#ms.mailbox 📬

[orchidyoonkook]

Do you have any tips for new writers/accounts to get popular???

Hello!!!!!

SO:

I was a shit writer for a very long time cuz I never wrote. But one day I wanted to change that so at 19 I made up a story and wrote down all my plot points and then did a DEEP DIVE on Pinterest of all things collecting every bit of advice I could. I’m talking ideas, how to do this, how to not use the word said, how to start sentences. How sentences should flow and their lengths, big uncommon words. EVERYTHING.

Anything and everything I could get my hands on. 

And on top of that I’ve been a reader for forever. I have so many books I don’t even know how many I have. And so I use that knowledge when editing. I don’t read it from a writing POV after I write it. I turn into a reader and think about how I would feel about it from a readers POV and if something doesn’t work. I fix it.

I have a small background in script writing from my college days which definitely helped a bit. But if you’ve ever studied script writing you know it doesn’t really help creative writing outside of structure.

And when I write I’m someone who writes until I think the story is done. Not the arc. Not the characters. But the overall story of what I’m trying to portray. I don’t actively think about putting the climax of the story here or some foreshadowing there. I write intuitively if that makes sense. I try to sense out what feels right. And some of that comes naturally, some of it doesn’t and I have to work on it.

Me and @violetsiren90 were actually talking roughly about this last night. Our differences in how we write and how my advice from her last fic that I edited had already helped her with her new one cuz she can now see all of the little things that I pick up on from my style of writing versus the times where she tells me why she writes in that specific way and why she will be keeping it as is. Vi if you wanna add anything in the comments I’m forgetting, by all means feel free.

Most writers will tell you to practice. To tell you to write something even if it’s just a sentence everyday. But that didn’t help me. The stuff on my blog are the very first things I’ve written for myself ever. I didn’t write in highschool or college outside of what I was forced to write and my one story that the Pinterest board was initially for.

For me it was about researching style and reading posts like these from other writers, being confident in your style and learning what rules to break and when to break them. It was about reading over your work a hundred times and to be impartial when you read so you can fix the mistakes that won’t work.

The benefit of writing is you can go over something you’ve written a hundred times until you think it’s ready. A thousand times. I can go back and rewrite that first story if I want too. Nothing can stop me.

But don’t get me wrong. I go back and read all my works on here from time to time and I still constantly find things I would change now. Word changes. Phrasing changes. Everything. But that’s just another sign of improvement. Writing is a constantly improving art form. There is no limit. Only growth.

And the last thing I do is write down everything. I have a TERRIBLE memory. So I write down every single idea. On a scrap piece of paper. In my phone. On a computer. In a notebook. Cuz you never know when you’ll use it.

My most recent story, The Devil Wears Valentino, I got the idea for that name sometime in the immediate aftermath of Valentino Yoongi. I was in the shower after watching the devil wears Prada and my mind just connected the two. And then it sat unused in my notes all until the week before Halloween 2023. I would’ve forgotten had I not written it down. But there it was right when I needed it, a gift from past me. And here we are.

As for popularity, dude I have no goddamn idea. I don’t even think I count as a popular/big blog. I utilize the HELL out of aesthetics, formatting and tags and I’m nice. That’s my spiel on that. Aesthetic. Format. Tag. Kindness. Talent, sure. I guess. But writing is one of those things, ESPECIALLY in fic, where it doesn’t have to be the best cuz folks just wanna read their comfort character or person in the same scenarios over and over again. Source: I do that. And I’ve read stories that don’t have the best writing. But the story was good, or vice versa. People are way more forgiving on here.

I didn’t come on here(tumblr) with the intention of writing let alone giving writing and popularity advice. I just wanted to read and support people and then the community I’ve built for myself has just grown and grown and I’ve been so incredibly fortunate, which is where kindness comes in.

Leave reviews and like and reblog stuff. Tell people how much you love their work. Let them know you write too. Create friendships with people who wanna support you. And people who you wanna support. Community is the base of everything.

[orchidyoonkook]

I can't remember if I asked you this before. If I did, then you could just ignore this message. But.. I'm really curious about your opinion about characters. I know everyone prefers insert characters since they have been mostly more inclusive for people who enjoy reading characters.

But what's your opinion about original characters. Like the characters who might actually have face claims as some visual representation of those characters? Since I know many people don't care about original characters like that anymore. Which is understandable in some ways.

Howdy! I’m hoping I’m understanding this question correctly! 😅😅

So as for reading: I personally don’t really read insert fics if the character is named or has major descriptors that don’t match me. Stuff like: plus sized characters or different skin tone, eye colour, etc. And it’s not because I do not enjoy that kind of content or don’t want to appreciate that authors work or the place in which that creation comes from, but it more so feels like a space that was not intended for me to be in, so I just. Don’t. (In a dramatic example: it would be like me (atheist) going into a church for mass. Like I can appreciate it and see the beauty in it. But it’s clearly not something meant for me as I will never fully understand it. And so that creates a disconnect for me)

There are exceptions every once in a while. I read a fic a long long time ago where the insert character was in a wheelchair and honestly it was such a beautiful story. I loved it.

