#writing interview tag game

[fangbangerghoul]

✨Writing Interview Tag Game✨

Tagged the other day by @roguishcat Sorry this is so late I turned off my notifications at the start of my semester. I've been really stressed lately.

When did you start writing?

Kindergarten. Jk. Um...fanfiction? 2007/08? It was personal writing with a friend in a bunch of notebooks. Didn't start posting till 2022 when The Batman came out. (dont look into this fact)

Are there different themes or genres you enjoy reading than what you write?

I almost exclusively read Vampire/fantasy Romance. So, there is a difference. There have been a few books outside of that category I tackle but its normally related to my college work. I do think those horror/goth themes seep into my writing.

Is there a writer you want to emulate or get compared to often?

I do not think my writing has been compared to any other writing, at least not to me directly. I do really love the world building Charlaine Harris created. It is so lovely and to be able to write such an addicting 13 book series is something I hope to achieve as well.

Can you tell me a bit about your writing space?

I'm lazy so here's a picture:

What's your most effective way to muster up a muse?

It used to be absorbing other content by other artists but lately I couldn't tell you. I've been considering quitting writing for some time because I just don't enjoy it as much as I was.

Are there any recurring themes in your writing? Do they surprise you?

Yes, angry violent woman. No it does not surprise me. There have been some themes of sexual assault and abandonment. Also doesn't surprise me.

What is your reason for writing?

Community. When I started writing in 2007/08 it was with a friend and the comradery filled a need I didn't have. I started again last year and found some community. It was great for the time being. Now I am not sure. I know most people say you should write for yourself but being a depressed person since the age of 9 it hard to center yourself like that. Another reason I am thinking about just quitting for some time at least till I find that spark again or reason.

Is there any specific comment or type of comment you find particularly motivating?

When the parts I had the most fun writing get complimented. I also appreciate the comments that pull favorite quotes. They are really wholesome and make me feel like my writing is appreciated.

How do you want to be thought about by your readers?

I am okay with being the writer of the story that lives rent free in the back of your mind because it had such a mind-blowing event. Or maybe just a story that is thought of fondly occasionally.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

Perhaps character psychology?

How do you feel about your own writing?

Right now, I am not my biggest fan but that's okay. I really wish I had a more poetic approach to writing or at least better with descriptions. I worry sometimes my writing is all events and no emotion.

When you write, are you influenced by what others might enjoy reading, or do you write purely for yourself, or a mix of both?

Though my reason for writing is community at the end of the day when I can write I try to focus on stories I will enjoy or need to get off my chest. There have been a few fics in the past I wrote solely for mutuals, and I do not mind doing that because it brings me a lot of joy to create for others.

(I know some of the answers may have sounded a little sad. I want to clarify I am not looking for sympathy this is just truly how I feel at the time being and that is okay. I am okay with it.)

Tagging with no obligation:

@bearlytolerant @interplanet--janet @staticpallour @lisa-and-shadow @therealgchu

@soloavengers @arisenreborn @dryad-of-the-dogwood @eridanidreams @kimberbohwrites

[vixstarria]

🩸✨Writing Interview Tag Game✨🩸

Thank you for the tag @marlowethebard and @snowfolly ^_^ This was fun.

When did you start writing?

The very first time I remember getting a kick out of writing was, I think, in 6th grade. I was writing little stories, I think with me and my friends as characters, and passing them around, and we were losing our shit laughing in class.

Then I wrote some fics for Final Fantasy 8 in my early teens. Then a whole lot of nothing. Then suddenly I was in my 30's and BG3 happened.

Are there different themes or genres you enjoy reading more than what you write?

It's hard to say - I love, love, reading horror, but I haven't even tried writing any myself. Sci-fi as well.

And, on the flipside, I don't read [non-fanfic] erotica at all, despite all the smut I've written.

Is there a writer you want to emulate or get compared to often?

I haven't thought of that... I haven't been compared to anyone, to my knowledge, and I certainly haven't been consciously trying to emulate anyone either, but on giving my Goodreads history a scroll, I did pause at Martha Wells (author of Murderbot Diaries, which I adore), and thought 'hah!'. I guess if I had to pick someone who might have a similar style, that may be a good example. Un-purple, irreverent, deadpan and sarcastic.

Can you tell me a bit about your writing space?

A desktop computer in our home study. Soft, comfy computer chair big enough for me to sit cross-legged. Two large screens, one for writing, one for haphazard googling and looking up synonyms. Scrivener. A cat that's constantly trying to get my attention. A partner sitting across from me, who won't stop fkn coughing gods-fucking-damnit let me make you some nice hot fucking tea, my love, fuck!

What’s your most effective way to muster up a muse?

Maladaptive daydreaming, preferably combined with a walk or a jog. Lying down and trying to fall asleep usually also does the trick.

Are there any recurring themes in your writing? Do they surprise you?

Can't say, I've been writing the same series this whole time, and I don't know whether anything might count as a recurring theme if it's all part of one whole.

What is your reason for writing?

I don't know how to stop.

Is there any specific comment or type of comment you find particularly motivating?

Being told that someone likes my OC, that I get origin characters' voices right, and, especially, that I made someone laugh or brightened someone's day.

How do you want to be thought about by your readers?

Hmm. I think I just want to be thought about, period, lol. As in, stand out and not be forgettable.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

I think I'm good at realistic-sounding dialogue.

I mean, I mumble so much of it back to myself as I write, I fkn better be.

How do you feel about your own writing?

Well, I cringe at my early fics, so I guess it's improving, which is a good thing.

When you write, are you influenced by what others enjoy or might enjoy reading, or do you write purely for yourself, or a mix of both?

My series has been for myself, although I'll occasionally sprinkle in something that I'm neither hot nor cold about, just to try to do something a little different / give myself a challenge, knowing that someone else will like it.

Tagging: @ineadhyn @spacebarbarianweird @brabblesblog @tragedybunny @grandmother-goblin

[lqtraintracks]

Writing Interview

Thanks so much for the tag @starquestingfordrarry! <333

how many works do you have on ao3? 337

what's your total ao3 word count? 1,454,047

your top 5 stories by kudos

Right Hand Red (with freakin’ 40,662; sorry, I just noticed that it had ticked over the 40k mark and I’m flabbergasted and so grateful as well <3 )

Hung Like a Horntail

Slip Into My Lover’s Hands

Weeds or Wildflowers written with sdk / @unmistakablyoatmeal

check this hand ‘cause I’m marvelous

do you respond to comments? Er… yes?? Like, very. verrrrry. slowly. But I’ll admit that some will never get answered because I lose steam and then when I start trying again, I start with the newest ones. This might sound horn-tooty, which is not how I intend it, but with the number of stories I’ve written, I get a lot of comments. I’ve found it impossible to keep up, but I do my best, even if my best is sometimes a bit crappy. I do read and appreciate every comment I get though!

what's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending? I don’t really do angsty endings often. When I do, it’s usually a Prongsfoot or something. Of the Drarry fics I’ve written, I have one open ending but it’s still pretty hopeful, and that’s Burning the Ground. 

what's the fic you've written with the happiest ending? All of them. :D My goal in life is to get readers (and myself) to cry with joy at the end of my stories. Some standouts just from memory are Heart Like Neon, Bolts, Take You Home, Jasmine in Bloom, Right Hand Red, Blood and Fire, and The Most Splendid Thing. 

do you write crossovers? Maybe one or two over the last 25 years. So, statistically, not so much. 

have you ever received hate on a fic? LOL of course. :D But I don’t linger on those comments. They’re quite few honestly. 

do you write smut? No, never. 

have you ever had a fic stolen? Yes. 

have you ever had a fic translated? Yes. Quite a few have been. Not even sure how many languages, but I know there are several in Russian, Chinese, and I think both Spanish and Portuguese. 

have you ever co-written a fic? Yes! With the incredibly talented sdk, @the-starryknight, and @nv-md! (And one round robin with like 552 people lol.)

what's your all-time favorite ship? Drarry, my beloved. <3

what's a WIP that you want to finish but don't think you ever will? I don’t really have wips. I’m a chronic finisher. I did start something last year for a friend’s birthday and then pooped out. I ended up writing her a completely different pairing months later. And then I took some of the vibes and ideas from that unfinished fic and wrote them into other fics that I *did* finish, so… Cannibalism. Yeah. 

what are your writing strengths? LOL finishing things! :D Also: smut, for sure. Humor. Sort of achy, hot romances? My trademark is writing tenderness and filth simultaneously. I’ve gotten good at pacing things well, so that beats and arcs feel well-rounded and satisfying, I think. 

what are your writing weaknesses? Ugh, plot!!! Specifically non-romance-or-pairing-based plotlines are difficult for me. Heavy angst. Also stakes. I struggle to up the stakes for my characters enough to give a big payoff. I struggle to make my characters change enough or to effectively write that change in a satisfying way. (This applies more to my original writing than to fic, I think.)

what are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic? I’m not sure what the hot take here is and if there is one I’m missing it. My original novel has a Spanish speaker and he will sometimes slip into Spanish during conversation. I wanted to get that right, so I had a native Spanish speaker (hi @capipuff!) read it to correct my bad Google-translated Spanish. So I guess my thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in fic is, do your best to get it right?

what's a fandom/ship you haven't written for yet but want to?  If I want to write something, I write it. :D 

what's your favorite thing you've ever written? Oof. Wow. I want to say my original novel, even though it’s also more flawed than my fic tends to be. It’s certainly one of the things I’m most proud to have written. <3 Usually my favorite fic is the last thing I’ve written and that’s true right now as well. I love The Most Splendid Thing. But before that, my favorite was probably Jasmine in Bloom, and before that it was Take You Home. Bolts is for sure in the running. Heart Like Neon is way up there as well. As is My Name in Your Mouth, because I love that Teddy Lupin with all my horny heart. 

