#lenespeakstothevoid

[lwtis]

what was your experience with the first fic you ever wrote or published?

Oh wow! Thank you for such an interesting ask - this took me really far down memory lane...

If I remember right, the first fic I wrote was an original piece about a vampire girl. It was about her being lonely and the pains of hiding her true nature from people around her - also struggling against the urge to hurt people as was in her vampiric nature.  I actually printed this story out and showed it to some of my friends in school, as well as my crush at the time (mad respect to my pre-teen self, I have no idea how she did it....). They were all very nice about it, and I actually got to read some of my crush’s original fiction in return.

The first fanfiction I posted (according to my ancient DeviantArt account) was...an Itachi x Female OC smut piece. I got some surprisingly nice feedback on it on DA (fanfiction dot net, on the other hand, wasn’t really into it much). 

And then, after diving very deep into the Naruto fandom and pairings and shipping and all the rest of it, I wrote a Sasori x Deidara oneshot. It was a wildly OOC, terribly cliche little get-together story that got a LOT more attention than I feel it deserves :’D But I got a lot of very sweet comments on it and met a lot of fandom friends through it. In a way, that fic was the one that really got me writing fanfiction, and it has a special place in my heart. Even if its grammar makes me want to cry a little. 

And now I feel very very old         

Thank you so much for the ask, Anon! I hope you have a lovely day :D

[lwtis]

top 5 characters!!

...oh God, and I thought a top ten list was hard... 

1. Mordin Solus (Mass Effect)

“Lots of ways to help people. Sometimes heal patients; sometimes execute dangerous people. Either way helps.”   

2. Varric Tethras (Dragon Age)

"There's power in stories. That's all history is: the best tales. The ones that last. Might as well be mine."

3. Riza Hawkeye (Full Metal Alchemist)

“Don’t go where I can’t follow.” 

4. Sugawara Koushi (Haikyuu!!)

“If we go for what’s somewhat safe here, it’ll mean we never changed!” 

5. Anthy Himemiya (Revolutionary Girl Utena)

“A girl who cannot become a Princess is doomed to become a Witch.”

[lwtis]

Top 5 bands/musicians?

1. Garbage 

2. Nightwish

3. Florence + The Machine

4. Panic! At The Disco

5. Hiroyuki Sawano 

(Runners ups are Hozier and Gorillaz!)

[lwtis]

so i have a problem with fics where i know how it's supposed to start and end, but then when i fill in the middle i get kind of confused on how to set the pieces the way it is (and i would say i'd adlib it and if the ending changes, they that's fine but i'm writing a mystery/whodunnit fic) and then the outline becomes messier timeline wise, where i'd get certain scenes that i can see but i don't know how to pace it well within the middle. do you have any advice for this conundrum? thank you!!

Hey Anon! Thank you so much for the ask!

First of all, congratulations on figuring out the beginning and the end! That shit is hard!! With mystery and plot-heavy stories, my main advice for plotting/outlines would be: Keep It As Simple As Possible. Like, stupidly simple and basic at first. 

I’m a big fan of drawing/writing things out on paper, and then typing it all up - helps me visualise things a bit better. Obviously, it’s different for everyone, but I would recommend trying it!

So get a piece of paper and draw up a timeline - with START and END. Write down every plot point that you already have in your head, as simply as possible. So, maybe something like:

START: 

Event happens that kickstarts the plot

Introduction of Character A, who is assigned to solve the case/who decides to solve the case because of (x) reasons. 

Character A travels to (x) location. On the way, he remembers an event that shaped his personality in a big way. He arrives to location feeling anxious and ready to punch someone.  

Then same with the plot points/story beats you have already decided on - like, when things are going to get revealed, when plot twists happen, when certain character interactions happen, ect. Break down everything in your head to the simplest, most basic statement and note them down until you get to the end. This way, you can see what parts need to be worked on better too. 

It could look something like this, maybe? (With way more detail, obviously)

Post-It notes and different coloured pens are freaking awesome at this stage.

So at the end of it, you should have a detailed ‘skeleton’ of your plot - which will hopefully make it easier to navigate when you’re figuring out the details!

On the matter of pacing, I think an important thing to pay attention to is SET UP and PAY-OFF. 

Mystery stories are fun to read because they’re a big puzzle, right? So for every plot twist or reveal, you should have a hint somewhere earlier in the story for it.

You can work backwards too - for example, if the murderer used his expert skills with poisons, you could mention their very relevant degree earlier in the story. Or if the culprit is a master manipulator, maybe characters could reminisce about how amazing they always were at tabletop games where you had to lie. 

