#technique ask

[iveoy]

watcher grian

[stealingpotatoes]

I love that the refinement levels of Obi-Wan and Count Dooku mean that you could definitely imagine both of them simultaneously preparing for a lightsaber duel while also rebuking their teammates who are asking them to do the efficient thing and use a blaster. Maybe they can confide in each other during the duel.

LOL yes, and when they're force ghosts they can bond over hating blasters without having to duel

(commission info // tip jar!)

[unboundprompts]

advice for a character who grips control like a lifeline. who wants to be in charge of every little thing because whenever they're not in control of something something bad could happen. has happened. they can't let a single variable be wild or in someone else's hands

How to Write a Controlling Character

Backstory Rooted in Trauma or Guilt

This character likely has a history that has ingrained the belief that they must be in control or face devastating consequences. Perhaps they once trusted someone else with something crucial—a promise, a responsibility, or a life-altering choice—and that trust was broken in a way that had lasting repercussions. For example, maybe they lost someone because they weren’t “careful enough,” or they experienced a betrayal when they trusted another person’s plan.

They might frequently flash back to this moment, possibly catching themselves thinking, If only I’d been the one in control, this wouldn’t have happened. This memory fuels their need to keep a tight grip on everything, especially if they’re in high-stakes situations.

Rigid Daily Routines and Habits

This character’s day is probably packed with small rituals and routines that give them a sense of security. From double-checking door locks to setting multiple alarms, they rely on routines to give themselves a sense of order. In fact, they might be nearly ritualistic about small actions—checking emails three times before sending, never leaving a task halfway finished, or meticulously arranging their workspace.

Even something as simple as making coffee can become a precise process. If someone moves one of their tools or a file from their desk, they may feel a spike of frustration or even anxiety, seeing it as a disruption to their personal “system.” They could feel that control in their daily life is the only thing keeping chaos at bay.

Intensely Observant of Details and Mistakes

They are hyperaware of mistakes or inefficiencies in others, mentally cataloging things like a coworker’s slight lateness or a friend’s disorganization. They may feel a sense of superiority (or frustration) over people who don’t “have it together” and take it upon themselves to organize or “fix” things for others.

In conversation, they might cut people off or “correct” them even over small points, often justifying this to themselves as necessary. For instance, if someone shares a plan that seems half-formed, this character could immediately dive in, pointing out potential problems or filling in details.

Controlling Relationships and Social Situations

This character struggles in relationships where they aren’t the dominant or organizing force. They might instinctively take over when making plans with friends, micromanaging even casual hangouts to make sure everything goes “right.” For example, they might pick the restaurant, plan the travel route, and check weather forecasts—assuming that if they don’t, no one else will think of these things.

When someone resists their attempts at control, they can respond defensively, often turning cold or resentful, unable to understand why anyone wouldn’t want them to manage the situation. Statements like, “Fine, but don’t blame me if this doesn’t go well,” are frequent in their interactions.

Extreme Anxiety or Panic When Control Is Taken Away

When things go beyond their reach, this character might experience panic, as if they’re suddenly powerless. For instance, if an unexpected roadblock prevents them from handling a task (like a canceled flight they needed to board, or a plan that falls apart), they might spend hours trying to regain control, calling every contact or frantically exploring alternatives.

Their reaction may feel extreme to others. Even minor setbacks—such as a colleague taking initiative on a project or a friend planning something without consulting them—can trigger a disproportionate response, like clenching their fists, pacing, or silently stewing as they feel the situation “slipping.”

Inability to Accept Help or Collaboration

Their controlling nature makes it hard for them to collaborate, as they believe their methods are the only ones that work. For them, accepting help feels like an admission of weakness or failure, so they rarely delegate or ask for assistance. If they do reluctantly accept help, they are constantly supervising or “suggesting” things, making it feel more like they’re still in charge.

In a team setting, they might take on all the major tasks, either out of distrust in others’ abilities or a feeling that no one will match their standards. Their motto could be something like, “If you want something done right, do it yourself,” even if that means working late or burning out.

Reluctance to Show Vulnerability or Need

Since vulnerability and control rarely coexist for them, they avoid showing weakness at all costs, preferring to mask stress or struggles as “just part of the job.” If they do become overwhelmed, they’re more likely to shut people out, saying, “I’ve got it handled,” even if it’s far from true.

When people push them to let go or share the load, they might lash out, accusing others of “just not understanding.” They often see their intense responsibility as a form of sacrifice, justifying their behavior with, “If I don’t handle this, who will?”

[thegurlwhoisntthere]

Y’know, I feel like we don’t give the writers enough credit when it comes to Soren

So often when a character is the “comic relief”, they start off with dynamic personalities and then lose them as the season go on (looking at you Cat Valentine and Steve Palchuk), but not Soren

No, Soren somehow manages to jump between being comic relief and genuinely serious and caring seamlessly. And it’s all the same character, too! He doesn’t feel like he’s switching personalities they’re just other facets of who he is and it’s amazing!!!

[deception-united]

hi! do u have any prompts or tips for writing miscommunication?

Hi, thanks for asking! Miscommunication is such a powerful tool in storytelling—it can create tension, humor, heartbreak, disaster, deepen conflict, and make relationships feel more real, all depending on how you use it. Here are some tips and ideas!

1. Give them a reason to misunderstand.

Miscommunication isn’t just about bad hearing or unclear words—it’s about perspective. Each character brings their own biases, fears, and assumptions into a conversation, which shapes how they interpret things.