Okay I'm going to tag some of you fine folks now: Ali, you're it! Also, @writcraft @shiftylinguini @phoebe-delia @wholahoop @saintgarbanzo @academicdisasterfic @citrusses @corvuscrowned @lettersbyelise and @magpiefngrl

[amethystviolist]

Fanfiction Author Interview Game

Thanks to @shipper47 for tagging me! I'm a bit late to respond but very excited to participate :)

How many works do you have on AO3?

Looks like 32! Wow, a lot more than I expected.

What's your total AO3 word count?

174,720!

Your top 5 stories by kudos/likes:

I don't think this should be the only measure of fic worth, but sure, here we go!

A Hairy Misunderstanding [Bagginshield]

Merlin Has a Dragon (And Other Revelations) [Merthur/Gen]

Impacts of Literal and Metaphorical Natures [Merthur/Gen]

Pine For a Bead (Or, Girlfailure Greenleaf) [Gimleaf/Gigolas]

Anything [...Destiel]

Do you respond to comments?

Yes, I reply to almost every comment! I love getting them, and it's often a great excuse to gush about the characters or my behind-the-scenes writing thoughts.

What's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending?

Definitely Phone Call. On-screen major character death hits hard!

What's the fic you've written with the happiest ending?

Oh, almost all the rest are very happy endings! Off the top of my head, I'm thinking of my most recent fic Home Looks Like You - 4k of ReShirement and Parentshield fluff, ending in a family cuddle pile.

Do you write crossovers?

I've never written crossovers with characters meeting each other, as that's not usually my jam - but I've dabbled in putting characters into another fandom, like my abandoned WIP The Order of the Silver Ship [TAZ: Balance characters in the world of ATLA].

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Thankfully no, never. I've gotten the occasional "off" comment and once a spammer of some sort, but nothing truly vile. Let's hope it stays that way!

Do you write smut?

Yes! It's fun! I think my only AO3-published smut is Iron Must Suffice [Bagginshield].

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Also thankfully no! Not to my knowledge, anyway. I'll hope that streak continues as well!

Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yes! The two previously-mentioned Merlin fics were translated into Chinese, though the website that hosted them apparently scrubbed all queer content a while back and sadly lost those translations with it.

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yes and it was so much fun!! I participated in an event called The Hobbit: An Unexpected Collaboration (THAUC) this past October, and my assigned partner @mrmrbaggins and I wrote Of Kin and Courtships [Bagginshield] together. I loved plotting together and trading off scenes, it was fun to have immediate feedback and support. And they're a great writer, too!

What's your all-time favorite ship?

All-time? Man, that's hard to say. I think I definitely cycle through them and I love many. Currently it's Bagginshield, but there may be a different answer this time next year!

What's a WIP that you want to finish but don't think you ever will?

Hmm. Most WIPs that I want to finish I do eventually finish, even if it takes me literal years to do so. I think the one that's bugging me the most currently is All I Want For Candlenights [Taakitz], which only needs its final chapter finished. I never got a gift in that exchange event which kind of unmotivated me, plus I've just not been deep into the Balance fandom lately.

What are your writing strengths?

Hard to say, really... And that's not fishing for compliments, I just mean it's hard for me to analyze what I like about my writing when I spend most of my editing time looking for my weaknesses instead. If I have to choose, maybe characterization? I get a lot of compliments on it (thank you readers!) and I do put a lot of thought and effort into getting into the characters' heads and their resulting dialogue/inner narration/etc. And for Tolkien works specifically, I'm very good at piecing together TDS Neo-Khuzdul translations, and find a lot of joy in making them, too!

What are your writing weaknesses?

Oh so many things... though I think I'm always improving! Pacing is a huge issue for me. Also scenery and action descriptions. Also TITLES are the bane of my existence most of the time. In a more meta sense, I always struggle to get out of my editing mode and just put something (anything) down on the page so I can actually finish my WIPs.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

I'm a huge fan of using other languages in fic and fiction as a whole, as that's actually what my undergrad thesis was about! Though in a fic I do really need a translation attached somehow for it to be enjoyable. I tend to get a little irritated if there's no translation provided anywhere, even if it's "unimportant" tidbits, because I want to know things, dammit!! /hj

What's a fandom/ship you haven't written for yet but want to?

Oooo interesting question. I'd love to write a Leverage fic someday, but I really love those characters so much because canon already treats them so well! They're such well-developed characters that I find myself a little hesitant to dive in and potentially get it "wrong" (a silly worry I'd tell any other writer to ignore, ofc, but it's my worry unfortunately).

What's your favorite fic you've written?

That's like choosing a favorite child, oh no! ... I've just spent a few minutes scrolling up and down my AO3 stats list, but I really can't choose a favorite. They're almost all special to me for one reason or another, even ones I'm not very happy with in quality! I can say with confidence my current baby is the untitled Bagginshield mega fic, but idk that it will be my favorite even when it's done/published.

Thanks again for the tag, this was so fun! I'd love to see answers from @mrmrbaggins/@xkingevelynx, @thylocalbard, or @thatfancygirlinblack/@thatfancygirlinwhite, but absolutely no pressure to any of you :)

And if anyone else seeing this wants to do it, feel free to claim I tagged you! I won't snitch about it.

[ominous-faechild]

✦ Writer Questionnaire 2 ✦

Thanks for the tag, @the-golden-comet! (And @the-letterbox-archives tagging me when I was almost done here, haha)

Heads-up! Long post!

How long have you had your writing Tumblr/Writeblr? A fast and loose estimate is fine!

Two months ago to the date actually??? Or, at least, that's when I first uploaded a story here. My first actual Writeblr post was me hopping in on an open tag on the 6th of June, haha. I thought it was just a month, but looks like the summer's gone by in a flash! 😭

What led you to create it?

So, I'm a writer on Tapas! I'd been attempting to social network on other social medias (twitter and bluesky) but wasn't getting anywhere, didn't like the general formats, and uh... I'm sure I don't have to explain why I don't want to touch Twitter with a 10-foot-pole anymore. Let's just say, if you haven't seen, it's just as bad as (if not worse than) everyone says. Anyhow, I'd seen lots of Tumblr short stories on other platforms and started investigating what it's like here. Didn't know what "Writeblr" was or that it even existed, but eventually stumbled into the field after posting my short story. Thanks, @darkandstormydolls! ❤️

What’s your favorite thing about the Writeblr community?

How supportive everyone is??? Like omg you guys are so sweet, idk how to take it. Also I love seeing how much passion everyone else has for their writing, haha.

What’s one thing you’d like your mutuals to know about you?

Uhhhh, I think I'm pretty open about the things I'd like people to know about me, haha. I never mean to offend, so if I accidentally say something wrong, please tell me! I'm autistic and very dumb.

Is there anything you’d like to see more of on your dash?

I'm ngl I keep meaning to build out my followed tags for my fandoms, haha. The only fandoms I really see things for are TMAGP (10/10, TMA is my obsession. I am obsessed. It is one of my Special Interests and I love it with all my heart) and House of the Dragon??? Except I'm not even a fan of HotD??? So that's kinda annoying, haha. (Aka, my fandom stuff, but that's on me.)

WIP it Good

Which Works-in-Progress (WIPs) or writing projects are you noodling about, lately?

Rising From the Ashes, tragically. (Because it's one of the LAST things I should be working on right now, haha.) Otherwise, I'm of course always obsessed with the Arcane Rifts. Then I force myself to be obsessed with Sun and Shadow, though it's slowly growing on me, haha.

How long have you been working on them?

Haha, so I've historically jumped around a lot in working on different things, so these are approximate guesstimations!

Rising From the Ashes has likely had 3 or 4 years put into it/the characters. If you include the Calamity Crew (which overlaps with it in the timeline and originally ended up merging with the cast of RFtA), I'd say definitely 4 years!

The Arcane Rifts has had 5 years put into it.

Sun and Shadow is very new; I'd say it probably only has about 4 months of work in it? It's part of why I'm less interested in it, haha. Less I've put into it and less I'm attached to.

Do you remember what inspired them/what got you started?

Oh... oh dear. How could you ask me this??? 😭😭😭

Rising From the Ashes has existed since, I think, 2016. It started (tragically) as an RP starter on Google+. I wish I was kidding.