Traditionally speaking, most of the set-ups could be in the first half of the story, and the pay-offs are in the latter half of the story. I would suggest drawing another graph to see where they are, so you can see how it looks.   

Another tip I find helpful is that every scene should serve SOME sort of purpose - to move the story along, for characters to develop, for relationships to change, for the audience to learn something new ect. 

Basically, A THING has to happen.

So if you’re stuck, maybe try examining a chapter that you think worked really well and flowed nicely. 

How many THINGS happened? 

Try and break it down, like - two ‘plot moves forwards’ THINGS, two ‘character’ THINGS, one ‘relationship’ THING, one ‘mood building’ THING, ect. That could serve as a good guide/template for when certain chapters are not flowing well and are giving you trouble.  

Lastly - if things really just refuse to work out, put it down and walk away. Sometimes, all you need is a good night’s sleep or a few days’ break. Or a shower. A lot of good solutions come in the shower. 

Oh, and of course - consume lots of different media! Mystery stories, films and if you’re into that kind of thing, video games! Visual novels have a really interesting and effective way of feeding you information and leading you to the conclusion. The Ace Attorney and Dangan Ronpa series are the first to come to mind, but there are loads more. 

I sincerely hope this was somewhat understandable? I hope I didn’t misunderstand your ask completely - let me know if you want me to clarify anything! Best of luck with your story - I hope you have fun writing it! <3 

[lwtis]

what are your tips for writing fanfiction?

Sorry for the late reply, dear Anon! I started the year off with a broken WiFi and it’s only been fixed now =0=This was a really fun question to answer, thank you so much! I’m very flattered you’d be interested in tips from me :D <3

Read a Lot

Not just fanfiction - books (nonfiction too, if that’s your thing), short stories, poetry, essays, comics. I find it extremely helpful in aiding my own writing to study lots of different kinds of text. Absorbing the vocabulary. Sometimes you’ll stumble across a really cool sentence that you’ll want to try out in your own writing. It’s also an amazing resource for different kinds of writing/scenarios (like fight scenes or describing a room and such.)

Reading just fanfiction is great for getting the feel for specific characterisations and settings, but in my personal experience, it gets a little confusing sometimes when you’re trying to nail down your own voice/style of sorts. Which is why I’d recommend reading lots of other things too. 

Be unapologetic about your indulgences

One of my favourite things is crossovers and AUs. I’m a bit of a magpie - I collect characters, settings, plot points, story beats and emotional arcs I enjoy from everywhere and then I mash them together for my own entertainment.

I know this is a pretty standard suggestion, but definitely lean into ideas that make you excited.

Do you want to write a crossover from an obscure game? A crossover with something massively popular? Do you want to focus on the minor character who Deserved Better and give them the epic adventure they so obviously deserve? Do you have some Emotions you’d like to work out/through, using these characters? Do you want to make a kickass self-insert character? Do you want to write porn with very little plot and that one specific kink no one seems to be writing for? Do you just want to write a coffee shop AU where the stakes are absolutely minimal and you get to work in three very specific headcanons about the characters’ music/coffee preferences?

Fucking Go For It.  

Scrapbook!

If you like drawing, sketch fanart or concepts for your fanfic! Make playlists! Collect images that inspires you or would fit into your fic! I personally find this stuff really fun and it helps keep up my enthusiasm for working on the fic itself.  

Do your research

Kind of ties in with the Read A Lot point - but if your story includes details/topics you’re not very familiar with, I’d recommend doing at least a Wikipedia-level research. Doubly so if you’re dealing with cultures you’re unfamiliar with. Having more knowledge and more specific details usually helps with the writing itself too. Plus, you always stumble on something interesting! I would also recommend asking friends/family/acquaintances because a lot of times, people around us will have knowledge about the odd specific thing we need to know (I think we all know One barista and One person who owns at least two swords).

NOTE: If you’re googling specific map routes and you’re freaking out because Google is not telling you what the most popular alcoholic drink in Colorado is, you probably need to chill the fuck out and relax. It’s not that important. (Yes, this is a self-call out.) 

Be patient with yourself

It’s fanfiction. It will take as long as it takes and it’s okay. Honestly.

Like with all skills, it takes a while to develop certain shortcuts and processes. Finding characters’ voices sometimes takes a few tries (and fics) to get to a level you’re happy with. So if it’s taking longer than you expected, try not to be hard on yourself. It’s hard to write a lot of the times, especially when you’re balancing Real Life too.The most important thing, at the end of the day, is to have fun with it. Or to unwind with it. Or to enjoy getting to create a thing. So try not to let fanfiction of all things stress you out, at the end of the day. 

