just insanely good. It’s a Portal 2 crossover, and even for two franchises that already seem to blend together really well with the same brand of darkly humorous cyberpunk themes, it does a really good job of fitting the world and characters together in a way that makes perfect sense. Everything flows together really well, and every character from a large cast of characters is well handled and gets a chance to do something (or have something done to them). Fair warning, there are a few pretty intense scenes, and this one is as of yet unfinished, but still updating, and I highly recommend it. 

Warnings: This fic makes me want to like wheatley again and I won't, dammit. I refuse. Die you traitorous metal ball.

“Mad World” by iamwriting

This is a crossover between IZ and Jhonen Vasquez’ other most famous work, his horror/black comedy comic series Johnny the Homicidal Maniac. For those that have never read any of Vasquez' other work, it’s safe to say that JTHM makes Invader Zim look like Blue’s Clues, so fair warning before going into it this fic is dark. I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s depressing, but it certainly handles very heavy themes (insanity, suicide...murder, obviously) and doesn’t pull punches. That said, it really surprised me just how well-crafted, compelling and moving this fic is. By the time I was finished with it, all the plot threads had pulled together so tightly I had to go back and reread chapters just to confirm that oh, yeah- I didn’t imagine that, the author set that up so subtly I didn’t even notice. An absolute 10/10 for plot, mood, and how well it kept me engaged (I spent an entire workday feverishly reading this and didn’t even notice the time pass) with a powerful and satisfying payoff. 

Warnings: This story is told in a very restricted first person pov, which can sometimes feel awkward, but is necessary for setting up an unreliable narrator. Characters, particularly Zim, can also sometimes feel ooc, but this too has an in-fic explanation that I won’t spoil.

OK! Enough crossovers, onto the ranked fics:

#6: “Hey, Spacejerk” by HeCallsMeHisChild

This particular author and her series of fics were some of the first that I read in the fandom, and one thing I can say with absolute certainty is that she has the most original ideas I’ve ever seen. Hey Spacejerk is strange, and that’s not a bad thing. It starts out as sort of a self-contained exploration of isolation with elements of psychological horror, and blossoms into something totally different by the end. If you don’t mind suspending disbelief and being taken along for the ride, I really think this it's an enjoyable read, with a strange but satisfying conclusion. 

Warnings: not really an issue for me, but this fic was written before the movie release, and Prof. Membrane takes on a villain-like role in this story so if that’s a deal breaker, you’ve been warned. 

#5 “A Parade of Indignities” by RissyNicole 

A LOT has been said about this fic and how good it is that there’s almost not much left to say. This story is epic in scope and very good at maintaining the nail-biting suspense it sets up early on. Supporting characters who didn’t get much focus in the show are a big part of this one, and help the world feel more fleshed out and alive. This story isn’t finished, and I have to admit I’m actually not caught up with it, but regardless. The fandom considers this one a must-read and I do too. 

Warnings: If you are an anxious hypochondriac like me this one can be a psychological horror as well! Little added bonus :)

#4 “Important Messages From Beyond the Stars” by myrskytuuli

This one is very niche and catered to my interests. I love stories that utilize the Resisty, and I'm an absolute sucker for anything exploring Zim’s time working as a scientist on Vort. Is it canon compliant? Not even close. Is it fully in character? Highly debatable, but this fic rec list needs some of the heartwarming found family healing only fanfic can provide, and goddamn it this fic provides. This one is also unfinished but still updating, and as new chapters and plot threads are introduced I’m more and more excited to see where it leads. 

Warnings: Again, if you’re looking for canon compliance and the usual dark cynicism of IZ, this is not the fic for you. 

#3 "Forced Perspective" by 0palite

I read this fic more recently after stumbling across some of the adorable drawings the author did for each chapter. This fic is quintessential zadf, and that’s a-ok with me. It’s character driven all the way through, and great care is taken in examining the different ways they think, as well as their motivations and worldviews. Everything feels in line with canon, and the development of the plot as well as the central friendship is natural and never feels too contrived. Really enjoyable read, and the drawings and animations created for every chapter are so charming and a huge added bonus to this one.

Warnings: None really, if slowburn zadf isn’t your thing you won’t enjoy this. 