To those unaware of how it worked in that space (and likely similar ones to this day), you'd post a starter and people would join in with their own characters. 99% of the time, they'd drop out before long. However, I'd work out details of the characters in the process and carry that info over into the worldbuilding. I eventually stopped RPing with the masses and settled down with a single "partner" who I'll call Kris.

She's the one who stole my docs.

The Arcane Rifts technically originated as another RP starter? It never got attention, though, and instead my ideas for it simply carried over into the worldbuilding in general.

One of the characters of the original starter was important in the worldbuilding. It was not a character you see in the early books of tAR, though, so don't bother trying to figure it out. But, since he was so important, his origins were also important.

The Arcane Rifts started in 2019, as I wanted to make a story building out said character's origins. It was originally going to be a duology, the first book being Gene's backstory and the second being how Gene and The Other Guy's lives intertwined. (No, they were not gay for each other! 😂) It's since changed a lot, and focuses basically exclusively on Gene, haha. The last book in the series will probably be focused on the other character, though!

Sun and Shadow started for a romance novel competition on Tapas which has since ended. I didn't get to finish it in time for a lot of reasons, but I primarily cite stress and exhaustion from working full time at a physically-intensive job. It grew shockingly quickly and I had some fans donate to me related to it, so I'm kinda forced to work on it, haha. Dw--I like it! It's just harder to work on for a number of reasons, haha.

How much time, in your best estimation, do you spend thinking about them?

Tragic, the questions you're asking me--

It depends, haha. I'm autistic and hyperfixate a lot. Also, for one, that's a suuuuuper vague question??? Like what do you mean "how much time"--how much time within the day? How often in general? Idk, man, haha.

I think about the Arcane Rifts a LOT!

I've put an incredible amount of time and effort into it, and I'm in love with 90% of the characters there. Even the background characters have had a lot of work put into them, getting relatively fleshed-out backstories to make their motives understandable (even if not agreeable!), and I love them all so much, haha.

Except Katerina. She's a bitch.

I also think about Rising From the Ashes a good amount, and it's invaded my brain again lately, haha.

I took a step away from RFtA and basically all of my other stories late 2021 when Kris (my ex-writing partner) and I had a falling out. It was incredibly difficult for me emotionally to look at anything I worked with her on, and obviously RFtA was a huge one (actually, tAR was the only thing of my early works she had nothing to do with). Since early this year, I've finally been able to work on it again and it's been incredibly fun removing her stuff, actually!

I think all that is a good part of why I keep randomly getting obsessed with it again, haha. It's like looking at old friends (the characters, not Kris) and being all "omg??? I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN FOREVER??? PLEASE TELL ME EVERYTHING YOU'VE BEEN UP TO!!!" except it's removing Kris's stuff, haha.

I think about Sun and Shadow a lot more than you might expect with how much I talk about not preferring it, haha. I love the characters! Crow and, actually, Valyarus especially. They're both super interesting characters, and I'll randomly find my brain working out scenes between characters interacting with them.

(The problem with SaS is that, as a book, it's incredibly different from my usual works. It's a small cast of Frey/Crow and technically Daleira, while most of my stories focus on larger casts. It makes for a VERY different experience, and so it's a lot harder to work on)

When someone asks the dreaded, “What do you write about,” question, what do you usually say?

Actually, I've got a ready answer for this one! Until SaS, I was dedicating my time to the Arcane Rifts and had prepared the answer:

Percy Jackson meets Lord of the Rings in a steampunk fantasy world full of ✨mysteries waiting to be uncovered✨

(I'd say the "mysteries waiting to be uncovered" part ironically/accidentally mockingly most of the time, whoops, haha. I always feel awkward advertising my works.)

It was awkward when people would get actually interested in it from there and ask more questions, haha.

To clarify: that's my tagline for the Arcane Rifts! The story has gods and demigods messing with mortals, using them as their playthings and being REALLY immature babies because they don't really face consequences for their actions like PJ. Then, it's a lot more "grounded yet fantastical" like LotR, where magic is kinda infused with reality and yet you still have issues like starving to death and whatnot.

Let’s Rotate Blorbos

Name any characters you created.  Side characters, protagonists, antagonists, characters who’ve never been written, the first original abomination you ever pulled from your ass; whomever you’d like!

UHHHH THERE'S A LOT TO LIST???

Try this for a taste! These are just the guys I've gotten colors for!

Freya, Crow, Daleira, Valyarus, Grimnir, Soren, Gene, Tazin, Mislav, Adilzhan, Ludmila, Rada, Caspar, Nikolai, Gennadi, Oska, Rieka, Liesel, Carmin, Nora, Sammy, Kieva, Caron, Varik, Elazi, Riaan, Roman, and Tiberius! (Though Tib is getting a name change sooner or later)

Who’s the most unhinged?

Unhinged in which way? There's a lot of options there, haha.

I'm going to give honorary mentions to Valyarus, Gene in the later books, Tazin, Rieka, Gennadi, and Tiberius ! (Why does it not surprise me that most unhinged characters are from tAR? 🤣 Also I swear it's a coincidence most of the unhinged characters are red.)

(... Probably.)

In general, I'd say that, incredibly ironically, the Existence of Order is the most unhinged of all my characters. She's just incredible at hiding it.

(Tbf half of the Existentials probably belong on the "unhinged" list anyway but eh. They still don't compare to Order!)

Who comes the most naturally for you to write?

I'm going to give this as a tie between Gene and Sammy!

Gene has my 'tisms and just about all of my trauma, so we have a lot in common, whoops, haha. Also there's a... very specific detail about his character that makes him easier to write in general. It's just a major spoiler. 👀

Similarly and actually identically to Gene in some ways, while Sammy has a lot in common with me, he's also incredibly perceptive! (Although we don't share that fact.)

Due to the way I write, their analytical natures allow for them to spit straight facts about the worldbuilding and the people around them rather than beating around the bush, haha. Both are highly investigative, try to learn and understand everything around them, and notice small details other characters wouldn't! It makes it much easier for me to write, because uh... well here's an example of what my outlines look like.

Long story short: I include a lot of detail which I then transfer into the POV's character narration, cutting out details which they wouldn't notice or think about, haha. In Sammy's case (which that scene has Sammy as the narrator/POV character), very little information gets cut out because he's so perceptive!

(Here, as a treat--have another example!)

(In this scene, Nikolai is the narrator. Even the outline gets "filtered" to mirror the characters' way of thinking--like it's Nikolai himself seeing Caspar as "doll-like". The crossed-out stuff is details I most likely won't mention, but noted for myself, haha. I do the same thing if/when including details about the motives and thoughts of non-narrator characters.)

Do you ever cringe at them?

Gene and Sammy?

A B S O L U T E L Y .

Gene is a wreck in basically every way and desperately needs help (that he won't get until he meets Dimitry). As much as I love him, there's a lot of moments where you just can't help but wince and be all "shit, did you REALLY have to do/say that?"

Sammy on the other hand? He's a terrified, control freak manipulator who panics the moment he feels like he's losing control of a situation. It can be painful to watch, even if simultaneously fascinating.

How much control do you feel you have over your characters?  AKA, do they ever “write themselves,” refuse to cooperate, or do things you didn’t expect? To what degree? Are some less cooperative than others?

I explicitly go out of my way to add backstory to and develop each and every one of my characters until they "write themselves", haha.

I want my characters to feel like real people, so I do my absolute best to make them as real as possible. (That's part of why tAR is so massive...)

Special shoutout to Dimitry here, btw. Dude COMPLETELY screwed over the planned and intended from the earliest days path of the Arcane Rifts. I've mentioned before that Gene is villain-coded, yeah? Want to know why?

Because he was MEANT to be one! Then Dimitry had to come along, be the sweetest, nicest fucking person around to Gene while he was going through the worst part of his life, and keep Gene from slipping off the deep end!

MITRY, YOU PIECE OF--

Do you enjoy people asking questions about your characters? And do you have a preferred means of receiving said questions? For example, as Asks, as replies, as reblogs, as tag notes, as comments on AO3, etc.

I absolutely love, love, love!!! people asking questions about my characters!!! 🥰

I would absolutely prefer them as Asks sent to me, and especially would prefer if separate subjects/questions were sent in separate Asks! Like, say you were going to ask me about Gene and Dimitry. I'd rather two separate Asks, one asking for whatever you wanted to know about Gene and another for whatever you wanted to know about Dimitry, haha. However, if you wanted to ask a single question about both, that obviously is fine as a single Ask!

On writeblr engagement

What makes you want to follow another Writeblr account? Do you follow ‘em as you see ‘em, or take time scoping out the blog to make sure you align with its content? Do you follow based on WIPs, or vibes?

I definitely scope out before I follow, yes.

I choose based primarily on the personality of the person behind the blog, but the WIPs/vibes can also have an influence on my decision, haha. I'd rather follow people with kind/supportive personalities, and I'll eventually start liking their stories even if they're not initially my thing!