As for writing: god do I wanna make characters simply for my peace of mind dude. Writing insert is fun and all for the inclusivity but you have to be SO. CAREFUL. with your words and your phrases and your actions and everything. Because it is a character meant to be replaced by the person reading it, commonly with themselves. So if I screw up and say something like “rose tinted cheeks” or “straight long hair” or “as he rose tall above her” these are all phrases that could potentially not relate to some folks and it’s extremely mentally exhausting as someone who only wrote charactered stories prior where I never had to worry about it. So it’s exhausting but also a fun challenge. I’ll continue to write insert fics here but maybe every once in a while I’ll throw myself a bone and be like “this character has long smooth hair” or “this character is on the thinner side” in my warnings just to have some leeway with descriptions. And that way the readers know prior to going in as well.

As for not reading insert fan fiction, I love all characters. Big, small, physically strong or weak, mentally strong or weak, all skin colours, all weights and sizes, everything. I love seeing what authors come up with and how it then ingrains into the character themself.

Like how I could never imagine Aelin from Throne of Glass as anything but blonde. Or how I always picture Jude with her signature hair horns and how they just suit her character so well, or how America from The Selection just embodies her name whole heartedly. How Clary Fray is an artist and it’s core to who she is. I love it. So so much.

I hope that’s the kind of answer you were looking for? 😅😅. There’s a very real chance I may have misunderstood but thank you for asking regardless!! This was a super fun ask!

[orchidyoonkook]

ok. I am extremely anti-AI but also extremely pro Mr. Min With A Sword. Luckily, so are:

Agust D

and SUGA

And Min Yoongi

I don't think I mentioned it before, but I'm actually an epee fencer, so yeah. Sword Yoongi and Sword Jimin* really make me feel some kind of way. Like I think they're gorgeous. But also I want to go a few bouts against them...

Jimin*

I literally don’t know what it is but something about him (them) with a sword just does things to be that no other thing can. I’m usually irl decently composed and can contain myself when I’m attracted to something, but sword yoongi just. I melt. I sob. I do NOT shut up. Like when I saw the pic I IMMEDIATELY showed my partner and proceeded to giggle and stare like a school girl. It makes me into a freaking middle schooler with her first crush. I’m so done bad for him. So I get you. Fr fr.

Also you’re a fencer!!!!???? That’s so cool!!?? I’m sure every time you reveal that you get asked if you’ve seen 2521, but in case you haven’t seen it, it’s really good!!!!

I went to school with a fencer who was on my country’s national team and trying for the Olympics. Everybody always thought he was super cool cuz he used to travel a lot for it. Respectfully, I think you’d kick yoongi and Jimins asses and I’d happily watch.

[orchidyoonkook]

You are an April babe?? I am March!! that too, only by two days!!!!

Thank you so much for congratulating me though, means a lot, especially when it comes from co-writers. ✨

Btw, you just said you don't mind me being an annoying brat. So, please get ready to receive a lot of asks. 👀

*user runs to mom*

Mom I just made a new frienddddddddd!!!

OMG NO WAY. I’m April 3rd so you’re literally only a few days away!!!!

And of course!! Though I will say you are skies above me!! But now I have a new writer to delve into which is so exciting!!! And seriously that’s an incredible milestone to reach!!

Ahhh I love it!! I love hearing from everyone so I’m looking forward to it!!

*user runs to new friends mom too*

Your kid is really nice!! I’m excited to be friends with them

[orchidyoonkook]

me: 0

oversleeping: 1000

-✨

Star I felt this on such a. Visceral level you don’t even know. You DONT EVEN KNOW

[orchidyoonkook]

So a year ago a masterpiece was created here on tumblr 😩 AND YOU WROTE SOMETHING? DID I SEE THAT RIGHT

I got a request three days ago! I didn’t see it until last night and my brain just. VOMITED everywhere. And it was short so I was able to get it out today and when I was updating my masterlist I saw that I had created it a year ago today!! I just loved the coincidence 😅🥰

AND YES YOU DID. SO YES I DID WRITE SOMETHING. AND EVEN BETTER. IM ALMOST DONE CHPT FIVE OF MY JK SERIES AFTER WAY TO GODDAMN LONG OF A BREAK 🥹😃😃😃😃

I’m literally so happy.

Also hi love. I adore seeing you in my asks. I hope you know that.

[orchidyoonkook]

Hello, I hope you are well ❤❤ this year we will still have updates on the chapters of To What We Were Before, And All The Things After ?

Hello!!

Yes!! I’m hoping to have several updates on it!! Time just has not been on my side as of late. But I really wanna get some chapters out!!