Examples:

Misreading the other’s tone as disinterest or rudeness, or taking sarcasm seriously.

Being too embarrassed to ask for clarification and pretending to understand.

Hearing part of a conversation and assuming the worst before getting the full story.

2. Use context & distractions to twist the meaning.

Realistic miscommunication often happens because of outside factors, like background noise, stress, exhaustion, or missing context. If your character is in a high-stakes situation, they may be more likely to misinterpret things.

Examples:

Two characters are arguing, and one storms off before hearing the other’s explanation.

A message is delivered at the worst possible time, leading to an unintended misunderstanding.

Assuming they’re being talked about when the topic is something or someone else entirely.

3. Non-verbal miscommunication.

Miscommunication can come from texts, body language, cultural differences, or even personal insecurities—it doesn’t always have to be verbal.

Examples:

Assuming a friend is ignoring them when they’re actually distracted or dealing with something else.

Sending a message to the wrong person.

A nervous laugh at the wrong time, making it seem like they’re mocking someone’s pain.

4. Let it snowball, but not forever.

A small miscommunication can grow into something huge, but at some point, it should ideally be resolved. The longer it lasts, the more consequences it will have, which may be what you’re going for, but it also makes it more frustrating for the reader.

Examples:

Holding a grudge for months over a misunderstanding.

One person finally explains the truth, but the other is too stubborn to believe them—until undeniable proof forces them to see it.

5. Use miscommunication to reveal character flaws.

How your characters handle (or fail to handle) miscommunication can reveal a lot about them. Do they get defensive? Do they double down? Do they laugh it off? Their reaction can reveal a lot about their personality.

Examples:

Always assuming the worst and jumping to conclusions.

Refusing to admit they misunderstood and instead blaming the other person.

Habit of overexplaining, making things even more confusing.

Hope this helped! For more specific prompts, feel free to check out my previous post, linked here.

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[abusivelittlebunny]

love scrolling through your blog like it's the daily newspaper thank you for your services

Thank you so much for your support have this fruity twink as a token of my appreciation

[nouverx]

Was originally just supposed to be a quick painting sketch but I got carried away 🙈

[ask-whitepearl-and-steven]

When exactly will we see Lapis and Peridot again?

You'll see them on 2025, August 21st, 6:03PM PST exactly.

[stump-not-found]

I was wondering if the breathing thing Ford does (where he breaths in for 6 and releases for 4) is a reference to his 6 fingers and Bills 4 fingers? Or am I looking too deep 😭

it is ! i'm glad you caught that :D

[humming-doodles]

using my traditional method of learning how to draw a new character which is to 1) use actual refs, 2) start freehanding, and 3), keep going until it devolves entirely into shitposts 👍 

[delusionsofgrandeur13]

thinking about:

graduated former cheerleader!dick grayson who comes back to help assistant coach at his former college x a still there cheerleader!reader who was secretly fascinated and sort of infatuated with him when they were on the team together

[crtastrophic]

images that make my coworkers never ask me about my art projects ever again

[stealingpotatoes]

I remember you showing us, in your Rebel AU, Kanan being an Anakin Skywalker fanboy, but is Cal a fanboy too?

cal was canonically a huge nerd as a youngling so I feel it's a No (which only gets worse upon meeting ahsoka)

(commission info // kofi support!)

[windvexer]

This is in response to an anonymous ask. Anon has been able to sense what we might call Oversoul or Big animals for a while, but since a significant magical awakening Anon has lost the clarity of their Sight.

Anon has advised that after trying connection techniques that used to work, this problem has not resolved.

---

Anon, I disagree with your hypothesis that this may be an active choice by your spirits, either to test you or to encourage you to do something.

When I went through my 'awakening' I encountered an intense shift in the kind of work I had been able to do, and I had to re-learn old skills I was already confident in. It's happened to me more than once. It blows.

This isn't because I was being tested, but rather because my circuitry was being converted from DC to AC and the 12 volt systems weren't compatible with my hardware any more.

I believe it's normal for practitioners to lose and have to re-learn or adapt around old skills. It sucks, but it happens. It would rarely be my first assumption that these things are spirits wanting distance, or putting us through shit tests, or something.

Here are my suggestions:

Tell them you do not like the distance and it's scary. Invite them back and ask them to stay close.

Put old techniques up on the shelf and try something completely new. Like if before you were attempting grounded visualization, this time try water scrying. Or, shapeshifting during astral travel.

Ask them to send clear, direct messages about how to resume old levels of clarity and contact.

Redirect your focus away from spirit working and towards psychism: perform experiments to see if there are any other changes to your Sensing and try to troubleshoot

Engage the help of an ally known to assist with matters of Sensing and clarity, perhaps including gods, plants, or mineral spirits; or smaller spirits (especially the Dead) who can give you information to improve your Sensing and solve this problem.

Redirect focus towards matters of magical hygiene; regular cleansing, unblocking, and ward maintenance can have material effects on Sensing.

Review all ongoing sorcery and ensure no wards, spells, or any projects could be impacting the ability of spirits to easily arrive to you.

Review many recent actions and ensure you have not accidentally caused offense or accidentally did something to send the spirits away; resolve offenses, known or unknown, through general offering rituals asking to bury the hatchet and resume a positive relationship

[tropicalcontinental]

Human fear is the window to the soul or whatever ://