What makes you decide against following?

Bigotry. Moment I see it, I'm on the lookout for even the slightest hint of more and, if I see it, I'm OUT!

(That includes things like: homophobia, transphobia, TERFs, ableism, racism, xenophobia, etc.)

Also, while I include angst in my stories, the people who are big on "I have nothing but bad stuff in my writing and I'm proud" are, uh... not on my "follow" list. While they can write what they want and enjoy it, grimdark is not my thing. Angst is best in moderation and I very purposely control the amount of it in my life.

(Also Kris's--my ex writing partner's--obsession with "grimdark-ness" is a good part of why I'm so ecstatic to remove her stuff from my writing. Yes, I've tried it. For years. I hated it. Please and thank you. Also note that I proudly call myself an evil writer, so it's not like I don't love angst, it's just--moderation. Seriously.)

Do you interact with non-mutuals often?

Yes! I think a good 50-30% of my interactions are with non-moots, haha. I go out of my way to try to support my moots, but I'll definitely share support with anything that catches my attention, no matter who it's from!

To be fair, though, I think a majority of non-moots I interact with are on my mental "probably going to follow soon" list. I can be slow to make decisions, haha. It doesn't help that I try being active with my moots, so I'm trying to avoid growing that list too quickly!

Do your mutuals’ characters occupy space in your noodle?

Haha, depends what you mean by that? My brain is definitely too full of my own characters to have any space for anyone else's, but I definitely do think of others' characters at times! There's plenty of y'alls characters I really like, haha.

Just... omg, my hyperfixated AuDHD brain refuses to focus on anything except for the Hyperfixation of the Moment™.

This was a huge one! Hopefully I'm not screaming into the void with this one, or you guys enjoy finding out more about me and my WIPs.

If you're curious about the reason this is labeled Writer Questionnaire 2... well guess what!

Tagging (gently! This is a lot, haha): @honeybewrites @yourpenpaldee @paeliae-occasionally @mysticstarlightduck @illarian-rambling @.darkandstormydolls (tagged you earlier in the post haha) + open tags!

Divider from @cafekitsune!

[aalinaaaaaa]

OC Interview Tag

I got tagged for this by the lovely @tryingtimi an absolute age ago, rip 😂

Anyway, I present as follows an interview for Eshani (she's a delight to write omg). Also, the blank template's down below for anyone interested in doing this tag :D

—

Are you named after anyone?

Not particularly, my name is pretty ordinary, common but beautiful

When was the last time you cried?

*gets flashbacks to that one night on the balcony* Some time ago, when things could’ve been different

Do you have kids?

*sighs* I wish

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

As someone once said to me, is the sky blue?

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

The types of questions they ask, the way they carry themselves. There’s an art to it

What’s your eye colour?

A scintillating shade of green

Scary movies or happy endings?

Life can be scary enough as it is, happy endings all the way

Any special talents?

*shifts into the interviewer’s likeness for a moment, giving a wink and a smile* A couple

Where were you born?

South Vaera, close enough to Verlas

Do you have any pets?

You could say so, I have a thriving bird sanctuary. There’s even an ilasivaitna draitva in there, I’ll tell you the story some time. Oh, and don’t tell Claudia I said this but my sanctuary’s better than hers

What sort of sports do you play?

I’m not the sporting kind, to be honest, though sparring is a common pastime here

How tall are you?

I’ll put it like this… Taller than you, most likely *laughs* (45’3, no that is not a typo) (Her human form is 6’4)

What was your favourite subject in school?

I found I always loved dabbling with botany, sculpting too. It is a pity only that I don’t have the time

What is your dream job?

(“getting out of here”) I used to be a florist, before this. As much as I enjoy the song and the dance, there’s always a part that calls me back. Just, not at the moment

Interviewer's bonus question: uhh, who the heck is Claudia?

Eshani: You don't want to know

—

Dropping the Obsidian Sapphires/General taglist here (ask/comment/reblog, etc if you'd like to be added or subtracted): @mr-orion @the-ellia-west @guessillcallitart @thereadingfoz @glassstardust22124 @honeybewrites @ashirisu @drowsy-quill @oliolioxenfreewrites @theglitchywriterboi @seastarblue @gioia-writes-and-others @rae-butter @corinneglass @thelaughingstag @midnight-and-his-melodiverse @outpost51

Plus these people to do this tag, in addition to the open tag for anyone wishing to interview their characters: @bardic-tales @finickyfelix @angelfevr @winterandwords @flock-from-the-void @bloodlessheirbyjacques @ruvastuon @thebookishkiwi @thepeculiarbird @thecomfywriter

And here's the blank template ;)

Are you named after anyone?

When was the last time you cried?

Do you have kids?

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

What’s your eye colour?

Scary movies or happy endings?

Any special talents?

Where were you born?

Do you have any pets?

What sort of sports do you play?

How tall are you?

What was your favourite subject in school?

What is your dream job?

[arminaa8]

writing interview

I was tagged by @starquestingfordrarry, who mentored me through my first fic ❤️ I learned so much!

-----

how many works do you have on ao3? 16

what's your total ao3 word count? 85, 316

your top 5 stories by kudos

I'll keep you (safe and sound)

Within You Without You

Never Getting Over You

Spin Me Right Round

To Love a Flobberworm

do you respond to comments? I do! It sometimes takes me a minute, but I get to all of them

what's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending? I don't write unhappy/angsty endings, it would stress me out! But my angstiest fic is Temporary, where Narcissa dies unexpectedly and Harry helps Draco through it.

what's the fic you've written with the happiest ending? Probably Within You Without You

do you write crossovers? Nah, they just don't interest me (no shade to anyone who enjoys them!)

have you ever received hate on a fic? Not yet...knocks on wood

do you write smut? ofc

have you ever had a fic stolen? No?

have you ever had a fic translated? No?

have you ever co-written a fic? Nope

what's your all-time favorite ship? the world may never know

what's a WIP that you want to finish but don't think you ever will? I refuse to acknowledge that I won't finish everything I've started. I'm in denial. <- this is what Star said and I'm leaving it here because I feel the exact same way

what are your writing strengths? I FEEL like I'm decent at dialogue/banter, but who knows

what are your writing weaknesses? 1000000% it's weaving in descriptions (settings, etc.). I struggle so much with it and always try to learn from others.

what are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic? If I did I'd probably just use Google Translate and then try and find a native speaker to double check it

what's a fandom/ship you haven't written for yet but want to? I am so hyperfixated on drarry that honestly, I have no other ships in my sights

what's your favorite thing you've ever written? I had so much fun with one of my latest fics, The (Chaotic) Courting of Harry James Potter. It's pure shenanigans and I was laughing at my own writing like an idiot

-----

Tagging @sweet-s0rr0w, @wolfpants, @dodgerkedavra, @lettersbyelise, @thecouchsofa, @heyjude19-writing, @tackytigerfic and anyone else who sees this and wants to give it a go!

[kaylinalexanderbooks]

OC interview

Thanks @melpomene-grey here!

Rules: answer the questions for an OC

I think it's time I do some Noelle.

Are you named after anyone?

“No. My mom would've told me.”

When was the last time you cried?

“Recently.” (it was when she realized her mom was right about Alium)

Do you have kids?

*blatant irritation, offense, and very tired* “I'm tall, but I'm still a kid.”

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

“Occasionally.”

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

“Why would I keep track? General demeanor, I guess.”

What’s your eye colour?

“Brown.”

Scary movies or happy endings?

“I don't care. My mom definitely likes happy endings more. So happy endings.”

Any special talents?

*finally has some edge off of her* “I can cook.”

Where were you born?

“My mom tells me I was actually born in Alium, so I guess that's cool.”

Do you have any pets?

“No. My mom doesn't want one.”

What sort of sports do you play?

“Unless you count cooking, none. My gym coach wants me to sign up for basketball due to my height. Even if I wanted to, my mom doesn't want me to sign up for sports.”

How tall are you?

*very tired of this question* “I'm almost 6'10 actually, which is also tall for Alii my age despite the wider height variant. At least it's more normal for Alii.”

What was your favourite subject in school?

“I like math.”

What is your dream job?

“Huh. Haven't thought about that. I guess cooking for a living would be cool, but I don't think that's reliable.”

Other interviews: Wade, Jazlyn, Gwen, Lexi, Carla, Carmen, Maddie, Liam, Ash, Rose, Akash, Robbie

✨Noelle intro✨

Tagging @theelfauthor @drchenquill @mrbexwrites @inkednotebook @oliolioxenfreewrites

+ ANYONE ELSE

TSP intro

TSP tag list (ask to be +/-): @thepeculiarbird @illarian-rambling @televisionjester @finchwrites

@nebula--nix @literarynecromancy @honeybewrites @the-golden-comet

Blanks under the cut

Are you named after anyone? When was the last time you cried? Do you have kids? Do you use sarcasm a lot? What’s the first thing you notice about people? What’s your eye colour? Scary movies or happy endings? Any special talents? Where were you born? Do you have any pets? What sort of sports do you play? How tall are you? What was your favourite subject in school? What is your dream job?