I hope this is somewhat useful! Thank you so much for the ask, Anon - I hope you have a wonderful day! <3  

[lwtis]

Tag Game

Name ten favourite characters from ten different things (books, tv, film etc.) then tag someone else.

Tagged by the lovely @starsmadeinheaven <3

1. Mass Effect - Mordin Solus

2. Dragon Age - Varric Tethras  

3. South Park - Kenny McCormick

4. Dangan Ronpa: Kyoko Kirigiri

5. Good Omens - Crowley

6. Full Metal Alchemist - Riza Hawkeye

7. Six of Crows - Nina Zenik 

8. Elementary: Joan Watson

9. Hamlet - Ophelia (I’ve been on a theatre binge the past week)

10. Neon Genesis Evangelion: Misato Katsuragi

I taaaaag @kivea @prodigyblood @mysterikat and anyone else who fancies doing it!

[lwtis]

End Of Year Fic-Writer Meme

This has been a long, weird year, and if you’re like me, you wrote a whole whack of fic over the course of it. So here’s a bunch of questions to ask about that:

What’s your personal favourite thing you wrote this year? 

Catch Me If You Can, most probably. I’m really pleased with the world-building and the pacing, and it’s just an awesome feeling having finished a multi-chapter fic. Concept-wise, Crown To Match My Queen is a close second.

What’s your least favourite thing you wrote this year?

Probably The Importance Of A Well Maintained Spreadsheet (And A Good Label Gun). I just couldn’t get it to work - I really love the concept and it feels like I couldn’t do it justice. Every time I re-read it, I keep finding new bits I want to re-write - not enough plot to justify the lack of shippy stuff, and not enough shippy stuff to justify the lack of plot LOL  

Which of your fics was most different from what you usually write?

Probably Dream Inside The Static (thriller/horror) ! Or Sous Le Ciel De Paris (somewhat anecdotal piece light on the plot and heavy on the introspection about inspiration and feeeelings).  

Which of your fics this year was most successful?

To All The Demons Under My Bed! I am actually kind of shocked how well-received this fic was. But I’m really happy, mostly because the lovely birthday girl really liked it <3

Which of your fics do you wish was more successful?

Dream Inside The Static is something I really love but has some of the least hits and kudos. Understandable - it’s a horror fic set in space with a bad ending xDDD I did get a lot of really lovely comments on it though, and enough ideas and speculation for a sequel in the near-future-sometime <3

What’s your favourite piece of dialogue you wrote this year?

Oh man, that’s hard. But probably this:

“...you’re so beautiful.” he murmurs, fingers brushing against Kyle’s cheek. He licks his lips nervously. “...you’re just...just like - “

“If you compare my eyes to some sort of fucking gemstone, I’m going to break your nose.” Kyle cuts in. His traitorous hands waste no time in grabbing onto the front of Kenny’s blazer. “And then I’m going to write a horrendously pretentious poem about it, title it your name and get it published in every magazine that I can get my hands on. Don’t try me.”

From Sous Le Ciel De Paris

Or this:

“I’ll send right over.” Kenny nods, reaching for the empty mugs. He waits until the other’s shoulders relax a fraction before speaking again. “But if you really are so worried about my sperm count, you are more then welcome to check. Make sure everything is alright.”

From Health Hazards

What’s your favourite piece of description or narration?

Another tough one...probably either this:

The scent soon winds its way to his nose, warm and heavy with spices he cannot name. The chatter is low and lively, most of the tables already occupied. A carefully painted night sky is splashed on the walls and across the ceiling, astronomically-accurate stars twinkling in luminescent paint. In the corner stands a vintage piano with well-loved ivory keys, a dozen small framed photographs balanced on top.  

From Catch Me If You Can, Chapter 3

Or this:

Sweet, round cheeks, with a button nose to match - a little crooked, as if broken years before, and smattered with freckles. His bangs curl around his face messily, thick enough to hide both his ears. When his lips tug into a self-conscious, close-lipped smile, it looks even sweeter than it ever did in his mind’s eye. And in that moment - watching the sunlight paint a dappled pattern over the freckled skin of Kenny’s nose - all of Stan’s sappy ramblings suddenly make sense.

From Seven Days To The Wolves

Which fic this year was most fun to write?

Probably taste for the cherry (I just need to take a bite). Writing sweet, raunchy romance set in a gay burlesque club was really fun. I need to write more Kyley-B, he is a riot. Also anything set in the Stick of Truth universe (Tell Me The Story Of Our Legacy, A Little Wicked) was just super fun. I really love writing political machinations and regency courting. Plus the aesthetics!!