#2 “Experimental” by HideousBlob 

 I don't think it would be an overstatement of any kind to say that Experimental and its lost? sequel Hypothetical are sort of the golden standard when it comes to Invader Zim fics. Butingly funny, very in character, bordering on psychological horror in places, this one excels at utilizing Zim's manic hypochondria to create a real sense of paranoia and keep the reader guessing. A great story with or without the slowburn zadf going on in the background, this fic is also available in the form of a great 8-bit RPG game with multiple choices and endings. One thing to note is that this particular author has since distanced herself from the fandom, so although you can still find the fic on archive.org (dm me if you’d like to play the game) please don’t go attempt to contact her about it. 

Warnings: I just wish I could read her other fics again. Thats all 😭😭

#1 “Leaving Home” by DiscoTeriyaki

This fic is the bane of my existence. It’s so good I hate it. And the worst part is that I can’t even put my finger on exactly what makes it so good. Leaving Home’s main idiosyncracy is that it’s very grounded in the real world, much more so than most other fics on this list. For example, Dib and Gaz have (or, had) a mother, real-world cities are mentioned, and the author utilizes a soundtrack of real-world songs from the late 1970’s to tell the story. This fic is very self-contained and small in scope, but it has a cutting, straight-forward and bittersweet take on the characters and their relationships. Exploring themes of growing up, death and remembrance, forgiveness, and what it means to be important to someone without particularly liking them. Everytime I read it (and I’ve read it a few times) I notice something new, and I’m in awe of how well this author is able to say so much in so few words. If you read this, do yourself a favor and listen to the music the fic provides. 

Gripes: I’d really like to stop crying everytime “The Lights Go Down” by ELO comes on please and thanks. 

And that's it! If you decide to read anything on this list, let me know what you thought of it, and please show these authors some love. And if there's a fic you think I would enjoy based on these recs, I'd be thrilled to check it out (and YES that includes your own fic). Thanks for reading!

[khfankeri]

Excerpt from Chapter 9 of A Bond Greater Than Family (A Plague Tale)

Credit to @pinkprincess717-blog1 for the pic! <3

From Chapter 9 - Short Interlude

They lay there for several minutes as Amicia started breathing normally again. She looked at Lucas who held her, and it hit her then that she had never asked Lucas about his dream in the nebula. She had been too caught up in her own grief to even think about it.

"Lucas... what happened while you were in the nebula cloud?"

He stopped stroking her back and looked away. Oh, so it was bad... but she felt she had to press. She had to know. "Please tell me."

Turning back to her, she couldn't read his eyes. "Are you sure you want to hear it?"

She gulped and nodded.

He sighed. "Very well."

***************************

Lucas woke up in the the dense cloud of the nebula aching all over. "That was quite a fall..."

He looked around. "Amicia?"

She was nowhere near him in the rubble of a destroyed city. "Okay, just breathe. Remember all natural laws end here. Just keep moving forward. We have to try and save Hugo." If they could at least...

He kept moving and eventually came upon a destroyed farm. It was his old master Laurentius' farm! What was it doing here?? The farm was ablaze and he could hear screaming. He stopped his ears up, reliving the moment he had seen his master die.

"Let go of the past, Lucas. It's not needed here."

"Hugo?? Is that you??" Lucas asked looking wildly around him. No one was there though.

"Yes, it's me. Come on, you have to keep moving."

Lucas fought the gigantic urge to run into the burning building. He had to keep going. He pushed himself past the burning house towards the field they had ran through to escape the rats, walking haltingly to the windmill at the other end of the farm. It was set ablaze as it had been before.

He stopped when he saw Beatrice de Rune tied to the windmill. The Count's wife, Emilie, was holding a knife up to her neck. No he had to stop her!!

"Let go, Lucas. You have to keep going."

"But... she's my teacher..."

He watched as the count's wife slit her throat again. This was too much. It was too painful. He felt the tears threatening again. He had managed to hide them from Amicia earlier, but he couldn't do it now. Losing another teacher was too much. Keep walking. Keep going.

He pushed past with tears starting to come down his eyes. Wiping them stubbornly away, he kept going. Let go of the past. Keep marching forward.

He wasn't prepared for what happened next though.

Lucas was back in the towns and villages he and Amicia had traveled through over the last year. So many rats and guards. Amicia was calling to him from one of the gates. He had found her thank the Lord!

"Amicia!"