[numerousbees1106]

Fanfic Writer Interview!

Tagged by: @sinvulkt

What fandoms do you write in?

I write primarily in Star Wars Fandoms - mostly prequels-based, but occasionally I'll drabble in OT-based fics.

How many words have you published in 2024?

According to Ao3, my word count this year was 105,150 words, which is crazy considering that my total word count is 427,158 words. I also published a few duplicate works to Tumblr, as well as one or two Tumblr exclusive works/snippets, so the actual number is probably a few thousand more.

What is your greatest achievement this year?

I'd say writing and publishing my work Ecesis for my Ao3 anniversary. It's an even 11,000 words, too, which I consider another achievement, and I'm quite proud of it. It's one of my few OT fics, and is another part in my Wastelands series.

What are your top three fics you've written this year?

I'd say Ecesis is easily one of the top three - number two, maybe. A work I'm currently writing but haven't published yet, Crown of Lazarus, is definitely number one, as even though it is now 2025, I'm really proud of all the progress I've made with it so far. As for third place, I'd say either Might Be Stepping Out Of Line or I Wanna See Why The Birds Are Silent At Night, depending on my mood.

What was your biggest pit of despair moment?

While writing for the 2024 angstpril challenge, I faced the loss of my best friend, who I considered a sister. Her loss sent me spiralling into a horrible depression, and I didn't write anything for the rest of the spring or summer, and only resumed writing because I had a tradition of posting something for my Ao3 anniversary, which is in August. After that, I took another break from writing until around December, when I picked up an AU concept that I had been slowly toying with for a while, Crown of Lazarus. That loss and the following depression was definitely a dark point for me, but luckily I am on new, better antidepressants.

What have you learned?

I've learned that, for me, Angstpril is cursed as anytime I try to write it, something horrible happens. I'm unsure if I'll attempt it again this year because of that.

Did you beta any fics? Any favorites you want to shout out?

I did not beta any fics, nor are my fics beta'd. I'm unsure of how that even works, actually.

What three fics have you read this year that you love?

This is a difficult question due to the sheer number of fics I have read. If I head to choose three, I'd say Spy Wars by ClawedandCute, The Accidental Sith, the Confused Jedi Masters, the Eager Padawan, and the Rebel Senator also by ClawedandCute, and The Good He Seeks by Husborth.

The first two fics I mentioned are both prequels fics regarding my favorite blorbo, Anakin Skywalker, though they do have a lot my other favorite and adored characters sprinkled in. Spy Wars is a lot of fun because it's very crack-y and humorous, while the The Accidental Sith (...) is more heavy, more angst-filled, and it's very well written. One line from it in particular lives in my head rent-free, but the rest of the story is fantastic as well.

The Good He Seeks is an OT fic, and is an AU where Vader (my beloved) survives the Death Star and agrees to help the New Republic destroy the Imperial Remnant while keeping his declining health a secret. It's very angsty for all involved, and full of hurt and hurt/comfort.

What ideas are percolating for next year?

Mostly my Crown of Lazarus project, which I first came up with years and years ago when I was a sophomore in high school. Crown of Lazarus (snippets here and here) is a prequels AU following Anakin Skywalker as he navigates the Galaxy with a strange power - the ability to revive from death as many times as need be, receiving a 'Change' each time. These Changes include venomous fangs, night vision, wings, and more. I'm very hyped for this fic, and I currently have 14 Chapters + an interlude written/planned, and it should be ready to post soon, though I'm hesitant to give a date or timeframe as I am notoriously terrible with those.

Another project I have on my to-do list is Ecesis Part 2 - The Smuttening (not the actual title) which I promised back in August but have barely began to write (thanks, depression). It's on the roster, as is an actual Part 2 to the Wastelands series in general.

Who do you want to thank?

I want to thank my best friend who, though she has now passed on, gave me many years of love and friendship even through the darkest parts of my life. I will always remember you, and your picture by my bedside will always remind me of the memories we shared, both good and bad.

I'd also like to thank @sinvulkt for tagging me in this, as well as @clawedandcute and Husborth for writing fantastic works. Thank you to all fanfic writers, actually, who create not for the sake of monetary gain or fame, but for the sake of creating.

Tagging: all the people mentioned before who want to join (yes, even if you were randomly mentioned as a fic writer or as thanks), anyone who see this and want to join, as well as:

@clawedandcute and @space-asparagus (you're the only oneswhose tumblr username I know. Husborth says they're no longer on tumblr and I don't know if CourtesyTrefflin has an account.

[anthros-vanitas-archive]

OC Interview Tag

Summoned in one of the many quiet study rooms, deep inside the archives, by this original 'tag ritual' first enchanted by a powerful writer such as @winterandwords.

Two figures approach to you and take a seat in the other side of table in front of you. The figure on your left is Samuel: the magus. With his long hair tuck on a ponytail, observing with his shiny green eyes at you and his companion not confrontative but with a curious look.

The figure on your right you recognize them as A. Vanitas: the author. You do recognized them yes, but not by any features but the lack their off, sitting in front of you is a dark, shadowy and amorphous figure. Such a strange appearance but even stranger is for you to not be intimidated or uncomfortable by his ominous white sparks of eyes looking directly at you but, in their visage, there is something weirdly mellow and approachable to their being.

"Are we ready for the interview?" you asked politely to the two.

-Yes, of course. -I'm ready yes, but may I asked why are we both here? Normally they're the one who either answers or asks the questions.

You're about to explain the reason but you get slightly interrupted first.

-Good observation... They were about to say that I'm here just to help. In case they or you need further clarification or in case you may forget something.

"That is correct."

-You know exactly Vanitas that I don't forget easily. -Great, then my job we'll be even easier! Let's continue, shall we?

"I couldn't have put it better myself, first question: What's your earliest memory?

-Really early in my life, I remember this morning with my brother. We were in a camp up the mountains, early days of spring I know that because the snow was melting. My mother, my father, my oldman were there packing up the camp. While we waited, my brother was showing me how he believed where the sun didn't touched the mountain range it was because of giants making big shadows in them. -You remember your parents... It's beautiful that you remember something like that despite being so little yourself.

"Really beautiful. I'll need to move to the next question: What memory always makes you smile?

-I'm not sure. Is funny when I remember some, like going for a sweet smoke in a weird place with a friend, or like talking with a stranger for hours on a barn. -That's curious. -What is it? -Not something more precious to you? Like a warm type of smile, reminding you of summer, vineyards and wine? -What? -Never mind, maybe you forgot? I apologize don't mind me.

"We'll move on then," you say and then the author vows at you gently, you're not sure if this is in the manner of apologizing or as in thanking you. "next question: If you could remove any memory from your mind forever, what would it be?

-I'm not sure that's even entirely possible. -Is an hypothetical Samuel, we're not talking about logical possibility. -In that case, I'm not sure I will ever do that. I hold every memory close to me, I think they're important. -Surprising, not even the bad ones? The storms who don't let you sleep sometimes? -Not even those ones. -Then, hypothetically speaking of course, how would you react if someone did that to you?

"That's all for today, thank you both." Now you interrupt.

-No, no, no. Now I'm actually curious, I want to explore, see, feel those memories. I want to know, for example: Do you remember your first kiss?

"Enough with the question."

-Wait you can't do that, these are MY archives.

The mad author says as you banished them once more into the vast space of their archives.

-Thank you, they were getting annoying.

You return the gesture, thanking Samuel for his time and returning him back to the place where he comes from.

Thank you for reading 'till the end. I tried to experiment with these tag let me know if you liked this small interview, maybe if you want to see more... Once again, check out the original tag from @winterandwords because is a better example of how the tag really is made. Tagging: @world-of-iridensia, @moltenwrites, @watermeezer, @betweenthetimeandsound, @the-letterbox-archives, @saltysupercomputer and open tag to everyone else who would like to join!

The questions for your character are:

What or who do you hold as the most dearest in your heart?

What do you think about your story?

How much will you be willing to sacrifice for your dreams?

[the-golden-comet]

✨OC Interview Tag✨

Thank you for the tag, @just-emis-blog and @pluppsauthor ! 💖✨

Okay, lovelies: you want to see an ACTUAL cinnamon roll? Someone so sickeningly sweet it’ll rot your whole mouth out? Time to bring out the most wholesome goody goody I know: Tenshi, from Tenshito.

I found my concept sketches of him YEARS ago…oh boy he is DUE for a redesign 😰

@wyked-ao3 , heard you liked angels. You might like him too, @sunglasses-in-the-bentley . This dude is INCREDIBLY Pit-coded ✨

Okay, enough of that. Now that you’ve seen fluff incarnate, on with the interview~

Were you named after anyone?

Yes~! My name actually translates to “angel.” I have to thank my mom, Amaterasu, for that one!

When was the last time you cried?

I-I stepped on a bug yesterday, and it took thirty minutes for Ita to calm me down.

Do you have any kids?

Mmmmnope. I’m still young for a celestial. In human I’d be…20.