If you could go back and change something about one of the fics you wrote this year, what would it be?

Mostly everything about Importance Of. Also, I would have loved to add a few more clues into the build-up of who the main villain of Catch Me If You Can turned out to be, because I feel like it comes a little out of left field. 

What, if anything, are you going to try to do differently in your writing in the new year?

I am going to try this mysterious method of writing a few chapters ahead with my next multi-chapter fic instead of posting it right away. Try being the key word there! Otherwise I am going to attempt to stop posting things at 3am, as it leads to very harried corrections the next morning. 

(Fellow fic-writers, feel free to nick this, if you feel like doing it!)

It’s been an interesting year, getting back into writing after such a long time. I’m really grateful for all the wonderful people I got to meet, talk with, all the awesome projects I got the chance to take a part in, and for everyone who left me kudos, comments or reblogs on my stories. Thank you so, so much - I treasure them all. Here’s to next year! <3

[lwtis]

You like tarot reading? Then hear me out xD the high priestess, wheel of fortune, death, the hanged man, the sun

I am very fond of tarot, yes! I love the open interpretation and the gorgeous designs of it. It’s dangerous though - once you start collecting decks, there’s no turning back…(too many pretty designs, not enough money).

the high priestess: what is your dream date?

Great conversation and lots of laughter, complete with some great food and maybe a thoughtful gesture or two. To be honest, if the company is good, the rest is just icing on the cake. I do like long walks in lovely weather and flowers, though. (Also, as this is a dream date, my shoes stay comfortable the whole way through, it doesn’t rain and my eyeliner doesn’t come off after an hour.) 

wheel of fortune: first three songs that come on shuffle?

One Point Perspective - Arctic Monkeys

Arsonist’s Lullaby - Hozier

I Am The Fire - Halestorm

the hanged man: favorite movie soundtrack?

I tend to get more stuck in game soundtracks, but I did listen the hell out of the very first Transformers’ movie’s soundtrack, so we’ll go with that. Instrumental-soundtrack-wise, I adore the music of The Shape of Water. Excellent to write to as well~

Special shout-out to the soundtrack of Pacific Rim because hell fucking yeaaah.

death: what are three things you want to do before you die?

Paint a piece straight onto the wall/wallpaper of a room, get one of my stories published in some form (writing/illustration/a combination) and to befriend my inner demons to a degree where we can inhabit my flesh prison together in a little more harmony. 

the sun: do you believe in magic?

Sort of? I do believe there are some magical, lovely things in the world that can’t really be explained. Besides, it’s kind of fun to believe in magic to a certain degree. Like with good luck charms, wishing on eyelashes and the Loch Ness monster (I hope she’s having a wonderful day.) 

Funny story - when I was younger, I used to try and use ‘magic’ on the traffic lights when my Mom was driving me to school in the morning to make sure we would get there on time. And I’m not saying that it was my intense scowling/concentration that made them stay green for just long enough, but it happened often enough to make me happy :D

Thank you so much for the asks, Stars!

[lwtis]

I got tagged by @starsmadeinheaven and then I sent off the ask privately before I even finished, like a moron. Curse you, slippery fingers - stars, I’m so sorry! Thank you again for sending that, it was a really sweet thing to wake up to <3

Original ask: When you get this you have to answer with 5 things you like about yourself,publicly. Then,send this ask to 10 of your favourite blogs you follow (Non-negotiable, positivity is cool!)💖💖💖 

1. I have an excellent sense of humour that ranges between dry as fuck and just. Very simple. Most of the people in my life seem to appreciate it, though. 

2. Under normal circumstances, I have mostly endless patience and I’m a very loyal person.  

3. I’m a pretty good storyteller - mostly, I can recount seemingly mundane happenings/memories/observations to others in a manner that makes it much more exciting and enjoyable than it probably is.  

4. I draw very cute snails and ants on birthday/Christmas cards.   

5. I take pretty good photos - my favourite subjects are skies, animals, graffiti and sneaky snapshots of my loved ones. The most successful posts on my brother’s Instagram is shots taken by me :)

[lwtis]

Me: *has written a 22k+ fic and 4 oneshots from Kyle's perspective*

Also me, staring at my current WIP: Kyle, my sweet angry child, I have no idea how to write you

[lwtis]

Me: Alright, I've exhausted my playlist of sexy poledancing music for inspo. Spotify, show me new, fresh beats

Spotify: How about the first Pussycat Dolls album from a mere thirteen years ago