But he stopped. It wasn't her. Or, at least it wasn't the current Amicia. She looked like how she looked when they first met. Not as experienced and  much more scared. Younger. More innocent. He knew this was a dream, but she looked so real. Still so beautiful.

She went ahead into the gate and he tried to scream and tell her to stop, there were too many rats! "No, Amicia!! Stop!!"

She cried out in agony as she was eaten alive. His heart dropped.

Suddenly she was back at the gate beckoning for him to follow. There were some ingredients nearby. Perhaps he could save her?? He ran towards her, but Hugo appeared, grabbing his hand holding him back surprising Lucas. "Hugo?"

Hugo shook his head. "Let her go. You can't do anything. You have to keep moving forward. What was done in the past can no longer be done here."

"But she's dying! I can't... I can't lose her too... it's more than I can bare."

Lucas wanted to stop up his ears as he heard Amicia cry out yet again.

Hugo shook his head.

"Please, Hugo. I can't stand here and do nothing. It hurts..." he slumped down onto his knees, holding onto Hugo's hand as Amicia screamed out again.

Hugo hugged him then, causing everything around them to disappear. Amicia's screams disappearing with it. Lucas breathed a sigh of relief.

"You really love her don't you?"

He looked up at Hugo then, tears threatening to come down his face yet again. "More than you know."

Hugo smiled then looking much older and wiser than his five years. "Good. I need you to take care of her. I've... I've asked her to do something really terrible... and she can't do it alone."

A terrible feeling hit the pit of his stomach. "You've asked her to kill you haven't you?"

Hugo nodded. "Although, I think you knew deep down that was the only option left. Amicia... is still accepting it. And I'm not sure if she can. She may need... help."

Lucas gritted his teeth. "What... can I do?"

"Be with her. And if she can't do it..." Hugo pulled out a crossbow holding it out to him. "I need you to do it for her."

Lucas took the crossbow, hands shaking. "But... she'd never forgive me..."

Hugo looked at him with understanding in his eyes. "Yes, I'm sorry. But it's the only other option I have. I can't... I can't let innocent people die anymore."

Lucas gulped as he looked at the little boy who just wanted to live happily with his sister and family. "I understand, Hugo. I'm sorry I couldn't save you..."

Hugo hugged him again taking Lucas off guard. "You did all you could. You and Amicia are my family, and I need you to keep living. Can you do it?"

Lucas nodded against the young boy's shoulder, unable to speak.

"Good. Now go save my sister. I'm counting on you."

Lucas was suddenly out in an open area still holding the crossbow. He looked down at it and quickly put it on his back. No time to think, he had to find Amicia. There was a tree ahead of him. Oh, it was Hugo... He looked like he was in pain even from many yards away. He gritted his teeth. "I'll keep my promise, Hugo."

He stumbled around for a moment getting his bearings. Then he saw her. Gently, he called out to her as she gazed off into the distance as if she was still dreaming.

He bent down in front of her. Taking her in his arms, he held her tightly.

Her eyes started to clear. "Lucas?" Her voice broke.

Fighting tears, he held her close. "I'm here. I'm here."

*****************************

Amicia didn't have to hear the rest. She hugged him tightly crying freely. Feeling wet tears on her shirt, she knew he was crying quietly too. "My brave alchemist. Thank you. I truly couldn't have done it without you. I love you."

They stayed like that for several more minutes. Finally pulling apart, Amicia stroked back his hair memorizing every little feature to his face. For Lucas to cry meant a lot. He was the most stable person she had ever met. She kissed him and pulled him in once again, Amicia holding his head in her arms. It was her turn to comfort.

Eventually they both fell asleep too exhausted to even say another word.

Read more here! :)

[priscillathewriter95]

🌟 A Little Bit Of Me 🌟

Name: Priscilla Cruz

Born: In Bronx New York... The Boogy Down Bronx

Age: 36, but I look 25 from other people

Author of: Ashes To Beauty: A Poetry Collection

Interest/Likes: I love reading, football, writing, anime, wrestling and UFC. I have both a cat and a dog. I enjoy and have a habit of just scrolling through channels. I'm addicted to sweets, love hot chocolate. I started writing when I was junior high and high school and quickly fell in love. It helped me through many difficult times in live. I love putting it all on paper and creating worlds and characters

Favorite Shows/Movies: Dirty Dancing, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, The Boys, Charmed, Vampire Diaries, Lucifer, Grease, The Fast and Furious

[hearns]

I have submitted GOI book 1 for publication.