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

H-Huh? I don’t think I even know how to….

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

OH! Usually if they make me feel all warm and fuzzy to be around. Ita does that all the time! He’s so warm and nice….oh! And he beat up these two criminals the first night I crashed down in Hokkaido, so I know I’m safe with him 💖

What is your eye color?

A shocking blue!! I was given the gift of lightning like Raiden, but I’m…haha….s-still not quite sure how to use it. It makes Ita very nervous…

Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings!! Aaaaa, there was one time Ita turned on a scary movie and I couldn’t look up from his chest. I-I felt really embarrassed, but he was so kind about it. He let me snuggle up to him the rest of the night so I wouldn’t get nightmares. Funny, his whole face was so red….like a tomato! Haha….oh, I wonder if he wants me saying this….?

Any special talents?

Oh! I have my scepter! It can shoot a really cool lightning arc. I….may have caused a blackout in parts of Japan because of it….? D-Don’t tell my brothers….Mike will get FURIOUS….! I can also fly when I have my wings unfurled, but…for obvious reasons I can’t do that a lot, haha….~

Where were you born?

That part is still a mystery to me. I’m trying to find my mom for more answers, but it’s kind of hard to get in touch with a sun god…figures, huh?

Do you have any pets?

Umo!!! He’s my pet dove familiar. He’s actually how my brothers were able to send me letters, but he’s a good boy who didn’t tell them my location, nor did he let them put a tracker on him. I have seed for him whenever he visits, and if I can pull it off, we do a flight together 🕊️

What sort of sports do you play?

Uh….I don’t know, actually? Does flying count as a sport?

How tall are you?

164 centimeters~! ✨

What was your favorite subject in school?

Awww, I really didn’t like school, mainly because Mike was my teacher, and he’s STRICT. He made me learn all sorts of boring angel stuff like “don’t go to these dimensions” this or “don’t cross the rainbow bridge” that. However, I REALLY liked my Earth Studies. That’s…kind of the reason why I came here…heh.

What is your dream job?

OH!! Ita got me a part-time job working in a small library in Gaijin, and I LOVE it! It’s really quiet, but we get a little traffic since we’re next to a diner. When I’m not helping customers find books or sweeping the floor, my boss lets me read. There’s SO many cool things about Earth!! Did you know that you have separate cook books for jasmine rice and brown rice recipes? THAT’S AMAZING!!! ✨✨✨

Check your teeth for cavities. Tagging (no pressure): @autism-purgatory , @fortunatetragedy , @thatuselesshuman , @zackprincebooks , @pippinoftheshire , @finickyfelix , @justabigoldnerd , @lychhiker-writes , +open tag for whoever wants to join! ✨

[pluppsauthor]

OC Interview Tag

Thanks @illarian-rambling for the tag!

Rules: answer the questions as an OC.

The wheel will decide who I cover today. Today it chose... Yun from Frequency: Kindred Spirits!

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

Are you named after anyone?

Hmm, I don't believe so.

When was the last time you cried?

I... can't remember now that you mention it. Probably not anytime recently. Well... I've been told I get pretty emotional when I drink too much.

Do you have kids?

*Chuckles* Maybe, I haven't had any on purpose.

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

I'd say I use it a normal amount. ;)

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

Oh, I notice a lot, I like to know what type of person I'm interacting with. I think the first thing I notice is their clothing, and through that what kind of person they are.

What’s your eye colour?

Green. Runs in the family. Although, my left eye has some grey on it, just a slice, not the whole thing.

(Note, sectoral heterochromia in his left eye, 1/4 grey)

Scary movies or happy endings?

When it comes to stories, I think I prefer happy endings. A good scary story is nice, but I like those stories about mythical heroes going through endless hardships, ending with them returning to their home, happy and free.

Any special talents?

Oh, sure. I've spent a lot of my life doing... things aren't allowed everywhere. So, I've gotten pretty good at running through urban environments.

Where were you born?

Shorstone, Locke. I haven't been back in years, but I was there until I was 15.

Do you have any pets?

No, not currently. I had one or two, here and there. I've done a lot of travelling, and pets don't really suit that lifestyle too well.

What sort of sports do you play?

Not many.

How tall are you?

Almost 180 centimetres. I was on the taller side growing up, but there are tall people around the world.

What was your favourite subject in school?

Didn't go to one. My family taught me most of what I know, not everything though.

What is your dream job?

I've never thought about that too much. Maybe something peaceful and relaxing, like being a fisherman or something. I'm not sure, I'm pretty satisfied as is.

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

That's all for Yun! Just a mostly content man who has wander the world purely because he can.

As for tags, no pressure tagging @melpomene-grey, @the-golden-comet, @willtheweaver, @leahnardo-da-veggie, @mk-writes-stuff, and of course, a lovely open tag for anyone reading this :)

[alpydk]

20 Questions: Writing Edition

Oh god @nocryptographer - I'll be here all night... But thank you :D

How many works do you have on ao3?

66... But I write a lot of shorter fics. Though, one of those fics is actually 24 fics too. I have a lot of fics.

What’s your total ao3 word count?

303,617 - A year of work there :D

What are your top five fics by kudos?

Cabinet of Oddities

Consequences and Confessions

Eclipse

By Mystra

The Moment

Also, while I'm here. Your fic of Riley Loses The Baby is an amazing yet absolutely heartbreaking fic and I love you for writing it.

What fandoms do you write for?

BG3, House MD. I have some one-offs for Silent Hill 2 and Resident Evil, and am the sole writer for Last Days of the Space Age.

Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Yessss..... But I'm crap at it. Someone leaves me an amazing comment and I plan to reply and then I forget and then too long passes and I think it's odd to reply so I put it off longer. It's a whole thing. I also never know what to reply back.

What’s the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha. So many to choose from!

I'm going with Circling Sky though. What started as an angst will they/won't they, turned into the most painful fic I've ever written ending in Gale's writing a suicide note and the woman who fell in love with him unsure if she could be with him any longer. It was heavy even for me.

Do you get hate on fics?

Only anonymously. Got accused of copying another writer's idea, despite the fact I posted my fic before them and we hadn't even discussed it together AT ALL. Had someone bad mouth an ending to a fic simply because they didn't enjoy it (boo hoo). And I've had someone tell me to KMS because my work was depressing. You see why I deleted my Tumblr with my breakdown?

Do you write smut?

I have written smut but I doubt it will be happening again for a while. I just don't enjoy it. Not because it's difficult. I, 1 - Get bored with it. Once something has gone in a hole, how many ways can you really write it? and 2 - Smut just makes me uncomfortable. Maybe I'm just old?

Do you write crossovers?

H.S - Sort of a BG3 Tom Cardy crossover. I'd love to do a House and BG3 one but it needs to get into the queue with every other idea.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of. But then again, I don't go searching.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

I have to try to understand my own English a day or two after writing, but I doubt that's what's being asked. So, no.

Have you ever cowritten a fic before?

No, but me and @judasiskariot have been discussing it! We just need the stars to align!

What’s your all time favourite ship?

BOOOOOOOGGGGGGGG!

Otherwise Gale/Rugan

What’s the wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I don't think I can leave a WIP unfinished. I have my Isekai one started... and that's been on chapter 1 for about 6 months now, but the notes are written. I think I just need to figure out the ending for that one.

What are your writing strengths?

Asking the wrong person. I can be poetic as fuck sometimes.

What are your writing weaknesses?

My writing.

Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in a fic?

Done it! What a Røv - A Gale and Tav short where she speaks Illuskan (or Danish, in this case). It was a lot of fun but I dread someone coming along and saying it's cringe. IT'S NOT OKAY!

First fandom you wrote for?

Baldur's Gate 3 - Just over a year of writing now. Though I did write fics when I was young, I wouldn't class them as fanfics. I just stole names from things I liked.

Favourite fic you’ve ever written?

I've been thinking a lot about As You Wish recently. That one just seemed to click in all the right places. Asshole abusive Ex-husband, Gale being Romantic, angst and comfort with a nice happy ending.

My favourite changes with each day of the month it seems.

---

Tagging @optimisticgrey @senualothbrok @serenaoffaerun - And open tag for anyone else who wants to take this.

[writing-for-soup]

✍ writer interview

tagged by @luvwich, read her interview for insight into how an evil genius works, and for insight into how an evil moron works, check out my answers below the cut 💕

When did you start writing?

I've written basically my entire life, like when I first learned to write I used to just copy fairytales word-for-word in my own notebooks. Then I always liked English the most at school, did my undergrad in English Literature and Creative Writing, and then did an MA in Creative Writing right after because I Wasn't Ready to be in the real world yet.

I used to write fanfic as a teen, then more or less forgot all about it until I played Cyberpunk 2077 in late 2023, had a mental breakdown (only partially related), and then couldn't get River fucking Ward out of my mind. Since then, it's kind of blossomed into it's own thing and this year I've written 138k+ words and it feels great.

Are there different themes or genres you enjoy reading than what you write?