Thank you for asking!

[orchidyoonkook]

About your personal,

I know exactly how you feel, and I'm in a similar boat. I have no idea what I want in life, and I'm not sure what makes me happy. But, I just keep trying to push through each day and find small things of happiness. It's so easy to get overwhelmed in this day and age where everyone expects you to have it all figured out. The important thing is that you can make mistakes as you figure yourself out. I hope this gives you a little peace of mind that you're not the only one who is feeling this way. Its best to do what will make you and your partner happy bacsue that's the only thing we can strive for in this life. Wishing you all the best!❤️

Thank you, love. This did help.

I’m trying to figure out what will be best for me. It’s just that there’s a lot that could be great but that could also not be so great if something goes haywire. Unfortunately that’s also just life.

I think I’m just in a weird place where I’m not able to use my prior education, I don’t have a real goal to strive towards, and I’ve never had that before so I don’t quite know what to do with myself.

It’s really nice to know other people are in the same boat. I don’t want to have it all figured out, but a general direction to know to go in would be nice. You know?

Thank you though, for your kind and comforting words. They truly truly mean the world ♥️♥️.

I adore you.

[orchidyoonkook]

hi yoonieeee!! how are you today ? hope you had/have an amazing day just like you 🫶🫶 make sure you grab something yummy to eat, hydrate and take good care of yourself 💕💕

i finally finished my exams this week !! one of them was really really fucking hard and even the teachers complained about it 💔 i just have to take my cambridge exam next month and then i can chill a bit before finals start knocking at my door (also jinnie comes home like two days before i finish school 🤭) right now i'm literally trying to not fall asleep sitting 😭 i'm really tired but i just got out of the shower and i have to wait for my hair to dry 💔

-✨

Hi Baby Star!!!!

I’m good!! And I’ve been eating and drinking and snacking good!! My new jobs let’s me snack on the job so I’ve been able to get more nutrients!!

AHHHHHH IM SO PROUD OF YOUUUUUUUU!!!!! THATS MY BABY STAR🦅🦅🦅🦅‼️‼️‼️‼️

One hard exam is okay. You don’t have to be good at everything. I sure as hell was NOT.

I hope your Cambridge exam goes well!! I have no doubt you’ll kick its ass!!

JIN COMES HOME BEFORE YOU FINISH!?? BEST COMPLETION REWARD. EVER.

I hope your shower went well and you got some sleep!! Please take care of yourself and eat and sleep and drink water too!!!♥️♥️♥️♥️

Proud of you baby star ♥️

[orchidyoonkook]

missing yoongi hours 😞

-✨

😞 Yeah…

[orchidyoonkook]

hi im starting to get out of my shell from becoming a silent reader 🤕 i really loved TDWV! i’m working on my review to send soon :-) i hope you’ve been well orchid and started settling into the move!

Oh my gosh hello!!! It’s so lovely to meet you!!

Thank you for doing some shell breaking and with me of all the wonderful folk out here!?? I’m honoured ♥️.

I’m so happy you loved TDWV!! I worked really hard on it so to know that it’s reaching audiences who enjoy its contents makes me so so happy!! And I’m super looking forward to your review, love!

I’m doing much better thank you, and I’m trying my best to settle. thank you for the warm wishes and I send some right back! 😘😘

[orchidyoonkook]

THANKS FOR REMINDING ME HOW NOT NORMAL I AM ABOUT YOONGI WITH A SWORD

YOURE WELCOME :)))))))))))))

[orchidyoonkook]

hey yoonie !! i'm a bit late today 😭 but hope you have a great day 🫶 make sure to eat something, hydrate and take care 💕💕

-✨

Hi baby!!

It’s okay if you’re late or have to skip a day or two!! There’s no pressure to check up every day, only if you’re feeling in the mood!

I’m super good today because I’m going to the store to pick up a book I preordered months ago!!! So that’s what I’ll be doing over the weekend!!

I’ve had a drink and some snacks today too!!

[orchidyoonkook]

yoooon !! get well soon !! 🫶🫶

Thank you most wonderful human ♥️♥️. I will try my best ♥️♥️. I’m sort of bedridden rn. But that means I can work on stuff!! (when I’m not unconscious).

[orchidyoonkook]

i will go cry right now thank you *sniffs*

-✨

HUGS ALL AROUND FOR STAR ♥️♥️♥️🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂

[orchidyoonkook]

fun fact of the day: i have my midterms next week and i've been planning on skipping most of the classes this week to study. i normally finish school at 8:00 and i came home today around 6:20 to study. it's currently 8:05 and all i've been doing is stay in bed and read fics 😭😭

-✨

Honestly valid. Sometimes your brain just needs a break from the constant barrage of information and in the end it usually will help you remember more cuz you’ve given it the rest it needs to be able to absorb info again. So 10/10 for taking care of your brains needs.