I finished the first three chapters today for review. Fingers crossed for acceptance for publication.

[jenniferratcliffe]

These hallways are felled

oak in grand deaths,

I weave myself

Echo’d step after echo’d step,

light warbles

ominous songs of shadows;

interjection of grief in logic.

Both ends are bleak

unseeable future’s

with only one certain freedom,

encased in my own

Humanity.

[siegergewinnspiele-blog]

[i-am-theseeker]

Empty Space

There is an empty spaceA church upon a hillWhere souls of the drawingEach morning come to fill There is an empty silenceFound in the space thereWhere souls of the praisingFill with humble prayer There is an emptyingWill of acquiescenceWith grace of the fillingTheir presence with Presence There is an empty voidIn this world out thereWhere […]Empty Space

[inadvertently-writing]

huh,

so this really is life...

@inadvertently-writing©

[secret-emotions]

[noneedtoamputate]

Day Three of writing 250+ words. Not a lot, but I'm almost done with the first chapter of my first BoB work.

[jevanned]

WATTPAD: [Español] -- [English] INKSPIRED: [Español] -- [English] ME GUSTA ESCRIBIR: [Español]

[khfankeri]

Chapter Six of A Bond Greater Than Family (A Plague Tale) is updated!

Another one of my favorite chapters! :3 Newlyweds are just so fun to write!

Starting off their marriage on the run isn’t the most ideal way to start, but it didn’t matter to them! Being together was all that mattered! Will Amicia get Lucas to teach her what he promised he’d teach her before? Adventures and memories ensue! And there’s always a bump in the road... 

Happy New Year everyone!!! I hope it’s excellent! ❤️

Rating teen and up!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/43754575/chapters/110543106

[sothemis]

A few days ago, I stumbled upon a photograph that left an indelible mark on my soul. It depicted an elderly woman, elegantly dressed, but tragically discarded amidst the refuse in a trash bin. The sight was both heartbreaking and infuriating, prompting me to reflect on how we treat our elders and our shared responsibility to honor and cherish them. This photo spoke volumes, revealing not only the plight of this particular woman but also the larger societal attitudes that can lead to such neglect. Let us delve into this powerful image and explore the urgent need for change. In this poignant snapshot, we witness a woman who, in her youth, likely radiated vitality and warmth. She, like all of us, once played the roles of daughter, lover, wife, and mother. In her prime, she laughed, loved, and pursued her dreams. Yet, as time passed, circumstances changed, and she found herself cast aside, left to navigate the latter stages of life alone and unappreciated. In contemplating this photograph, we must remember that we are all part of this narrative. Each of us will inevitably age and traverse the path that she currently walks. This woman's image serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgency to foster compassion and empathy towards our elderly. She represents a future version of ourselves, should we be fortunate enough to reach her age. The disposal of this woman's photograph within a trash bin is a disturbing reflection of a larger problem - the devaluation of our elders in society. It is a call to action, urging us to confront our own attitudes and behaviors towards the elderly. We must reject the notion that their worth diminishes with age. Instead, let us recognize their wisdom, their experiences, and the profound contributions they have made throughout their lives. It is not enough to merely feel sympathy for this woman; we must take tangible steps to transform our attitudes and actions. We can start by forging connections with the elderly in our communities, by listening to their stories, and by offering our time and support. Let us extend our hands, bridging the generational gap, and creating a society that honors and protects our seniors. This photo is not just an image of one discarded woman; it is a reflection of our collective conscience. It reminds us of the power we possess to change the narrative and to create a society that values and cherishes its elders. By standing together, we can dismantle the walls of neglect and rebuild a culture rooted in compassion, respect, and gratitude for those who paved the way before us. As I reflect on this powerful photograph, I implore each of us to examine our attitudes towards the elderly. Let us remember that they were once like us and that, with time, we will become like them. By treating our elders with kindness, dignity, and empathy, we not only honor their invaluable contributions but also foster a society that reveres the wisdom and beauty that come with age. May this image serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring us to create a world where no one is discarded or forgotten—where every elderly person feels valued, loved, and treasured.