I love a classic murder-mystery thriller, but I'm currently writing one of those and I have almost a full outline for another, and I think both will stand as original stories I might even seek to publish, so does that count?

I love a good sci-fi or fantasy series and I've never written anything like that, the level of world-building involved is so intimidating but when you read it done well it's sooooo good (see Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy or Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness).

Is there a writer you want to emulate or get compared to often?

I feel like my style is distinguished, but I do always think about writers who hugely influence me when I'm writing. Margaret Atwood is the first to come to mind because I feel like her writing is so unique and compelling for me.

I'd be lying if I said I don't also regularly think: would @luvwich do this? Especially in the early days of my longfic. Reading her fic, Arpeggio, was so influential to me. My own fic has very much grown into its own creature now, but at the start, it was Arpeggio's voice I was listening to when writing.

Can you tell me a bit about your writing space?

It's called my living room sofa, sometimes with a dog included. Usually in my pjs, with a cup of chai, and ideally some chocolate. If it's raining outside, I am completely in The Zone.

What's your most effective way to muster up a muse?

Seeing a handsome brown man. I'm not kidding, that's usually how it starts for me. If he's a secondary character who's kind of out of the way and also has a rock solid moral compass? It's already over for me.

If I'm ever lacking, talking to my friends @lily-alphonse and @totallyhumanexe is the easiest way to clear the block and get creative juices flowing. It's good to have such juicy, juicy friends ❤

Are there any recurring themes in your writing? Do they surprise you?

Is rampant horniness a theme? Is pure desperation a theme? I like writing couples who are so in love and crazy for each other because I think overwhelmingly eager consent is very sexy. This doesn't surprise me at all.

If sometimes my characters are bossy power bottoms or whimpering messes or incredibly blunt and mean...that also does not surprise me.

What is your reason for writing?

Ideas grow and bloom in my brain and if I don't get them out they'll take up all the space and leave no room for things like my PIN number and my partner's birthday etc.

Plus writing fuels so much joy in my life. It's good for my soul.

Is there any specific comment or type of comment you find particularly motivating?

Like anyone, I post my writing partially because I want the gratification of a comment from someone. I'm always grateful to readers for their comments, no matter what they are.

The best comments though, the ones that are the most impactful for me, usually reference specific lines in my work and elaborate on what it was about that part that they loved or that moved them.

How do you want to be thought about by your readers?

World's most brilliant, evil, stupid, amazing, lovable and intensely attractive person. A Woman For The People. A Girl's Girl. Soup.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

I feel confident overall about my writing abilities. I think my dialogue is strong, and I think I'm good at getting into the psyche of my characters. I hope my greatest strength is making my writing consistently interesting.

How do you feel about your own writing?

I like it, I read it. I can feel how much it's improved in this last year alone and I can't wait to reflect again in another year and hopefully see greater strength and distinction 💪

When you write, are you influenced by what others might enjoy reading, or do you write purely for yourself, or a mix of both?

To be totally honest, I mostly just think about me. Often, when I write, I'm filling the void of what I wanted to read that simply didn't exist yet.

I do sometimes include moments that I've noticed are popular in fics that have influenced mine, but even that is largely because I enjoyed those moments just as much as other readers, and so I wanted to see them in my own work as well.

[redroomroaving]

Writer Interview Tag

Ok, it took me 8 days to get here, but I’m finally responding to this lovely tag from @lemonsrosesandlavender I adored reading yours, it was so interesting!

I've tagged a few people in this post later on and would love any of them to join in and have a go at this if they'd like to share their own answers :).

Answers under the cut, because this got long - I touch on some personal stuff a bit here, so CW for chronic pain discussion.

When did you start writing?

I’ve been writing nonsense since I was a kid, largely - I have old notebooks from when I was very young I still keep full of little characters and story snippets I used to write mostly to entertain myself on long car journeys  - I had one particularly ridiculous sci-fi story written as a series of diary entries across 4 notebooks I started when I was like … I wanna say 10? Boy.

I attempted my first actual novel at about 16. Tried it again at 21. Tried it again at 26. I’m sat, still, on my first draft of something I actually could do something with that I started 10 years ago. Me and writing have had a bit of a journey, largely due to some workplace related trauma - but coming back to it after all this time has been a lot like coming home, really. I think I’ve always been, as my mother would put it; ‘away with the fairies’.

Are there different themes or genres you enjoy reading than what you write?

The honest answer is ‘probably not’. I rather enjoy non-fiction, but in terms of genres of fiction and themes within, I’d say I’m a very broad reader and outside of fic I’ve tried my hand at quite a lot of genres; I’ve dabbled in sci-fi and horror particularly, because that’s my happy zone.

Before joining the BG fandom my answer to this question would have been ‘Romance’, actually, because it was something I liked to read but didn’t necessarily feel brave enough to write; but truly, writing fic has pushed me right through my reticence to write romance of my own, and now it’s sort of all I write, I think!

Outside of that, I’m afraid I’m shamelessly drawn to the sorts of things I’d want to write.

Is there a writer you want to emulate or get compared to often?

I’ve not really been compared to anyone specifically; I’ve had a very flattering comparison of my themes in one particular story with Neil Gaiman - which is of course the kind of comparison anyone would be very happy to hear, but overall I’m not sure I’m prolific enough for that sort of thing ;).

I’m not sure who I’m trying to write like - if I’m trying to write like anyone - I like to think my prose style is reasonably my own but is almost inevitably really an amalgamation of all the people I’ve grown up reading and loving. 

Mostly, I’m a fan of the sort of magic realism/fantasy zone that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and a narrative voice that reflects that, and peppers it in around the characters own thoughts  - my bigger influences are probably in the Mervyn Peake, Warren Ellis, Pratchett, George Elliot, Peter S. Beagle sort of zone. 

To an extent, my interest in cinema and television is also a massive influence on how I write; I’ve spent most of my academic career working on breaking down scenes, the construction of frames - the threading of narratives on screen - and I don’t like to discount my favourite filmmakers and screenwriters as part of what I’m trying to achieve, too. 

Nothing should be in a scene without purpose - even if its superfluous presence is the purpose - and I keep that locked right to my heart. 

Can you tell me a bit about your writing space?

I don’t have a dedicated space particularly - my phone at 3am, by the coffee machine between meetings, the dining room table at times, my desk at other times - scribbled in the back of a notebook on the bus.

I’m a deeply disorganised person, and my creative process is much like my life; full of piles of laundry done in fits of productivity, half stacked and waiting to be put in their proper places; invariably, waiting forever.

What's your most effective way to muster up a muse?

I have no good answer for this either - writing, for me, is rather like possession. When it has seized me I’ll readily throw down thousands of words in a flurry, and when it’s gone, it is gone. There’s little in between.

If I can’t find it - it’s usually time to steep myself, and let things sit and soak into the bones for a while. Throw on a bit of music and let it turn around in my head without trying to force it out - a tactic that for me, at least, never works - imagine some scenarios or conversations, until something or other takes root. 

Half the time it’s just about sitting in my character’s heads for a bit until I feel like I really know them, and could respond as them to questions and queries readily - this is something I’ve carried over from being a long time Dungeon Master - whose prep for sessions was about 15% maps and monster stats and 85% ‘stewing in my NPCs until there’s no question the players can ask I can’t answer in character’. 

There’s nothing quite like the mania and rush of when the muse takes control, and it’s always a bit of a sorry experience when you find yourself on the other side of it, wondering once again where it went. 

Are there any recurring themes in your writing? Do they surprise you?

A few big ones - two that don’t surprise me, and one that does.

The first – coming to terms with what you were supposed to be, and what you are - the trajectory of my life hasn’t been particularly straightforward - I made a lot of decisions based on what I felt I owed to other people in my youth, my obligations to others, particularly family, steered my path towards disaster and the breakdown of my health, career, and life. I started over and found a new path. It’s not been easy. 

Over and over again I’m drawn to characters that have trajectories like this; who are coming to terms with what they thought they were supposed to be, the role they were supposed to have, and how they failed to meet those expectations - or in the case of some - how those expectations failed them. 

The second - pain, and finding the purpose within it. I have chronic pain of an unhelpful sort, acquired during the stuff I just mentioned - that can truly only be described as purposeless. In fact, I’ve had a clinician quite literally describe it as such (although the word they used was ‘pointless and unhelpful’).

I won’t pretend that’s been easy to live with, or that when I say ‘it is what it is’ whilst my body screams at me literally all seconds of all days and won't ever stop doing so forever, I’m just saying that because I can’t say anything else.

It’s not particularly surprising I ended up exploring this theme, inevitably. It’s probably why ‘Sufferer, I shall’, my Donnick x Abdirak fic, and that pairing that was so unexpected and clotheslined me out of nowhere, is the one that matters most to me. 

Finally, the theme that surprised me - is finding purpose and growth in love; for me, the heart of all the romances I write, big or small, is based on this foundation. If there’s no trajectory for individual growth, enhanced and augmented by a relationship with another - usually through the ways in which we can connect and more importantly gently contrast to push one another forward - I am not interested in the romance.

I’m painfully, painfully demisexual, so my romances need to be so dripping with Feelings it’s embarrassing. I didn’t know this about myself until I started writing it, but now I see it everywhere, and all of these three come together into a rather depressing sort of whole. I’ll sum up.

I’m constantly trying to build a happier tale than my own.

That one got sad, but it’s also the answer to this next question. 

What is your reason for writing?

See above. Writing gives me joy, but it also helps me to create a kinder, warmer world than the one I live in - even when I’m exploring its darker parts. 

Is there any specific comment or type of comment you find particularly motivating?

I love any comments, I truly do - they all fill me with joy - just to know someone has read something I’ve written.

I’d like to take a moment, though, to shout out to a few people in particular - because I think commenting is an art in and of itself, and instead of talking about what motivates me, I’d like to thank some people for motivating me.

When @benicemurphy found my Rolan x Geraldus fic ‘the Harper in the Tower’ I started getting some of the most insightful, most moving comments I’d ever received. The way in which you so perceptively saw every tiny hint, every theme and thread just absolutely floored me. Anyone who gets a comment from you should be honoured to do so.

This goes too for @cedar-phoenix, who I don’t think I have on tumblr (Cedar! found you!) - but who might be one of the most perceptive people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. You have an absolute gift.

@graysparrowao3 left me some of the most punch in the face comments I’ve ever had on ‘Sufferer, I shall’. Watching your trajectory of reading the story and being greeted with ‘WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL’ truly, truly made my year. 

I love it when a commenter pulls out specific lines or moments that they enjoyed - especially because it’s never the ones I expect! @tavyliasin and @n1ghtmeri left me some of the most emotional comments on ‘Sufferer’ I’ve ever had the pleasure of receiving, and @darkurgetrash picking out specific lines of my Klaus x Kar’niss fic always gets me chomping at the bit to write more. It takes time and effort to leave the sorts of comments you do, and I want you all to know how deeply I appreciate it.

And of course, my dear @lizziemajestic - the only commenter who has left me a sobbing voice note. You have no idea how much that meant, and how much it has continued to mean, to me. 

How do you want to be thought about by your readers?

Honestly - I’m not really sure how to answer this. I hope it’s a warm cup of coffee; a bit of nourishment. I hope they can see how deeply I feel what I write, and that some of that comes through in the words they read - too.

I really care about all these silly little guys - and if reading it makes them smile, or cry, or really anything at all, that’s what I wanted, I think.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

I’m terrible at talking about my own strengths so expect this to be a rubbish answer.

I like to think I’m good at character voices; I spend a lot of time thinking about and puzzling out how a character would speak and think - and as I predominantly, if not exclusively, write canon characters and NPCs, I hope I am able to capture their voices in a way that feels natural and organic. 

I never force a character to do anything - it doesn’t work, for starters - but I really do try to let them guide what’s happening and follow them where they lead. I hope that comes across in what I write and helps create something that feels in character and plausible, no matter what’s happening; I struggle at times with worrying this might mean things seem boring, or fail to meet expectations people might have of how things are going to go - but it’s a principle I stick to. If I’m changing something fundamentally about a character it feels wrong - and that’s a guiding principle I hold.

This extends to romances and relationships; I hope, at least, I build connections between characters that feel organic and earned, even when sometimes they are characters who literally have never interacted at all before. Finding the organic spark of connection is what I most enjoy writing. 

I hope I’m pretty good at environmental storytelling, too. It’s important to show character in the same way we show ourselves - in our environments, our habits and the spaces we occupy. Everything you do, the things you surround yourself with; that’s just as much you as the you in your skull. 

When you write, are you influenced by what others might enjoy reading, or do you write purely for yourself, or a mix of both?

“Why write if not to fill the world with the kinds of things I want to read?”

I try to write mostly for myself. I’ve written a few things based on prompts and ideas for others, and do enjoy that - but first and foremost, I’m writing for my own sake.

How do you feel about your own writing?

Mostly good. Mostly. I’m not the best, nor do I want to be - I try not to engage too much with thinking about the wider space and how I’m comparing to others - I know I’m plundering down in some obscure mines at times, and that’s ok - that’s where I chose to be.

I’m not good at complimenting myself, but, I have managed to write some things I’m genuinely proud of as part of finding my way back to writing full stop. 

Overall though, I think I’m just happy to -be- writing. After so long being unable to do so because of the pain and being unable to use my arms, and feeling like writing was the thing that ruined me, finding a way back to some creative joy and reclaiming my pain as purposeful has been, genuinely, a lifeline.

I apologise that this got all deep and sad. I hope if you’ve read this, you know how grateful I am to you all; I’ve been so lucky to find this space, and all of you, and myself again too.

[somethingclevermahogony]

OC Interview: The Pirates

Thank you for the asks @willtheweaver , @phoenixradiant , and @kaylinalexanderbooks !

For this one I'm gonna use my Pirate Polycule.

Were you named after anyone?

Istek: "Just a bird." He imitates a seagull, flapping his arms and squawking. "The name my parents gave me might have been...but I don't use that one anymore."

Dati: "Nope. Just a tree."

Sihunu: "My great aunt. Never met her. Heard she was unbearable to everyone but my mother."

When was the last time you cried?

Istek: "Cried...cried...I'm not really sure? Not that I don't cry, I just don't really remember. It might have been the last time I saw a baby seal...damn things are too cute."

Dati: "About a week ago. Sometimes memories sneak up on you I suppose."

Sihunu: " Last time I cried? What counts? I stubbed my toe and a few tears came out this morning, but I dunno about really crying..."

Do you have any kids?

Istek: " I do! My son Lat! Named him for the great hunter Lat, I was hoping if I named him for a big man he wouldn't be a runt like me!" He laughs.

Dati: "Lat might not have come from here." He gestures towards his crotch. "But he is my son just as much as he is Istek's."

Sihunu: "Yeah, Lat. He's fine now but I swear he came out sideways..."

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Istek: "I try but I'm not good at it...now Sihunu...she knows a thing or two about sarcasm."

Dati: "I would but I don't think Istek would be able to understand me if I did. I save it for when I'm with Sihunu."

Sihunu: "No, never, not once..."

What is the first thing you notice about people?

Istek: "Well damn, it depends on the person right? Sometimes its the way they talk, their eyes, their clothes. With Narul it was the fact that his bicep is as big around as my waist!"

Dati: "Their eyes, more specifically what they're doing with them. Where they're looking, if they are worried or angry...that sort of thing.

Sihunu: "Their hands."

What is your eye color?

Istek: "Dark brown as they come, almost black."

Dati: "Hazel."

Sihunu: "Brown. Istek says it reminds him of cedar wood."

Scary movies or happy endings?

Istek: "I don't know what a movie is. I do love happy endings though...but I tingle down my spine is good too...eh i can't decide."

Dati: "Not sure what a movie is, but I prefer happy endings. There's enough scariness as it is."

Sihunu: "I love a scary story, don't know if that's the same thing as a movie or not."

Any special talents?

Istek: "Ask my Dati and Sihunu." He winks. "But uh...I guess I'm a good dancer and singer too. Get me a drink and I'll do both for ya."

Dati: "Hmm...I can juggle pretty well, I'm pretty good with knots...I don't get to do it much but I'm a damn good cook."

Sihunu: "Ah, mostly boring things, weaving and cooking. I used to be a bell dancer, but its been so long since I wore the bells my joints are too stiff to get back to it now."

Where were you born?

Istek: "Little farm in eastern Makora."

Dati: "It was a little village on Knosh just out of sight of the beach."

Sihunu: "The island of Ninetu, off the coast of Kishetal. I was born in my father's carpentry shop."

Do you have any pets?

Istek: "Nope."

Dati: "Istek."

Sihunu: "Istek."

What sort of sports do you play?

Istek: "I'm a captain! I don't have time sports! Well...maybe some wrestling."

Dati: "I used to box."

Sihunu: "None anymore. I used to swim and have footraces. Bell Dancing isn't a sport, but it should be considered one."

How tall are you?

Istek: "Shorter than I ought to be, tall enough to make you regret asking that."

Dati: "About 5'6. Taller than Istek."

Sihunu: "I'm the tallest. 5'8."

What was your favorite subject in school?

Istek: "School! Ha! Ask me what my favorite kind of silk was? Did I prefer eating beef or lamb each night? Do I like better wearing gold or silver? How rich do you think I am?"

Dati: "We didn't have anything like a school. A man from my village taught me how to read the currents, so maybe that?"

Sihunu: "Never went to a school, never had a tutor except my mother."

What is your dream job?

Istek: "Captaining the Westwind with Dati and Sihunu! I'm already there!"

Dati: "Being on the Westwind with Istek and Sihunu."

Sihunu: "Being with Dati and Istek doesn't matter what we're doing. I'm stuck on land while Lat is still growing up...I don't get to see them while they're at sea."

Tagging @illarian-rambling , @roach-pizza , @nothing-mancer , @mk-writes-stuff , and whoever!